George Nidiver


 * Men have done brave deeds,
 * And bards have sung them well:
 * I of good George Nidiver
 * Now the tale will tell.


 * In Californian mountains
 * A hunter bold was he:
 * Keen his eye and sure his aim
 * As any you should see.


 * A little Indian boy
 * Followed him everywhere,
 * Eager to share the hunter's joy,
 * The hunter's meal to share.


 * And when the bird or deer
 * Fell by the hunter's skill,
 * The boy was always near
 * To help with right good will.


 * One day as through the cleft
 * Between two mountains steep,
 * Shut in both right and left,
 * Their questing way they keep,


 * They see two grizzly bears
 * With hunger fierce and fell
 * Rush at them unawares
 * Right down the narrow dell.


 * The boy turned round with screams,
 * And ran with terror wild;
 * One of the pair of savage beasts
 * Pursued the shrieking child.


 * The hunter raised his gun, -
 * He knew one charge was all, -
 * And through the boy's pursuing foe
 * He sent his only ball.


 * The other on George Nidiver
 * Came on with dreadful pace:
 * The hunter stood unarmed,
 * And met him face to face.


 * I say unarmed he stood.
 * Against those frightful paws
 * The rifle butt, or club of wood,
 * Could stand no more than straws.


 * George Nidiver stood still
 * And looked him in the face;
 * The wild beast stopped amazed,
 * Then came with slackening pace.


 * Still firm the hunter stood,
 * Although his heart beat high;
 * Again the creature stopped,
 * And gazed with wondering eye.


 * The hunter met his gaze,
 * Nor yet an inch gave way;
 * The bear turned slowly round,
 * And slowly moved away.


 * What thoughts were in his mind
 * It would be hard to spell:
 * What thoughts were in George Nidiver
 * I rather guess than tell.


 * But sure that rifle's aim,
 * Swift choice of generous part,
 * Showed in its passing gleam
 * The depths of a brave heart.