Page:The life and adventures of James P. Beckwourth, mountaineer, scout, pioneer, and chief of the Crow nation of Indians (IA lifeadventuresof00beckrich).pdf/459

Rh I've seen her wield her polished lance

A hundred times and more,

When charging fierce in the advance

Amid the battle's roar.

I've seen her with her scalping-knife

Spring on the fallen foe,

And, ere he was yet void of life,

Make sure to count her coo.

I've seen her, at full speed again,

Oft draw her trusty bow,

Across her arrow take good aim,

And lay a warrior low.

I've heard her say, "I'll take my shield,

My battle-axe, and bow,

And follow you, through glen or field,

Where'er you dare to go;

I'll rush amid the blood and strife

Where any warrior leads:"

Pine Leaf would choose to lose her life

Amid such daring deeds.

I've heard her say, "The spirit land

Is where my thoughts incline,

Where I can grasp my brother's hand,

Extended now for mine.

There's nothing now in this wide world—

No ties that bid me stay;

But, a broken-hearted Indian girl,

I weep both night and day.

"He tells me in my midnight dreams

I must revenge his fall,

Then come where flowers and cooling streams

Surround their spirits, all.

He tells me that the hunting-ground,

So far away on high,

Is filled with warriors all around

Who nobly here did die.

"He says that all is joy and mirth

Where the Great Spirit lives,

And joy that's never known on earth

He constantly receives,