Page:Records of Woman.pdf/143

Rh

Like close Liannes; then rais'd her glittering eye And clear-toned voice that said, "He shalt not die!"

"He shall not die!"—the gloomy forest thrill'd   To that sweet sound. A sudden wonder fell On the fierce throng; and heart and hand were still'd,   Struck down, as by the whisper of a spell. They gaz'd,—their dark souls bow'd before the maid, She of the dancing step in wood and glade! And, as her cheek flushed thro' its olive hue, As her black tresses to the night-wind flew, Something o'ermaster'd them from that young mien— Something of heaven, in silence felt and seen; And, seeming, to their child-like faith, a token That the Great Spirit by her voice had spoken.

They loos'd the bonds that held their captive's breath; From his pale lips they took the cup of death; They quench'd the brand beneath the cypress tree; "Away," they cried, "young stranger, thou art free!"