Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-01-03
From the Waverly Magazine.
Wild Flower.

1t was in the early part of the seventeenth
century that the following incident occurred
The western portion of New York State was still
one vast and impenetrable wilderness. The
marks Of civilization were barely perceptible,
here and there at great intervals, and the rifle
of the pale face had scarcely echoed amid the
sylvan shades. The red man and the wild beast
held undisputed sway.
Between the tribes dwelling in the vicinity
of Cayuga and Oneida lakes, a long and impla-
cable hatred had existed. Again and again had
the woods rung with their wild war.hoop, and
on many hard fought and blood-stained field
had the sun gazed with mournful beams. For
years had this hostile feud lasted til terminated
by the league with Great Britain in the subiec.
ton of her colonies.
Beneath the western wave the blazing ball
had sought its rest, and the curtains of nigh'
were fast falling on the earth. Twilight still
tinged, with its mellowed beams, the occident
Cayuga lake reposed in calm placidity, and
sparkied like diamond, as Cynthia, rising
from her couch, cast her virgin rays upon its
unrufled surface, Scarce sound broke the
death-like stiffness of nature, save when the
wildcats cry was heard or the leaves rustled
beneath the creeping snake.
On its margin stood an Indian maid She
was lovely child of nature. The breath oil
sixteen summers had hardly famed her brow
beautifully and symmetrically formed, her fig
ure tall and slender, the feet and hands small
and delicately chiselled, her large, dark eyes
sparkled with unwonted brilliancy and intellect
A robe of otter's fur hung in graceful drapery
about her form, half revealing the well-rounde(
bust and moulded limb.
Long and earnestly did her eye wander owe
the water in vain to descry some object; at las
smile Of joy fitted across her countenance
and low exclamation escaped her as a bircl
canoe, gliding like an arrow over the mirrore,
wave, landed at her feet, and an Indian warrio
leapt to her fond embrace.
Could woman's eye gaze on that form and fee
not love her bosom warm! for nobleness, gen
erosity, and unainching bravery were stampe
on every lineament of his face. The full devel
opment of his muscular, yet graceful figure, be
tokened extraordinary strength and activity.
The rich elegance of his dress and war-like ac
coutrements, the tall eagle plume that decora
ted his raven hair, bespoke him a parsonage 0
no ordinary character and rank
Oneida's tribe could boast no warrior @
greater courage, high-mindedness and magma
nimity than Ouaola. Though many were tn
scalps of the Cayuga nation that graced hi
belt, and inveterate his enmity for the tribe
yet for Wild Flower, gem of Cayuga's race,
love of the purest, holiest character warmed an
thrilled his bosom.J
Fast flew the hours in the communion
sweetest affection, and already had the =" Quee
of nigh" reached the zenith ere they rose I
depart.
Wild Flower, said he, as he gently presse
the hand that lay confdingly in his own, wi
thou consent to become the bride of Ouaol
and grace his wigwam My warriors wi
treat thee as becomes thy rank and peerless beat
ty. The wild deer and panther skins shall |
laid as trophies at thy feet on Oneida flower
banks shall the smoke from our wigwam cur
and over its bright waters shall skim our ligl
canoe. Wilt thou, gem of Cayuga's race q
The head that dropping hung upou his shou
der was raised aloft to heaven, while tear gli
tened in her bright eye.
Bear witness, Maniton, spirit of the upp
world, and you, ye towering oaks and bubblir
streams; what though vengeful fathers cur
light upon his child, and all forsake me, a
thine forever
Part, then, tonight, and when yon moe
has sunk and rose again, be present here. Al
who dares to cross our path shall feel an One
da's deep revenge. Farewell -
Freeing himself from the arms that encircl
; him, with one bound he gained his fragile bar
: and both were lost to sight. Wild Flower Ii
gered for moment and then bent her ste
through the deepening gloom.
= Nights lid had once more closed on the o
OF day. and the stars were already bespanglil