rare;
And the crimson hue that flushes her soft though dusky cheek
Is like the sunbeam's parting blush upon the mountain peak.
O, never since Niagara first thundered down in pride
Had the Spirit of its waters so beautiful a bride!

_Chorus of Indian Women._

Ah, Minahita! sister fair,
What lot with thine can now compare?
'Mid all the daughters of our race
Peerless in beauty and in grace.
More blest than if in wifehood's pride
Thou stood'st at some young warrior's side,
Or with fair children round thy knee
Didst crown thy young maternity!


III.

MINAHITA.

My heart is throbbing with solemn joy,
May no earthly thoughts that bliss alloy,
By Sachems chosen and tribesmen all--
I gladly lead, and obey the call!

TOLONGA.

Ah, spoken well, my daughter, and worthy of thy sires,