DEHEWAMIS

Some Senecas once went away In search of food and game; They wandered on from day to day, To little Toby came. An Indian maiden blithe and gay Was one among the throng; Who often cheered them on their way With loving words and song. She trod as lightly as the fawn; Her song the hours beguiled; Her voice was heard at early dawn Through the green forest wild. Her song of joy is hushed and gone, Nor echoes through the glade; For death has placed his mark upon That sprightly Indian maid. A mother's joy, a father's pride, They could not save their child; So the Indian maiden died Far in the forest wild. They would not leave her body there, So far from home away; But bore it with a zealous care, Many a weary day. Come to a spring that met the stream That passed their happy home; Buried her by the moonlight gleam Beneath the starry dome. They often came to view the spot Where Dehewamis lay; Till father, mother, sister, brother, All had passed away. The water gushes from the spring, The lofty maples wave; The summer birds their carols sing O'er her lonely grave.