And of all the greetings that meet me,
My maiden’s will gladden me most.
A specimen of a characteristic Chipeway love-song is given in one of the works of the late Henry R. Schoolcraft. It was chanted by the lover, at night, in front of the dwelling of the girl he would captivate. The song is in four verses, and it will be noticed that each verse approaches nearer and nearer the final request. It should be understood that each verse was to be repeated several times, so as to give the fair one an opportunity to express her approval or disapproval by some of those signs which belong to the freemasonry of love the world over. If the sign was negative and repelling, the singer abruptly ceased his chant and retired, concealed by the darkness of the night; but if he was encouraged, or heard without rebuke, he continued, in hope that at the close of the song timid fingers would partially draw aside the curtain which closes the lodge door, and that his prayer would be granted.
The serenade runs as follows:
SERENADE SONG OF A CHIPEWAY LOVER TO HIS MISTRESS.
I would walk into somebody’s dwelling,
Into somebody’s dwelling would I walk.
Into thy darkened dwelling, my beloved,
Some night would I walk, would I walk.
Some night at this season, my beloved,