Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman. BEFORE I see another day, Oh let my body die away! In sleep I heard the northern gleams; Before I see another day, Oh let my body die away! My fire is dead: it knew no pain; Yet is it dead, and I remain. All stiff with ice the ashes lie; And they are dead, and I will die. When I was well, I wish'd to live, For clothes, for warmth, for food, and fire; But they to me no joy can give, No pleasure now, and no desire. Then here contented will I lie! Alone I cannot fear to die. Alas, ye might have dragg'd me on Too soon, my friends, ye went away; I'll follow you across the snow; The water which beside it stood; Then wherefore should I fear to die? Young as I am, my course is run, I cannot lift my limbs to know For once could have thee close to me, With happy heart I then would die, And my last thought would happy be; But thou, dear babe, art far away, Nor shall I see another day. |