CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME 
 OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT 
 FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY 
 
 HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE 
 
Cornell University Library 
 PS 1120.B42 
 
 The hemlock tree and its legends. 
 
 3 1924 022 009 942 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022009942 
 
THE 
 
 HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 ITS LEaEI^DS. 
 
 ROBERT BRADBURY. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 JOHN DUROSS, PRINTER, 
 
 BLACK HORSE ALLEY. 
 1859. 
 
6 
 
PEEFACE. 
 
 It is the general custom when anything new is 
 brought before the public in the shape of a book, 
 to preface it with a few remarks explanatory of 
 the origin and design of the work; sometimes 
 an apology is offered, and often an humble peti- 
 tion for leniency. The author of the present 
 little work does not wish to be altogether out of 
 fashion, and therefore, more as an explanation 
 than anything else, offers the following remarks 
 to those who may wish to read them. Apology 
 he makes none ; his attempt is justified in the 
 motive. His design was to save from destruction 
 one of those vast monuments of antiquity which 
 ligature has scattered so plentifully over the 
 American continent, and which Sir Walter Scott, 
 according to Washington Irving, declared were 
 far superior to anything that art has or can pro- 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 duce. I speak of the gigantic trees that abound 
 in the American forest. And as the first part of 
 this work, that is, the petition of the Hemlock 
 Tree, was pubHshed previous to that of Abbots- 
 ford, it was a gratification to find that two such 
 as have just been mentioned, should, at least in 
 this particular, agree in the same sentiment with 
 himself. 
 
 The Tree which is the subject of the forepart 
 of this work, and, indeed, the cause of the whole 
 production, is at present growing at Garrattsville, 
 a small village, beautifully located in one of the 
 finest of those rich valleys that abound in the 
 'State of l^ew York, in the town of ISTew Lisbon, 
 and the county of Otsego, about fifteen or sixteen 
 miles from Cooperstown, a place rendered clas- 
 sical by the tales of the Deerslayer and Leather- 
 stocking. 
 
 The writer once lived at the Yilla named above, 
 and frequently resorted to the foot of the Hem- 
 lock Tree when he wished to enjoy the lilxury of 
 a book without interruption. Its immense size 
 and beauty commanded his admiration ; its vast 
 age, his veneration. He used to fancy that his 
 thoughts, when under that tree, flowed more 
 
PREFACE. V 
 
 freely and more sweetly than anywhere else. 
 Doubtless this was all fancy, but it is 'nevertheless 
 a fact, and it will account for the affectionate 
 regard that he had for it. 
 
 It was with astonishment and regret that, on 
 visiting this favorite haunt, after an absence of 
 two or three weeks, he beheld almost all the 
 trees in the immediate neighborhood felled by 
 the ruthless axe, and an envious cut into the 
 Old Hemlock himself, showing the design to be 
 to sweep off everything in the shape of a tree 
 from the place, without regard to beauty, size, or 
 antiquity. After beholding the desolation for 
 some time, he returned home, and ascertaining 
 there that the land had changed owners, and that 
 the present owner was Mr. Berthier Whitford, a 
 gentleman to the Author well known, and one 
 who, though an industrious and thriving farmer, 
 could yet find time and take delight in a good 
 book, it occurred to the Author that, if he could 
 only see him before the tree was cut down, it 
 would be no hard matter to induce him to spare 
 it. Taking a little refreshment, he resolved to 
 visit him forthwith; but, previously remember- 
 ing that old song, ""Woodman, spare that tree," 
 
 1* 
 
vi PREi'ACi5. 
 
 the idea that Mr. Whitford was the very man to 
 appreciate a few verses in behalf of the Old Hem- 
 lock, and having sometimes before dabbled in 
 rhymes, he at once set about the composition of 
 that which is now given to the public. When he 
 sat down to his task he had no intention of 
 writing more than five or six stanzas, but having 
 begun, and finding the matter opening before 
 him in a manner that surprised as well as grati- 
 fied him, it occurred that it would not be diffi- 
 cult to make the Old Tree the medium of a 
 number of Indian legends, which is hinted at in 
 the petition of the Hemlock Tree. The petition, 
 however, was all that was done at that time ; and 
 the Author gratefully states that it had the de- 
 sired effect. Without communicating with any 
 one in the place, he sent it to the New Berlin 
 Herald, a paper that was much read in Garratts- 
 ville, and it was printed. When the Author 
 went to get his paper, he found the Postmaster 
 reading the very piece to about a dozen of the 
 villagers, Mr. Whitford amongst them. When it 
 was finished, there was an inquiry, Who was the 
 author? and, although no name was attached to 
 it, except a fictitious one, the Postmaster pointed 
 
PREFACE. VU 
 
 the Author out, declaring that he had mailed a 
 letter to the Editor in his handwriting a few 
 evenings before, and as he had been known to 
 frequent the tree, it was useless to deny it. Mr. 
 "Whitford declared that it should not be cut 
 down ; that the tree should be presented to the 
 Author ; and it was so, in the presence of most of 
 the villagers, with a rod of land on every side of 
 it. And the Author believes, had he asked it, 
 an acre would just as freely have been given to 
 him. And when the Author left the neighbor- 
 hood a few years after, and now twenty years 
 since, he left the inhabitants as trustees and 
 guardians of the tree ; and although he has not 
 seen it since, he has no doubt it is still flourish- 
 ing, and likely to do so for ages after the present 
 generation have done with everything that per- 
 tains to earth. 
 
 One word more of the Tree. The Author has 
 sden many trees in the Old Country that were 
 larger in diameter, but they seldom reached a 
 quarter of its altitude ; and, although he has 
 travelled over perhaps thirty thousand miles of 
 this Continent, hehas never seen one that would 
 compare with it for size or general beauty. 
 
VUl PREFACE. 
 
 Another word. The petition of the Tree was 
 written under the similitude of a dream. The 
 poet fancied himself, or he really was, asleep, 
 under the Tree, for he has had many a nap under 
 it, when he thought the woodman came to cut it 
 down, and was addressed by the Tree, as stated 
 in the book. He makes no apology for making 
 the Tree speak. Things quite as extraordinary 
 are to be found in Homer, Virgil, Milton, Shak- 
 speare, Ariosto, and others. And though he 
 does not presume that he can, for a moment, be 
 compared to any of these, yet he thinks that, at 
 least that part of his production which has them 
 for an example, perhaps may pass. 
 
 Being often requested to repeat it, and asked 
 for a copy, he determined to publish it ; and, as 
 it was too small of itself, he has thus far en- 
 deavored to carry out his original design. 
 
 E. B. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 A Description of the Wappanaohi, or Lenni Lenape In- 
 dians — Their Origin — Their Possessions — Their Courage 
 and Power — Their Conquest of all the Surrounding Tribes 
 — The Enemies Occasioned by these Conquests — A Coali- 
 tion of Five of these Tribes against them — The Com- 
 meucement of Hostilities by an Attack, by Tawerkai and 
 a Numerous Band of the Oneidas, on Conshomon, a Wap- 
 panachi Brave, while out Hunting — The Combat — The 
 Oneidas, although greatly superior in numbers, are panic 
 struck at the dreadful force of Conshomon, and about to 
 flee, when Tawerkai offers to contend with Conshomon — 
 Their Desperate Fight — Conshomon at last Victorious, 
 when, surrounded by the Oneidas, he is Disarmed and 
 taken Prisoner, and Reserved for the Torture — At a 
 Signal from Conshomon, the rest of the Wappanachi 
 Escape to the Camp of their Friends — The Eeceptioa of 
 
X CONTENTS. 
 
 the News — Messengers are immediately sent to summon 
 the whole of their Tribe for a Meeting early the next 
 morning, . 23 
 
 PART II. 
 
 The Meeting of the Wappanachi Tribe — The Council — The 
 Speeches of several Chiefs — The Determination to march 
 at once to Attack their Foes— Great Serpent, with a 
 chosen few, sent before to observe the Enemy, and be 
 ready for any emergency — The march of the Oneidas to 
 their Camp with their Prisoner — Their Arrival — The 
 Dread of the Oneidas of the Approach of the Lenape — 
 Conshomon derides and defies them — They determine to 
 destroy him, but are deterred by their Chiefs — A Council 
 called immediately — The Speeches on that Occasion — 
 Messengers sent to their Allies — Conshomon reserved for 
 Torture on their approach, and appointed to run the 
 Gauntlet through the Tribe — A Short Description of that 
 Custom — His Success — The Close of the Day, . . 40 
 
 PART III. 
 
 A Morning Scene in the Camp of the Oneidas — The Arrival 
 of the Mohawks to their Assistance — Soon after their 
 arrival, Conshomon is led to the Stake — His Reflections 
 on seeing the Mohawks — The Preparation for the Burn- 
 ing — The Signal about to be given — Is interrupted by 
 .Pearly Dew, who claims Conshomon on condition of his 
 taking her to wife, and becoming an Oneida — Her Speech 
 
CONTENTS. xi 
 
 to him — His Answer, and Refusal to save his life by such 
 means — His proud Defiance of his Enemies — The Signal 
 for the Torture given — Interrupted by the arrival of a 
 Scout with the news of the advance and close proximity 
 of the Wappanachi, in force equal to their own — Their 
 Apprehension — The Speech of War Hawk, to animate 
 them — He directs Tawerkai with twenty followers to 
 torture Conshomon, whUe the rest engage the enemy, and 
 marches the whole baud to meet their foes — Tawerkai 
 approaches the Prisoner, seizes a brand, and ia about to 
 commence the Torture, when he ia struck by the Great 
 Serpent and killed — The Astonishment of the Oneidas, 
 and their Attack on the Serpent's baud, . . . .66 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 The Serpent's approach to his friend described — Gets near 
 the Camp of his Foes, and while concealed obtains a 
 View of the Proceedings of his Enemies — His Feelings 
 on seeing the approach of the Mohawks — On Consho- 
 mon's being brought and bound to the Stake — The Inter- 
 ference of Pearly Dew — Conshomon's Refusal of her 
 Proffers, and Defiance of his Enemies — The Serpent's 
 approach, disguised with his friends as Mohawks — The 
 Signal to the "Wappanachi — Their Reply — ^War Eagle's 
 Speech — The Furious Onset of the Lenape — The Rout 
 of the Allies— The Battle at the Stake— The Triumph of 
 the Lenape — The pursuit of their Foes, which is at last 
 checked by the approach of a numerous force of the 
 
Xll CONTENTS. 
 
 allied Tribes — The return of the Wappanachi towards 
 their Home — They stop at the approach of Night for food 
 and rest — Conshomon and the Serpent spend a part of 
 the night in conversation on the day's work and some 
 Incidents of their former Lives — Pearly Dew comes in 
 the night to destroy herself in the Lake close by — Her 
 Lamentation and Address to Manitou — Plunges into the 
 Lake, and is rescued by Conshomon and the Serpent — 
 Their discourse on the occasion — She accompanies them 
 Home — Her reception by Conshomon's wife — The con- 
 sultation of the Allies on their future proceedings — The 
 impossibility of their being urged to continue the war at 
 present — Messengers sent to negotiate a peace — Which 
 is agreed to by the Lenape — The Oneida youths try to 
 get Pearly Dew to return — But in vain — At length the 
 Serpent wins her for his bride, and the piece concludes 
 with a description of their happiness, and that of Con- 
 shomon and his bride. 
 The Tree invites the woodman to come some other time, and 
 he will give him another legend, . . . . .81 
 
THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 ITS LEGENDS. 
 
 TREE. 
 
 Stay, woodmau, stay thy cruel hand, 
 And strike me not another blow ; 
 
 Withhold that fearful flaming brand, 
 "With which thou'st laid my brethren low. 
 
 And ere thou tak'st my life away, 
 With which intent thou'rt hither come. 
 
 Attend to what I have to say 
 In mitigation of my doom. 
 
 Once we a noble family were ; 
 In numbers, thousands we could tell ; 
 2 
 
14 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 As tall, as straight, as neat, as fair, 
 As comely, as your proudest belle. 
 
 In undisturbed repose we slept-; 
 
 Trouble we did not know, for then 
 Beneath our shade had never stepped 
 
 The hateful feet of civilized men. 
 
 But since we've known your hated race, 
 No peace or comfort have we known ; 
 
 Of joy or hope, no single trace 
 Is left for us, but all are flown. 
 
 I've seen you cut my brethren down. 
 By all the hellish furies led, 
 
 Till o'er the earth, for miles around. 
 Your marks of desolation spread. 
 
 Then what the axe had spared, the fire. 
 As though 'twas not enough to kill, 
 
 Displayed your everlasting ire. 
 That after death continued still. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 15 
 
 Now why is this ? what have we done 
 That you should be our constant foes ? 
 
 To us, at least, it is, unknown. 
 Speak, if there's one of you that knows ! 
 
 What, silent ! then we're wronged, 'tis plain : 
 You know we never injured you. 
 
 Of rank injustice we complain, 
 And you by silence own 'tis true. 
 
 Again, for me : I am your friend ; 
 
 I serve you with a ready will ; 
 Whene'er I could your wants attend, 
 
 I fever did, and shall do still. 
 
 How oft beneath the burning sun 
 You've sought my cool refreshing shade ! 
 
 How oft, when sudden storms have come. 
 My arms for you a shelter made ! 
 
 The great, the noble, and the wise, 
 Towards me would have but one desire : 
 
16 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 A tree of sucli a noble size 
 
 They'd keep for others to admire. 
 
 A raonument of bygone days, 
 
 I've kept the place where now I grow ; 
 
 And, over all, my head did raise 
 Above a thousand years ago. 
 
 What mighty changes in that space ! 
 
 What revolutions on the earth ! 
 What strange events have taken place ! 
 
 What wonders ! since I date my birth ! 
 
 Of these I have laid up a store, 
 And at your service they shall be ; 
 
 When you would think on days of yore 
 Come sit beneath the Hemlock Tree. 
 
 In every branch I have a tongue, 
 I have a voice in every breeze ; 
 
 And when I speak to old or young, 
 My aim is to instruct and please. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 17 
 
 There's scarce a place of any note, 
 
 On th' Eastern Continent's wide plains, 
 
 But they some monument have got. 
 Some ancient relic's last remains. 
 
 Now these they ever sacred hold, 
 Preserve them with the greatest care, 
 
 That strangers may the sight behold, 
 Posterity the relic share. 
 
 With you these monuments are rare, 
 With you indeed the country's new ; 
 
 To S'ature you indebted are 
 For all that older is than you. 
 
 But blush not you that 'tis the case, 
 
 Nature will never be outdone ; 
 Her monuments no art can raise. 
 
 From her no laurels can be won. 
 
 Her monuments throughout the land, 
 Since Earth from Chaos sprung to light, 
 
 2* 
 
18 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Have stood, and shall forever stand, 
 Till Earth again returns to night. 
 
 Your Southern hills that reach the sky, 
 And in the West each inland sea ; 
 
 Niagara's Falls, whose fame stands high : 
 At Garrattsville your Hemlock Tree. 
 
 And though I am but little known. 
 The time is coming fast, I see, 
 
 "When strangers from afar will roam. 
 To take a look at even me. 
 
 For it was only yesternight 
 
 I overheard a poet say. 
 That he on me some lines would write, 
 
 And to the printer send his lay. 
 
 Now if the press its power and skill 
 Employs, to lift me into fame, — 
 
 And I'm inclined to think it will, — 
 I then shall have a deathless name. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 19 
 
 Besides, I am but in my bloom, 
 
 No signs of age in me appear; 
 And who knows wbat I may become 
 
 If spared, — I'm growing every year ! 
 
 ■WOODMAN. 
 
 Stay, hold thy peace ; thy prayer is heard ! 
 
 Argue thy cause no more with me. 
 For here I pledge my sacred word 
 
 No farther harm shall come to thee. 
 
 'Tis true, I've cut thy brethren down, 
 And would have done the same to thee ; 
 
 But may I meet with Fortune's frown 
 K e'er I hurt the Hemlock Tree. 
 
 JSTo ! stand thou still, as stood thou hast 
 Above a thousand years gone by : 
 
 A shelter from the stormy blast, 
 A shade beneath the burning skj'. 
 
 But give me in my turn a plea : 
 
 That thou wouldst open up thy store, 
 
20 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 And issue to the world througli me, 
 A portion of thy ancient lore. 
 
 Some history of former days, — 
 Some legendary tale unfold, 
 
 That happened 'neath thy lofty gaze, 
 Instructive to both young and old. 
 
 TREE. 
 
 Thanks, friend ! and what return I may, 
 In gratitude for life preserved, 
 
 I here will make ; but thou must say, 
 Of all that ever I observed, 
 
 What portion I shall now relate, — 
 Some public or some private theme. 
 
 Pertaining to a tribe or state. 
 Or to some individual name. 
 
 Full oft beneath my shade hath held 
 Some powerful tribe its council fire. 
 
 And what I may not have beheld, 
 I've heard from many an aged sire. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 21 
 
 Full oft some bold heroic chief, 
 
 To love of fame his tribe would raise, 
 
 In words of fire ; and full, though brief. 
 
 Some would he blame, and some would praise. 
 
 And oft the poet named before. 
 
 Close at my feet would take his place ; 
 
 And many a book of ancient lore 
 
 He'd read, and wondrous matters trace. 
 
 WOODMAN. 
 
 Nay, please thyself; for well I ween 
 Whate'er thou choosest to impart, 
 
 Of all that is or may have been, 
 "Will yield a pleasure to my heart. 
 
 TREE. 
 
 "Well, listen then, and I will tell 
 "What, centuries ago, befell 
 The Indian race — their love, their "hate. 
 Their courage, wisdom, hapless fate ; 
 
22 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Their manners, customs, way of life ; 
 
 Their hunting feats, their deadly strife ; 
 
 Their virtues, start not, even they 
 
 Had real virtues, in their way. 
 
 And some of them might well compare 
 
 With all that have been or that are, — 
 
 The far-off sons of Greece or Rome, 
 
 Or those more modern nearer home. 
 
 "Whate'er of Hector may be said, 
 
 Achilles, Ajax, Diomed, 
 
 Or Rome's proud sons that ruled the world, 
 
 And kings and states to ruin hurled. 
 
 May of the red man too be told, 
 
 As you shall presently behold. 
 
 Then what the Indian says is true, 
 
 He never vaunts what he can do ; 
 
 He lets his actions tell his fame. 
 
 And from his deeds he gets his name, — 
 
 His name he gets for what he's done, 
 
 ISTor gets that name till fairly won. 
 
AND ITS LEOENDS. 23 
 
 THE LEGEND. 
 
 PAET I. 
 
 'Tis now four hundred years or near, 
 
 A tribe of Indians settled here ; 
 
 That tribe could count a thousand men 
 
 Such as will ne'er be seen again. 
 
 Alas, they've suffered such decay 
 
 That sires and sons have passed away. 
 
 From Mississippi's banks they came. 
 
 And Wappanachi was their name. 
 
 Fathers of all the tribes around. 
 
 They owned a vast extent of ground. 
 
 That reached the Hudson in the east, — 
 
 To the Potomac's banks at least. 
 
 A nobler, more heroic race. 
 
 Were never found in any place. 
 
 In war, they fought whilst they had breath, 
 
 And never yielded but to death. 
 
 In peace, their milder virtues shone, — 
 
 Their hands, their heads, their hearts were one. 
 
 They lived in harmony and joy. 
 
 Fast bound by every friendly tie ; 
 
24 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 And though your whiter race lay claim 
 
 To greater powers and greater fame, 
 
 The red man, to his teachings true. 
 
 Does what he thinks is right. Do you ? 
 
 Your moral code, by far the best 
 
 "With which mankind were ever blessed, 
 
 How oft,- alas ! without a blush. 
 
 How oft, beneath your feet you crush ! 
 
 Good laws, if much by vices stained, 
 
 Are worse than bad laws well maintained ; 
 
 Then let enlightened vice away. 
 
 And good, though erring, with us stay. 
 
 Enough ! you now know what I mean, 
 
 So back I'll hasten to my theme ; 
 
 And will henceforth, with heart and might, 
 
 Denounce what's wrong, uphold what's right; 
 
 And with what powers within me lay 
 
 Pursue a plain but honest way. 
 
 The chief that o'er this tribe held sway, 
 And whom the rest well pleased obey, 
 Of stature tall, of lofty mien, 
 His glance was, as the eagle's, keen ; 
 
AND ITS LKGENDS. 25 
 
 His soul disdained the earth he trod ; 
 He owned no master hut his God. 
 His name, "War Eagle, for his might, 
 And foes he'd overcome in fight. 
 Bold as the king of beasts, no fear 
 Entered his breast when foes were near. 
 But when at length his battles fought, 
 In milder mood his home he sought, 
 He still would watch each new alarm, 
 To keep his tribe from every harm ; 
 And such his ever- watchful care. 
 His tribe feared nothing he being there. 
 A warrior all his life he'd been. 
 And fifty years or more had seen. 
 In short, to sum up all in brief, 
 His matchless worth had made him chief. 
 His tent, the centre of his band, 
 Stood on that rising knoll of land 
 Thtit lies a little north of you. 
 And over all commands a view. 
 "Within that tent, its folds inclose 
 The scalps of full two hundred foes, 
 3 
 
26 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Whom, when engaged in mortal strife, 
 "War Eagle's arm bereft of life. 
 
 Some other chiefs, and chiefs of might. 
 Equal in council and in fight, 
 Of dauntless heart, of virtues rare. 
 Might with the chief in fame compare : 
 The Eagle Eye, that knew no fear ; 
 The Ready Hand, the Bounding Deer, 
 The Beaver, persevering, bold ; 
 And the Great Serpent, much extolled, — 
 But Where's the use, or where's the gain, 
 Should I each individual name. 
 Where all alike could only be 
 Warlike and bold, heroic, free. 
 
 Their enemies, for such they had, 
 Alas, 'tis this that makes me sad, — ■ 
 That men should live in deadly hate. 
 And work themselves so dire a fate ; 
 For had they all as one combined, 
 And in one bond been firmly joined. 
 Your race had here no footing gained. 
 Or else that footing not maintained. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS, 27 
 
 Their enemies, a powerful band, — 
 
 East, west, and north, on every hand, — 
 
 Five mighty tribes together joined 
 
 In one fell purpose ; all combined 
 
 To harass, slay, exterminate, 
 
 The Wappanachi, small and great. 
 
 For each, subdued in former fight. 
 
 Had learned the "Wappanachi's might. 
 
 And knew that further to contend, 
 
 Their hopes of vengeance sure must end. 
 
 Each had been forced to move away, 
 
 And leave in undisputed sway 
 
 Their stronger foe ; yet hating still 
 
 Their conqueror, as men always will. 
 
 For, call it Providence or fate, 
 
 The conquered still their victors hate ; 
 
 And very easy 'tis to show 
 
 The wise Creator made it so. 
 
 That every nation, people, tongue, 
 
 Might help the weak against the strong, — 
 
 The weak being right, and the strong wrong. 
 
 Look through the earth in every age, 
 At the world's memory, History's page : 
 
28 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 "What is the lesson there we read ? 
 
 "What proud Amhition's constant meed? 
 
 E'en where successful, what his boast ? 
 
 What all his profit ? what his cost ? 
 
 Ala^ ! his flourish of an hour 
 
 Is gone, with all his wealth and power ! 
 
 While all the murders that he's done 
 
 Are waiting for him, every one. 
 
 Till the great reckoning day shall come. 
 
 Sesostris, on the Egyptian throne, 
 Conquering the world, as far as known, 
 Wading through tears and groans and blood: 
 Say, was it for his country's good ? 
 Alas ! in one short generation 
 They almost ceased to be a nation ; 
 While he, no power to kill being left, 
 Himself, of his own life bereft. 
 
 The Babylonian king the next : 
 What vaunting pride ! what vain pretext ! 
 His word all nations must obey, 
 And all must to him tribute pay ; 
 His kingdom's end came on so fast, 
 That one man saw it, first and last ! 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 29 
 
 The next the Mede and Persian line : 
 Raised, Cyrus, by no hand but thine ; 
 Its mighty power by thee begun, 
 "Was sunk to nothing by thy son ! 
 
 Next Alexander, meteor-like. 
 Starts iip at once, the world to fright ; 
 And, as a meteor, scarcely seen 
 Till gone, as though he'd never been. 
 And but for widespread desolation, 
 We'd neither known him or his nation. 
 
 Next count the Caesars, in their day, 
 Holding o'er all the world the sway ; 
 And while they're shedding seas of blood, 
 Doing, by far, more harm than good. 
 
 And still in History's page we trace. 
 Their followers, though a smaller race. 
 That ruled the world with crimson hand. 
 And scattered misery o'er the land. 
 And the conclusion is most true : 
 If all Ambition's bloody crew 
 Had timely in their birth b^en slain, 
 'Twould to the world have been a gain. 
 3* 
 
30 
 
 'Tis also true, in every age, 
 Heaven did a war against them wage. 
 And e'en the red man, truth must state. 
 If such his conduct, such his fate ; 
 And "Wappanachi's conquering force 
 Had many nations made their foes : 
 The Senecas, a mighty band ; 
 The Onondaguas, strong in hand ; 
 The Oneidas, equal with the best ; 
 The Mohawks, not behind the rest ; 
 And the Cayugas, brave and bold. 
 Two thousand men, and scarcely told. 
 Did all with one accord unite, 
 And vowed, by every Indian rite, 
 That war's grim hatchet they would raise ; 
 And with the AVappauachi wage 
 A war of such fierce desperation, 
 That not a warrior of that nation 
 Should live, hereafter to proclaim 
 By whom was wrought their loss and shame. 
 Blows had been struck, and warriors slain 
 On eith&r side, and captives ta'en ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 31 
 
 But in a general fight, as yet, 
 These hostile foes had never met ; 
 Though signs on every hand appear 
 To indicate that time as near, 
 And what would sooner bring it on 
 Was capturing great Conshomon. 
 This brave, not dreaming of the war, 
 Had with some others wandered far. 
 Some days before, to hunt for game, 
 And being loaded, homeward came ; 
 "Were, by some fierce Oneidas met, 
 Of thrice their number, and beset 
 By all the din of war's alarms, 
 And all the force of Indian arms ; 
 Before, behind, and all around, 
 A host of cruel foes were found, 
 With tomahawk and glittering knife. 
 And clouds of arrows charged with life ; 
 These at the astonished foe they fly. 
 And full one-third they thus destroy. 
 Then haste with tomahawk in hand 
 To extirpate the little band. 
 
32 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 But Conshomon, though in surprise 
 At this assault, was brave and wise ; 
 And tried his followers to cheer, 
 With voice and heart devoid of fear. 
 
 " My friends, though at advantage ta'en, 
 And many of our warriors slain. 
 Yet, as from hence we cannot fly, 
 And do whate'er we will, must die, 
 Let each one to his tribe prove true. 
 And show what the Lenape can do. 
 These dogs, though to our one they're four, 
 "We've beaten at such odds before." 
 
 Then rushing on the nearest foe, 
 He dashed his brains out at a blow ; 
 Another, in a moment slain, 
 "Was stretched beside him on the plain. 
 A third ! a fourth ! nay, six or seven, 
 Were sent by him to hell or heaven ; 
 And well his brethren at his side 
 Their arms upon their foes employed, 
 Till, in less time than I can say. 
 Above a score around them lay 
 That ne'er would join another fray. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 83 
 
 The Oneidas, one and all aghast 
 To see their numbers thinned so fast 
 The fearful arm of Conshomon, 
 "Whose blows were each a death to one, 
 "Were just about to flee away 
 When stopped by haughty Tawerkai, — 
 A warrior known by every one, 
 And who had thus far led them on. 
 
 ""What!" said he, "warriors, can it be 
 That you're about to turn and flee 
 From such a handful of our foes ! 
 How then their utmost force oppose ? 
 Or who can bear the cutting gibes 
 That we must meet from our own tribes, 
 "When, four to one, we're forced to fly ! 
 "Who's he that would not sooner die ? 
 Before that shame shall reach to me, 
 A thousand deaths shall welcome be ; 
 And this, the leader of their band, 
 I now will try with my own hand. 
 Strike then for fame, at honor's call, 
 And one bold rush o'erwhelms them all." 
 
34 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Then, with a yell of vengeful hate. 
 Like some grim demon charged with fate,- 
 Fronting Conshomon's force he stood, 
 And vowed he drink his heart's best blood. 
 "Dog of a Wappanachi, come ! 
 Tawerkai calls thee to thy doom ; 
 Who hopes this day thy scalp shall grace 
 His tent, and after, all thy race 
 Shall meet destruction from his band. 
 And thus be swept from off the land." 
 Then at Conshomon's head he threw 
 His tomahawk with aim so true, 
 That one inch lower had it sped, 
 His foe'd been numbered with the dead. 
 Conshomon heard his sneering taunt, 
 And answered thus the idle vaunt : 
 " 0, could our nation's quarrel be 
 Decided thus, 'twixt thee and me. 
 How soon thy bragging tribe should know 
 "What 'tis to be our nation's foe ! 
 But thou, the self-named Tawerkai, 
 "Where is thy boasted courage, pray, 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 35 
 
 That never yet a battle fouglit, 
 Unless, at disadvantage caught, 
 Thy foes were nearly half destroyed, 
 And thou hadst four to one beside ? 
 
 " Father of all. Great Manitou ! 
 Grant me thine aid, and grant it now : 
 If to thy teachings I am true. 
 And ever tried thy will to do, 
 grant this wretched Tawerkai 
 May end his life and crimes to-day." 
 His tomahawk then raising high, 
 Swift at his foe he let it fly. 
 Tawerkai saw the weapon come. 
 And stooping, shunned the threatened doom ; 
 For, had he boldly stood his ground. 
 His life that weapon sure had found ; 
 As 'twasj it struck one of his train, 
 And cleft his shaven skull in twain. 
 Then from his belt Conshomoq. drew 
 His knife, and at Tawerkai flew. 
 Tawerkai waited, nothing loth, — 
 The rest, scarce breathing, look on both. 
 
36 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 All knew that on that struggle's end, 
 
 Their death or victory must depend. 
 
 And well these warriors proved their fame 
 
 That day was not an empty name. 
 
 Each with his left the other's right 
 
 Hand caught, and held with all his might, — 
 
 For each well knew that gleaming knife, 
 
 If not held fast, would take his life ; 
 
 His left foot each before him placed ; 
 
 His right on th' earth he firmly braced ; 
 
 Then pulled, and strained, and twisted round, 
 
 And strove his enemy to wound. 
 
 Long stood they thus, and firmly poised, — 
 
 Each by the other paralyzed, — 
 
 Each looked his foeman in the eye. 
 
 While thus their arms were raised on high, 
 
 Each from his eyeballs shot such fire 
 
 And hate, as showed his soul's desire : 
 
 In every glance a threatened death, — 
 
 A curse in every muttered breath. 
 
 At length Conshonion's strength of limb 
 
 Had gained the victory for him ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 37 
 
 For Tawerkai, o'ercome at last, 
 "Was giving way and sinking fast ; 
 Conshomon then, with one vast throw. 
 Prostrated to the earth his foe ; 
 And scowling, furious o'er him lay. 
 But could not yet his foeman slay. 
 For to his arm clung Tawerkai, 
 And that with such a deathful gripe, 
 Conshomon could not use his knife. 
 In eiforts fearful to behold. 
 He tugs, he tears, to loose his hold ; 
 Such efforts soon must end the strife, 
 Then farewell, Tawerkai, to life. 
 Th' Oneidas, seeing thus their brave. 
 In numbers rush his life to save. 
 A dozen of them stand around 
 With knife and tomahawk, to wound ; 
 But yet, so quick the changing fray. 
 Each fears his blow his friend may slay : 
 So, putting up their knives, they seize, 
 And sundering thus, their grip release. 
 4 
 
38 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Conshomon's weapon from his hands 
 Is snatched, and thus unarmed he stands. 
 Tawerkai, with recovered hreath, 
 Preserves him for a future death ; 
 Commands that to their camp they hie, 
 Where, at the stake, their foe shall die. 
 
 The "Wappanachi saw with grief 
 The capture of their mighty chief, — 
 Knowing all effort would be vain. 
 So many of their numhers slain, — 
 Although for every one they'd lost. 
 Full thrice that number it had cost ; 
 Their enemies, yet three to one. 
 The odds were just as they begun, 
 Besides the loss of Conshomon. 
 
 That chief a well-known signal gave. 
 That each should try his life to save, 
 And to their friends the tidings take 
 That preparation they might make 
 The Oneida forces to repel, — 
 Avenge his death ! avenge it well. 
 So, while th' Oneidas all intent 
 Are on Conshomon's capture bent. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 39 
 
 They start, and through the woods they fly, 
 Pursued by many a hellish cry ; 
 And some, alas ! are overta'en, 
 And whensoever caught are slain ; 
 And some there are their foes escape, 
 And reach the camp of the Lenape. 
 Then, with a plaintive, wailing sound, 
 That teaches all the tribe around 
 The deaths, the sorrows, they have found, 
 A cry for every comrade slain. 
 Another for the captive ta'en, 
 And then a loud triumphant yell, 
 Which, oft repeated, serves to tell 
 How many of their foemen fell. 
 In haste the tribe en masse appear 
 From every side, the news to hear. 
 How different is that news received ! 
 Some are enraged and some aggrieved. 
 Each warrior slain had some dear friend 
 That feels his loss and mourns his end ; 
 "While others, with indignant ire, 
 Are calling loud for vengeance dire, 
 
40 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 And every one to council call 
 
 The chiefs and warriors, one and all ; 
 
 And messengers without delay. 
 
 On every hand are sent away, 
 
 To call a meeting the next day 
 
 Of every Wappanachi friend ; 
 
 And, each equipped for war, attend 
 
 Next morning, ere the rising sun 
 
 A half hour of his race had run. 
 
 "War Eagle then appointed scouts 
 
 To outlay on the various routes 
 
 That towards the Oneida camp might lead, 
 
 And give them warning should there need. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Next morning, ere a glimmering ray 
 Erom Sol's bright beams had chased away 
 The darkness from the earth below. 
 The Wappanachi made a show 
 Of full five hundred men, as keen 
 For fight as e'er before were seen. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 41 
 
 Of lofty stature, stalwart frame, 
 Led by their various chiefs they came ; 
 And as they came their place they took 
 Fast by that little bubbling brook. 
 Which, for its finny tribe long famed. 
 Trout Creek has by your race been named ; 
 And where the limpid waters meet 
 They stretch'd along the larger creek. 
 Until they almost reach'd my feet. 
 Then from each little band a few. 
 In council wise, in courage true. 
 For stern deliberation here 
 Beneath my ample shade appear ; 
 And taking seats upon the ground. 
 Await in silence most profound 
 The movement of some ancient sage 
 "Whose words will all their hearts engage. 
 ITor will a single sound or word 
 From a young warrior there be heard 
 Till every^ elder sage has done, 
 Or specially he's called upon ; 
 4* 
 
42 
 
 Then, with a modest grace, unknown 
 Amongst your race, he gives his own 
 Opinions ; and his words are few, 
 Not ambiguous nor untrue. 
 
 At length an ancient chieftain rose, — 
 A terror once to all hisfoes ; 
 But now, so many years had flown 
 Across his path, 't had bowed him down. 
 "Brothers, my fighting days are o'er," 
 He said, " and I can fight no more ; 
 But if to me the strength were given 
 That once I owned, I vow to heaven, 
 Before another hour were gone 
 I'd fly to rescue Conshomon ; 
 Avenge our many warriors slain. 
 And wipe from off our name the stain 
 That must hereafter to us cling. 
 And with envenomed poison sting 
 Our future life, if tamely Ave 
 Allow such things as these to be. 
 Is there a son of all our race 
 Will give to the Oneida place ; 
 
AND .ITS LEGENDS, 43 
 
 "Who would not yield Ms heart's best blood, 
 
 Than yield the freedom of the wood ? 
 
 Shall the Oneida's skulking train 
 
 Exult o'er our brave warriors slain ? 
 
 With us 't has ne'er been so before, — 
 
 At least for sixty years or more, — 
 
 That through the woods we might not roam 
 
 Where no Oneida dared to come ; 
 
 And why they now are bolder grown, 
 
 To me, at least, it is unknown. 
 
 If the Lenape be yet our name, — 
 
 If we have not outlived our fame. 
 
 Then tell me, brethren, tell me why 
 
 The Oneida dares our tribe defy." 
 
 He ended, and in wonder sate, 
 
 And for an answer seemed to wait. 
 
 When, by his side another, aged 
 As he, the warriors thus engaged : 
 
 "Well has the Turtle spoke," said he, 
 "And I to all he says agree. 
 But 'tis not wonderful to me 
 That the Oneidas bolder grow. 
 And think our tribes to overthrow : 
 
44 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 They long have known, as well they might, 
 
 With half our force they could not fight ; 
 
 And hopeless ever to regain, 
 
 Alone, the lands from them we've ta'en, 
 
 A flying rumor says, of late 
 
 With other tribes they've linked their fate : 
 
 The Onondaguas, not a few, 
 
 Cayugas, Senecas,' Mohawks, too! 
 
 These, with th' Oneidas, form a band 
 
 Eesolved to drive us off the land ; 
 
 Or, with th' exterminating knife, 
 
 Eob each and every one of life. 
 
 Thus rumor, what this morn I hear 
 
 Confirms its truth, it would appear. 
 
 The Mink, the subtlest of our tribe. 
 
 And swiftest too of foot beside, 
 
 Was with Conshomon when attacked. 
 
 And afterwards the Oneidas tracked 
 
 Until he saw them in their tent. 
 
 Whence messengers were quickly sent. 
 
 Who took their way west, north, and east,— 
 
 To where these tribes sojourn, at least. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 45 
 
 And further says, he got so near 
 The Oneida camp, that he could hear 
 Some five or six, in conversation. 
 Pronounce our name with execration ; 
 And mention all those named ahove, 
 As being now upon the move. 
 And further, whensoe'er they come. 
 The "Wappanachi meets his doom. 
 Conshomon, too, alive was left 
 Till their arrival to be kept ; 
 The torturing of so great a chief, 
 The sight of all his pain and grief, 
 "Would spur them to the war begin 
 To fight, and conquering to win. 
 Thus have I told you what I know, 
 And you must tell what's best to do. 
 I never from a foe could fly. 
 And now would sooner fight and die." 
 
 He ceased ; low murmurs of applause 
 Went through the council, then a pause, 
 That ^or some'seconds had endured, 
 When Keady Hand, to wars inured. 
 
46 
 
 Essayed his thoughts in words to clothe, 
 
 And said : " For war I am not loth ; 
 
 And almost all I have to say 
 
 Is, that at once we take our way 
 
 To the Oneida dogs, and fight 
 
 Before our enemies unite ; 
 
 And if great Conshomon we'd save, — 
 
 To all our tribe how dear a brave ! — 
 
 Let some quicl^ plan be settled on, 
 
 And let us at the word begone. 
 
 No time have we for much tb say, 
 
 Nor have we time for much delay ; 
 
 For if we dally long, I fear 
 
 Our enemies will all be here ; 
 
 Then must we at great odds contend. 
 
 And home and all that's dear defend ; 
 
 Haste then and let War Eagle say 
 
 The word, and that be, march away." 
 
 He ended with impatient look. 
 His spirit no delay could brook, 
 And sate him down ; while all the rest 
 An answer found in his own breast, — 
 An echo to his thoughts expressed. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 47 
 
 War Eagle, at his call, arose 
 And said : " I will not now oppose 
 What seems to be the general voice ; 
 Alas ! to nae there seems no choice 
 But war, grim war, or there or here ; 
 And many reasons make it clear, 
 That better 'tis to attack our foes, 
 And with our might their force oppose. 
 Nor be discouraged ; oft we've beat 
 Them with less force than here we meet. 
 Though half our strength we have not here. 
 The lacking tribes will soon appear ; 
 Swift runners, sent to the utmost bound 
 Of the Lenape ; 'twill soon be found 
 That to the Wappanachi's aid 
 What efforts can be, will be made. 
 Then with what force we have, we'll try 
 To save Conshomon's life, or die. 
 Knowing your skill. Great Serpent, you 
 Will with you take a chosen few, 
 And get as near as well you may 
 Our enemies, and there outlay. 
 
48 THE nEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Your skill at hiding well we know, 
 
 And judge how near you'll reach the foe ; 
 
 "Watch all they do, and if you see 
 
 That all is quiet, quiet be ; 
 
 Our forces, with more open show. 
 
 Will, after you, approach the foe ; 
 
 And when they find us near them come. 
 
 Perhaps they'll haste Conshomon's doom. 
 
 Should this you see, with one bold push 
 
 Dash through their camp, to the captive rush, 
 
 Sever his bonds, around him stand. 
 
 And put a weapon in his hand, — 
 
 He's equal to their boldest two. 
 
 If right I judge, and so are you; 
 
 Then give us that triumphant whoop, 
 
 You use when on your foe you stoop ; 
 
 That signal heard, on every side 
 
 Their camp attacked, keeps them employed ; 
 
 "With us they'll have enough to do, 
 
 They'll have no time to think on you. 
 
 You know in this your life you risk, 
 
 But if for good you heed not this ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 49 
 
 Go, then ; and Manitou's great arm 
 Keep you and us from every harm." 
 
 He said, and turning to the rest, 
 The leader of each band addressed. 
 Encouraged them with words of praise, 
 And sent them off in various ways ; 
 Directing each one what to do, 
 Not how to do it, — that they knew ; 
 Declaring, as he urged them on, 
 "Whatever happened, he for one 
 "Would either teach the foes to yield, 
 Or leave his body on the field. 
 
 Great Serpent now is on his way 
 To where the Oneida forces lay ; 
 And all the rest have followed on 
 To save or die for Conshomon. 
 
 To Conshomon now let us turn. 
 And leave his friends his fate to mourn. 
 "While indignation lends its fire 
 To spur them on with vengeful ire, 
 That chief, with strongest withes fast bound, 
 "Whom forty of his foes surround, — 
 
50 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Enraged, so many friends lie dead, 
 
 They call for curses on his head, 
 
 As towards their camp he's captive led. 
 
 He marches on with lofty mien, 
 
 'Hov fear, nor grief in him are seen. 
 
 As some stout bison on the plain 
 
 By many vultures may be slain. 
 
 Subdued by numbers, meets his death. 
 
 And scorns his foes with his last breath. 
 
 So Conshomon's defiant air 
 
 Provokes his enemies to dare 
 
 A man to slay, and bids them try 
 
 To see a Wappanachi die. 
 
 Tells them of all their warriors slain 
 
 By him, how many scalps he's ta'en. 
 
 His enemies, enraged to hear 
 
 His taunts, his gibes, his biting sneer. 
 
 Would soon have ta'en his life away 
 
 If not restrained by Tawerkai. 
 
 He bids his friends with patience wait, — 
 
 Their foe shall perish at the stake. 
 
 Then silent through the woods they passedj 
 
 And reached the Oneida camp at last; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 51 
 
 Informed of their approach, the band 
 Full soon in crowds-around them stand. 
 When the disastrous news they hear, 
 Which fills them all with rage and fear. 
 For though a victory they've won. 
 And brought in bonds great Conshomon, 
 The cost has been full dear to them, — 
 So many of their bravest men 
 Slain by a handful of their foes. 
 Who soon will marshal all their force, 
 And, breathing bloody vengeance, haste 
 To lay their homes and country waste. 
 , A panic takes them : well they know 
 The strength and courage of their foe ; 
 That strength, that courage tried before, 
 Has cost them dear in days of yore. 
 So great their fright, they seem to hear 
 Their dreaded foe approaching near, — 
 Of all things else thus losing sight, — 
 They urge an instantaneous flight. 
 Conshomon sees and hears them too. 
 And scorns them as a cowardly crew. 
 
52 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 "Yes, fly!" lie cries, "make your escape 
 While yet you may, from the Lenape ; 
 For well I know to-morrow's sun 
 His race shall scarcely have begun, 
 Before my friends are on their way 
 Your cowardly treachery to repay. 
 Run, then, ye cowardly braggarts, run ! 
 I hear the "Wappanachi come." 
 
 His words they hear with maddening rage, 
 And furious thoughts their minds engage; 
 In curses loud they vent their hate. 
 And vow that death shall be his fate ; 
 Then crowding round their foe, they stand 
 Each with a weapon in his hand, 
 Yet hesitate to strike 'the blow. 
 Awed by the courage of their foe ; 
 "Who seems, though brought to such a state, 
 A god ! who soars above his fate. 
 And they, though filled with burning ire, 
 Yet pause, his courage to admire ; 
 For not the keenest eye could see 
 A trembling nerve ; unmoved stood he 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 53 
 
 And viewed their direful preparation, 
 Apparently, with exultation ; 
 But soon this feeling overcome, — 
 Grim death had been Conshomon's doom, 
 When th' leaders int€|rfered, to save 
 For future torture, this great brave ; 
 And called to meet, in one hour hence. 
 The chiefs, to pitch on some defence. 
 They knew the promptness of their foe : 
 Cautious and wise, but never slow. 
 Conshomon to a guarded tent 
 Was led, while they to council went. 
 When quite a similar scene took p|ace 
 As with the Wappanachi race ; 
 Each one his seat'in silence took, 
 And waited with a patient look, 
 Till some great leader of their band 
 In words should make them understand 
 What in their present state to do, — 
 For something must b« done they knew. 
 An aged chief, that much was famed 
 For wisdom, and whose tribe had named, 
 
 5* 
 
64 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 The Cunning Fox, then rose to speak. 
 Slow were his words ; his voice was weak 
 "With age ; yet reverend in debate, 
 His powers were by his tribe held great. 
 
 "Brothers," he said, "when in distress. 
 You've heard me oft my thoughts express; 
 But nothing e'er before produced 
 The strait to which we're now reduced. 
 Our enemy, a powerful fo<3. 
 As all who hear me now well know. 
 We've often fought with heretofore, 
 When they had two to one or more ; 
 Of courage true, of body stout. 
 Their warlike prowess none can doubt. 
 War Eagle, under his' command. 
 Has thrice the number of our band ; 
 With such a foe long to contend, 
 In our destruction sure must end ; 
 And wise in us 'twere then to yield, 
 And leave to them the conquered field. 
 Our neighbors all have done the same, — 
 All have submitted where they came. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. . 55 
 
 In detail, all the tribes around 
 In them a conquering foe have found ; 
 And waited all, still wait, in hope 
 The power will contie with them to cope. 
 I thought myself the time was near; 
 I think so still, and only fear 
 That this assault was immature, 
 And made ere all our plans were sure. 
 Four of these conquered tribes, in fact, 
 With us have made a firm compact; 
 And had we waited some few days, 
 "We'd seen them come by various ways, 
 Equipped for war, spirits elate. 
 Breathing of slaughter, filled with hate 
 Towards the foe ; joined with us then 
 "We'd found at least two thousand men ; 
 With these our foe must beaten be, 
 Or else let death our portion be. 
 My fear is, ere our friends appear 
 The Wappanachi will be here ;. 
 And should we have to fight alone 
 A force so much above our own, 
 
66 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Our warriors slain or overcome, 
 
 While desolation fills our home, 
 
 'No mercy will to us be shown : 
 
 This what we may expect ; yet hear 
 
 Me out, nor wholly yield to fear : 
 
 Let us, whate'er we can, .perform, 
 
 To turn or stem the coming storm. 
 
 Let messengers be sent around 
 
 To where the Oneida's friends are found. 
 
 To tell them of the war begun, 
 
 That to our aid they quickly come. 
 
 Or by delay they'll seal our doom. 
 
 Swift runners some will reach to-night, 
 
 And long before to-morrow's light, 
 
 Some warriors will be on the way 
 
 To join us in the coming fray. 
 
 And as our runners reach the rest 
 
 A martial flame will fill each breast. 
 
 And as they hear they'll swiftly fly 
 
 To conquer with us, or to die. 
 
 Our plan will be, our foes to stay 
 
 By every possible delay. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 67 
 
 You have what I advise," said he, 
 " "Which, if approved, quick let it he. 
 In promptness, safety lies for all ; 
 Delay, and death will reach ns all." 
 
 He ceased, the rest in silence wait, 
 And ponder o'er their coming fate. 
 When "War Hawk, an Oneida chief. 
 These words thereafter spoke in brief. 
 
 " What Cunning Fox so well declared. 
 Was by each one that heard him shared. 
 Each one agrees with what he says, 
 And spurns indignant all delays, 
 For what he says is strictly true : 
 Our forces match'd with their's are few. 
 A thousand men in force they count, 
 While scarce three hundred's our amount. 
 Again, they're more inured to war 
 Than any pf our warriors are ; 
 For with some of our neighbors round 
 At war they've constantly been found ; 
 And with superior numbers, they 
 Have thus far always gained the day, 
 
58 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Until intoxicated quite 
 "With victory, they think their might 
 Will beat whate'er beneath the sun 
 Against their tribe as foes may come. 
 I mention not these things through fear, 
 But that our view of them be clear. 
 The indignation of our foes 
 We must with all our force oppose. 
 Our dangers shrink if them we face ; 
 All other courses bring disgrace. 
 To Cunning Fox's words attend, 
 And some swift runners let us send 
 To summon each Oneida friend, 
 Our wives and children send away 
 Northward, to where the Mohawks lay. 
 Then to the Lenapes' whereabouts 
 We'll send some half a dozen scouts 
 To watch our enemies, and see 
 Their acts, and what their numbers be. 
 Meanwhile bethink you, in our tent, 
 To us by the Great Spirit sent, 
 A Wappanachi prisoner lies, 
 And by our sentence lives or dies. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 69 
 
 What say ye, brethren, shall be done 
 
 With him ? His name is Conshomon ; 
 
 A name we all have need to know : 
 
 Perhaps, our tribe's most deadly foe. 
 
 In every action fought as yet 
 
 Our blood his tomahawk has wet. 
 
 Alas ! to think it gives me pain, 
 
 What numbers of our tribe he's slain. 
 
 Well now at last he's in our power. 
 
 And let him die, within the hour. 
 
 By all the tortures we can name, — 
 
 The knife, the brand, the stake, the flame." 
 
 He ended, and in rage sat down. 
 His face disfigured by a frown; 
 His listeners nor by word nor look 
 Betrayed their feelings as he spoke ; 
 But when at length his words were done. 
 All seemed to threaten Conshomon. 
 They drew and raised their knives on high, 
 And instant torture was the cry ; 
 When Kattlesnake, a chief of note, 
 By gestures stayed each yelling throat ; 
 
60 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 For thougli impatient of delay, 
 Each wished to hear what he would say. 
 He, wise in council and debate, 
 Cried : " Brethren, need I say I hate 
 The prisoner ! Well you know I do. 
 And all the "Wappanachi crew. 
 If all his tribe were in my power, 
 All, all should die within the hour. 
 Such joy, at present, may not be, 
 Yet may we hope such joy to see ; 
 For if our allies come in strength. 
 We're sure to conquer them at length ; 
 And when subdued, no mercy show. 
 But deal out death to every foe. 
 But Conshomon, curst be his name. 
 And covered with eternal shame ! 
 Brothers, his life, I now declare, 
 At present, we had better spare ; 
 That, when our numerous allies come. 
 They may be witness of his doom. 
 To see his woes will do them good. 
 And whet their appetite for blood. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 61 
 
 Meanwhile, let him the gauntlet run 
 Through all our tribe ; which being done, 
 "If to the goal he make his way, 
 "We'll torture on the coming day." 
 
 He ceased ; the symptoms of applause 
 Showed Rattlesnake had gained his cause. 
 When Leaping Panther gave a call 
 That hushed the tribe to silence all ; 
 This warrior, in whom were joined 
 Agility and strength combined. 
 Had long been leader of the band, 
 By merit raised to the command. 
 Broad-shouldered, sinewy, and tall. 
 He raised his head above them all. 
 
 "Brethren," with sounding notes he cried, 
 " On what's been said you must decide. 
 And that without delay : our foe 
 Will soon be on our track, you know ; 
 When Cunning Pox his statement made, 
 Each felt our case was well portrayed ; 
 What War Hawk recommended, too, 
 Was well approved by me and you, 
 6 
 
62 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 All but the prisoner's present fate, 
 There, I agree with Kattlesnake. 
 My messengers have long been gone 
 To urge our friendly allies on ; 
 Our scouts by this are on their way, 
 To where the "Wappanachi lay. 
 To watch their motions, and inform 
 Our nation of the coming storm. 
 Now let our warriors arm for fight, 
 And all the rest prepare for flight, 
 And while we guard them from the foe, 
 Towards the Mohawks let them go ; 
 Thus shall we unencumbered be. 
 And from domestic ties be free. 
 S'ow be the prisoner Conshomon 
 Brought forth, that he the gauntlet run. 
 And, while the rest attend his fate, 
 The leaders in my tent will wait, 
 That all our plans may be matured 
 And general safety be secured." 
 
 Thus ceased the Leaping Panther ; then 
 In various groups retired the men : 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 63 
 
 The leaders to the Panther's tent 
 For further counsel instant went ; 
 A number too the camp surround 
 On every side, to guard the ground, 
 That no attempt at an escape 
 Be practised by the curst Lenape ; 
 The rest proceed, with horrid yell, 
 With savage joy, with purpose fell. 
 To where Conshomon guarded lay, 
 And seize him for an instant prey. 
 They drag him forth, and show a pole. 
 Some distance off, must be his goal, 
 Which, if he reach through all the band, 
 And on that pole but place his hand, 
 From further danger he'll be safe. 
 Till brought to perish at the stake. 
 
 Conshomon looks along the plain. 
 And views his foes with cold disdain, 
 Nor cares, if in the race he's slain. 
 For well he knew the torturing doom 
 That after this was sure to come ; 
 Yet life in him was very strong ; 
 For, though a brave, he still was young. 
 
64 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 He would not, therefore, throw away 
 His life ; for some few hours' delay- 
 Must bring his many friends this way ; 
 Then, looking on the plain, he stood, 
 And vowed he'd win, if win he could. 
 Alas ! but little chance for him. 
 Or any one, that race to win : 
 Two hundred warriors, in two rows, 
 With gleaming knives his way oppose ; 
 Full through their midst to gain the stake, 
 "While each one tries his life to take ; 
 But, knowing well his power of speed. 
 And to their motions taking heed, 
 He waits a little for some chance. 
 That towards the goal he may advance. 
 That chance arrives : some distant scout 
 Proclaims his coming with a shout ; 
 Each, for a moment, turns to hear 
 The news that may be coming near. 
 , Conshomon heard and marked it too, 
 And as he heard it off he flew. 
 Great Manitou ! can such things be ! 
 "What power ! what speed of foot had he ! 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 65 
 
 Just like a meteor past he flew ! 
 
 Passed half his foes before they knew 
 
 He'd started ! Then they try in vain 
 
 To overtake him on the plain ; 
 
 A few more hounds, outstripped the whole, 
 
 And safe he stands beside the pole. 
 
 His enemies, who scarce believed 
 That such a feat had been achieved. 
 Though each one thirsted for his blood. 
 Yet held their sacred compact good ; 
 So back they led him to his tent, 
 And wondering viewed him as he went. 
 Prepared to guard him through the night, 
 And left him safe till morning light. 
 
 Now night, with all her sombre train 
 Hath overspread both hill and plain. 
 And silence over all around 
 Doth reign in majesty profound. 
 And tired nature seeks its bed, 
 And rests in sleep its weary head. 
 
 "Well might a stranger now suppose 
 That peace and safety, here repose 
 
66 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Safe from the knives of bloody foes ; 
 
 But 'tis not so : beneath the sky 
 
 How many hundred warriors lie, 
 
 Vigorous in health, and, full of life. 
 
 Shall mingle in to-morrow's strife, 
 
 And ere to-morrow's set of sun. 
 
 Shall with life's cares and joys have done. 
 
 PART III. 
 
 The morn arrives ; life's busy hum 
 With the Oneidas has begun. 
 In groups they gath.er, every one 
 Except the guards of Conshomon. 
 These, keeping watch throughout the night. 
 Have been released with morning light ; 
 And each one to his tent addressed 
 His steps, to gain a little rest. 
 In groups the tribe employ the day, 
 In talking of the coming fray. 
 While each one with efficient care 
 Their instruments of war prepare. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS.. 67 
 
 The prisoner in his tent meanwhile 
 Eegards with a contemptuous smile, 
 Whatever number of his foes 
 The apertures of his tent disclose ; 
 For, every added hour he lives, 
 Reviving hope his bosom gives ; 
 For, though he may not save his life, 
 Or live to see the coming strife. 
 Yet, when the "Wappanachi come, 
 They'll terribly avenge his doom ; 
 And while he lives he still may hope, 
 And thoughts of an escape find scope. 
 
 Thus one-third portion of the day 
 By various means has passed away, 
 When, coming to'ards the tents, are seen 
 Two hundred men of warlike mien ; 
 These are the Mohawks' men of might, 
 To help the Oneidas in the fight. 
 These, of their friends the nearest tribe, — 
 The others farther off reside, — 
 Have come at once, at honor's call. 
 And soon may be expected all. 
 
68 
 
 "With shouts of joy the wood resounds, 
 "Which echo from the rocks rebounds. 
 Some run to fetch, with willing speed, 
 "Whate'er refreshments they may need ; 
 And when they've eat and drank, they tell 
 "Whatever thus far has befell ; 
 That, animated by the hope. 
 Helped by their allies, they might cope 
 "With their curst "Wappanachi foe, 
 Assault and beat and overthrow. 
 Thus hoping, led by Tawerkai, 
 Some warriors the preceding day 
 Had met their enemies in fight. 
 And slain, or put them all to flight. 
 Except their leader, who, in bands, 
 "Was now a prisoner in their hands. 
 Decreed their coming to await, 
 And now to perish at the stake. 
 Thus, while the Oneidas victory claim. 
 Their own sad loss they do not name ; 
 Nor hint, as they their foes deride. 
 How great the odds were on their side. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 69 
 
 But blind the Mohawks with the thought 
 Their victory has been cheaply bought. 
 
 Their allies hear, and with loud cries 
 And bounding leaps, express their joys. 
 Oft have they heard his name with dread, 
 And o'er their ranks a terror spread ; 
 But now a* prisoner, in their power. 
 They hope to see the flames devour 
 His very life, and glut their eyes 
 With tortures savages alone devise. 
 
 Nov^ to a stake, drove in the ground, 
 Conshomon's led and safely bound ; 
 His hands behind securely tied, 
 All hope of life is thus destroyed ; 
 Tet still undauntedly he stood, 
 While heaps of fagots from the wood 
 Are piled breast-high around the stake. 
 And brands are brought the fire to make. 
 All from their chief the signal wait, 
 So pregnant with Conshomon's fate ; 
 But ere he issues his commands, 
 A female by the prisoner stands, 
 
70 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 And by an ancient custom, claims 
 To save Conshomon from tlie flames, 
 If he'd become her husband now, 
 And fealty to the tribe avow. 
 Then turning round, she fixed her gaze 
 Full on the prisoner's manly face. 
 And seemed with all her power, to pray 
 His full consent without delay. 
 While all around him anxious wait 
 The fiat of a brave so great ; 
 For, could they, as a friend, but claim 
 A warrior so well known to fame. 
 Each one was ready to confess, 
 His name would bring them sure success 
 In the great fight approaching near : 
 If led by him what could they fear. 
 
 Conshomon, as before was said. 
 Undaunted to the stake was led ; 
 And there, surrounded by his foes, 
 A single glance served to disclose 
 The Mohawk band in all their might, 
 Full armed and ready for the fight. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 71 
 
 It was not for himself lie grieved, 
 When these fresh forces he perceived ; 
 'Twas for the friends he'd left at home, 
 That to his rescue sure would come ; 
 For much he feared this mighty host 
 "Would overcome their feehle force. 
 Then death, from whom there's no escape, 
 "Would crush the homes of the Lenape. 
 O, how he wished he could be free. 
 And once more with his warriors be ! 
 How would he fight ! what fearful blows 
 He'd strike amongst his dastard foes ! 
 Thus wild his thoughts tumultuous grew. 
 As he surveyed the bloody crew, 
 That roused the lion in his soul, 
 "Which all his strength could scarce control. 
 But calmer thoughts at length assuage 
 And temper down his boiling rage ; 
 He knows his tribe, so well renowned 
 In fight, for wisdom are profound. 
 He trusts "War Eagle's skill to know 
 The augmented forces of the foe ; 
 
72 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 ITor doubts, should they in force agree 
 In numbers, what the result will be. 
 And though what efforts would be made 
 To rescuejiim would be delayed. 
 Yet ten times would he die ere they 
 Should rashly suffer in the fray. 
 
 Thus for his thoughts, when at his side 
 The female to her brethren cried, 
 In words that we before have told. 
 While all are waiting to behold 
 How they affect a brave so great. 
 Who holds in his own hands his fate. 
 For should he yield to her desire. 
 Burst are his bonds, quenched is the fire ; 
 For all feel bound to own the sway 
 Of old traditions, and obey. 
 He turns to view the female near, 
 - Whose accents sound so sweet and clear ; 
 And sure the form that met his sight 
 Could scarce be seen without delight. 
 Her youthful beauty, air, and mien. 
 Were such as earth has seldom seen ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 73 
 
 Dark were her eyes, and dark her hair, 
 Which overspread her shoulders bare ; ' 
 "Whilst every feature of her face 
 Some lovely cherub seemed to grace ; 
 And in her eyes, which on him gaze, , 
 A thousand cupids seemed to blaze. 
 O'er all her form perfection grew ; 
 Her beauty named her Pearly Dew. 
 The bravest youths of all her tribe 
 To captivate her heart had tried ; 
 But all their efforts were in vain, — 
 Cold to thern all did she remain. 
 But when Conshomon she beheld. 
 That coldness was at once expelled ; 
 And well his manly form excused 
 The feeling through her heart diffused. 
 His proud, majestic, powerful frame. 
 From Nature's choicest model came ; 
 His bearing bold, his dauntless eye. 
 Seemed all his foemen to defy. 
 There centred all that love requires. 
 And all that woman most admires. 
 1 
 
74 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Thus gazing in each other's eyes, 
 They wondering stand in sweet surprise ; 
 "When Pearly Dew the silence broke, 
 And thus in silvery accents spoke : 
 
 " Say, Conshomon, shall Pearly Dew 
 Become your faithful slave and true ! 
 Say, shall my knife your bondage free, 
 And will you give yourself to me ? 
 I'll make your bed, prepare your food, — 
 Do all I can to do you good. 
 Say, will you give yourself to me, 
 And henceforth of my people be ?" 
 
 Conshomon hears; .her words appear 
 Like softest music in his ear. 
 Each word, each look, a shield to charm 
 From death, from danger, and from harm. 
 But when at length her tribe she names, 
 His heart is filled with raging flames ; 
 Her charms, that moved him so before. 
 Are gone, and he's a man once more. 
 But Conshomon could not be rude 
 To one that meant to do him good ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 75 
 
 Besides, at home he'd left a wife 
 Dearer to him by far, than life ; 
 And as he thinks of that fond home, 
 His heart with grief is overcome ; 
 But lest his enemies should think 
 Their signs of torture made him shrink, 
 He quelled his inward grief, and said, 
 " Pearly Dew, most lovely maid, 
 I thank you for your good intent, 
 Which towards me was kindly meant ; 
 But yet you ask what cannot be : 
 'No love could live 'twixt you and me ; 
 Another owns me for her spouse. 
 To whom I long have paid my vows ; 
 As lovely as yourself is she. 
 And faithful has she been to me. 
 'Twere base in me to take your love 
 To save my life, and faithless prove ; 
 For while I breathe, my faithful heart 
 Is hers, nor can you share a part." 
 Then turning to his foes, he cried, 
 " Let all your blasted arts be tried, 
 
76 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Your utmost torturing skill apply, 
 And see how the Lenape can die. 
 Twenty Oneidas have I slain, 
 Whose scalps within my tent remain ; 
 And were I free as heretofore, 
 I'd add to them another score ; 
 Your cursed meanness I despise, 
 I spit at you and your allies ; 
 Dogs are the Mohawks in a fray, 
 Th' Oneidas cowards worse than they ; 
 Haste then and show your hateful spite, 
 Your dastardy offends my sight ; 
 Haste ! ere my brethren you assail : 
 The "Wappanachi 's on your trail ; 
 I scent them now approaching near, 
 To fill your coward souls with fear ; 
 Come then with all your spite, come on. 
 Death cannot frighten Conshomon." 
 
 Thus while he speaks the raging fire 
 That filled his foes, still rises higher. 
 Rushing in crowds around they stand, 
 And each one takes a burning brand, 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 77 
 
 "Wliilst from their chief is heard the cry, 
 " Begin your tortures — let him die !" 
 Just then a scout approaches near, 
 "With all the signs of haste and fear. 
 And loudly shouts, " The foe is here ! 
 I saw them as they came along. 
 In force I think five hundred strong. 
 In all the panoply of war, 
 And all their proud defiant air. 
 Disdaining cover, on they come, 
 And breathing slaughter every one. 
 Ere many minutes they'll appear : 
 I scarce escaped them coming here, 
 Pursued by twenty of their crew. 
 Whilst crowds of arrows past me flew, 
 I kept them in the rear, until 
 They reached the top of yonder hill, 
 Which brought our camp within their view, 
 And checked them further to pursue ; 
 Our other scouts I fear are ta'en 
 And prisoners held, perhaps are slain." 
 7* 
 
78 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Thus far the scout ; the warriors hear 
 
 "With feelings not devoid of fear. 
 
 Their sudden impulse is to fly, 
 
 When checked by Leaping Panther's cry, 
 
 Whose voice resounds on every side, 
 
 "Warriors! and men! and braves!" he cried, 
 
 " The happy day at last is come 
 
 When the Lenape must meet his doom. 
 
 How long their tyranny we've known 
 
 Whose force was more than thrice our own, 
 
 How oft we've prayed that Manitou 
 
 Would grant us what he's given us now I 
 
 With equal forces how can we 
 
 Be stronger urged than now we be ? 
 
 Our Mohawk friends, in all their might, 
 
 Have come to join us in the fight, 
 
 And well you know their utmost force 
 
 With ours will bear upon our foes. 
 
 Besides, to all it must be clear 
 
 Our other friends by this are near. 
 
 Rouse then at once, at honor's call, 
 
 And fight for life, for home, for all, 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 79 
 
 Put all you feel in every blow, 
 And sure I am we'll beat the foe. 
 United then let's bravely try 
 To beat them now, or bravely die." 
 Thus spoke the Leaping Panther ; all 
 "Who heard him on their leader call 
 At once to lead them on to fame. 
 To victory, and a glorious name. 
 N"ot one had courage to avow 
 His fear, but shamed to own it now. 
 And should we their past history trace, 
 "We'd find them not a cowardly race. 
 
 The Panther ordered Tawerkai 
 With twenty men behind to stay ; 
 And said, " While we the foe engage, 
 And loud you hear the battle rage. 
 Your utmost torturing skill employ, 
 And let yon vaunting prisoner die.'- 
 Then to his noted chiefs he shows 
 How best to overcome their foes. 
 And marshalling his force with speed, 
 He leads them forth with cautious heed, 
 
80 
 
 Till, lost behind the forest green, 
 Their dusky forms no more were seen. 
 
 Then Tawerkai, with fierce delight. 
 Proceeds to show his hellish spite. 
 And hastes to where Conshomon stands, 
 And takes a firebrand in his hands ; 
 Then, with a loud insulting cry : 
 " Cursed "Wappanachi, now you die ! 
 For by my inmost hate, I vow, 
 ITot all your tribe shall save you now." 
 
 Vain was the boast, scarce had he spoke, 
 Ere with a blow his head was broke ; 
 Down on the ground he helpless lay. 
 His followers started with dismay. 
 And wondered how a foe so near 
 Could come, and in their midst appear 
 TJnseen by them ! "Whilst at his side 
 A dozen more were now descried 
 In Mohawk paint, but well they know 
 That paint but hid a mortal foe. 
 And well they knew that towering form, 
 "Whose eyeballs shot such rage and scorn ; 
 
AND ITS LEOENDS, 81 
 
 Full oft in many a previous fight, 
 They'd seen that foe in all his might ; 
 Whose deeds 'twere dreadful to relate, 
 Whose arm was like impending fate. 
 Each names the Wappanachi Snake, 
 And as they name with terror shake ; 
 And could they now with honor fly, 
 They had not staid his strength to try ; 
 But numbering twice his force, disgrace 
 And shameful flight they could not face ; 
 So, with a shout that rends the air, 
 They one and all for fight prepare. 
 Rushing impetuous on their foes 
 With horrid yells and fearful blows. 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 But pause we now, and you shall hear 
 How 'twas his friends approached so near ; 
 ' And at so critical a time 
 Their force to Conshomon they join. 
 'Twas said the Wappanachi chief 
 Had, with instructions clear, though brief. 
 
82 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Sent the G-reat Serpent on before, 
 With chosen warriors half a score, 
 "While the main body followed on, 
 In hopes to rescue Conshomon. 
 The Serpent to his task applied. 
 And through the silent forest hied. 
 Till signs on every side appear 
 * That indicate the foe as near : 
 Then, with a silent, stealthy pace. 
 Their further progress still they trace ; 
 At length a knoll serves them to show 
 Their enemies encamped below. 
 Here, in some bushes close at hand, 
 The Serpent hides his little band ; 
 And like the reptile of his name, 
 He showed how well he earned his fame. 
 Silent he glides along the ground, 
 Betrayed by neither sight nor sound. 
 Till from a hollow tree quite near, 
 His foes he could both see and hear ; 
 Unseen, but seeing all, he lay, 
 And kept o'er all a sharp survey ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 83 
 
 And as he's thus securely placed, 
 How quick his thoughts each other chased ! 
 He sees the Mohawk bands arrive, — 
 Against his friends he knows to strive ; 
 He sees the stake drove in the ground, 
 The wood for burning piled around ; 
 He sees his friend brought forth and tied, 
 While all around his foes deride. 
 How hard it is these things to see ! 
 How hard to see and silent be ! 
 To keep from one defiant shout, — 
 Rush in their midst and fight it out ! 
 But cooler thoughts came to his aid, — 
 He sees and hears the lovely maid 
 Who sought to save Conshomon's life 
 If he'd but take her for his wife. 
 Take her ! Then to himself he said : 
 " Can he reject so fair a maid ? 
 But an Oneida to become. 
 Grim death were far a better doom." 
 But when Conshomon's answer came, 
 O, how it filled his heart with flame ! 
 
84 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 His lofty, proud, defiant tone, — 
 The Serpent scarce could keep his own 
 From bursting in loud shouts of joy, 
 And rushing with his friend to die ; 
 But prudence yet his mind restrains. 
 And still as death he yet remains ; ' 
 Although he sees them seize the brands. 
 Scarce waiting for their chiefs commands : 
 But when the hastening scout appears. 
 And tidings of his friends he hears. 
 He knew these tidings will delay 
 Conshomon's fate, and hastes away 
 To where he'd left his friends concealed, 
 And all he'd seen to them revealed. 
 Described the Mohawk paint, and said : 
 "Let each one like to them be made ; 
 As Mohawks we shall pass unknown. 
 And nearer get to Conshomon." 
 In haste his band his word obeyed, 
 And in disguise were soon arrayed ; 
 This done, the Serpent led them forth 
 A little circle towards the north ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 85 
 
 For he that side had wisely chose 
 
 As less incumhered by their foes. 
 
 The stake, too, where Conshomon stood. 
 
 On that side nearly reached the wood ; 
 
 And when the camp they viewed again, 
 
 The Panther had arrayed his men ; 
 
 And, having spoke to Tawerkai, 
 
 Towards the forest led the way. 
 
 The Serpent, soon as they were gone. 
 
 Sauntering, advanced to'ards Conshomon ; 
 
 Watching, his band concealed remain, 
 
 Eeady to bound across the plain. 
 
 Approximation thus he gained. 
 
 And at a blow Tawerkai brained ; 
 
 One instant served to reach his friend, — 
 
 Sever his bonds, and then defend ; 
 
 Another, and his little band 
 
 With bounding leaps beside them stand. 
 
 "With tomahawk -and gleaming knife, 
 
 Conshomon now defends his life ; 
 
 While all, with one tremendous yell, 
 
 His safety to their friends they tell ; 
 
86 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Those friends well know the joyous sound, 
 And answering whoops are heard around. 
 "War Eagle then cries: "Forward close, 
 And once more let us beat our foes ; 
 You know the signal of the Snake, — 
 Conshomon saved is from the stake. 
 But every one that hears me knows 
 They're fighting now amongst their foes ; 
 And what the odds they fight may be, 
 Haste, forward haste, and let us see ! 
 And wheresoe'er you meet a foe. 
 Assault at once and lay him low. 
 Haste forward then, make no delay ! 
 Haste, follow me ; this is the way ! 
 We strike for home and friends this day." 
 Then rushing headlong down the hill, 
 He vows his heart's best blood to spill. 
 Ere break the promise that he made. 
 Or Conshomon shall lack his aid. 
 His followers scarcely l^eep his pace. 
 So quickly does he cross the space 
 That separates him from his foes. 
 Who wait his forces to oppose. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 87 
 
 As when some torrent, overfed 
 ,j By heavy rains, is downward sped 
 In maddening fury, overthrows 
 Whatever may its course oppose, 
 Huge trees up by the roots are torn. 
 And mighty rocks are downward borne, 
 With crashing fury down they go. 
 And fill with terror all below : 
 Even so, impetuous, the Lenape 
 With fury such wild havoc make 
 Amongst their foes, who strive in vain 
 Their headlong fury to restrain. 
 Till half their numbers slain they see, 
 And seized with panic turn and flee. 
 A wild, disordered, hideous crew, 
 Past all their lodges still they flew : 
 The Wappanachi them pursue. 
 In vain the Leaping Panther tries 
 To stop their flight, in vain he cries 
 " Oneidas ! Mohawks ! hear, I pray. 
 And give not to your foes the day. 
 How will you, after this, behold 
 Your friends, when this defeat is told ? 
 
THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 How will you face, for very shame, 
 The dire disgrace that blasts your fame?" 
 Vain are his efforts ; still they hear 
 War Eagle shouting in the rear. 
 They'd seen that chief in all his might 
 Cut down their friends, — a blasted sight ; 
 I^or could the Panther stay their flight. 
 Forgotten fame, forgotten home, 
 Fear ruled them all, and fear alone. 
 As when some lion, sorely pressed 
 By hunters in the wilderness. 
 Unwillingly retreats, yet shows 
 His front towards pursuing foes, 
 And should some one too near him come, 
 He'll likely meet a fearful doom ; 
 So did the Leaping Panther yield, 
 Unwilling, to his foes the field. 
 Twice did he turn, and at a blow 
 Cut down a near approaching foe ; 
 But 'twere in vain to longer stay. 
 In vain to throw his life away ; 
 So, cursing all, he wends his way. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 89 
 
 To Conshomon now let us turn^ 
 As, probably, you'd wish to learn 
 How sped he with his friend the Snalce, 
 And the small band of the Lenape. 
 In some few lines before, we named 
 How arms and freedom he obtained, 
 And how, surrounded by their foes. 
 Were set on with fierce yells and blows. 
 Conshomon's limbs, when free, he found 
 "Were paralyzed, from being bound ; 
 This intimating to the Snake, 
 Around him they a circle make, 
 Facing their foes on every side. 
 While one to rub his limbs applied, 
 And soon the circulating blood 
 Returned, and in full strength he stood. 
 Meanwhile the Serpent and his friends 
 On every side his life defends ; 
 Their foes on all sides round them stand, 
 With knife and tomahawk in hand, 
 And watching, with the keenest eye. 
 If some weak point they may descry. 
 8* 
 
90 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 In vain they watch ; the faithful few, 
 To courage and each other true, 
 Are watching them with eyes as keen. 
 And every move they make is seen. 
 Two of the boldest of their train 
 The Serpent has already slain ; 
 And now Conshomon, in his might, 
 Beside his friend stands forth to fight. 
 A war cry issuing from his throat. 
 Sounds to his foes a dreadful note ; 
 Then rushing on his nearest foe. 
 He brains him with a dreadful blow ; 
 Another, by the Serpent slain. 
 Is stretched a corpse upon the plain ; 
 And now begins a dreadful fight, 
 And words are weak to paint the sight. 
 What feats were by those heroes wrought. 
 As by each other's side they fought. 
 For years by friendship close allied. 
 How oft that friendship had been tried, 
 IIow oft their praises had been heard, 
 In battles fought and dangers shared. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 91 
 
 Single, their arms were feared in fight ; 
 Together, tenfold was their might. 
 Friendship suffused through every part. 
 They seemed but of one mind and heart ; 
 And thus united, all their foes 
 Give way, nor longer dare oppose. 
 Flying at once, they yield the strife. 
 Or staying, yield it with their life. 
 And now their friends appear in sight, 
 Pursued by foes, in rapid flight. 
 To fight no longer dare they stay, 
 But, loudly yelling, flee away. 
 And little does their flight avail : 
 Great Conshomon is on their trail ; 
 Supported by his friends, his hand 
 "Wields fearfully a dreadful brand ; 
 Behind, they hear his vengeful cry, 
 And whom he overtakes, they die. 
 How shall I tell what numbers more 
 That day besmeared the earth with gore ; 
 Or name the diflTerent warriors slain. 
 Whose bodies stiffened on the plain ? 
 
92 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 And, had not succor been at hand, 
 'Tis like they'd perished from the land. 
 But, as with desperate speed they fly, 
 They meet a band approaching nigh, 
 Who count a thousand men of might, 
 Hastening to aid them in the fight. 
 Their allies these, whose force combined 
 Against their common foe had joined ; 
 And now, obedient to the call. 
 Were ready on their foes to fall. 
 At once their ranks their leaders form. 
 And wait to check the coming storm. 
 But War Eagle their foes descried. 
 And Conshomon, close at his side. 
 And both exert their utmost might 
 To check their friends, and stay the fight. 
 " Warriors," War Eagle cries, " attend. 
 And now your bold exertions end. 
 Enough you've done this day for fame. 
 And added glory to your name. 
 With equal force our foes we've beat, 
 But prudence bids us now retreat. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 93 
 
 The safety of our friend obtained, 
 "WTiate'er we wished this morn we've gained, 
 Inflicted vengeance on our foes. 
 And taught them to respect our force ; 
 And had not aid from others came. 
 We'd quite destroyed their very name. 
 But now, in numbers thrice our own, 
 'Twere wise to turn towards our home, 
 "Where our own friends will soon appear. 
 And then we'll beat them, never fear." 
 
 This said, they willingly obey, 
 And homeward slowly take their way. 
 Disdaining haste, devoid of fear, 
 A few choice braves bring up the rear. 
 And o'er the hills they disappear. 
 Their enemies, whose force exceeds 
 Their own so much, with caution heeds 
 Their every movement as they go, 
 Tet hesitate to approach their foe. 
 In wholesome terror of their fame, 
 They dread the Wappanachi name. 
 So, borrowing counsel from their fears 
 The wisest course for them, appears 
 
94 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 111 consultation now to join, 
 
 And all their future moves combine. 
 
 The "Wappanachies on their way, 
 After a hard and well-fought day, 
 Some miles had travelled to'ards their homes, 
 When night in sable mantle comes, 
 And being weary with their toil, 
 Conclude to halt, and rest awhile. 
 A little simple food they take, 
 A few dried leaves their bed they make, 
 The major part to rest retire, 
 While some sit lounging round the fire. 
 And some to watch apart are set. 
 That foes too near them may not get. 
 
 Conshomon with his friend the Snake 
 This chance for conversation take, 
 Seated beside a little lake. 
 
 Conshomon said, " My valued friend, 
 I thought this day my life would end. 
 I thought there's no escape for me, 
 No power on earth can set me free. 
 How glad was I to see you come, 
 To save me from a dreadful doom. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 95 
 
 But tell me how you got so near, 
 So opportunely to appear. 
 How shall I pay my debts to you, 
 To whom my life is justly due ?" 
 
 The Serpent cries, " Conshomon, hold, 
 And let no more of this be told. 
 A steadfast friend you've been to me, 
 And twice I've owed my life to thee. 
 Say, when the female panther tore 
 My flesh, and would have torn me more. 
 Seizing me in such sort that I 
 Could neither fight the beast, nor fly, 
 'Twas you that plunged your ready knife 
 In her heart's blood, and saved my life. 
 Again, when once entrapped by foes, 
 A dozen of them round me close. 
 Who is it then that hears my cries. 
 And to my rescue instant flies ? 
 Alone, despite the odds, you came. 
 Shouting aloud your dreaded name. 
 Which wrought such terror 'mongst our foes, 
 They scarcely staid to feel your blows ; 
 
96 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 And tappy do I feel to-day 
 That some of my great debt I pay. 
 But yet, believe me, when I say, 
 It was not my great debt to pay. 
 That brought me to your side, to-day : 
 'Twas, that I'd sooner life should end, 
 Than lose so well-beloved a friend ; 
 No ! 'tis that my whole heart is yours. 
 And yours is mine, my heart assures." 
 " It is !" Conshomon cried, " it is ! 
 And oft the knowledge gives me^ bliss." 
 Thus, while communing side by side, 
 Each in the other feels a pride. 
 And many a close embrace they give, 
 And only in each other live. 
 The Serpent then describes how wrought 
 His safety, how their foes he sought ; 
 And tells, while in the hollow tree 
 The various things he chanced to see. 
 And warmly spoke of Pearly Dew, 
 So fair, so lovely to the view. 
 And said, " Were such a maid as she 
 
AND ITS Ij^GENDS. 97 
 
 But faithfully attached to me, 
 
 What bliss would then my portion be ! 
 
 You know till now I've lived alone, 
 
 And 'tis because I've never known 
 
 One that could fill my heart, till she 
 
 So fair and lovely seemed to be. 
 
 And know, I scarcely thought that you 
 
 Could to your own loved wife prove true ; 
 
 The more, with her your life you save ; 
 
 Rejecting her, you find a grave. 
 
 But right, as always, have you proved, 
 
 And faithful to the wife you loved. 
 
 I doubt if I'd come off as free, 
 
 If such a choice were offered me. 
 
 But when the present war has ceased. 
 
 And I'm fj^pm public cares released, 
 
 I'll strive this lovely maid to find, 
 
 Tell her of all that's on my mind, 
 
 And pray she'll to my suit prove kind." 
 
 Long did these friends their rest delay. 
 Though hard the labors of the day, 
 9 
 
98 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 Culling, well pleased, from memory's store, 
 The things they'd seen and felt before. 
 The moon had raised her silvery light. 
 And all around appeared in sight ; 
 The banks, the trees, the placid lake. 
 Both viewed in silence, neither spake. 
 When each one heard a rustling sound. 
 That seemed to creep along the ground. 
 Each, silent, watchful, lends an ear, 
 When these few words they list'ning hear, 
 Sung with a plaintive voice, yet clear. 
 
 " Manitou ! Great Manitou ! 
 
 Give ear I pray to me. 
 No earthly ties are left me now. 
 
 Therefore, I come to thee. 
 
 " My father and my brethren dear. 
 
 Of whom I was the pride. 
 Were slaughtered all, this day, I hear. 
 
 Long since, my mother died. 
 
 " My friends and kindred, every one. 
 And all that cared for me. 
 
AND ITS fEGENDS. 99 
 
 Are gone, and I am left alone ; 
 And so, I come to thee. 
 
 " A far-off happy land thou hast, 
 
 I've heard my mother say, 
 "Where no dark clouds can overcast 
 
 The brightness of the day. 
 
 "There, friend with friend again shall meet, 
 
 Nor pain or trouble know, 
 Securely hid in that retreat 
 
 From all that grieves below. 
 
 " Manitou ! pray take me there ! 
 
 My heart is breaking here ; 
 My soul is" sinking in despair, 
 
 No hopes for me appear. 
 
 "What can a simple maiden do. 
 Hated by all her tribe ? 
 Shall each one scoff at Pearly Dew, 
 Shall every one deride ?, 
 
100 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 " For, since I tried to save the youth, 
 This morning, at the stake, 
 
 I have not met a single look 
 That did not speak of hate. 
 
 " But sure it scarce can he a crime. 
 That nohle-looking youth 
 
 To save his life, and make him mine, 
 In honesty and truth. 
 
 " A manlier form I never saw ; 
 
 He seemed a God in might. 
 Stern rectitude his only law. 
 
 His only rule, the right. 
 
 " ! would he take me for his slave, 
 I swear hy yonder moon, 
 
 No earthly thing beside I'd crave, 
 I'd ask no greater boon. 
 
 " But vain the wish ; he is not here ; 
 He's gone towards his home ; 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 101 
 
 Gone to a wife, to Mm most dear, 
 And I am left alone. 
 
 " Manitou! my inmost heart 
 
 Is fully known to thee. 
 Thy favor then -to me impart, 
 
 For I am come to thee. 
 
 " Manitou ! this moment hear, 
 
 I pray thee hear to me. 
 I cannot tarry longer here, 
 
 So, thus I come to thee." 
 
 Thus, sorrowful, the beauteous maid 
 Her griefs before her Maker laid ; 
 Then starting up, she took a leap. 
 And cast herself into the deep. 
 Believing death would kinder prove. 
 Than life with nought on earth to love. 
 
 The friends, Conshomon and the Snake, 
 Her sad complaint had heard her make, 
 
102 , TUB HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 And scarcely breathed, so still they stood, 
 
 Until she plunged beneath the flood. 
 
 Then bounding, with a rush, they flew 
 
 To save the life of Pearly Dew. 
 
 Dashing with powerful strokes aside 
 
 The waters, all their strength they tried, 
 
 And quickly reached the maiden's side. 
 
 Each gently took her by an arm, 
 
 And placed her safe from further harm. 
 
 Sat on the bank, the peerless maid. 
 
 With downcast looks, appeared afraid. 
 
 For Conshomon too well she knew. 
 
 And knew not what to say or do. 
 
 This act, she felt assured, he'd blame ; 
 
 And this thought bowed her head with shame. 
 
 The Serpent felt he'd much to say. 
 
 But could not for his thoughts find way ; 
 
 So Conshomon the silence broke, 
 
 And mildly to the maiden spoke : 
 
 " lovely maid ! Pearly Dew ! 
 Is life so burdensome to you. 
 That you should plunge beneath the wave, 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 103 
 
 And seek in death a watery grave ? 
 
 I cannot think so fair a maid 
 
 For such an end as this was made ; 
 
 For though your kin from you are ta'en, 
 
 Much comfort must for you remain. 
 
 Rememher, they are happy now, 
 
 Safe from all ill, with Manitou ; 
 
 And if for what you did to-day 
 
 To save my life, you're drove away 
 
 From your own tribe, with ours then join. 
 
 Welcomed by every friend of mine. 
 
 Each one will strive to please the maid 
 
 "Who would Conshomon's life have saved. 
 
 And she, my ever faithful wife, 
 
 Will love and honor you through life. 
 
 My friends, my wife, her children, too, 
 
 Will nearly worship Pearly Dew. 
 
 Thus' troops of friends on every side 
 
 Will take the place of your own tribe. 
 
 And ! if I might only name 
 
 Another, but a stronger claim ; 
 
 'Tis that my friend, that's standing near, — 
 
104 
 
 A long-tried friend to me, and dear, 
 "Who came so quick your life to save. 
 And snatched you from a watery grave, — 
 Might vt^in you his dear spouse to be. 
 And gain the heart you offered me, 
 How happy would he be I know ; 
 Already has he told me so. 
 This morn he saw you at my side 
 Offering yourself to be my bride. 
 And struck by your appearance, he 
 His inmost wish has named to me. 
 And said, when this grim war shall cease, 
 And him from public ties release, 
 He'd search the world for Pearly Dew, 
 And give himself and all to you. 
 And well I know were such the case, 
 Your heart you could not better place. 
 The loveliest female of our tribe 
 "Would gladly be the Serpent's bride. 
 For all that's generaus, good, and ti-ue. 
 Are his ; what say you. Pearly Dew ?" 
 
 " Stay," said the Serpent, "let me speak, 
 Before you your decision make. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 105 
 
 I will not of my merits tell : 
 
 These from my friends, who know me well, , 
 
 You soon may learn, whate'er they be, 
 
 But badly would they sound from riie. 
 
 But 0, if you could see my heart, 
 
 You'd find yourself in every part. 
 
 Ne'er did I love till seeing you, 
 
 K"e'er shall I love but Pearly Dew ; 
 
 And could you give yourself to me, 
 
 How rich in all things should I be ! 
 
 Whate'er I had I'd with you share. 
 
 And make your peace my constant care. 
 
 Whatever Pearly Dew might wish. 
 
 Of flying bird, or swimming fish. 
 
 Or if to venison inclined. 
 
 The Serpent one and all would find. 
 
 Her smile would be his morning light, 
 
 Her pleasure be his heart's delight. 
 
 But if my offer you decline, 
 
 Still may you with my people join. 
 
 I swear I will not be a brute. 
 
 Or trouble you with my vain suit ; 
 
106 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 But let me, if no dearer name, 
 A brother's right and title claim." 
 
 With gentle accents, mild and true. 
 Thus spoke the Snake to Pearly Dew ; 
 Then anxious waited her reply, 
 So fraught to him with grief or joy. 
 To her, his voice had sounded clear, 
 And grateful to her listening ear. 
 And though for loss of friends she grieved, 
 She felt her heart was much relieved ; 
 But yet she could not realize * 
 "What stopped the tear-drops in her eyes. 
 She pondered o'er what both had said, 
 And, deeply thinking, bowed her head ; 
 Each stood before her in his might. 
 And each seemed perfect in her sight : 
 " Two nobler specimens of men. 
 Go search and find them, if you can. 
 But be assured, you far will go 
 To find their equal here below." 
 Thus thought the lovely maid ; and you 
 Must make excuse for Pearly Dew. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 107 
 
 A woman's eye, a woman's heart, 
 
 She could not from herself depart ; 
 
 And though swift thoughts ran through her 
 
 mind. 
 What words to say, she could not find. 
 When Conshomon addressed the maid : 
 " Speak," said he, " speak, be not afraid ! 
 Whatever your decision be, 
 Warm friends you'll find the Snake and me. 
 ITor fear that we shall e'er intrude. 
 Or ever to yourself be rude." 
 " I doubt you not," the maid replied. 
 " I'd trust you both with life," she cried ; 
 "But yet, I know not what to say, 
 So be not angry with me, pray. 
 If I should ask some short delay. 
 Meanwhile, a sister to you both, 
 I'll with you go, and nothing loth, 
 A sister's part I'll gladly do — 
 Brothers you'll be to Pearly Dew. 
 In my own tribe I've nothing left ; 
 Of father, brothers, friends, bereft, 
 
1 
 108 THE HEMLOCK TREE, s 
 
 And, destitute of every friend, 
 
 I hither came my life to end. 
 
 And much I think that Manitou 
 
 Will bless the act I'm doing now. 
 
 For had he wished my life to take, 
 
 He had not sent you and the Snake 
 
 To plunge beneath the silent wave. 
 
 And snatch me from a watery grave. 
 
 Come then, in innocence of heart, 
 
 "With you I'm ready to depart ; 
 
 And when my thoughts have calmer grown, 
 
 Those thoughts to you I'll freely own." 
 
 Thus saying, without more delay 
 Towards their friends they take their way. 
 The moon, bright shining o'er their heads, 
 A glorious light around them spreads ; 
 When, having taken food and rest. 
 Towards their home their steps addressed ; 
 Which, nothing hindering on the way. 
 They reach while early was the day, 
 Where many friends, for miles around, 
 To help them in the war they found. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 109 
 
 These formed a guard around each tent, 
 Whilst those to rest were homeward sent. 
 Conshomon, with the lovely maid, 
 To his own lodge his way then made, 
 Whom introducing to his wife. 
 Told what she'd done to save his life. 
 Then warm embraces went the round, 
 And Pearly Dew a welcome found. 
 But when she heard her husband tell 
 What afterwards the maid befell, 
 She clasped her in her arms, and cried, 
 " You cannot be Conshomon's bride. 
 But a dear sister unto me 
 Hereafter you shall ever be ; 
 And whatsoever may be mine. 
 Henceforth shall equally be thine. 
 But O, if you could love the Snake, 
 What a dear husband would he make ! 
 For well 'tis known to all the tribe, 
 The Snake would happy make his bride ; 
 Faithful and generous, kind and true 
 To all, he must be so to you." 
 
 10 
 
110 THE HEMLOCK TREE, 
 
 " Enough," then Pearly Dew replied ; 
 
 " Urge me no more, I pray," she cried. 
 
 " I saw the Snake, and heard his name, 
 
 When to your husband's aid he came ; 
 
 And when I saw his mighty hand 
 
 Strike down my people with his brand, 
 
 'Twas not for them I wished for aid, 
 
 'Twas for my people's foes I prayed ; 
 
 Compassion had my heart betrayed. 
 
 Again I saw him, on the way, 
 
 As towards your home we came to-day ; 
 
 His kind attention unto me 
 
 If not observed, blind should I be ; 
 
 Yet what you urge, though meant as kind, 
 
 I pray forego. My sorrowing mind 
 
 Must weep for friends, both kind and true, 
 
 Who always loved their Pearly Dew. 
 
 But if I rise above this blow. 
 
 Sister — you bid me call you so — 
 
 If e'er a wedded life I choose, 
 
 And he should ask, I'll not refuse. 
 
 For though your kindness gives relief, 
 
 Yet still my heart is filled with grief. 
 
ATSTD ITS LEGENDS. Ill 
 
 I feel my lot is hard to bear. 
 
 Some years I've lost a mother's care ; 
 
 And now my other friends are gone, 
 
 And I am left to mourn alone. 
 
 Be not, I pray, displeased with me, 
 
 If my sad losses still I see." 
 
 From further speech the maid refrainfed. 
 
 And silence in the tent remained ; 
 
 For each one felt that Pearly Dew 
 
 Was right to sense and reason too. 
 
 They would not, therefore, tease the maid,- 
 
 But for her comfort lent their aid. 
 
 Here leave we them, and turn aside 
 To th' allies of th' Oneida tribe. 
 Who, gathered round their council fire. 
 Are met, their future to inquire. 
 Some urge to carry on the war. 
 But more inclined to peace there are. 
 Another such a dreadful day 
 They wish to shun, if shun they may. 
 They dread the Wappanachi's might ; 
 And loth to join another fight, 
 
112 
 
 In vain their boldest warriors try 
 Their added forces to employ 
 Against their foes ; not all their arts 
 Can drive the panic from their hearts. 
 Fear all their councils overthrows, 
 And terror magnifies their foes. 
 To further urge their chiefs then cease, 
 And join the general call for peace. 
 And messengers forthwith are sent 
 To the Lenape with this intent. 
 They find the "Wappanachi host 
 Encamped, a thousand men in force, 
 "Whose every thought is to prepare 
 To further prosecute the war. 
 Submissive to the chiefs, they. state 
 Their mission, and their views relate. 
 'Twere tedious here to tell what scenes 
 Of hot debate, or by what means 
 At length, they gained what they desired, 
 And gladly towards their homes retired. 
 The Wappanachi, satisfied 
 With punishment so well applied. 
 
AND ITS LEGENDS. 113 
 
 Had promised that the war should cease, 
 And with them smoked the pipe of peace. 
 
 Nothing of note remains to tell, 
 What afterwards these tribes befell 
 For many years. Except that you 
 May wish to hear of Pearly Dew. 
 Some youths of the Oneida tribe 
 To gain- her back their utmost tried. 
 But vain did all their efforts prove : 
 Not one amongst them could she love ; 
 But when at length her griefs subside, 
 The Serpent wins her for his bride. 
 And, through a life of many years, 
 Dries up the sources of her tears. 
 How oft beneath my shade they sat. 
 And filled the air with lively chat. 
 While Conshomon and his loved wife 
 Would often to the scene add life ; 
 And often to their wives they told 
 Adventures wild and exploits bold. 
 While pledges of their loves would stray 
 Around, or wildly skip and play. 
 
114 THE HEMLOCK TKEB. 
 
 And happier couples than the two, 
 I ne'er expect again to view. 
 
 Here ends my tale ; should you incline 
 Some more to hear, another time, 
 Come sit beneath the Hemlock Tree 
 Again, and listen unto me, 
 And many a legend, yet untold, 
 With pleasure, I'll to you unfold.