Tecumseh : a Drama by Charles Mair
page 26 of 134 (19%)
page 26 of 134 (19%)
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So that your cabin flows with mouffles sweet,
And hips of wapiti and bedded robes. Teach me my duty further if you will! My love is wide, and broods upon my race. MAMATEE. The back is clad--the heart, alas! goes bare. Oh, I would rather shiver in the snow-- My heart downed softly with Tecumseh's love-- Than sleep unprized in warmest couch of fur. I know your love is wide, and, for that I Share but a millionth part of it, and feel Its meagreness, I plead most eagerly For this poor white, whose heart is full of love, And gives it all to her. TECUMSEH. It cannot be! You know not what you ask. 'Tis 'gainst our law, Which, breached, would let our untamed people through. LEFROY. I care not for your cruel law! The heart Has statutes of its own which make for love. TECUMSEH. You'd cross me too! This child's play of the heart, Which sterner duty has repressed in me, Makes even captives bold. (_Aside_.) I like his courage! MAMATEE. If duty makes Tecumseh's heart grow cold, Then shame on it! and greater shame on him |
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