LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Qup. Copyright No /?4Q UNETED STATES OF AMERICA. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/songofuriontahOOcumm DUSKY U-RI-ON-TAH. THE Song of U-ri-on-tah; Secret History of the Oom-paugh and the Bee-ess. URIAH CUMMINGS. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY L. E. BARTLETT. 1900. PRINTED BY THE COURIER CO., Buffafh^N. Y. \ t * * 1 ' •. ft * • ' , TWO COPIES RECEIVED Library »eg% ' Office of the DEC 2 Register of Copyrights, Copyright, 1900, by URIAH CUMMINGS SECOND COPY, To the Immortals of THE O. O. T. T. AND THE Wa-KON-TEE-PEE this Souvenir is Affectionately Inscribed. PREFACE. "In a subtle system of cosmogony and creative effort, in which occurring divinities are recognized as having either per- formed a part, or as having by antagonistic powers disturbed the work after it was completed, the whole universe (earth, planets and sky) is regarded indeed as animated, either in part or symbolically. " Each class of creation is believed to have its represen- tative deities, who have eyes and ears open to everything that exists, transpires or is uttered. Viewed in this light, winds have voices, the leaves of the trees utter a language ; and even the earth is animated by a host of spirits who have an influence on the affairs of men. Hence many of their chants and songs, accompanied with music, have allusions to this wide and boundless theory of created matter. " In short, it may be affirmed that the American Indians believe that every element is a part of the creative God. Whenever Indian sentiment is expressed, there is a tendency to the pensive, the reminiscent. It may be questioned whether hope is an ingredient of the Indian mind. All the tendency of reflection is directed toward the past. He is a man of reminiscences rather than anticipation. Intellectualization has seldom enough influence to prevail over the present, and still more rarely over the future. "The consequence is that, whenever the Indian relaxes his sternness and insensibility to external objects, and softens into feeling and sentiment, the mind is surrounded by fears of evil and despondency. To lament and not to hope, is its characteristic feature. " — Schoolcraft. Accepting this authoritative delineation of the chief traits in the life and character of the Ameri- PREFA CE. can Indian, the reader will readily concede the authenticity of the scenes and incidents so meagerly portrayed in the Song of U-ri-on-tah. In regard to the measure which has been adopted, the Dusky Chieftain does not feel it obligatory on him to offer apologies to the distinguished author of the " Song of Hi-a-wa-tha," as the measure is dis- tinctively Finnish in its character. The " Kal-e-va-la," the epic poem chanted by the native bards of Finland, the meter of which was adopted by Longfellow, and by him accredited to the "Kal-e-va-la," dates so far back into the centuries as to be lost in antiquity. Its history has been traced back three thousand years. Therefore we do not anticipate that the Fin- landers will accuse us of plagiarism ; much less, then, should it be thought that we are poaching on the Longfellow preserves. The Dusky Chieftain desires to express his appreciation of the sympathy which, on many occasions, has been eloquently rendered by the four illustrious Chieftains who are so intimately associated with him in the Song of U-ri-on-tah. While deeply conscious of his inability to clothe the various scenes and incidents with language at all commensurate with their importance, the Dusky 4 PRE FA CE. Chief feels assured that the Warriors will prize most highly the solid and enduring fact that, in so far as the historical portion of the Song is con- cerned, truthfulness has at every point been vigor- ously maintained. Therefore, whatever may be offered in criticism of its literary merits, the fact that nothing has been overdrawn will ever remain a well-spring of pleasure. In writing the music, the Dusky Chieftain simply followed where the words of the Song led him. The music, then, is but the record of the sound and meaning of the words as the latter fell from his pen. And in the days to come, should the Great Chiefs derive pleasure in singing these Songs when seated around their Council-fires, they may know that they are drawing nigh to The Dusky U-ri-on-tah. RUTHVEN, I9OO. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE I. Birth — Youth — Marriage, ... 9 II. Immortality, 55 III. Story of the Tablet, no IV. Song of the Mighty Tam-a-rack, 131 V. A Mission, 173 VI. The -Journey, 184 VII. Song of Mes-ses-sa-gen, . . . . 222 VIII. Song of Lock-ar-da-no-mah, . . 243 IX. A Stolen God, 274 X. Song of Car-ne-yah-quah, . . . 288 XI. Song of Bold Pal-met-tah, . . 314 XII. The Battle, 334 XIII. Retrospection, 361 XIV. Song of the Cyclops, 3*74 XV. U-ri-on-tah's Farewell Address, 399 XVI. Song of Au-die -ne-ta, . . ... 408 Appendix 419 FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Dusky U-ri-on-tah, Frontispiece Ride Aloft on Topmost Breakers, 14 Take Me to Thy Heart, My Chieftain, 37 Dusky U-ri-on-tah and Mighty Tam-a-rack in the She- wolf Den in the Forest of Lochabar, .... 69 Quick the Air was Filled with Arrows, .... 75 Drag him Downward into Sheol, 86 And beside the Spring Enchanted, 120 Mighty Tam-a-rack, 130 Where the Hollow-Tree Trail Endeth, . . . .144 Watched, and held their Breath while Watching, . . 157 Where they Foam, and Dance, and Sparkle round the Falls of Ap-pe-u-ne, 165 One Last Look upon their Wigwam and they Start upon the Journey, 189 Stand Aside, thou Crooked Monster, 204 And She Sank Beside Her Chieftain, 227 Great Lock-ar-da-no-mah, 242 And go Laughing Down the Valley, 247 Till he Found his Heart was Yearning for his own Beloved Brooklet, " 261 Come not Nigh, thou Dusky Chieftain, 270 Fiery Car-ne-yah-quah, 289 Car-ne-yah-quah at his Wigwam on the Blue Earth River, 295 Dashing, Foaming Min-ne-o-pah, 301 Then Uprose the Mighty Red Cloud, 309 Bold Pal-met-tah, 315 Pal-met-tah Returning from the Chase, .... 321 You Behold the Bold Pal-met-tah, . . . . . 326 Pal-met-tah Entertaining his Friends at his Wigwam— A Quiet Little Game, 331 Thus the Battle Raged for Hours, 338 Borne Aloft by Unseen Spirits, 353 Sprang the Bee-ess, Leaping Forward, 370 Standing Dumb Beside the River, 394 Closer Draw Around the Chieftain, 404 Princess Au-die-ne-ta, 409 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. The Song of U-ri-on-tah CHAPTER I. BIRTH YOUTH MARRIAGE. DlMLY seen through mist and vapors, Darkly outlined 'gainst the heavens, Rising sheer above the waters With the purple clouds about it, Stands an awe-inspiring mountain. At the foot of this grim giant, Pressing close upon the foot-hills, Lies a weird and mystic forest ; And a sea of restless waters, Reaching far beyond the vision, Dances in among the ledges, Round the lonely forest edges. When the sun comes climbing upward, Up from out the sea of waters, Then the mountain and the forest Glow and smile in gladsome pleasure. Glint of sunshine through the branches Lighteth up the slumbering forest — Sunlight on the rugged mountain, Sunlight sparkling on the waters, Sunlight bathing all the landscape In its wild, entrancing beauty. THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. -irV, ?*fcs In the days when Nature bended All her efforts toward the building Of the green earth and the waters, It was here she sat and rested, Thinking how to mold a feature To enhance its wondrous beauty. Long she gazed upon the picture, Then she rose, with hands uplifted, And a sigh escaped her bosom, For she saw no imperfection In her work, and thus she left it, To return whenever weary. It was thus this scene of beauty Soon became the home of Nature. Now the wind comes gently murmuring, Through the deep, dark forest sighing; White-caps dance upon the billows, On the broad Atlantic tossing, And the surf is sadly moaning Near the borders of the forest. Then the wind grows strong and stronger, Wildly waving wondering woodland, Shrieking shrill through cragged canon, Roaring loud upon the mountain. .Clouds come crowding close, concealing Forks of lightning, half revealing Scenes of terror ; tree-tops reeling Startle song-birds mute appealing, And the wild beasts skulking, stealing To their caverns, crazed from feeling BIR TH— YO UTH—MA RRIA GE. Their hot life-blood fast congealing. Over all the scene appalling, Giant trees are swaying, falling, Crashing one upon another, Calling loud for help from brother. See the mighty billows heaving, Mountain-top the black sky cleaving, Forest mourning its bereaving, Bending low, the blast receiving. Now the foaming sea is toiling Through the forest, seething, boiling, Rolling inland toward the mountain, At its foot-hills moaning, sobbing, While the mountain's heart is throbbing, As he speaks to his beloved : " Hush, my dear one, why this sadness? Soon thine heart shall thrill with gladness ; Proud wilt thou be as his mother ; Proud shall I be as his father. Shouldst thou leave him on retiring, He will dwell within the forest. Thou wilt nurse him at the border Of the mystic forest yonder, While I guard his every footstep, From my lofty summit watching. When the sun shines on my forehead I will call to thee each morning, And together we will guard him, Night and day will we watch o'er him. " Go, my love, to thine own chamber, THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Slow retiring through the forest, Leaving there our choicest treasure. See ! the storm is now fast breaking ; Soon thine heart will cease from aching." Now the sea with sad awaking Leaves her lord, her heart nigh breaking, Backward through the forest making Slow retreat, yet still retreating. She is weary of repeating All her sorrows to the forest ; Rests she now a moment, halting, While the mountain, proud, exultant, In the presence of its loved one Murmurs soft while she is resting. Mighty monarchs of the forest Hover o'er with arms extended, Waiting for the sea's awaking. Hail! all hail the forest singing, And the mountain echoes ringing Back across the sea are flinging Wildest music, gladness bringing, Filling all the air with music. Every note of sorrow silenced, Tree-tops whisper to each other, And they nod their glad approval, As they welcome their new brother. Sing, O sing, ye wild-wood songsters ! See the sunlight glistening brightly On the forehead of the mountain ; See him smiling o'er the forest, 12 - , "ride aloft on topmost breakers. BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. See him greeting his loved mistress. And the sea responsive, gladly Joins the chorus, singing madly, Mountain, sea, and forest voicing In a loud and wild rejoicing. Thus was born this child of Nature, With the mountain for his father, And the sea his loving mother. Trees and rocks each call him brother, While the wild birds and the flowers And the nymphs in woodland bowers Each and all are his sweet sisters. Thus was born this child of Nature, Thus was born the wild Mo-he-gan, Thus was born the U-ri-on-tah. Strong of limb and tall of stature Grew this youth, whose shoulders broadened While he trod his forest proudly. Fleet of foot he climbed the mountain, Chased the deer through cragged canon, Faced the panther single-handed, Tamed the wild beasts in the forest. When his mother sea was raging He would plunge beneath her billows, Ride aloft on topmost breakers, Singing wild his wildest anthems. Thus grew up this child of Nature, Thus grew up the brave Mo-he-gan, Thus grew up the U-ri-on-tah. In the flush of early manhood, 15 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. In the spring-time in the forest, In the foot-hills near his father Builded he a costly wigwam ; Hung about in wild profusion Were the skins of bear and panther, On his couch the furs of otter. At his wigwam stands the Chieftain Gazing down upon the forest, While beyond he sees his mother, Placid in the bright, warm sunshine, Wistful gazing on her offspring ; While around about his wigwam Song-birds trill their joyous music, Filling all the air with gladness. Nymphs and fairies guard the wigwam, Guard the home of U-ri-on-tah. Wild bees humming o'er the flowers, Water laughing in the brooklet, Eagles perched on lofty summit, Gazing down upon the Chieftain, Scream with joy and hail with pleasure Their loved brother U-ri-on-tah. See ! he wears their own bright feathers In a circle round his forehead ; At his back his bow and quiver. Now he glances toward the summit, And he waves his hand above him, Smiles return to his dear eagles, Who in turn again are gladly Screaming forth their wildest rapture 16 SIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. From the peaks of Mon-to-we-se. Now the mountain bathed in sunlight Gazes down on U-ri-on-tah, Gazes long upon his features : " In thine heart, my Dusky Chieftain, Where I thought was naught but gladness I discover signs of sadness. Whence comes now this look of anguish ? Can it be that thou shouldst languish, O, my son, my U-ri-on-tah ? Banish thou thy thoughts of sorrow, Come and visit me to-morrow. " See ! thy mother now is moaning, Watchful, anxious, yet condoning All thy faults, yes, every failing, While her sad heart is bewailing Lest some dreadful fate befall thee. Even now she seeks to call thee ; Banish all thy thoughts of sorrow, Come and visit me to-morrow." Left alone is U-ri-on-tah, Standing still before his wigwam, With the silent evening coming As the wild bees cease from humming, While the pale moon, softly creeping Up from out the sea, is peeping. Silvery moon-glade track is gleaming, Over all the moon is beaming, Lighting up the mystic forest ; Casting shadows o'er the wigwam, 17 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Flooding now the lofty mountain, Sparkling o'er the sweet Co-i-o Of the brooklet, leaping, dancing, On its way to join the waters Of Quin-nip-i-ac the tranquil. Now the nightingale is singing, Singing softly, gently swinging, In the topmost branches clinging, Pouring out his sweetest music In the ear of U-ri-on-tah. But in silence sat the Chieftain, Low his head bent on his bosom, Closed his eyes, but not in slumber, Friends around him without number, Yet his heart was sad and weary, For his life was dull and dreary; Yet he knew naught of the longing In his heart, or thoughts that thronging Through his brain were aught but fleeting Shadows banished ere the greeting. He would rise up in the morning, Sorrows of the night then scorning, In the chase forget his sadness Ere it drive him on to madness. Midnight now is fast advancing, Fleecy clouds like spirits dancing, High o'erhead the moon entrancing, And the twinkling stars enhancing All the beauty now surrounding U-ri-on-tah by his wigwam. 18 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Now uprose the silent Chieftain, And his eyes were red with weeping. Yet no longer silence keeping, Casts aside his feathery helmet, Casts aside his bow and quiver, Casts aside his graven gorgets, Bares his bosom to the night air, Mounts the rock-cliff near his wigwam, Groaning loud in mental anguish : " Hear me, O thou Ha-wea-ne-o, Hear the wail of U-ri-on-tah ! What are all these earthly treasures, What are all these fleeting pleasures, While my soul is rent with anguish ? Day by day I faint and languish For a sharer of my wigwam. " I am lonely beyond measure ; Canst thou send me some sweet treasure- One to whom 'twill be my pleasure To enslave myself forever ; One who born of sea and mountain Shall sit down by my own fountain, Answer back the song of wild birds With a voice both low and thrilling, Whose sweet notes the forest filling, All the livelong day thus singing, Gladness to my heart thus bringing, To the heart of U-ri-on-tah ? " Now the moon is slowly sinking; To the westward o'er the canon IQ THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Slow she sinks behind the sharp peaks Of the red cliffs overhanging High in air above the canon, Casting shadows down the chasm. Darkness gathers o'er the forest, And the nightingale is silent While the dews are gently falling. Stillness reigns, save now the moaning Of the surf with stifled groaning On the beach beyond the forest. Sobbing sea's sad, soulful sorrow, Wailing, woeful, wistful, waiting For a sign from her beloved, Standing still among the foot-hills, Moving not since first ascending On the rock-cliff near his wigwam. Now his locks are wet with dew-fall ; In his eyes strange scenes seem shifting, Pictures of the forest gleam there. Now the sea with billows tossing Floats beneath his dreamy eyelids. Deep and deeper glow the night-fires In his eyes now radiant, shining, For the spirit is entwining Happy thoughts around his heart-strings, Leads him gently to his wigwam, Speaking softly words of comfort To the heart of U-ri-on-tah : " Close thine eyes, my Dusky Chieftain, Sweetly rest until the morning. 20 BIR TH— YO U TH—MA RRIA GE. In the gray of early dawning, When the sun is struggling upward From its bed beneath the waters, When it first shall bathe the mountain With its golden streams of radiance, Hasten downward through the forest, Seek the blessing of thy mother, Plunge beneath her purple waters, Cleanse thyself from all defiling ; Then return and in thy wigwam Dress thyself in brightest colors, Paint thyself with choicest pigments, Round thy head bright feathers fasten, Down thy legs let spangles glisten ; Moccasins of finest buckskin Thou wilt need on this strange journey From thy skirts let fox-tails dangle, O'er thy shoulder hang thy quiver, On thy breast place sea-shell gorgets, In thy belt thy Tum-na-he-gan t And, the bow thy left hand grasping, Stand thou forth, my Dusky Chieftain ; Then make haste to seek thy father Who is waiting for thy coming." Thus the Chieftain sinks to slumber, With the spirit voice still murmuring In his ear to soothe the tumult Dithyrambic in his bosom. Then at last the Chieftain dreameth ; Wondrous fancies now are flitting THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Through his brain in quick succession ; He is wandering over mountains Toward an object far beyond him, Which is drawing him still onward, Yet eludes his every effort To embrace and hold beside him. Thus the night wore on till morning Dawned upon the restive Chieftain. Now the sun is climbing upward, Tipping all the hills in crimson, Smiling o'er the dark-green forest, Drying up the dews of evening, Flooding all the glorious landscape, While the purple clouds of morning Cast their shadows on the waters, Which are blue, or green, or purple As the light may fall upon them. Thus the ever-changing ocean. Here the sea-gulls skim the surface, Whirl and turn and greet each other With a wild, uncanny screaming; There the huge and clumsy porpoise Raise their brown and dusky bodies Up from out the world of waters, Then as quickly plunge beneath them, Rising, plunging, always moving, Till at last they glide unnoticed Far beyond the dark horizon, Where the wild storm-petrel lingers. " Where is now the U-ri-on-tah?'' BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Birds, and trees, and rocks are asking. They have missed him from his wigwam. Glancing quickly toward the mountain, They behold the Dusky Chieftain Hastening upward near the cloud-line, Fleet of foot still pressing onward, Till at last fast disappearing 'Mong the clouds the brave, unfearing U-ri-on-tah presses upward. Above the clouds the rock-ribbed mountain, Cold, calm, cliff-crowned, cragged, capping, Glows in sunlight bright and glorious. Spires and peaks here pointing upward, Radiant in the dazzling sunlight, Pierce the sky beyond the vision. 'Mid the cliffs the U-ri-on-tah Calls aloud to his dear father : "Thou didst ask me to come hither; I am come upon the mountain. If my visit is not timely I will turn and seek my wigwam." Soft and low the father speaketh : "Welcome thou, my U-ri-on-tah, Bathe thy feet in this clear fountain, Rest awhile, sit thou and listen, For thy coming is most timely. "Turn thine eyes upon the westward, Let thy gaze be long and steadfast 'Mid the peaks on distant mountains. Far away and yet still farther, 23 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. ^> 'Gainst the sky's remotest border, Shining in the sun like silver, Grandly stands my mountain brother. 'Tis a land of many wonders ; Shade thine eyes and gaze steadfastly, Then wilt thou behold more clearly That for which thy heart is longing." Rises now the U-ri-on-tah, Shading well his eyes from sunlight ; Like a statue stands he gazing Over miles of lesser mountains To the tall and lofty monarch Whom the father called his brother; And at last his eyes were fastened On a* gently moving being. Slow it climbs a mountain pathway, Halting here among the flowers Growing wild along its borders. Bending low, it plucks a flower ; Rising then and gazing eastward Holds aloft the single blossom. Now transfixed is U-ri-on-tah, For the being casts the flower Toward the pale and breathless Chieftain. Wildly now the wistful Warrior Waves his hand, still anxious, watching, While the being on the mountain Waves its hand in recognition. Rapturous joy now fills the bosom Of the Dusky U-ri-on-tah. 24 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Standing thus, he calls his father: " What is that I am beholding On the side of yonder mountain? Surely it must be a spirit, Spirit of the wondrous mountain, Yet it answers to my signal, And my heart is beating wildly. Canst thou tell me, O my father, Tell me, is it not a spirit? See ! its hand is gently waving, And my heart is madly craving To be near this wondrous creature." Now the loving father speaketh Gently to the Dusky Chieftain : " Calm thine heart, my U-ri-on-tah, While I tell thee why I called thee Thus to visit me this morning. " Back, behind yon lofty mountain Dwells a noble tribe of red-men ; They are counted by the thousands, They are brave, and proud, and haughty. Far beyond this tribe of red-men Dwells the wicked, crafty pale-face Who make war upon the red-men. " This young creature 'mid the flowers Is the daughter of yon mountain ; She is called an Indian Princess ; I have brought thee forth to seek her, Now prepare to make the journey. "Thou wilt meet with many dangers 25 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Climbing o'er those rugged mountains Lying in the path before thee, And through many tangled forests Must thou wander on this journey. Through the deep and narrow canons Thou shalt struggle, tired and lonely, Wild beasts will beset thy pathway, Yet thy heart will never falter ; Night and day pursue thy journey. "When thou comest to the mountain And art climbing up the foot-hills, Thou wilt see the Indian Princess Far above among the flowers, Waiting there to greet thy coming. Win the heart of this fair maiden, And returning bring her with thee. I will greet thee on returning, Fare thee well, my U-ri-on-tah ! " With a heart of joy the Chieftain Bounds away with speed of wild deer, Plunging headlong down the mountain, Rushing wild through mighty chasms, Dashing through the tangled forests, Leaping over mountain torrents, Pressing onward, ever westward Toward the sun, now slow descending. And as darkness gathered round him, Far away his mountain father, Far away the sea, his mother, Far away the Indian maiden. 26 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Now the half-moon, softly shining, Cheers the Chieftain on his journey, Till at last it sank to slumber Far beyond the rugged mountains, Which were dark and faintly outlined On the dim and strange horizon. Darker grew the gloomy forest, Yet he presses ever westward ; And his limbs knew naught of tiring, Stopping not for meat or water, Ever onward toward the Princess. Through the night the U-ri-on-tah Clambered over rocks and hill-tops, Climbing now some lonely mountain, Dashing through some cragged chasm, Scaling peaks which rose before him, Winding round some cliff o'erhanging, Through the haunts of panther creeping, Ever onward, never sleeping. By the stars his course is guided And his courage never falters, Though the wolves afar are howling And the panthers, stealthy prowling, Now beset his every footstep. Serpents in his path are coiling, Slowly winding 'mong tfie branches Overhead, and hanging downward, Hissing loud their angry warning. In the deep and tangled forest, Thus beset was U-ri-on-tah. 27 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Danger dire doth draw despoiling Demons from the noisome caverns ; Evil spirits join the serpents; Vanish vicious, varan vampires, Then return in fourfold numbers, Crowd around the Dusky Chieftain, While the serpents now are twining Round his limbs and close enfolding Panting, dauntless U-ri-on-tah. Panthers screaming in the branches, Demons howling through the forest, Monsters pressing close about him, Gaining courage by their numbers, All conspire to stay the Chieftain On his journey through the forest. Closer still the serpents coiling, Closer draw the forest demons, While from overhanging branches Lo ! the panthers spring upon him. Thus at last the U-ri-on-tah, Wearied with his hours of travel, Finds himself now slowly sinking; Still his courage never falters, Even though borne down by numbers, With his bright blade cleaves about him, With his right arm hews a pathway With his deadly Tum-na-he-gan, Till at last to earth he sinketh, Overborne by myriad monsters. Reptiles, hissing, coil more tightly 23 BIR TH— YO UTH—MA RRIA GE. Round his breast to still his breathing, Now the U-ri-on-tah prayeth : " Fairy maiden on the mountain, Canst thou know the bitter anguish Of thy true-heart in the forest ? I am not afraid to perish, Yet how fondly did I cherish Thoughts of greeting thee to-morrow. Now, alas ! the U-ri-on-tah Dieth in the gloomy forest. Farewell thou, my fairy Princess, Farewell thou, my mother ocean, Farewell thou, my mountain father ! Our Great Spirit now will take me To his home beyond the river. Once again farewell, my Princess! " Far above, in topmost branches Of the lofty forest monarchs, Sits a fairy, swinging softly ; Now she glides to lower branches, While her wings are wide extended, And, with dark eyes looking downward On the mass of surging monsters And the fiery, writhing serpents, Softly speaks in gentle whispers : " Flee away, ye hideous creatures, Flee away to thy dark caverns." Serpents hear and, turning, listen, And their heads are raised in wonder, While the fairy bids them vanish ; 29 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. They release their tightened coiling, Then they glide away in silence. Faintly now the U-ri-on-tah Hears the fairy softly calling, Slowly raising his tired eyelids, Gazes long upon the vision ; Rising now, with strength returning, On his feet he standeth upright, Gazing steadfast on the vision. Still his tongue refused to utter Thanks for service sweetly rendered. Now the fairy, drawing nearer, Stands beside him in the pathway, And she smiles upon the Chieftain. Never had he seen such beauty, And his soul was filled with rapture. Fain would he his thanks now utter, Yet his tongue was dumb with wonder. With their eyes fixed on each other Gazed they steadfast in the starlight. Then the fairy softly murmurs : "Tell me now, my haughty Chieftain, How thou comest, whence thy going, What should cause the undertaking Of this journey fraught with dangers. Drink the nectar from this leaf-cup ; It will help thee find thy language." Now the thirsty U-ri-on-tah Took the leaf-cup from the fairy, Drank the life-restoring nectar, 30 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Then at length his tongue was loosened, And he told the lovely vision Of his home, his mountain father, Of his wigwam in the foot-hills, Of his life so lone and dreary, Of his seeking for a sharer Of his home, and of his vision * Of the maiden on the mountain, Of his journey through the forest On his way to win the Princess ; How the beasts and serpents gathered Round his pathway in the darkness. Now he thanked the fairy creature Who had saved his life from danger ; Would she now accept his homage, And he bowed his head before her. Speaking low, he still addressed her: "I would fain pursue my journey Toward the mountain where the Princess Dwells among the birds and flowers. I will tell her I have met thee, Tell her how my life was rescued From the wild beasts in the forest, And from henceforth I will bless thee. I will teach my children's children All the story of the fairy, How she saved me in the forest. Now I go upon my journey ; Wilt thou cheer me on departing?" Now the elfin's lips are parted, 31 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Low and sweet she whispers sadly : " Listen now, my haughty Chieftain ; It is long before the morning, And I go away beyond thee ; Then alone thy path thou treadest, Wild beasts then will soon beset thee, Serpents will again entwine thee. Turn, I pray, thou Dusky Chieftain, Turn thy footsteps toward thy father, Hasten homeward, leave behind thee All thy wild love for the maiden On the mountain 'mid the flowers. When thou comest not to-morrow She will soon forget thou livest, And will signal to another. " Maids are fickle, my dear Chieftain, Calm thy heart, repress thy longing, Seek thy home and cease thy pining 'Mong the trees and rocks and flowers. Seek for comfort in thy wigwam, Go at once ere I shall leave thee To the wild beasts of the forest, And when they shall draw about thee I will come not to thy rescue. " Hasten now, lest thou shalt perish — Turn, I pray thee, look not backward, And when thou shalt reach thy wigwam I will hasten there to greet thee ; I will dwell among the branches Hanging o'er thy princely wigwam ; 32 BJR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Go at once, my Dusky Chieftain." Now the U-ri-on-tah gazes Calmly on the fairy creature, Till at last his speech returneth : " Thou hast saved my life, sweet elfin, And I fain would meet thy wishes, Yet will I press ever onward, Upward where the Indian Princess Waits my coming on the morrow. Though the wild beasts may beset me, Though the serpents shall entwine me, Naught of these one moment stays me, For I love the Indian maiden And I cannot live without her. " On the morrow when I greet her Should I fail to win her favor, Then my life is not worth living, And I then will seek this forest. I will welcome all the serpents And the monsters of the caverns To partake of my dead body. " But to turn back to my wigwam Ere I meet the Indian Princess, Never will I heed thy warning. Though I perish in the forest On the instant of thy leaving, I will turn not from my purpose." Speaking thus, the Dusky Chieftain, Turning from the fairy vision, Strode away adown the forest. 33 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Once he heard the elfin calling, Uttering softly words of warning ; Then away sped U-ri-on-tah On the wings of lightning speeding. Fleet of foot the Dusky Chieftain Through the forest bravely plungeth, Till the gray of early morning Found him climbing up the foot-hills Of the mountain where the maiden Stood when she had sent him greeting. Now the sun bursts forth in splendor, Lighting up the wondrous mountain, And the eager U-ri-on-tah Struggles upward in the morning, Gazing steadfast far above him, Far above among the flowers. Now, behold ! he sees the maiden And his heart beats fast and faster, As she waves her arms above her, Casting flowers adown the pathway, Down the path toward U-ri-on-tah. O the rapture of the moment, O the joy his heart now filling ! Every fiber now is thrilling As he leaps with giant vigor Over rocks and mountain torrents, Ever climbing, ever upward, Till at last he stands before her. Now the speech of U-ri-on-tah Cometh not, for here before him 34 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARR1A GE. Stands the maiden in her beauty, And the heart of U-ri-on-tah Told him more than he could utter. Not in all his wildest longings Had he even faintly pictured Such a face ; 'twas not of mortals, And her form was born of heaven And her eyes were soft and lustrous. In them gleamed a world of wonders. Saw he there his slumbering forest, Saw the sea in changeful beauty, Saw the landscape from his foot-hills, Saw the tree-tops gently waving, Saw the white clouds chasing shadows, Fleeting shadows, o'er his wigwam ; Saw them chase each other swiftly Up the mountain-side, then vanish. All these things the Chieftain saw there In the eyes of that sweet maiden. Not of earth was this fair vision, And the heart of U-ri-on-tah Sank within his aching bosom, For, alas ! he felt how hopeless Was his chance of winning favor In the eyes of this fair Princess ; And the Dusky U-ri-on-tah Shrank away from this bright vision, Stepping backward, slow retiring, Gazing wistful, never speaking, While his heart-strings fast were breaking. 35 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Now he chides his mountain father For persuading him to venture On this errand sad and hopeless, And his thoughts turn toward his mother. She at least will soothe his sorrow. He will turn and seek her presence, He will dwell with her forever And no longer will he wander From her side, and in the forest He will there forget the Princess. One last look the Dusky Chieftain Casts upon the fairy creature Ere he turns from her forever, But his heart stands still within him, For the maiden now is standing, With her arms extended toward him, And her red lips part in speaking : " Take me to thy heart, my Chieftain; Surely I have tried thy courage, Thou art worthy of all honor ; It was I who sent the serpents And the monsters in the forest, Thinking thus to test thy courage And thy love for me, my Chieftain ; It was I who came to save thee. When I urged thy quick returning, When I found thee still determined On thy journey, still defying All my warnings, I was happy, For I knew then thou wert worthy 36 \% JK w% M «***- TAKE ME TO THY HEART, MY CHIEFTAIN !' BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Of the homage I now pay thee." Glad the heart of U-ri-on-tah, And he elapsed her to his bosom, And they pledged their love forever. Now these lovers sang together As they wandered down the mountain ; Thus they sang for hours together : Allegro U-ri-on-i ah Love SoA( Nol g~^r j j i g ^ t g i | up Eg j p^f^ Au- die- r\e-ta cf 2=2^ e | j ; 1 g | j t i 1 i | i s ^^^ rr a p • 9-h — »* z hm r; r. | B I 7 — Z j£ /t^ IfefeErf T h i 't S y^^^ gH II c e S e i i l -U-U-^^ mill J / JS pH i' n\t I * p § g g |. ti-e-Jun B | f, U4-e^-Muj ^ l \ l rr W&3=Z P i F"^ ^- r ~f- ^ -;. > p a g Retrain m 1 1 1 p ^ P Vn , E M I l l \ iz= fc=fc ±=I i i jf £=FT=£ £ E5 £ fa « ' ft I 5 V 1 E 1 E I e'e r ^=^* I E H . ^ g g I B t i ^ j-i 1 1 m ^S=K £3 Love-Song\ Now the Chieftain and the Princess Are made happy as the morning. Down the mountain we will wander Nda-ho-at-el ! ki-sa-kih-in ! Sang the Chieftain to the Princess. Nda-ho-at-ell ! kda-ho-al-i ! Sang the Princess to the Chieftain. Ki-sa-kih ! and ki-sa-kih-in ! Refrain — Te-ti-a-ta-te-non-wes. We will dwell together always, True love has our hearts united, We will journey to the wigwam. Nda-ho-at-ell ! ki-sa-kih-in ! Sang the Chieftain to the Princess. Nda-ho-at-ell ! kda-ho-al-i ! Sang the Princess to the Chieftain. Ki-sa-kih ! and ki-sa-kih-in ! Refrain — Te-ti-a-ta-te-non-wes. There among the pines and cedars We will sing and dance forever ; There between the sea and mountain. Nda-ho-at-ell ! ki-sa-kih-in ! Sang the Chieftain to the Princess. Nda-ho-at-ell ! kda-ho-al-i ! Sang the Princess to the Chieftain. Ki-sa-kih ! and ki-sa-kih-in ! Refrain — Te-ti-a-ta-te-non-wes, Te-ti-a-ta-te-non-wes, Te-ti-a-ta-te-non-wes, Te-ti-a-ta-te-non-wes. 41 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Pausing now among the flowers, Spake the happy U-ri-on-tah : " Will the charming Princess tell me By what name I may address her?" Spake the maiden, gazing on him, And her eyes were bright and sparkling : " Thou shalt call me Au-die-ne-ta, For I love the U-ri-on-tah. 'Tis the true and only reason, For my name doth have this meaning — 'One who truly loves her husband.' See ! I pluck this wild sweet brier And I place it in thy bosom As a token of betrothal." Then the happy U-ri-on-tah, Gazing fondly on the maiden, Wished that they might live forever In the bright and glorious sunshine, Singing songs of love together. Now the maiden's eyes grew lustrous As she gazed upon her Chieftain, Gazed upon him long and wistful. Then her red lips part in speaking : " Listen now, my U-ri-on-tah, I will fill thine heart with wonder, I have gifts beyond thy knowing, I have power to change thy nature ; While thou sleepest I can change thee From a Warrior to a pale-face, From a pale-face to the Chieftain ; 42 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Change myself to pale-face maiden, Change again to Indian Princess; I can make us both Immortal, For, behold ! I am Immortal, And we both may live forever, Ever youthful, ever happy. " It was I who came to save thee From the demons in the forest, And I came there as a fairy ; Therefore thou wilt never doubt me, When I say I am Immortal. Trust me now, my noble Chieftain, For I love the U-ri-on-tah. " My forefathers held a secret From their dying father Wi-daagh, From the king, of kings, the Wi-daagh, Who when dying gave the secret To his children by the river, Told them they might be Immortal If they listened to his counsels And obeyed his earnest teachings. Therefore thou wilt never doubt me When I say I am Immortal." Silent now was U-ri-on-tah, For the thoughts came fast upon him Of his father who had sent him To this maiden of the mountain, Thus to point the way before him To become himself Immortal. All was plain and clear before him. 43 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Now the Warrior, firmly grasping By the hand his Au-die-ne-ta, Felt the power of faith within him. Happy now the U-ri-on-tah And he speaketh to his loved one : " Listen now, my Au-die-ne-ta ;. Let us seek my loving father Who is waiting to receive us ; Thence we go to my own wigwam Thither where the sea is moaning, Where the wild birds wait my coming. " Thou shalt rest there in my wigwam ; It is there where thou shalt teach me How I may become a pale-face, How again become a Chieftain, How I may become Immortal." Hand in hand adown the mountain, Down the foot-hills to the forest Dance the Chieftain and the Princess, Singing soft their plaintive love-song, Till at last the darkness gathers Round their pathway as they journey, And the night-birds greet the lovers As they wander in the forest. Now the pale moon mounts the heavens O'er the hill-tops to the eastward, Spreads her soft rays o'er the tree-tops, Glinting down among the branches. Here an opening in the forest Where the moonbeams fall unhindered 44 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. On a moss-bank in the opening. Here the happy U-ri-on-tah Formed a couch for Au-die-ne-ta With the branches of the fir-tree And the soft and tender fern-leaves ; Over all were strewn the flowers, From the forest were they gathered. Here the lovely Au-die-ne-ta Sweetly slumbered while the night-birds Sang their mournful notes above her, And the happy U-ri-on-tah Rested in the darkened shadow Of the forest near the maiden ; All night long he stood there watching O'er the sleeping Au-die-ne-ta, Till at last the gray dawn creeping O'er the forest found him waiting, Watching for his loved one's waking. Now at last the charming Princess, Rousing from her restful slumber, Rises and beholds her Chieftain Standing still beneath the branches Of the forest trees, in silence Waiting for her salutation. Tripping lightly from the moss-bank, Now the joyous Au-die-ne-ta Comes and stands beside her Chieftain, Strokes his locks still wet with night dew. Now the morning sun is shining, And the wild birds fill the forest 45 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. With their songs from joy of living, While the Chieftain and the Princess Raise their voices in the love-song. Thus they join the birds in singing As they wander through the forest ; Hand in hand they wander eastward, Searching light they journey eastward. Soon they come to where the Chieftain Had his struggle with the monsters, And, behold ! while he was musing And was thinking of the elfin, Lo ! the lovely Au-die-ne-ta Disappeared, he knew not whither. Left alone was U-ri-on-tah, And he called aloud and wildly, While his heart stood still with terror, Lest some vile and evil spirit Had removed the Au-die-ne-ta From his side with no returning. In this dread and awful moment Years swept over U-ri-on-tah, And his heart gave way to anguish, Bitter anguish and with weeping O'er the fate of his dear Princess. He would fly to yonder hill-top, And with loud and wild lamenting Call her name in broken accents. Listening then, the Dusky Chieftain Heard no sound save that of wild birds And his own heart loudly beating. 46 BIR Til— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. Dark despair now filled his bosom As he rushed from hill to valley, Calling loudly for his loved one. . Now the wild and frantic Chieftain Turned to where he last was standing By the side of his dear Princess. Here he tried to gain his reason. Which he felt was fast departing. Standing thus, with hands uplifted Pressing hard against his temples, U-ri-on-tah stands forsaken. Next there came the frightful feeling- Was it not a strange delusion ? Had he not been wildly dreaming? Was it real that he had ever Seen the charming Au-die-ne-ta ? Had he not been rudely wakened From a dream, and was he standing 'Mid his own beloved foot-hills? Surely he had seen the places Where he now was mutely standing, Yet he could not see his father, Neither could he hear the moaning Of the sea, his loving mother. Soon there came from out the distance Sullen roars from angry monsters. Looking up, he saw the serpents Winding in among the branches, Crawling over where he standeth. Now he hears the screams of panthers, 47 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Closer draw the angry monsters, Thus beset was U-ri-on-tah On all sides by horrid creatures, Now about to spring upon him. Then the Dusky Chieftain waketh From the stupor which came o'er him, While he tried to clear his reason And he drew himself together; From his belt the bright blade leapeth, Quick as lightning flashed his war-knife, And he stands forth fighting-angry, Ready for the deadly combat. Then the Dusky Chieftain speaketh : "O, thou vile and hideous creatures ! Thou hast slain my loving Princess And to slay me now thou thinkest, Yet I bid thee bold defiance ! Now my nerves of steel are steady, And I dare thee to the conflict. Come upon me if thou darest. By my hand thou all shalt perish, None shall live to tell the story ! " Now the monsters draw more closely Round the bold, defiant Chieftain; Snapping jaws and constant hissing Greet the ear of U-ri-on-tah. Now a sound is heard above him, And the Chieftain, glancing upward, High above the coiling serpents, Saw a fairy in the branches, 48 SIR TH— YO UTH—MARR1A GE. Who with white wings wide extended Fluttered gently toward the Chieftain. Then the serpents and the monsters, Quick to sight the white-winged vision, Glided swiftly from her presence, Leaving her beside the Chieftain Standing in the lonely forest. Thus the Chieftain and the elfin Stand, while gazing on each other, Just as on that fateful midnight When the elfin saved the Chieftain, Only now the elf is smiling While the Chief is staring strangely, As though scarcely understanding. Then the gentle fairy speaketh : " Thou art come, my noble Chieftain, On thy way to join thy father. Where, I pray thee, is the maiden ? Thou didst dare so much to win her, I had thought thou wouldst have brought her Back to share with thee thy wigwam. When the Chieftain reached her bower Did he find the maiden fickle? Had she signaled to another? Will the great Chief now believe me, And, returning to his wigwam, Will he there forget the maiden While I guard his home from danger? Let the Dusky Chieftain ponder. He will soon forget the maiden, 49 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. While I strive to make him happy." Now the awful fires are flashing From the dark eyes of the Chieftain, Who is crazed with grief and anger, And the fury of his passions Found a vent in wild upbraidings. Such a torrent of invective Never flowed from lips of mortal As was poured upon the fairy. Like the fury of the madman Raged the wild, unhappy Chieftain, And the burden of his ravings Showed that he had strong conviction That the fairy had bereaved him, Had destroyed the Au-die-ne-ta Through her guidance of the monsters. In the frenzy of his madness, He had well-nigh lost his reason, And he found himself unable To recall the fairy story Sweetly told by Au-die-ne-ta. One thought only filled his senses, He had lost his Indian Princess, And despair and desolation Soon would drive him on to madness. Now the fairy held the Chieftain By his arm, and turned him toward her, And she bade him cease his ravings. If he wished to find the maiden, He must look upon the vision 50 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. With a calm and steady gazing In her eyes, and not avoid her As he had since they were standing There alone within the forest. Now the Chieftain looked intently In the eyes of this fair vision And beheld a world of wonders. He could not withhold his gazing, He was lost, entranced, enraptured. In those eyes he saw his Princess, And, behold ! while he was gazing Steadfast, longing, hoping, doubting, Lo ! the wings were disappearing, And the form of Au-die-ne-ta Rounded out in sweet perfection. He had seen the transformation, And he had no further doubtings. Now he clasped her to his bosom, Pouring forth his heart's thanksgiving In a loud and wild rejoicing. Then they hastened on their journey Till at last they reached the mountain, Father of the U-ri-on-tah, Who was watching for their coming. Now they climb his lofty summit, Up above the misty cloud-line, Till at last they reach the rock-cliffs, And they find themselves now standing In the presence of their father, Who receives them with his blessing 5i THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. As his hands are raised above them, O'er the kneeling youth and maiden, Who in solemn words repeating Marriage vows each to the other. Rising now, the father welcomes Son and daughter to his bosom, Calling down the choicest blessings On the heads of his dear children. Now the tender-hearted father Bids his children seek their mother, Who with watching, waiting, wailing, Soulful, sobbing, still stands sighing, Longing for her U-ri-on-tah. Light of heart, the youth and maiden Trip adown the mountain pathway To the home of U-ri-on-tah, To his wigwam in the foot-hills Bordering on the mighty forest. Here they rest until the morning, While the night-birds sing their welcome, And the tree-tops whisper softly To each other of the coming Of their brother U-ri-on-tah, Bringing home the Indian Princess From the far-off mountain country. Now the forest, filled with gladness, Lifts its voice in songs of welcome, Pouring out its wealth of music To the Chieftain and the Princess While they rest within the wigwam. 52 BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE. In the morning by the sea-shore Stand the happy youth and maiden, Looking out upon the waters Of the wondrous blue Atlantic. Now the tide has ceased receding, And the surf is softly stealing In among the rocks and sea-shells, And the sobbing sea is pining, Broken-hearted o'er the absence Of her son, and now she lingers, Sadly moaning in the distance, Till at last the sea, beholding U-ri-on-tah and the maiden At the borders of the forest, Lifts aloft her voice in gladness. Then returns the tide in grandeur, And with shouts of lofty triumph, Piling high the struggling breakers. White-caps glisten in the sunlight, Wave on wave is rolling inland, And the happy mother, greeting Son and daughter with a flood-tide, Bathes their feet with wild caresses, Singing loud her songs of welcome. Here the happy Chief and Princess Dwelt together in the wigwam. When they wandered through the forest Singing pines and murmuring cedars Smiled upon their every footstep. 53 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Many moons thus came and vanished, Yet they saw no cloud of sorrow ; Time, though passing, left no impress On their hearts or on their actions ; They were young, and free, and happy. ^3 54 IMMORTALITY. CHAPTER II. IMMORTALITY. Resting once in early twilight On the rock-cliff near the wigwam, At the feet of Au-die-ne-ta, Sat the Dusky U-ri-on-tah. Thus he spake in gentlest accents : " Will the charming Princess tell me How may I become Immortal? Many moons have I awaited For thy speaking on this subject, Yet thy lips are closed in silence, And my heart is grown impatient For the secret in thy bosom." Now the eyes of Au-die-ne-ta Filled with tears, as o'er him bending, And she spoke so low and trembling As to startle U-ri-on-tah, Who, with soothing words of comfort, Drew her head upon his bosom. Moments passed ere Au-die-ne-ta, Looking upward, saw her Chieftain With distress upon his features. Quickly then she broke the silence : " I will tell thee, U-ri-on-tah, How thou canst become Immortal. 55 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Thou wilt go upon a journey, Leaving me alone, unhappy. This is why my heart did fail me, For I dread the day of parting, As the journey is a long one, And my heart is faint and weary, Thinking of my lonely waiting, Thinking also of the anguish And the horrors that await thee. " Thou wilt pass through fire and brimstone, Must be lowered into Hades, And, with heavy weights about thee, Thou wilt sink beneath the waters ; Must be walled about with serpents, And with many things more dreadful Thou shalt meet in total darkness To be raised as an Immortal. " But thy courage will not fail thee, For I know the Dusky Chieftain Feareth not the world of demons, For his heart is strong and manly. " On the morrow when thou risest Thou wilt find thyself a pale-face And thy squaw will be a pale-face. Thou wilt then prepare to journey Over many mountain-passes To the land of great King Wi-daagh. " On the borders of a river Thou wilt meet a mighty Warrior, Chieftain of the Sus-queh-an-nah. 56 IMMORTALITY. He will lead thee through a canon To a vast and wondrous forest Where a mighty wigwam standeth ; On the mystic bridge, while walking, Crossing o'er the stream enchanted, Thou wilt change again to Indian And wilt meet another Warrior. Then together thou wilt journey On a trail which leadeth upward Through a dark and mystic forest. Thou wilt journey to the wigwam, Meeting there a band of Warriors Round the council-fires now burning. " Then begin the fearful tortures, But the heart of U-ri-on-tah Quaileth not before such terrors. After passing through the ordeal Thou art raised as an Immortal, And thine eyes will then be opened. " Thou wilt see the headless horseman Coming up the mountain pathway ; Thou wilt hear the awful groanings Of the ghosts within the chamber ; Many things wilt thou there witness, Which will fill thine heart with wonder. " When thou comest from the wigwam And the mystic bridge beholding, Thou wilt then become a pale-face. Hasten then thy footsteps homeward ; Thou wilt find me here awaiting 57 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Thy return, my U-ri-on-tah." Now the pale moon, upward climbing, Casts her beams upon the wigwam, Where the rock-cliff casts its shadow. There the Princess and the Chieftain In the foot-hills stand in silence, Each upon the other gazing, While their hearts were aching sadly For the parting of the morrow. Speaketh now the Dusky Chieftain : " I will rise up in the morning And will join the mighty Warriors On the banks of Sus-queh-an-nah, And will there become Immortal. Then will I return, my Princess, And will seek thee in this wigwam. Then shall we be ever happy Through the years that shall be endless. Youth will then endure forever, And no more shall we be parted." Then the Chieftain and the Princess Lingered long before the wigwam, Singing low their plaintive love-songs, With the round moon full above them Pouring down her light upon them. Thus these true hearts sang together, While the wind with mournful cadence Softly breathed among the branches Overhead, and sweetly blended With the song in rhythmic measure. 58 A , Niqht Sonqinthe Forest. Andar\te J J U-ri-on-taK, Au- die- r\e- ta, and The Fores!" I * No 2. m ^=? 5 t=Sz r-r-t ?= T~t f- 4* ¥■ C r £ 2±Z2 SB J. X | 1 r r, r r | r~r~Fi I ." J- --T j - ^3^13 ^ ^=P=f F=r J- T t r "T~F SFF 3 "^^^-^ r~~ g r r 3SE ^^ ^^ f — J-t^J4-J-^ ^p Pit— ^r^^P ^ rrri — p~f — r v$ r~r- r r i e =e -e- r-r— t r r- T=fF j r i j O /"^ /^\ 3g I j r i ! V g a )| I J' J = cy i E I " i r r g r r' i : f P ^ If V . V fil e p ea 4— d~j peat ^^6 r-f I r rir r-f-T i r r =j ^^ Night Songf in the Forest* Now the winds are softly sighing Through the forest, wild and free, While we sing of love undying In our wigwam by the sea. Now the birds are hushed and sleeping, While the night her mantle wears, And our hearts with joy are leaping, Free from envy, free from cares. See ! the moon is brightly beaming O'er the mountain and the sea, While our nights are passed in dreaming Of the blissful days to be. Thus we live with love unceasing As our days and nights unfold, Through the ages still increasing, Fills our hearts with joy untold. 61 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. <®a^ In the morning's early dawning Then awoke the U-ri-on-tah, Knowing not the strange surroundings Which here met his wondering vision. Surely this was not his wigwam — Where are now his wolf and bear-skins, Where, alas ! are his tall feathers, Where his leggins made of buckskin, Where, alas ! his bow and quiver? Quickly rising from his hammock, Now he stood before a mirror And he looked upon a pale-face. In the place of coal-black tresses Here his hair was short and sandy; Though his eyes were dark and piercing, Now he sees them blue and languid. Turning then, he saw some clothing Hanging on the wall before him ; Quickly donning this apparel, He approached the inner chamber, Drew aside the silken portiere, And, behold ! the Au-die-ne-ta Seated by a window reading. Though her eyes were dark and lustrous, Yet her face was pale and charming, And the room was filled with knickknacks Such as pale-face ladies fancy. Then the lovely Au-die-ne-ta Raised her eyes to U-ri-on-tah. Rising then, she came to greet him 62 IMMORTALITY. And she called him her dear husband ; Though her language sounded strangely, Yet the Chieftain understood her, And he could not help admiring Au-die-ne-ta as a pale-face. Now the pale-face U-ri-on-tah Stepped out on a broad veranda ; There the rock-cliff stood before him, Yet how strange its former meaning ! With new knowledge born within him He could see the rock was granite, Made of feldspar, quartz, and mica, And the red along the border Of the brooklet he had worshipped As the blood of his forefathers Was no more than ferrous oxide. Things which once were strange and wondrous Now were plain and cold and senseless, And his heart was fast regretting All the changes wrought upon him. Then appeared the Au-die-ne-ta, And she filled his heart with gladness. " Courage now, my U-ri-on-tah, Thou shalt soon become Immortal; Then again will we, returning To our Indian life and customs, Live forever in the wild-wood, Youth and beauty never fading. " Think of all the days before us, Living 'mong the birds and flowers, 63 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Here between the sea and mountain ; 'Mid the brooks, and rocks, and forest Evermore will we be happy." Now the pale-face U-ri-on-tah Gazed in silence on the Princess, While she spake these words of comfort. Then he started on his journey. Night and day he traveled westward, And he came to Ot-zin-ach-son ; Thence he followed up the river Till he saw a narrow canon Where it cleft a lofty mountain, And a rapid stream was flowing Down the canon to the river Of the lovely Ot-zin-ach-son. Here the pale-face U-ri-on-tah Stood and gazed upon the mountains And the grandly flowing river, For the sight was most entrancing. Then the pale-face U-ri-on-tah Looked about for Mighty Tam-a-rack. Then a tall and solemn Chieftain With a dignified demeanor Greets the pale-face, and with gestures Casts a sign and gives a signal, Which the artless U-ri-on-tah Did not grasp or know its meaning. Then the tall and solemn Chieftain, In the language of the pale-face, Speaketh to the pale-face stranger : 6 4 IMMORTALITY. " Thou art surely U-ri-on-tah ; From the eastward thou hast journeyed, Coming far to meet the Chieftain, Tam-a-rack of the Sus-queh-an-nah. Now, behold, I am the Tam-a-rack, Come to lead thee through the canon. Thou hast need of all thy courage, For we soon must journey hither, Where the tribes are all assembled Round the wigwam in the forest — All the Chiefs of many nations, Gathered there to wait thy coming. We have heard of thy great daring In the mountains near the sunrise ; Thou art welcome, U-ri-on-tah!" Now began the upward journey Through the canon toward the forest ; On the mystic bridge they halted. In an instant without warning U-ri-on-tah was an Indian. Thereupon the Mighty Tam-a-rack Turned upon the Dusky Chieftain, And with fierce and haughty manner, And with voice both loud and angry, Heard above the roar of waters, Spake these words to U-ri-on-tah : " Who has taught thee this great secret — ■ Secret of the transformation From the pale-face to the Indian? Tell me ere thou goest farther, 65 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. For thy life is now depending On thy answer to this question — Answer quick, before I slay thee ! " Now the dauntless U-ri-on-tah Drew himself up like a Warrior, And with haughty, scornful gesture, Spake he to the angry Tam-a-rack : " Who appointed thee my master, Who indeed would dare to stay me On my journey to the wigwam ? Stand aside, thou Mighty Tam-a-rack ! For, behold, I will not tell thee Who hath taught me this great secret ; I will hurl thee to the rapids, Where thou shalt be food for fishes, Shouldst thou dare to stay my progress ! " Quick as lightning darteth downward Or the arrow from the bow-string, Two bright tomahawks were flashing In the sunlight, and the Chieftains, Each with nerves of steel and sinews Strong and wiry, faced each other. At this instant Bold Pal-met-tah Came from out the deep, dark forest, And he drew aside the Tam-a-rack, And they counseled long together; Then they turn to U-ri-on-tah And again the Tam-a-rack speaketh : " We have counseled with each other, And we give thee further trial. 66 IMMORTALITY. Cast the sign and give the signal, If correct then thou art welcome." Then the Dusky U-ri-on-tah Cast the sign and gave the signal, And they welcomed him among them. Now behold these stolid Chieftains Stealing through the gruesome forest, Keeping near the mystic waters Leading to the spring enchanted. Casting now their bodies prostrate Down upon the ground, they listen With an ear upon the dark earth — Listen for the sound of Warriors Who were hidden there in ambush, Lying there in many hundreds, Waiting for the coming pale-face. Now uprose the Mighty Tam-a-rack, Now uprose the Bold Pal-met-tah, On their lips they press their fingers As a token of the silence Which the Dusky U-ri-on-tah Must observe when moving forward On the trail now leading upward To the wigwam in the forest. Quick they rush upon the ambush, When uprise a hundred Warriors, Who surround the Mighty Chieftains, And with tokens of displeasure They demand of Mighty Tam-a-rack Why he did not bring the pale-face. 67 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. They were cheated of their victim, And their looks were dark and threatening And their speech betokened danger. Then it was the Mighty Tam-a-rack Raised aloft his voice of warning, And he spake to all the Warriors ; Told them of the pale-face coming To the borders of the forest ; At the mystic bridge, while pausing, How without a moment's warning He became an Indian Chieftain ; How the Tam-a-rack then beset him To betray the awful secret, But the Dusky U-ri-on-tah Had defied the Mighty Tam-a-rack. Then they seized the U-ri-on-tah And they bound his hands behind him ; With the withes and thongs they bound him, And they tied him to the pine-tree On the brink of wolf-den standing. Then, returning to the wigwam, There they held a secret council. Now the Calumet is lighted And is passed around the circle, While each Warrior draws the perfume From the pipe of sweet tobacco. All their heads are now low bending On the breasts of those great Warriors — All their voices hushed in silence As they sat before the wigwam 68 IMMORTALITY. In the dark and gruesome forest. Close beside the spring enchanted Thus they sat in gloomy silence, Till at last the Mighty Tam-a-rack Rose and spake before his people : " Many moons have come and vanished Since the day when this great Nation Called me forth to reign as Chieftain, And in many hard-fought battles I have proved my manly courage. " In the counsels of the Nation I have always been respected. When I speak my people listen, For my words are always truthful. " In the hearts and in the faces Of the Warriors now before me I can read intent and purpose To destroy the U-ri-on-tah, And I warn the angry Warriors Not to harm the Dusky Chieftain. " Far away beyond the mountains Toward the sunrise are the people — Kindred of the Au-die-ne-ta, And they number many thousands ; They are fierce and mighty Warriors, And they use the poisoned arrows, And with aim almost unerring They avenge the slightest insult. " They have sent the U-ri-on-tah To be made by us Immortal. 71 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Let us rise and bid him welcome. I have spoken," quoth the Tam-a-rack, And he sat among the Warriors. Then uprose the Great Bald Eagle, He whose name yon mountain beareth, And he thus addressed the council : '• We have listened to the Tam-a-rack, And most smoothly he hath spoken, Yet he does not deign to tell us Why this stranger, U-ri-on-tah, Comes to us a Dusky Chieftain. " It is known to every Warrior Not one here is made Immortal In this wigwam in the forest, Only those we choose to honor From the people of the pale-face. " We all know it is our purpose To reduce the pale-face numbers By our making them Immortal. Thus we change them into Indians, Thus we add them to our numbers, Thus we strengthen our own forces, Thus at last we hope to conquer. " We select the strongest pale-face, And we change him to an Indian, Weakening thus the hated pale-face. Many moons we trusted Tam-a-rack, Many men has he brought hither, Picked from out the pale-face nation, And we all had learned to trust him. 72 IMMORTALITY. " Not before has he deceived us ; Now he comes with this strange story, How he met a worthy pale-face On the banks of Sus-queh-an-nah, How he led him through the cafion, To the mystic bridge he brought him, Then the pale-face changed to Indian. Now our noble Chieftain Tam-a-rack Asks us all to still believe him, And the Bold Pal-met-tah vouches For the story of the Tam-a-rack. " Now, my brethren of the forest, Listen well to all I tell you. There is treachery in our circle ; We will not believe the story Told us by the Mighty Tam-a-rack, For he seeks to do us evil And betray us to the pale-face. " Let us rise and grasp our arrows And go up the hill behind us, Where the Dusky U-ri-on-tah Is fast bound against the pine-tree ; Let us bring the poisoned arrows, Let us slay the U-ri-on-tah." Now these fierce and angry Warriors Circled round the mighty wigwam To the southward of the pine-tree ; There they halted in the forest, Facing northward toward the pine-tree, Where fast-bound was U-ri-on-tah, THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. On the brink of wolf-den chasm. Standing still and facing southward U-ri-on-tah saw the Warriors, Saw them fix the poisoned arrows, Saw them draw the fateful bow-strings, Every arrow pointing toward him. Now the heart of U-ri-on-tah Felt a thrill of exultation, For he heard the soft voice calling He had heard when all the demons Were upon him in the forest : " Do not fear the angry Warriors ; I will turn aside their arrows." Then the great and brave Bald Eagle Spake in loud voice to his Warriors : " Now let each and every Warrior Draw his arrow sure and steady At the heart of U-ri-on-tah ! " Quick the air was filled with arrows, And they sped with lightning swiftness Toward the heart of U-ri-on-tah ; But, behold ! as came the arrows They were turned aside and downward, And they fell within the wolf-den ; None had touched the U-ri-on-tah. Then the braves in blank amazement Gazed upon the Dusky Chieftain, And, behold ! while they were gazing He had changed again to pale-face, And they fled in mortal terror 74 QUICK THE AIR WAS FILLED WITH ARROWS. IMMORTALITY. Down the hill to where the Tam-a-rack And the Great and Bold Pal-met-tah Sat in silence by the wigwam, Smoking pipes of sweet tobacco. Now the Warriors, rushing headlong To the presence of their Chieftain, Fell upon the ground around him, With their faces all turned downward. None dared speak before the Tam-a-rack, Till at last the Great Bald Eagle Lifted up his voice in wailing: " We have wronged thee, Noble Tam-a-rack Thou wert right about the pale-face, He no longer is an Indian. When we bound him to the pine-tree He was then a Dusky Indian, And we went up there to slay him, Kill him with our poisoned arrows, But they turned aside and downward To the bottom of the wolf-den. And, behold, while we were wondering And were gazing at the captive, Lo ! he changeth to a pale-face, Even while we gazed upon him, And we now believe thy story. Thus we wronged thee, Mighty Tam-a-rack Do with us as seems most fitting. We will rise not till thou biddest, We await thy sternest judgment." Then uprose the solemn Tam-a-rack, 77 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. And he spake before his people : " Stand up thou, the Great Bald Eagle; Place this signet on thy finger, Hasten then down through the canon To the banks of Sus-queh-an-nah, Cross thou over to the northward, Holding there aloft this signet Thou wilt search along the river. " When thou comest to the quarry- Search the glen until thou findest, Hid among the tangled wild-wood, One small tablet which was placed there By our greatest Chieftain, Wi-daagh. Many moons ago 'twas placed there Where 'tis waiting for the moment When his children shall find wisdom To reveal the wondrous secrets Which lie hidden in the quarry. " Hear me well, thou Great Bald Eagle! If thou findest not the tablet Thou shalt die before returning, For the spirit of King Wi-daagh Has sent here the U-ri-on-tah To reveal to our dear people All the secrets of the quarry. " Well I knew thou couldst not slay him He was guarded by the Princess, Daughter of the Mighty Wi-daagh, And that great and wondrous Chieftain Gave the Princess ample power 78 IMMORTALITY. To protect the U-ri-on-tah. " Thus it was thy poisoned arrows Could not harm the Dusky Chieftain. Hasten now, thou Mighty Warrior, And, returning, bring the tablet, Bring it safely to the wigwam." Like the arrow from the bow-string Shot the strong and brave Bald Eagle Down the valley, while the Tam-a-rack Bade his Warriors stand before him. Now the gifted Sprou-to-wah-hah, Sachem or Ho-yar-na-go-war, Raised his voice in solemn measure, Said 'twould be his greatest pleasure To release the U-ri-on-tah ; And before he ceased from talking, Lo ! he up the pathway stalking Came upon the U-ri-on-tah, And released the thongs about him. Then they started toward the wigwam And were met by Bold Pal-met-tah And the tall and Mighty Tam-a-rack. These four chieftains then assembled Just above the spring enchanted, Then they lifted up their voices And they sang " Old Sus-queh-an-nah " Till the woods were filled with music. 79 March Time Air On the Banks of tke Old Sus-queh-an-nab" -— » 5ona ot the Sweet Princes -O k , No 3. i s j e I j s b J" r a rrrr g t r t-£ S Alto B -^^^4-^ J3= j j.jm n 5=5^ Tenor i 1 f g j i f f-r-^ -H^j- ^ j.^-K^rr, r g ? se Bass y^nto-rrtf^ P E E r=T & j E O O /^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ £=F=E ■O o ^T - T -N^ fe R^^-^i i- I j J- J m r m : F=FT Ltpj-, a j .ivx^jijL g i p. r . O) ■ g g j : i r/U j i.n j k 1 e E g J_q: jr./j^ Y^- 2^: * J'j^-.j *F mzk W I' 1 g '^ U i l =*g 5us-quaH-&r\- naK £Eik 3=? ^ :£ T=P - rf # 5us-.quen-an-nah 1 ^- Song of the Sweet Princes. \_Repeat each line four times.] On the banks of the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Lochabar on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. King Wi-daagh on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. King's Rock on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Tam-a-rack on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Pal-met-tah on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. U-ri-on-tah on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Ne-ha-ha on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Ap-pe-u-ne on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. On the banks of the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Sweet Princes on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. On the banks of the old Ot-zin-ach-son. O. O. T. T. on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Nip-pen-ose on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Car-ne-yah-quah on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Lock-ar-da-no-mah on the old Sus-queh-an-nah. Si THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Thus the Warriors sang and chanted Till the night fell down around them, With its dark wings overspreading All the grandly solemn forest, While the Warriors smoked tobacco, Smoked, and sang, and told their stories, Till the gray of early morning Broke upon the slumbering forest. Now is heard the Great Bald Eagle Crashing through the tangled woodland, Rushing swiftly to the Tam-a-rack, Holding high aloft the tablet, And he gave it to the Chieftain, Then he sank before the wigwam, Feeling faint, and tired, and thirsty, And they gave him fire-water While he rested from his journey. Then he rose to tell the story Of the finding of the tablet : How he heard the night owls hooting ; How the ghosts beset his pathway In the glen beside the quarry ; How at last he found the tablet Covered o'er with leaves and brushes ; How his heart beat wild and joyous When he held aloft the signet Which had led him to the tablet ; How he grasped the sacred symbol; How he swam the Sus-queh-an-nah ; How he hastened up the canon ; 82 IMMORTALITY. At the mystic bridge he trembled, Fearing lest some evil spirit Might then seize the sacred tablet, Leaving him alone to perish By the edict of the Tam-a-rack ; How the specters followed closely, As he hastened to the wigwam And delivered to the Tam-a-rack This strange, graven, mystic tablet. Happy now the Great Bald Eagle — And they gave him fire-water. Turning then, the solemn Tam-a-rack, Without speaking, gave the tablet To the pale-face U-ri-on-tah, Who now gazed upon the key-stone With a solemn, steadfast gazing. Yet he spake not to the Warriors Standing round about the pale-face, Waiting well with wistful wonder. Still the pale-face gazed in silence On the curious figures graven On the strange, mysterious tablet, Which was neither squared nor circled, Yet 'twas cut with care and wisdom. On one side was carved a circle, And within this mystic circle Were engraved mysterious letters. After long and careful study Then the pale-face broke the silence: " I know not the hidden meaning 83 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Of the carving on the tablet, But when I am raised Immortal I can then reveal the secret." Now begins the wildest tumult, And they seize the U-ri-on-tah And conduct him to the dungeon. O'er his eyes they place a bandage Made from strips of softest leather ; And they lead him to the forest Where the Sentinel is standing, Tallest pine in all the forest. Here a charge to him is given ; Then they lead him blindly forward To the cavern of the wolf-den, There another charge is given ; Then they lead him quickly forward And in darkness, lo ! he falleth — Down the rough and cragged cavern Fell the blinded U-ri-on-tah ; Pitching headlong down the chasm, Bounding from the rocks projecting, Bruised and bleeding U-ri-on-tah Fell within a den of serpents. Here is where the sign is given ; Then he finds the secret passage Leading to another cavern, Where the grip to him is given. Then he crawled upon his stomach Through a close and narrow passage To another gloomy cavern, 84 0B#? "drag him downward into sheol. IMMORTALITY. Where the word is whispered to him ; Thence returning to the wigwam Where a feast is spread before him. Now to him a name is given — " A Sweet Prince of O. O. T. T."— And the first degree is ended. Now should he survive the second He will then become Immortal. Now the Sweet Prince leaves the wigwam, Where his eyes are tightly bandaged. He is taken to the wolf-den, There instructed in the secrets Of the strange, mysterious order ; Thence is hurried to Ge-hen-na ; Here the candidate is given One brief moment for reflection, Then is quickly handed over To the care of imps of darkness, Who, with diabolic laughter, Drag him downward into sheol. Then the Warriors, slow retiring, Stand around and, gazing upward, Chant a weird refrain while standing : 3? Slow ]L r Tenor R equiem r r i r t r r i r r r No 4. ^g=E T 2QS!1erv0r g B r s E g £=^ ^ tfTBass r f i r & =e ^^ j- Z n -* Ba.sj % " & j i-j I, 1 i -r f i,f * TT^ £ ^ 3F ^ip ifeEE=EE3: ^ / I g I r- i — f — TTT^ 5 i^g 7 g / V p £ ^=3 r f 1 f r J J * ! M,P I Si ^ ^r (■ L P ^^ ^w-< ^ 5S f 1 i H^ i ^^ Requiem. Thou, Great Spirit, hear our wailing ! Save, O save our brother dear, In the fiery furnace writhing While no helping hand is near ! See ! the smoke is slow ascending, And the fumes of brimstone rise. Hear the shrieks of gloating demons, While the U-ri-on-tah dies ! Now his soul is rent with anguish, See ! he writhes in direst pain. Save, O save him, thou Great Spirit, Send him back to us again ! 8q THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Now the sky is dark and threatening — See the forks of lightning darting, Hear the roar of distant thunder; Now the wind is shrieking madly Up the canon, roaring, moaning, Like some dire and hideous monster, Grumbling, groaning, hissing, howling. Lo ! the awful cyclone cometh, Drowning out the shrieks in sheol. Now the cyclone calleth madly To the monstrous imps of darkness, Who are dancing down in sheol Round the form of U-ri-on-tah. Once again the cyclone calleth On the imps to cease their torment And release the U-ri-on-tah, Lest he rend their hell asunder With one stroke of his forked lightning. Quick the doors of sheol open And the dauntless U-ri-on-tah Walketh forth to greet the cyclone. Then the Storm-King, swift retiring, Leaves the heavens bright and shining, While the Warriors quick assemble, And they blindfold U-ri-on-tah, Then conduct him in dread silence To the rock-cliff in the forest. Here the silent Warriors, kneeling Round the rock in mystic circle, Offer up an invocation 9 o IMMORTALITY. To the spirit of their fathers, And invoke his choicest blessing On the head of U-ri-on-tah. Now they rise, and with great caution Whisper secrets of the order In the ear of U-ri-on-tah ; Then in silence they conduct him To the mystic pool of Giants. Here they coil a cable round him And they fasten weights upon him, Then within the pool they cast him And he sinks beneath the waters, Which then quickly close above him. He is lost to earthly vision, As he slowly settles downward Till, one hundred fathoms sinking, He has reached the length of cable Which was fastened to his girdle. Now the funeral dirge is sighing Through the overhanging branches, And the Warriors join the chorus Of the pines in plaintive wailing O'er the fate of U-ri-on-tah : 91 Dircje Slov Air The Dirqe No 5, f f r C4 j f 1 1 1 f=^f^ Alto * f pp. j. J' I i j r j I r j j. JF^ r^ Tenor f f H T~T e g r— s^-^ BE Basi / S «f •^ b g 1 V r r r, - r r r c £e£ 7" g 1 J- j I 1 C> T P | f f j g j 1 j: r I J. x P *=^z j g. l | | | e I r j r r M T g 1 I — if r r s± E5 g i i i c -JU ( 9 * ni g ^ ^ I j. i r c / r g » B g TT/yg-gW ^!^- / n j- r j. ^ /■ # The Dirge. Now, alas ! his life is ended ; He has passed beyond the gates, For he knows naught of the secret Of the loosening of the weights. O the Giants now will get him, And will feed him to their young. So, farewell, thou U-ri-on-tah ! At thy funeral we have sung. 93 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. While the Warriors thus were singing They beheld the waters moving, And the dauntless U-ri-on-tah Raised his head above the surface. He was climbing up the cable, While the water from his nostrils Was expelled in gushing streamlets, And the weights were left behind him. He was told the secret fastenings By the fairy who had saved him From the demons in the forest. Now they take him to the wigwam, Where an instrument is given, And he seeks the spring enchanted, Where he casts upon the waters That of which he had been given. When he feels the thrill upon him He withdraws from out the water Something which must now be nameless, For 'tis only to Sweet Princes That the name is ever whispered. Now he walketh to the wigwam, Where a dish is set before him And its odor breathes to heaven ; For he now is well-nigh famished And he fain would take the morsel, But they seize the U-ri-on-tah And conduct him to a dungeon For the last and hardest trial. Here his hands are tied behind him, 94 IMMOR TA LITY. And he stands in total darkness. Now he feels the awful presence Of some frightful object near him And a cold sweat starts upon him. Far more dreadful than a dragon, More repulsive than a gorgon, Is the breath of this destroyer Who has swept the earth for ages, Never failing yet to conquer All who breathe the air of heaven. Now its dreadful arms are circling Round the form of U-ri-on-tah. At this moment came a whisper ; 'Twas the fairy from the forest, Who was standing by the Chieftain. These the words the fairy whispered : " Flee away, O Death, thou monster ! " Then the hideous creature vanished, As the light came streaming downward And the awful place was lighted. Then the Dusky U-ri-on-tah Found the passage leading outward To the place where he was offered Once again the sweet ambrosia, And, his hunger now returning, He partook of this rare morsel, Though its name is never spoken. On the instant came the knowledge That at last he was Immortal ! And behold he was an Indian, 95 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. With his feathers and his arrows ; On his breast were many spangles, And his hair was black as midnight, And his eyes were dark and piercing. Hail! Immortal U-ri-on-tah! Now the council-fire was builded, And the O. O. T. T. Chieftains Gathered round in mystic circle ; Then the pipe of peace was lighted And was passed around the circle ; Then the speeches were in order, And were given by the Chieftains — By the Tall and Mighty Tam-a-rack, By the Great Chief Bold Pal-met-tah, By the Festive Sprou-to-wah-hah, By the Dusky U-ri-on-tah, By the Wondrous Chief Bald Eagle, By the Fiery Car-ne-yah-quah, By the " Burning Bush," the Wa-hoo, By the Grand Lock-ar-da-no-mah, By the Great Chief Al-le-ghen-ny, By the Warrior Al-le-quip-pa, By the Great A-quash-i-co-la, By the Terrible The Ash-baugh, By the Black Hawk from the Beaver, By the Great Buck Cat-a-wis-sa, By the Big Chief Lack-a-wan-na, By the Chieftain Con-sho-hock-en, By the Great Da-gus-ca-hon-da, 9 6 IMMORTALITY. By the Mighty Ho-ken-dau-qua, By the Great Chief Man-han-tan-go, By the savage Man-a-taw-na, By the Terrible Min-ne-qua, By the Warrior Mo-can-a-qua, By the Chief Mo-non-ga-he-la, By the Chieftain Mountain Eagle, By the Mighty Warrior Mon-sey, By the Wondrous Chief O-ko-me, From the Valley of Lycoming. Many other Chieftains also Spake upon this great occasion. Then the feast of O. O. T. T. Was prepared by Little Beaver From the Ju-ni-at-a country. When the feast had been partaken And the pipe of peace was passing, Then the Great and Mighty Tam-a-rack Rose and spake before the people. " Now our brother U-ri-on-tah Has been duly made Immortal, We all hope he may be able To unfold the secret meaning Of the carving on the tablet. Let us hear from U-ri-on-tah." Then the Dusky Chieftain riseth, And he spake before the Warriors Round the council-fires now gathered : " Listen well, my Noble Chieftains, While I tell the simple story 97 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Of the tablet wrought by Wi-daagh. I will now reveal the meaning Of the strange and mystic symbol Which is graven on the tablet. " Harken well and hear the story. Many moons have come and faded Since a fearless tribe of Indians Lived within the charming valley Of the Great Chief Ton-a-wan-dah, Which lies eastward from the river Of the wondrous On-qui-aah-ra. " In this lovely On-ta-ro-ga Lived this mighty tribe of Indians, And among them was a Chieftain, Father of two stalwart Warriors. One was Dusky U-ri-on-tah And the other Bold Pal-met-tah. " This great Chieftain taught his children How to make the curious powder Which would harden in the water ; And they built a mighty furnace To produce this wondrous powder, And they built a lofty mortar For the grinding of the powder ; Then they sold it to the pale-face And they gathered in the wampum. " Now the Chieftain taught these Warriors Of a secret, always hidden By the tribe of Ton-a-wan-dah, How to die although not dying, 9 8 IMMORTALITY. Yet to die and reappearing In another form and body. Transmigration was the secret. Thus have lived and died these Warriors Since beginning of creation. " Thus the Dusky U-ri-on-tah Came to you from out the eastland, Where his father is the mountain And the sea his loving mother; Came he here to join the order, Which is greater than the secret Of the laws of transmigration — It is bliss to be Immortal ! " Resteth now the U-ri-on-tah, While the Calumet is handed From one Warrior to another Till it passed around the circle, While the fragrance of tobacco Fills the nostrils of the Warriors ; And the smoke rose, slowly curling 'Mid the branches of the forest, From the Calumet of pipe-stone Which was sent from Min-ne-so-tah, As a present from a Chieftain, From the Fiery Car-ne-yah-quah To the tall and Mighty Tam-a-rack; And the pipe-stone bowl was graven By the hand of great Chief Red Cloud, On the banks of roaring Blue Earth 99 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Far beyond the Mis-sis-sip-pi, And its stem a reed from Blue Earth ; To the reed were fastened feathers From the wings of many eagles, And the Calumet was worshipped By the Warriors in the forest. Now the pipe of peace was finished, And the Warriors sat in silence With their heads upon their bosoms. Thus they sat around the wigwam, Sitting thus in sweet communion, While the stars were shining brightly, And the wind among the branches Murmured softly, whispering music In the ears of all the Chieftains, Bringing peace and sweet contentment. Then uprose the Bold Pal-met-tah, Slowly rising 'mong the chieftains, And he gazed around the circle, Gazing calmly on the Warriors, Till at last he broke the silence And he spake before the people : " Listen now to Bold Pal-met-tah. You have heard the U-ri-on-tah Tell the story of the wonders Which are found in that great valley — - Valley of the Ton-a-wan-dah, To the eastward of the river Of the wondrous On-qui-aah-ra ; And the Dusky U-ri-on-tah IMMORTALITY. Told you of a grand old Chieftain, Father of two mighty Warriors, How in secret he had taught them How to make the wondrous powder. " Many things the U-ri-on-tah Told you in his curious story, All of which were fairly truthful, All except the doubtful portion Where he claims to be my brother, " Now the truth is always welcome In this land of gallant Warriors, And 'tis well that I am present To correct the playful errors Of the Dusky U-ri-on-tah. " Long ago when Indian Summer Came upon our hills and valleys, And the air was soft and balmy, Bathing all the hazy landscape In a sweet and dreamy languor, I was near Go-no-sa-aw-wa, Playing round about my Noh-yeh, Who, beside the Go-ne-ga-da, Toiled in patience, slowly grinding Indian corn, awhile the sunshine Slanted down among the branches Of the forest-trees about us. " I was young and tender-hearted, And I gazed upon my Noh-yeh, Half in wonder, half in sorrow, For I saw the tears were standing THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. On her cheeks and coursing downward While she worked the Go-ne-ga-da. Then I drew up close beside her And I put my arms about her, Trying hard to cheer my Noh-yeh. " Then she led me toward the shadows, And beside Go-no-sa-aw-wa There she told this curious story: " ' Dost thou see thy Chieftain Ha-nih And thy Da-ya-gwa-dan-no-da Walking in the forest yonder ? They are thus together always, Never one without the other. " ' When thy Ha-nih hunts the wild deer, Then thy Da-ya-gwa-dan-no-da Hunts beside him in the forest, And my heart is sore within me, For thy Ha-nih loves the pale-face More than I can bear to witness. " ' Now draw nigh, my son, and listen. In the days before thy birthday, When the So-non-ton-he-ron-ons Filled the forest round about us With their shouts of joy and gladness, As they chased the deer and bison Through the Ton-a-wan-dah valley, Then it was thy Chieftain Ha-nih Went away to seek for deer-meat. He was far within the forest When he came upon a wolf-den. 102 -$& IMMORTALITY. " ' Quick he drew his surest arrows As a she-wolf came upon him, But she fell when pierced with arrows From the bow-string of thy Ha-nih. Then he searched the darksome wolf-den, And brought forth a curious litter Of young wolves, with one among them Which was quite unlike the others, And thy Ha-nih gazed upon it With a look of earnest wonder. " ' Then he gently raised and turned it On its back and facing upward, And its hair was soft and yellow And its eyes were blue and smiling, As it looked up at thy Ha-nih, With its hands extended upward. " ' Now thy Ha-nih, speaking softly To himself, these words he uttered : " This young creature is a pale-face. It was stolen from the settlers Who now dwell at Te-o-sah-wa, And the she-wolf brought him hither. She has nursed it with her young ones, And, as I have slain the she-wolf, I must take the pale-face with me To my own Go-no-sa-aw-wa. Less than this would be inhuman ; For to leave it here to perish I would prove myself unworthy, Then, when years have come upon me, -^*|Ttt^|tt . f.t * § I j Jimrrrrr r 1 § E 1 1 J H 1 1 ^ ; ; ; J ^^ s^ Repeat yWsj j ;j-f, | [ rm FR> E r I I f, g . g ?;'-j-. e ;;i j fi- j Song of the Wolf-Clan, Now the wolf-clan is made happy, Now the wolf-clan sings and dances, Now the wolf-clan breathes contented, Now the wolf-clan's joy enhances. We have found the Mystic Warrior, And the she-wolf was his mother. He was born in she-wolf cavern, And, behold, he is our brother! Dance and sing, ye wolf-clan Warriors, Make the woods ring loud and louder ! Shout and beat the Ta-wa-e-gun, Every moment grow we prouder ! Many moons have we been waiting For the coming of this brother, Founder of the wolf-clan order, For the she-wolf was his mother ! 115 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. All night long thus sang the Warriors, While the Snig-e-i was flowing Like a streamlet through the forest, Till at last the, gray dawn, creeping Over mountain, stream, and valley, Found the Warriors quick assembling Round the wigwam where the Chieftain U-ri-on-tah held the tablet. He had held it to his bosom All night long throughout the forest. Now he studied close the meaning Of the symbols in the circle, Till at last the Dusky Chieftain Held aloft the snow-white tablet, And his eyes now gleamed with wisdom. He had solved the mystic emblems. Thus he spake before the Warriors : " Hear me, O ye Mighty Warriors ! Thus I read the hidden secret, Which has puzzled all the Chieftains : Soon the secret will unravel. Should the Warriors, when they hear it, Tire of listening to the story, Know at least the U-ri-on-tah Solves the problem for his brethren. " In the days when Great King Wi-daagh Lived beside the Sus-queh-an-nah, When he found that wily William Had outwitted him in trading, When the artful Penn had taken 116 STORY OF THE TABLET. All his lands along the valley Of the wondrous Sus-queh-an-nah — All the lands between the mountains On the borders of the river, And had paid him off in trinkets Which were only fit for children, Then he carved this curious tablet. "While the Great and Mighty Wi-daagh Was not skilled in trinket trading, Yet he had a wondrous wisdom Far beyond his tribe and kindred, And the Great Chief Nip-pen-o-wi Knelt before the Mighty Wi-daagh, Learning wisdom from the teachings Of the King of Kings, the Wi-daagh. " Now this Great and Mighty Chieftain Had discovered something wondrous On the left bank of the river — 0f the grand old Sus-queh-an-nah : It was in the rocks he found there. " Then he built himself a bonfire, And he placed the rock upon it, And he heated it to redness; Then he ground it into powder, And he mixed it then with water ; And, behold, the mixture hardened When he rolled it into pellets ! " Then he gathered up some fragments Of the rocks beside the river ; And he fastened them together 117 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. With the water and the powder, And, behold, these broken fragments Grew together as by magic ! " Then he placed them in the river, And they did not fall asunder : Water only made them firmer. " Now the heart of Mighty Wi-daagh Pained him sorely for the losing Of his land beside the river, For it held a greater treasure Than all other lands before him. " On King's Rock the Chieftain lingered, And he overlooked the valley Many miles in all directions. All was his before the trading, And the trinkets Penn had given Had long since been worn and wasted, And his heart sank in his bosom When he pondered on the matter. " Yet, of all the lands before him, None contained this precious substance But the land where he was standing. He alone possessed the secret Of this wonder-working powder. " Now a mighty thought possessed him, How could he hand down the secret To the red-men of the forest And not let the hated pale-face Learn the secret of the powder ? "All night long he sat and pondered. 118 .-•»*• AND BESIDE THE SPRING ENCHANTED. STORY OF THE TABLET. Now the pale-face owned the quarry, Knowing nothing of the secret, And he hated every pale-face, For his heart was with his people. " How could he preserve the secret Through the ages now before him ? Many moons must come and vanish Ere his people have the wisdom To possess, yet keep the secret From the hungry, grasping pale-face. "Thus the night wore on in sadness, And the morning light was stealing Up the valley of the river Ere the Great and Mighty Wi-daagh Had the thought borne in upon him How to hand the wondrous secret Down the ages to his children. " He would carve upon a tablet Mystic signs within a circle, Which no pale-face could interpret, Neither could the red-men read it Until they were made Immortal. " In the dark glen now he rested, And in sleep he had a vision ; He was wandering, in his dreaming, In the land of Nip-pen-o-wi, And beside the spring enchanted, Where we here are now assembled, He was resting from his labors, When he felt the mighty presence 121 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Of a spirit standing o'er him, And the spirit spake to Wi-daagh : " ' Rest in peace, thou good King Wi-daagh; For the time is surely coming When a tribe of Indian Warriors Will assemble here to worship ; They will found a mighty order, 'Twill be known as O. O. T. T. " ' They will hold a wondrous secret, Which will make them all Immortal ; There will be among their number Many children of the Wi-daagh. "' There will also come among them He who won the charming Princess, A descendant of King Wi-daagh. He will join the secret order And become an O. O. T. T. He will then be raised Immortal, And by reason of the power Given him by Au-die-ne-ta, Daughter of the Great King Wi-daagh, And who also is Immortal, Having power of divination, Handed down for generations, She will teach the U-ri-on-tah This great secret of her fathers. " ' He will read the mystic figures Thou shalt carve upon the tablet — He will read them to thy children Here beside the spring enchanted, STORY OF THE TABLET. Where will rise a mighty wigwam. " ' Here thy children will assemble — They will hear the wondrous story Of the finding of the tablet : How the great and Mighty Tam-a-rack, A descendant of King Wi-daagh, Shall be searching near the quarry, Where he moved some leaves and litter In the glen beside the river And beheld the mystic tablet, Then he took it to the brooklet, Where he washed it white as marble ; How he pondered o'er the symbol, Yet he could not find the cipher To interpret all its meaning ; How with care he hid the tablet In the glen beside the brooklet, Then he called the tribes together And they sent for U-ri-on-tah, Who was raised as an Immortal ; How the Tam-a-rack sent Bald Eagle To the glen to find the tablet, Who should bring it to the wigwam Where the U-ri-on-tah read it To the O. O. T. T. council.' " Thus the dream of Wi-daagh ended When he woke the sun was shining In his face while yet he dreameth — Yet he thought of all his dreaming, And his heart was light and happy. 123 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH; Now the way was clear before him, For he knew that his own children Would rise up and call him blessed. Then he found a slab of marble In the bottom of the river, Which he carried to his wigwam. " Many moons he spent in carving All the symbols on the tablet, Which was neither square nor circled. When at last his work was ended, Then he hid the mystic tablet In the glen beside the river. Then his heart was sad and heavy For the sufferings of his children, Who were driven from their hearthstones ; And he sank beneath the burden And was gathered to his fathers. " Now the meaning of the letters Which are carved within the circle Are not easy to interpret, For the great and good King Wi-daagh Poured his soul out on these letters. But, as well as I am able, I will follow his own language : " ' In the great and wondrous future, When two thousand moons have vanished, All the red-men of the valley Shall have passed away in silence. Then my spirit will awaken, And will draw from out the people — 124 STORY OF THE TABLET. People of the pale-face nation — Many men who love the forest And the ways of mighty Warriors. " ' They will have the blood within them Of the great and Mighty Wi-daagh ; In the forest they will gather And will found a mystic order : Twill be called the O. O. T. T. They will then preserve the secret How to make themselves Immortal. " ' They will find this mystic tablet In the glen where I shall hide it ; They will find a way to read it ; They will build a mighty furnace For the making of the powder Which is needed by the pale-face, And will gather in the wampum ; They will build a comely wigwam, Close beside the spring enchanted ; They will dedicate the wigwam To their greatest King, the Wi-daagh, Who will ever hover near them, And will bless their undertaking. " ' On the walls within the wigwam They will place the Wi-daagh's likeness ; They will study it intently, Till at last they feel my presence — Thus will I preserve my children. " * In the days to come the Tam-a-rack Will erect a costly tombstone 125 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. On the spot where I have rested Many days beside the waters Of the wondrous spring enchanted, Where the mystic stream is flowing Close beside the rocky ledges. There the great and good Chief Tam-a-rack Will erect for me a tombstone ; And my spirit there will linger In the niche within the tombstone, In the monument to Wi-daagh. " ' When the Warriors there assemble, If their hearts are true and earnest And they call me most sincerely, They will find their King, the Wi-daagh, Will come forth at their entreaty — Thus will I preserve my children. " l It is finished and King Wi-daagh Makes his mark upon the tablet ; He has passed beyond the river And is royal in the heavens, Where beneath the arch he standeth, A companion of the spirits.' ,; Thus the reading of the tablet By the Dusky U-ri-on-tah ; And he gave it to the Tam-a-rack, Who, with reverence and silence, Held it up before the Warriors, When they fell upon their faces, And, in silence and devotion, Gave their hearts to good King Wi-daagh. 126 STORY OF THE TABLET. Now the night is fast advancing, Yet the Warriors had not risen ; Silence reigns throughout the forest, Save the night-birds' plaintive music, And the wind is gently rising, Slender saplings softly swaying, And the full moon climbing upward, With the midnight moment coming. On the instant when it cometh Then the Mighty Tam-a-rack, rising, While his lips are closed in silence, Holds aloft the mystic tablet. One by one the Chieftains, rising, Steal away alone in darkness, Not a word the silence breaking ; Till at last the Mighty Tam-a-rack Stands alone within the forest, While the Dusky U-ri-on-tah, Gliding down the mystic waters, Comes again upon the Wos-gwah, And was changed upon the instant From a Chieftain to a pale-face. Thus he journeyed to the eastland, And at last, within his wigwam There between the sea and mountain, Finds the Princess Au-die-ne-ta, Watching, waiting for his coming, In the garb of Indian Princess. On the instant when he saw her U-ri-on-tah changed to Indian, 127 THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. And was welcomed by the Princess. Now indeed were both Immortal, Never knowing more of sorrow ; Never more will they grow older ; They will wander in the forest, There between the sea and mountain, Happy in the joy of living, Caring nothing for the future, Which was robbed of all its terrors, For indeed were both Immortal ! -^o^"^^ 128 MIGHTY TAM-A-RACK. TAM-A-RACK. CHAPTER IV. SONG OF THE MIGHTY TAM-A-RACK. When the Autumn-leaves are turning, Showing red, and green, and golden On the mountain-sides and foot-hills ; When the song-birds flock in Autumn, Each kind seeking out its kindred, Making ready for the journey To the southern skies together ; When the squirrels leap and chatter As they gather stores for winter ; When the southern flight of mallards May be seen in countless numbers Flying swiftly o'er the waters, Skimming just above the surface, Up and down the Ot-zin-ach-son ; There the Warriors always gather For the council and the corn-dance ; At the enchanted spring assemble Round the wigwam in the forest. Here the council-fires are builded, And the Suc-co-tash is boiling, While the Warriors sit together In a circle, and the Sachems One by one address the Warriors, Who in silence sit and listen. THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH. Many are the tales of sorrow Told by old and honored Sachems, Of the wrongs the red-men suffer At the hands of pale-face people, Who are pressing harsh and cruel On the rights of honest red-men. When the Sachems cease from speaking, Then the Warriors join in council, After which they sit in silence. Then are seen the young braves stealing From behind the trees and bushes In the forest round about them, While the paint, and bells, and feathers Grace the forms of these young Chieftains, Who in silence are assembling Round the council-fires now burning, And they raise the fearful war-cry ; Then begins the wondrous corn-dance To the noisy Ta-wa-e-gun, And they cease not till the red sun Sinks behind the western mountains. Soon the moon comes creeping upward O'er the valley to the eastward, And the Suc-co-tash is eaten, And the harvest pipe is passing, While the Warriors sit in silence With their heads bent on their bosoms. Now uprose the Sprou-to-wah-hah And he spake before the people : 132 TAM-A-RACK. "Let us sing a song, my Nobles, After which, with your approval, We will listen to the Tam-a-rack, Who will tell some truthful stories Which relate to this fair valley." Then the Sprou-to-wah-hah singeth, And his voice was soft and mellow As he led the Noble Warriors, Who, with wild and glad rejoicing, Sang the chorus while the Chieftain Sang the solo sweet and charming : 133 Lochabar Sol. Mo 7. jj rj\i n ii j^tji r | r § j p M' i^ | 1 i j-jJ- j^^-4 3E£E3E ^^ 5E 2^F =3=5= 4/TN f r, r ; i j JW- & nrrr—r^rfnnrm^ ^i Chorus Air T~T 1 1 I 1 r 1 f 1 n- TO' £■ | 1 1 1 IP! ^= Alto fjN j j- j. H-V j.^' Up J- J-4JI d /-rt T ff Tenor r\ >i i^j- j 1 1 x j-rt_E k r t. r j i j ^^ 9 W Bass /r» S Jl J. r j. j i r- r ye L i ft S ^ 5 /u/ Repeat *>? E B f i ^ j ^n i j- r. \ g i Eg M^ -0* 14^1 Repeat pear gg . H- ^ ^ ^ i J g .r-n j- i j- j i i t fk RggsLa > *-^-t- j f I C J.