Page:Democratic Ideals (Olympia Brown).djvu/28



O, what a wail of anguish there arose From this sad, stricken land. It made my heart Grow mad with joy, because when they had dared Defy my power, they met their just reward.

"But all this, Wakan, have I done in vain. A stronger god than I pursues my steps; My children he has bound, and under foot He tramples them and laughs my power to scorn. In place of war and desolation, peace abounds; And when I send my storms to blast, behold, The earth is greener than before. If thou Secure, can'st know what 'tis to chafe against The bars of adverse fate, my former power To me restore."

His angry speech was done.

WAUHKEON, SPIRIT OF THE PRESENT.

(The Predicted Savior).

(The Lakotahs had a prophecy of a great Helper for their race to come from the East).

Wauhkeon, then, the brightest of the gods, — And ruling Spirit of the present time, Stood forth. On him the light of early dawn, The Star of Morning, on his forehead shone. The birds broke forth in sweetest songs as thus He spake:—

"Spirit, by whom all things exist, All homage be to thee forever paid. All other gods, what time their work is done, Shall vanish into naught; but thou shalt still Securely reign o'er all created things.

"When, for the furtherance of thy wise plans, To this fair land from far thou summon 'dst me, I came; and girded with thy strength, I have Subdued the powers opposed to thy design.