XI.
‘Chiefs and warriors! why so high
‘Are raised the shout and battle-cry?
‘Why meet this strange mysterious foe,
‘Before his power and arms ye know?
‘In darkness would ye rush to fight,
‘Or wait till ye can see the light?
‘Why would ye grapple in his den
‘The fierce and strong-arm’d panther, when,
‘By waiting patiently awhile,
‘He’ll surely fall within your toil?
‘Calm your fierce rage, let reason show
‘The way, the hour, to meet the foe.
‘Great Okee’s wrongs must be repaid,
‘But be the vengeful blow delayed.
‘Meantime let scouts through grove and glen
‘Watch every step of the pale-face men;
‘Creep cautiously through bush and brake,
‘Beside their path, like noiseless snake,
‘And watch till the certain moment come,
‘Then strike the death-blow deep and home.’