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Indian Relics
In making the excavations for the moat, at Fort Pickering, on Winter Island, the grave of an
Indian was found; in which were many curious relics. These are now in the possession of the
Essex Institute.
A touching sight, these relics rude,
Again exposed to day!
Where once, in nature's solitude,
They first were laid away.
Again exposed to day!
Where once, in nature's solitude,
They first were laid away.
An Indian's bones, and dust are here,
His arms for war and chase;
The arrow-heads, and pointed spear,
The weapons of his race.
His arms for war and chase;
The arrow-heads, and pointed spear,
The weapons of his race.
And various implements of stone,
Which for his use he made;
The well-wrought bowl, and tools unknown
Are with his weapons laid.
Which for his use he made;
The well-wrought bowl, and tools unknown
Are with his weapons laid.
393
Was it, that, in another life,
Again these things he'd need?
Again renew his savage strife,
Or through the forest speed?
Again these things he'd need?
Again renew his savage strife,
Or through the forest speed?
'Twas thus he pictured life again,
No higher vision knew;
And from the natural, earthly plane,
His highest wisdom drew.
No higher vision knew;
And from the natural, earthly plane,
His highest wisdom drew.
And who are they who stand around,
And view his narrow bed?
What nobler knowledge have they found,
Who in God's Book have read?
And view his narrow bed?
What nobler knowledge have they found,
Who in God's Book have read?
Have they learned there, what Nature wise
Doth in dim figure teach;
That man in nobler form shall rise,
And his perfection reach?
Doth in dim figure teach;
That man in nobler form shall rise,
And his perfection reach?
Have they learned there the life of love,
To live in lasting peace?
For such alone can soar above,
When earthly life shall cease!
To live in lasting peace?
For such alone can soar above,
When earthly life shall cease!
Then why this lofty fort uprear,
Or dig this fosse deep,
To leave war's sad memorials here,
Their memory long to keep?
Or dig this fosse deep,
To leave war's sad memorials here,
Their memory long to keep?
To prove that, in the Gospel's light,
Dark hate the soul can fill;
And nations with each other fight,
And boast their warlike skill.
Dark hate the soul can fill;
And nations with each other fight,
And boast their warlike skill.
Poem No. 22; c. 12 January 1866
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