He knelt upon the cold rough stone,
The rock o'er which the waters gave
Their sighing echoes to the grave.
The chief, with mournful mien, bent there;
He'd heard the wanderer's simple prayer,
And fearful of the Power who gave
Strength to the feeble now would save!
Yes, he had sought the cavern's side,
With many a sacrifice suppli'd,
And from its depths had turn'd to aim
The death which dark revenge would claim
But from his dark and fiery eyes
Shot forth a savage's surprise
To see the youthful stranger bent.
He came to witness his intent,
Softly his stealthy steps drew near,
And his dark soul awoke to fear,
As gentle words of trust and love
Rose to the God who dwells above.
But when he heard the earnest prayer
That he were blest if he would spare
The wand'ring child,—oh, then his soul
Its anguish could no more control.
'There lies mine own, my only child!
The only one who on me smil'd,
The only one who ever woke
The rock o'er which the waters gave
Their sighing echoes to the grave.
The chief, with mournful mien, bent there;
He'd heard the wanderer's simple prayer,
And fearful of the Power who gave
Strength to the feeble now would save!
Yes, he had sought the cavern's side,
With many a sacrifice suppli'd,
And from its depths had turn'd to aim
The death which dark revenge would claim
But from his dark and fiery eyes
Shot forth a savage's surprise
To see the youthful stranger bent.
He came to witness his intent,
Softly his stealthy steps drew near,
And his dark soul awoke to fear,
As gentle words of trust and love
Rose to the God who dwells above.
But when he heard the earnest prayer
That he were blest if he would spare
The wand'ring child,—oh, then his soul
Its anguish could no more control.
'There lies mine own, my only child!
The only one who on me smil'd,
The only one who ever woke
