A LADY stands beside the silver lake. "What," said the Mohawk, "wouldst thou have me do?" "Across the water, sir, be pleased to take Me and my children in thy bark canoe." "Ah!" said the Chief, "thou knowest not, I think, The legend of the lake, -- hast ever heard That in its wave the stoutest boat will sink, If any passenger shall speak a word?" "Full well we know the Indian's strange belief," The lady answered, with a civil smile; "But take us o'er the water, mighty Chief; In rigid silence we will sit the while." Thus they embarked, but ere the little boat Was half across the lake, the woman gave Her tongue its wonted play -- but still they float, And pass in safety o'er the utmost wave! Safe on the shore, the warrior looked amazed, Despite the stoic calmness of his race; No word he spoke, but long the Indian gazed In moody silence in the woman's face. "What think you now?" the lady gayly said; "Safely to land your frail canoe is brought! No harm, you see, has touched a single head! So superstition ever comes to naught!" Smiling, the Mohawk said, "Our safety shows That God is merciful to old and young; Thanks unto the Great Spirit! -- well he knows The pale-faced woman cannot hold her tongue!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LET THE LIGHT ENTER (THE DYING WORDS OF GOETHE) by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER TO STATECRAFT EMBALMED by MARIANNE MOORE ON BUTLER'S MONUMENT [IN WESTMINSTER] by SAMUEL WESLEY SATIRE: 1. TO JOHN POYNZ (POINS) by THOMAS WYATT |