So said a black-eyed Ottawa girl,

In silvery accents low.

“Off, off with the bark canoe, my boy,

And tarry till I come back—”

“No, sister,” said the red-neck’d boy,

“The panther will smell my track.

Our boat upon the deep shall rock,

And in it the paddles three;

My little grey dog my bow shall watch,

But I will keep with thee.”