The Feast of the Virgins And Other Poems

e-Sh6mis,s In the days that are forgotten, Dwelt a tall and tawny hunter? Gitchee Pez-ze-u?the Panther, Son of Waub-Ojeeg,4 the warrior, Famous Waub-Ojeeg, the warrior. Strong was he and fleet as roebuck, Brave was he and very stealthy; On the deer crept like a panther; Grappled with Makwa,6 the monster, Grappled with the bear and conquered; Took his black claws for a necklet, Took his black hide for a blanket. When the Panther wed the Sea-Gull, Young was he and very gladsome; Fair was she and full of laughter; Like the robin in the spring-time, Sang from sunrise till the sunset; For she loved the handsome hunter. Deep as Gitchee Gumee's waters Was her love?as broad and boundless; And the wedded twain were happy? Happy as the mated robins. When their first-born saw the sunlight Joyful was the heart of Panther, Proud and joyful was the mother. All the days were full of sunshine, All the nights were full of starlight. Nightly from the land of spirits On them smiled the starry faces? Faces of their friends departed. Little moccasins she made him, Feathered cap and belt of wampum; From the hide of fawn a blanket, Fringed with feathers, soft as sable; Singing at her pleasant labor, By her side the tekenagun," And the little hunter in it. Oft the Panther smiled and fondled, Smiled upon the babe and mother, Frolicked with the boy and fondled. Tall he grew and like his father, And they called the boy the Raven- Called him Kak-kah-ge?the Raven. Happy hunter was...