Class Book -£&2£2 CopghtN°_. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. ^□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□n=n lyjnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnlHJ □□ nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn /jf^ r nn nn nn nn Lwr'WXWfcfsWW iV nn nn \9\ \W\ W nn nn tl\ v if ■ irr III IX. nn nn ^•1^ Vwww w^s^f ♦▼ ▼'V'^' nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn A Legend of Cannon Falls nn nn nn nn nn by S. S. Lewis nn %* nn nn - V nn nn ^V/V/T nn nn VI 77 nn nn N*=£S nn nn ^^ nn nn ^\r nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn ' , nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn nn Cannon Falls, Minnesota nn nn nn nn 1911 nn nn nn nn nn nn nn n=nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn=n UdJnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnlHJ Copyright 1911 by S. S. Lewis ©CI.A303371 Foreword. LL who have resided in Can- non Falls or vicinity for any length of time still re- tain a memory of the beau- tiful cascade on the Cannon River, locally known as the "Big Falls," as well as of the surrounding scenery of unsurpassed lovliness. The cascade and all adjacent scenery were obliterated when the great dam was built across the river's channel, about a half a mile below the cascade, during the summer of 1910. The falls are now buried under many feet of water and "The Lovers' Way," a romantic and narrow path that lay between precipitous rocks on one side and the steep river bank on the other, and many feet above the water level, has also been submerged. By the construction of the dam the whole as- pect of the landscape tvas changed. Where the water flowed down the cascade, the trees grew along the banks, the springs gushed forth from the hills, and farms and meadows spread, there is now a lake of several miles in circuit. While it is true that man would still remain in his primitive state if he did not seize upon and use for his happiness and advance- ment all advantages that nature holds, it is equal- ly true that we cannot endure lasting separation from any object that we have learned to ad- mire or love without feeling the sting of regret, even though it be but a pleasing landscape. We, of this generation, cannot forget that beautiful cascade on the Cannon River, nor the enchanting scenery that surrounded it, where we have so often met in groups and par- ties to spend a summer day in mutual enjoy- ment and recreation. To those who come after us the lake will be to them, no doubt, as beau- tiful and attractive as the falls were to us, for a lake has its charms as well as a cascade. To my friends who have with me so often ad- mired the scenes that are so imperfectly de- scribed in the following story, this volume is inscribed with every kind feeling that comes from a thankful heart. S. 8. LEWIS. Cannon Falls, Minnesota, November u, igu . Eumeemie The summer sun in splendor rolled Through western portals tinged with gold, And slowly sank unto his rest Bej^ond the Islands of the Blest, Of whose fair shores and lovely clime Sang bards of eld in verse sublime. But ere he disappeared from view A myriad rays to earthward threw That caught upon each lofty spire And bathed it in celestial fire, Like that which glowed on Roman spear When Egypt's armies hovered near And thrilled each soldier with the thought That gods with Roman legions fought. The golden beam shot through the bower And passing kissed each blushing flower And on the rivers, lakes and bays Resplendent shone the brilliant rays, And on the lofty hill, and plain, In showers fell the golden rain, Eumeemie Till all the earth with glories glowed With beams the setting sun bestowed. E 'en then it seemed he fain would rest To longer view the land he blessed With glittering rays that he had thrown, Baptized in glories all his own. But ere he sank beyond the view, And all his rays from earth he drew, A picture in unnumbered dyes Threw on the canvas of the skies. No painter not of heavenly mould Could e'er combine the red, the gold, The purple, pink, in changing hue So bright yet pleasing to the view, As this fair picture which the sun Threw on the clouds when day was done. And as the sunset glories glow, In beauty wraps the world below, So do the rays of love divine Within the soul serenely shine, Of him who turns his thoughts to Heaven In grateful mien for favors given, While mirrored glories from the throne Of God around the heart is sown A Legend of Cannon Falls Or painted there, a burning scroll, Upon the tablets of the soul. And now the soothing western breeze Comes softly sighing through the trees Where birds concealed the leaves among In rapture raise their vesper song, Stops to caress the rose's bloom And bear away its rich perfume, Now fans the cheek of maiden fair, Or smoothes the furrowed brow of care, Or fragrance from the flowers spread Above the patient's fevered head, Like angel fair to whom is given A mission from the courts of heaven To bless the world, and on her wings Refreshing balm and healing brings. 27. Amid these scenes at close of day To Cannon's banks I took my way As oft before when earth and skies Were limned with Nature's glowing dyes, And all around, and from above, Eumeemie Came messages of peace and love To soothe a soul with cares oppressed And calm the sorrows in his breast. I loved to see the waters flow And list to music sweet and low, In numbers charming to the soul As sung by waves that smiling roll. They mind me in their soothing chime Of that resistless tide of time That on its bosom carries me Fast onward to eternity, And of the harmonies that spread Around the soul when it has fled And reached its home of peace and rest Where anthems swell from chorus blessed. in. Alas, how changed was all the scene — No pine tree dressed in living green There prostrate lay the stately oak Hewn by the woodman's cruel stroke, No poplar reared its branches high To catch the gleam of morning sky, A Legend of Cannon Falls And through the aspen's trembling leaves The mournful breeze no longer grieves, The spreading elm whose friendly shade Invited rest was lowly laid. No tree was left where bird may sing Nor bush whereon a nest may cling. Yet once it was a lovely place Where Nature showed a smiling face, Endowed it rich with charming views That would the soul of him enthuse Who came to hold communion sweet With Nature in her fair retreat, Of Minnesota's scenes the gem, The fairest in her diadem. But now it seemed that all around A desert bleak and dreary frowned, And I would fain my steps retrace, Forever leave the dismal place Where heart grew sick at ruin wrought, A ruin there that Commerce brought. For Commerce comes, the scene invades, Fast fall the groves ; all beauty fades From rivers, woods and flow'ry banks Where'er the chain of Commerce clanks. 10 Eumeemie For Commerce comes with love for gain And binds the Cannon in his chain, A captive doomed henceforth to be And roll no longer wild and free. Its murmuring waves are heard no more, All beauty fades upon its shore And all the glories of the stream Are only now a pleasing dream. Across its pathway high are thrown Strong bars of steel and walls of stone That hold it in its captor's hand To answer only his command. And though it toils to break the chain That holds it captive, 'tis in vain, Then backward turns from prison walls To bury deep the laughing falls. IV. And there as shades of ev'ning fell Amid the scenes I'd loved so well That were of yore in beauty dressed I lingered still, while to my breast A Legend of Cannon Falls 11 A sadness came that ruin e'er Should devastate a scene so fair. But as the fondest hopes depart Before possession thrills the heart, And as the peace for which we yearned Is often into ashes turned, So is the scene that most we prize Ordained to change, and changing dies. I do not envy men who seek The blooms upon fair Nature's cheek To barter them for stores of gold, And all the gain by self controlled, And yet I feel that they should make A fair return for what they take To fellowmen and thus impart Some blessing to a brother's heart. And there reclining on the bank In meditation deep I sank Nor heeded not that daylight fled And. somber shades around me spread. 12 Eumeemie It bound me there, some magic spell, For still I mused while twilight fell Upon the stream that slowly flowed And on the waves the starlight glowed. The firefly left his distant camp And wavered bj^ with flick 'ring lamp While plaintive notes of whippoorwill Came floating from the lofty hill, And murmurs from the cascade came, Not loudly now, but low and tame, Its moanings seemed so sad, subdued, As if with knowledge 'twas endued That ere the dawn should gild the east Its murmurs had forever ceased. 'Twas then I saw a form emerge From shadows at the river's verge And slowly move along the sand And pebbles white that lined the strand. Of human form it seemed to be, And yet it moved more light and free As if th' ambient air it trod Instead of earth's insensate sod. But unobserved, alone, I thought A Legend of Cannon Falls 13 I had this scene at evening sought And dreamed no human form was near To break my meditations here, The while I lingered on the bank As daylight fled and shadows sank. Or was it but the gauzy mist, That passing breeze could not resist, And meekly wavered to and fro And moved as breezes chanced to blow, That I had seen with faulty sight Through falling shadows of the night. But then again it moved, and stood As if it gazed upon the flood, Or if its ear were more content To listen to the sad lament That from the falls in sad despair Was wafted on the evening air. And then the form with silent feet Seemed to approach my lone retreat, And as it near, and nearer drew, And more distinct within my view, The outlines of a human face I thought I could but faintly trace. 14 Eumeemie But when it closely to me came Through ev'ry fiber of my frame Was sent a strange and sudden chill, It seemed my heart grew cold and still, For not a form of flesh and blood In awful silence 'fore me stood, A spirit there, from realms of light Now wand 'ring back through shades of night Or some foul fiend from depths below That came to mock me in my woe. And doubting still, as in a maze, I on the spirit fixed my gaze, While reason came, resumed her throne That fear had seized and claimed his own, And slowly left my rustic seat And thus I did the spirit greet: ' ' Say, spirit of the earth or air, Why stand so mute, so silent there, And fill with awe a troubled breast That hungers for a moment's rest, And drive yet deeper sorrow's dart Into a sad and suff'ring heart. Why came you to this solitude A Legend of Cannon Falls 15 And thus unseeming do intrude Upon my meditations deep Where I commune with Nature keep ? Perchance you come from worlds afar Beyond that bright and beaming star And with you tender message bear From those I love now dwelling there. Or do you rise from nether gloom To warn me of impending doom, Tear hopes of mercy from my breast And bar my soul from lasting rest. And if your message teems with hate, With burning words pronounce my fate, I will not turn on coward feet But calmly here my sentence meet, But should the message that you bring With love and hope and mercy ring, An aching heart will once be blessed And soothed the sorrows of my breast. Speak, silent shade, your thoughts reveal. My heart grows cold, my senses reel, Speak, spirit, speak, that I may know If you bring peace or deeper woe." ] 6 Eumeemie And as I ceased in trembling tone A halo 'round the spirit shone That seemed as though the glowing rays Of heavenly fire to earthward strays When disembodied spirits roam Afar from their celestial home And in its glories wrap them 'round That man may know 'tis holy ground On which he treads, and it was blessed By spirit's feet that on it pressed. By the refulgent rays that shed Their light around the spirit's head I saw it was a woman's face Where easily the eye could trace The lines of beauty and repose Though pallid as the driven snows. And yet there seemed a sadness there, One born of sorrow, not despair, The onty mark that marred the grace Upon the calm and lovely face. A Legend of Cannon Falls VI. And when the spirit silence broke It seemed a strain of music woke From sweet toned harp when minstrel flings His hand along the sounding strings, And rich and pure as song of birds Came flowing forth the tuneful words — And thus to me the story told That I to you again unfold: "Stay, mortal stay, thy doubts and fears, No evil spirit thus appears To bring one sorrow to your heart But fain would bid them all depart. A spirit who long years has striven To please the high commands of Heaven, And who for you, and all your race, Has prayed that all the love and grace That the Great Spirit has and holds May wrap in its all-loving folds And soothe the sighs in ev'ry breast That calls to Him for peace and rest. A disembodied spirit, true, That startles now your soul and view, 18 Eumeemie But comes it not on evil bent Nor malice or of ill intent, But comes to you in friendly mien With hope that naught may intervene To mar the converse here we hold Where shades of night are 'round us rolled. It comes this night, the last that e'er Shall hold this troubled spirit here It's plaintive tale to mortal tell Before it bids a last farewell To all the scenes through time and tide It guarded with a zealous pride. I leave the scenes, oft wet by tears, That I have watched through fleeting years, And that which mars your bosom's peace To me it brings a sweet release, For I have heard your sad lament About the ruin that is sent Upon these banks so loved of yore Where beauty fades to bloom no more. And though I mourn when mortals grieve, The hour has come when I shall leave All earthly things I loved, or knew, To earthly beauty bid adieu, A Legend of Cannon Falls 19 To the Hereafter take my flight Where shadows fail and all is light. VII. "Then mortal give attentive ear And listen to the tale you hear. 'Tis one of sorrow, love and truth And not an idle one, forsooth, With gems of fancy fine arrayed, That quickly will from mem'ry fade, Nor leave upon the mind a trace Or in the heart a dwelling place. Now backward to far distant days My memory retentive strays To all I was, or am, on earth, My name, my nation and my birth. Eumeemie was an Indian child Born in the then far western wild Long ere ' the foot of white man ' came With the red rose's cheek of flame To vie, and mix its sweet perfume With flowers that in the wildwood bloom. 20 Eumeemie From far toward the rising sun, Where the Father of Waters run, Back to the distant mountains blue, Roamed and ruled the mighty Sioux. 'Twas here they dwelt; as hunters bold Through summer's heat or winter's cold, Pursued the bison and the deer, On distant plains or forest near, And here upon this sacred ground Their tepees clustered close around, And here they came from war or chase To rest within this lovely place. Here high above the river's strand Upon the bank whereon we stand, Beneath the shadows of the wood, 'Twas here my father's tepee stood, And here was born the Indian maid Whose spirit comes in sombre shade To tell of joys that could not last And of the sorrows of the past. A Legend of Cannon Falls 21 Fill. ' ' Her only child my mother loved, And alway her devotion proved And reared me with that tender care That only loving mothers bear. And oft at eve she sat and sung While from a bough my cradle hung, Swayed by the breath of summer breeze That wandered through the forest trees. And as she sang in plaintive tone A melody would join her own From tones that o'er the cascade fell And sang while flowing through the dell. And to this music sweet and low, My cradle swinging to and fro, How oft has slumber o'er me crept While mother constant vigils kept. 'Sleep, now Eumeemie,' she would sing, 'Sleep now, Eumeemie, for the spring Has brought for you each lovely flower That blooms in ev'ry wildwood bower, The lily and the crimson rose That sweetens ev'ry gale that blows; 22 Eumeemie The bluebells bloom along the brink Of brooks where water cresses drink, And dandelion's yellow hair Is waving on the prairies there, And spring has brought you ev'ry flower That blooms in ev'ry wildwood bower, So sleep, Eumeemie, sweetly sleep While mother doth her vigils keep. Sleep now, Eumeemie, for the spring Has brought you all the birds that sing; The robin with his painted breast That sings so sweetly near the nest, The orioles whose voices swell In chorus rich within the dell, And the lamenting turtle dove Tells of its sorrow in the grove, While thrushes sing their sweetest strain The bluebirds join in loud refrain. The spring has brought his singing band And music floats o'er all the land, So sleep, Eumeemie, sweetly sleep While mother doth her vigils keep.' And thus she sang me to repose As slumbers sweet my eyelids close. A Legend of Cannon Falls 23 She guarded me, her tender flower, At dawning day and ev'ning hour, And when the somber shadows fell Of midnight in the grove and dell, Her gentle arms were 'round me pressed And closely held me to her breast. And thus my infant days were passed Through summer's breeze or winter's blast, Beneath my mother's watchful eye, And helping hand that e'er was nigh. And in my early childhood days I wandered through the wildwood maze And with the dusky children played Beneath the spreading forest shade. We plucked the lily from its bed, The daisies white and roses red, Goldenrod and violet blue, All that in wild profusion grew And wove them into garlands fair, And wore them in our glossy hair, Or as a sacrifice we gave Them to the Cannon's crystal wave 24 Eumeemie And watched them as they floated on Till from our view their hues were gone. We saw the swallows swiftly fly To yonder steep, and mounting high, There build their nests where none intrude, To rob them of their precious brood. There was no song bird in the grove That did not claim my early love And my protecting love they knew Atnd oft affrighted to me flew When some marauding hawk was near To fill their hearts with sudden fear. And when my father from his toil To us returned with hunter's spoil As eventide was drawing near, We gathered 'round to wait the cheer. Then would my mother's smiling face Give loving welcome from the chase And praise him as a hunter true, Who erring arrow never threw, For when his trusty bow he bent Straight to the mark the arrow went, A Legend of Cannon Falls 25 And thus to him kind greeting gave And welcomed home her hunter brave. Then showed him deer skins white as snow That she had tanned, and for his bow The sinew strings that would not part But swiftly send the feathered dart. The moccasins that she had made, Bedecked with beads of various shade, And all her busy hands had wrought Was there before her husband brought, Who silent sat, but look intent Upon her handiwork was bent, Till all was spread before his gaze, And then with kindly words of praise, Extolled her industry and art As pleasing to her husband's heart. But when at last to woman grown I walked no more the groves alone, A warrior brave was by my side And I that warrior's promised bride. 26 Eumeemie IX. "Waukonda was the noblest brave That ever love to woman gave, And held the love that she had given As sacred as a gift from heaven. His love was like the morning sun That drives the night and shadows on Beyond the forest, hills and streams Whereon he sheds his golden beams. And oft his courage had been tried When 'round him rolled the battle tide, No arm like his to deal the blow In fury on defiant foe, And where his battle cry arose There terror fell among his foes. But when from battle he returned No longer in his bosom burned The fires that light the warrior's way To deeds of valor in the fray. But with a calm and stately mien, With tranquil eye and brow serene And proudly bearing spear and shield He came a victor from the field, A Legend of Cannon Falls 27 While I rejoiced with thankful breast That I alone his love possessed. "Along that path where lovers stray- One summer eve we took our way ; Above us rolled the glowing moon, Around us played the breeze of June, We heard the waves below us sweep, Rush o'er the rocks and down the steep, And saw them in the moonlight glow And heard them sighing sweet and low, Until the distant sound combines With the sweet music of the pines. 'Twas such a night when lovers true Meet soul to soul and then renew The solemn vows that each has made To last through time, and not to fade Like flowers seared by autumn frost Or withered leaves by tempest tossed. No, we would love, no changing scene Would bring one cloud our souls between, Through winter snows or summer sun 28 Eumeemie Our constant hearts would throb as one. Thus we conversed while glowing moon Lit the earth like the sun at noon, Thinking not of the moment nigh When part we must in sorrow's sigh. For while we stayed in that retreat A form approached on silent feet, Ties, still and silent as the grave, It came and to Waukonda gave A! message brief in whispered tone, Then turned and in an instant gone. Waukonda rose, and to me said, 'Eumeemie, ere the night is fled Your lover will be far from you To join the war bands of the Sioux. Our enemies on war are bent And yonder messenger is sent To marshal warriors for the fray That comes before another day Has seen the setting of the sun And night has dropped his curtains dun. And now, Eumeemie, while I go To meet in war this haughty foe, A Legend of Cannon Falls 29 A guardian spirit you must be Of scenes so loved by you and me. Have you in charge the laughing falls, This path that leads by frowning walls, Where now we walk beneath the moon And drink the balmy breath of June. And if, perchance, I come no more To meet you on this lovely shore, My prayer is this that you may stay And guard yon cascade day by day, Yes, guard it with that tenderness That you, and you alone possess, Until the waters cease to flow Over the rocks and sparkling go Singing adown the shady dell Where we have ever loved so well. When the falls are forever still, No echoes come from crag or hill, Then from your vigils find release And seek me in the realm of peace, Far in the happy Spirit Land, And there united hand in hand We dwell for aye 'mid scenes of bliss 30 Eumeemie And there forget the griefs of this.' And then he turned and left my side. ' 0, stay, Waukonda, stay, ' I cried, 'One moment more before we part To say this fond and faithful heart Will gladly your request obey And never from my vigils stray, But my affection for you prove By guarding ev'ry scene you love Till you return, or I depart To Spirit Land where heart to heart And soul to soul again we meet And there in lasting union sweet We dwell where sorrow never spreads Its gloomy wings above our heads.* But he was gone. And him no more I saw on Cannon's blooming shore. XI. "And as he vanished from my view, As silent as the falling dew, Some terror seemed to seize and hold My being in its chilling fold, A Legend of Cannon Falls 31 For on that night we met the last My heart was withered by the blast That swept from griefs dark chilling clouds And wrapt my heart in icy shrouds. I walked along the path alone And heeded not the moon that shone, Nor caring for the sweet perfume That wafted from the rose's bloom, Nor scarcely heard the rippling wave The margin of the river lave. I wandered there while paling moon Told of the day approaching soon, And saw the glowing morning star Mount high in eastern skies afar, And saw the advent of the morn That told another day was born. Then when had set the summer sun I heard of battle fought and won, Saw stately warriors marching by With victor's songs and battle cry, But saw not there the eagle plume Above the marching warriors loom, Waukonda on that evening wore 32 Eumeemie The last we met on Cannon's shore. In vain I searched amid the throng And begged the warriors cease their song And tell me of Waukonda's fate Or why he tarried thus so late, Say if in battle he was slain Or wounded left upon the plain. Then to me came the haughty chief Whose soul was never torn with grief, With heart against emotion sealed And thus Waukonda's fate revealed. 1 Why should a maiden of the Sioux With foolish tears the earth bedew Because she had a lover brave Who scorned to be the foeman's slave And went to battle with his band, Then valliant fought with heart and hand? 'Twas he who struck the final blow That brought dismay upon the foe, For his the bow that sent the dart Straight to the cruel chieftain's heart Who oft has led marauding bands To spoil us of our homes and lands. A Legend of Cannon Falls 33 And then, an archer, hid from view, Into "Waukonda's bosom threw The feathered shaft; and then he fell Just as the last despairing yell From foemen came who in defeat For forest homes made swift retreat. And though the bravest of our band Has vanished to the Spirit Land, And you no more walk by his side His only love and promised bride, It must not be that you reveal The bitter grief that now you feel, But hide it deeply in your breast Where it may live but unconf essed. ' XII. "But little knew the chieftain stern How constant fires of love may burn Within a woman's faithful soul And flames beyond the will's control, Nor knew he not that sorrow came When e'er was quenched love's sacred flame, 34 Eumeemie Or that to ashes cold and dead AH1 peace is turned when hope has fled. Then I arose and left the chief And wandered forth, for pain and grief Had firmly seized me in their grasp To loosen nevermore their clasp Until my soul would find release In Spirit Land, the home of peace. I wandered on, I knew not where, My soul was seared by dark despair, Around me frowned a wilderness, And in my heart the deep distress That wounded love must ever feel While sorrows to the bosom steal. And life and light alike to me Seemed but to mock my misery, And often prayed to Manito To end my anguish here below, And lead me to the Spirit Land, To the Hereafter, where my hand Would clasp Waukonda's where he dwells, And with him roam ambrosial dells 'Mid waving pines forever green, A Legend of Cannon Falls 35 Through meadows sweet and vales serene, Forgetting all of earth so drear And all our griefs and sorrows here. XIII. "But then the vow that I had made Would never from my memory fade, That vow to guard the scenes he loved And where together we had roved When love's fair dawn or fullest day Threw on our souls its rapt'rous ray. And though I well might mourn my fate It was my lot to watch and wait As through the slowly rolling years With aching heart and bitter tears 1 guarded ev'ry grove and glen From ravages by beast or men, And saw no ruthless hand was laid To mar the beauty of the glade. And when the storm in fury broke Upon the groves, and stately oak Upon the earth was prostrate thrown — An acorn there was quickly sown Eumeemie And watched with all attentive care, And sometimes watered with a tear, Another oak grew in its stead And o'er the ground its branches spread, And thus I watched from day to day To keep each scene in bright array. And when the day began to fade How oft I sat by yon cascade And thought of days receding fast Into the far and distant past, When with Waukonda by my side I listened to the flowing tide And called it music soft and sweet Played by the cascade at our feet, But now to me they seemed to moan In agonies to meet my own. But after years of pain and grief At last the body found relief And here beneath the forest shade That tenement of clay was laid, That captive held unwilling soul That longed to break from its control. One sorrow only now remains, A Legend of Cannon Falls 37 One grief alone this spirit pains — Tis this that I must linger near Till yonder falls no more I hear, No echoes from the hillside come And all deserted, cold and dumb. But see, from yonder walls of stone That high across the stream is thrown Back to the falls the waters sweep To bury them in lasting sleep. 0, see how fast the waters rise And list how fast that murmur dies — I scarce can hear one feeble trill And not an echo from the hill, And fainter still like failing breath When smothered by the wings of death. 'Tis silent now. My watch is o'er. To Spirit Land with joy I soar To seek my lost Waukonda there — Forever free from grief and care, Where love and peace forever bloom Beyond the portals of the tomb. But see, in yonder Northern sky How spectral forms go fleeting by, 38 Ewneemie The spirits of some happy band Rejoicing in the Spirit Land. see ! O see ! that waving plume As bright as lightning through the gloom, 'Tis his, Waukonda 's ! There he stands And beckons me with loving hands, With love-lit eye and beaming face, For me to fly to his embrace. And now I go ; I would not stay ; Great Manito will guard my way Through the untrodden fields of air To kindred spirits dwelling there. Farewell to earth, all scenes below, Now to Waukonda 's arms I go, To Spirit Land, the home of peace, Where joys abound and sorrows cease." XIV. Then as she vanished from my sight There lingered still a fading light As if 'twere left to guide my way Through sorrows dark to lasting day, And then 'twas swallowed in the gloom A Legend of Cannon Falls 39 And all was silent as the tomb. But there afar in Northern skies The phantom forms yet sink and rise While spectral hands wave banners red An instant, then their light has fled. And as the light the North illumes I thought I saw Waukonda's plumes Rise higher in the Northern sky, And then I saw him quickly fly Through clouds of light that 'round him roll And clasp Eumeemie to his soul. Notes Beyond the Islands of the Blest.'' According to the mythology of the ancient Greeks the Islands: of the Blessed were located near the verge of the Western Ocean, and there dwelt their gods, rescued from death, in perpetual enjoyment. Like that which glowed on Roman spear." During Caesar's campaign in Egypt the legions were under arms one night during a thunder storm, expecting an attack. At times the points of the uplifted spears were illuminated by a mysterious light which the soldiers ac- cepted as a good omen. No doubt the phe- nomenon was that electric manifestation com- monly known s "St. Elmo's Fire." Long ere the foot of white man came." The Indians called the white clover the "white man's foot." It is very generally known that the Indians believed that in the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, they saw the spirits of the departed. DEC 13 1911 One copy del. to Cat. Div. dec n «n ■