Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/59

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
THE INDIAN WITH HIS DEAD CHILD.
51


Was there one to say, "A friend is near?"
    There was none!—pale race, farewell!

To the forests, to the cedars,
    To the warrior and his bow,
Back, back!—I bore thee laughing thence,
    I bear thee slumbering now!

I bear thee unto burial
    With the mighty hunters gone;
I shall hear thee in the forest-breeze,
    Thou wilt speak of joy, my son!

In the silence of the midnight
    I journey with the dead;
But my heart is strong, my step is fleet,
    My father's path I tread.