WINONA’S REPLY.
Oswega! Oswega! I’ll listen to thee—
Return to thee gladly, again will be free.
’Tis true, for a moment, the glitter of gold
Enticed my vain heart from my lover of old.
The white man so subtile flattered my pride—
He promised me honor for aye by his side.
I loved him not ever, ’twas only my pride
That caused me to waver, and leave thy dear side
I beg dear Oswega that thou wilt forgive,
And that in thy love-light again I shall live.
Yes, I will return to my lover so brave,
For home without love is as cold as the grave.
Yes, now dear Oswega I’ll come back to thee;
Though false I have seemed, I am true unto thee.
I will care for thy wigwam, will keep up thy fire,
Of thee my Oswega ne’er more will I tire.
I love thee Oswega, will love thee for aye—
’Twas but for a time that my heart went astray.
I’ll come to thy wigwam, will care for thy home,
And never again from my lover will roam.
Oswega! Oswega! my heart is as true
As thine is for me, and I bitterly rue
That vanity caused my heart to grow cold,
By flattering words and the glamour of gold.
The dream is now o’er, it was but for a day.
My vain heart was flattered, I could not say nay.
My beauty may fade, but I know that thy heart
Will ever be mine, and ne’er more shall we part.