University of Virginia Library

4. CHAPTER IV.
LOVE AND SUICIDE.

“In years gone by, when the forest waved over the crystal fountain
which now unveils itself to the inquisitive white man in the
sparkling liquid of Congress Spring, my ancestors dwelt around
this hallowed spot. Then none save the Indian worshipper ventured
to gaze upon that fountain where their simple, yet beautifully
imaginative faith taught them to feel the presence of the
Great Being whose sighs were the storm and whose tears were
the drippings of the fountain. Our tribe worshipped the Great
Spirit, revered and protected the briny fountain of his remorse,
and drank the tearful waters in token of our awe.

“Then, in days gone by, it was customary to offer a living
sacrifice once a year to this boiling fountain, which the pale face
calls Congress Spring, and which trickles from the eyes of the
Great Spirit.

“In the bright autumn month of August, when all earth's
flowers were at their richest, and the fruits had attained their
mellowest tints, ere time could bring his sickle round them, our
watchful Sachem gave the word, and our fairest maiden, who had
just arrived at womanhood, was bedecked with fruits and flowers

and conveyed as an offering to the Great Spirit of the fountain—
there to sink, in the presence of the assembled tribes, forever
beneath the surface of the spring!