SONG OF THE CHIKKASAH WIDOW. 'Twas the voice of my husband that came on the gale; His unappeased Spirit in anger complains ; Rest, rest Ollanahta, be still! The day of revenge is at hand. The stake is made ready, the captives shall die; The knife and the fire;.. be at rest! The vengeance of anguish shall soon have its course,.- Will remember the days of our love. Ollanahta, all day by thy war-pole I sat, As it waved on the stream of the wind. The scalps that we number'd in triumph were there, And the musket that never was levell'd in vain,... What a leap has it given to my heart To see thee suspend it in peace. When the black and blood-banner was spread to the gale, When thrice the deep voice of the war-drum was heard, I remember thy terrible eyes How they flash'd the dark glance of thy joy. I remember the hope that shone over thy cheek Ere the thunder and lightning are born. He went, and ye came not to warn him in dreams, Alas! when thy brethren in conquest return'd; When I saw the white plumes bending over their heads, And the pine-boughs of triumph before, Where the scalps of their victory swung,.. The war-hymn they pour'd, and thy voice was not there! I call'd thee,.. alas, the white deer-skin was brought; Ollanahta, all day by thy war-pole I sit,.. To-morrow the victims shall die, Westbury, 1799. THE OLD CHIKKASAH TO HIS GRANDSON. Now go to the battle, my Boy! There is strength in thine arm, 2. He return'd, in the glory of conquest return'd; These scalps that have hung till the Sun and the Rain Here he stood when the morn of rejoicing arrived, To the sound of the victory-drum. The Heroes were met to receive their reward; But distinguish'd among the young Heroes that day, The pride of his nation, thy Father was seen: The swan-feathers hung from his neck, His face like the rainbow was tinged, And his eye,.. how it sparkled in pride! The Elders approach'd, and they placed on his brow The crown that his valour had won, And they gave him the old honour'd name. They reported the deeds he had done in the war, And the youth of the nation were told To respect him and tread in his steps. 3. My Boy! I have seen, and with hope, 4. Go now and revenge him, my Boy! Till the steps of thy coming I see. Westbury, 1799. 216 OCCASIONAL PIECES. I. THE PAUPER'S FUNERAL. WHAT! and not one to heave the pious sigh? Yes, I will weep; but not that thou art come And robb'd of all its energy thy mind, Ere yet it cast thee on thy fellow-kind, |