“The Loon upon the Lake.”
BY C. F. HOFFMAN.
[From the Chippewa.[53]]
I looked across the water,
I bent o'er it and listened,
I thought it was my lover,
My true lover's paddle glistened.
Joyous thus his light canoe would the silver ripples wake.—
But no!—it is the Loon alone—the loon upon the lake.
Ah me! it is the loon alone—the loon upon the lake.
I see the fallen maple
Where he stood, his red scarf waving,
Though waters nearly bury
Boughs they then were newly laving.
I hear his last farewell, as it echoed from the brake.—
But no, it is the loon alone—the loon upon the lake,
Ah me! it is the loon alone—the loon upon the lake.
To a Bird, Seen under My Window in the Garden.
By the late Mrs. H. R. Schoolcraft, who was a grand daughter of the war chief Wabojeeg.
Sweet little bird, thy notes prolong,
And ease my lonely pensive hours;
I love to list thy cheerful song,
And hear thee chirp beneath the flowers.
The time allowed for pleasures sweet,
To thee is short as it is bright,
Then sing! rejoice! before it fleet,
And cheer me ere you take your flight.