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William Priest - Travels in the United States of America
dangerous to criticise upon his productions, especially as he considers every one to be in the wrong, who
does not precisely fall in with his own opinions in matters appertaining to religion.'
"'Weak men are always arrogant, positive, and self-conceited,' replied the Indian.
"'Let us hasten home,' whispered the man in the white linen, coat, 'for the night begins to wear apace."
* * * * *
Before the following lines are read, represent to yourself, that some of the tribes of Indians bury their
dead in a sitting posture. -
LINES OCCASIONED BY A VISIT TO AN OLD INDIAN BURYING-GROUND.
In spite of all the learn'd have said,
I still my old opinion keep,
The posture that we give the dead,
Points out the soul's eternal sleep.
Not so the ancients of these lands: -
The Indian, when from life releas'd,
Again is seated with his friends,
And shares again the joyous feast.
His imag'd birds, and painted bowl,
And ven'son for a journey drest,
Bespeak the nature of the soul -
Activity, that wants no rest.
His bow for action ready bent,
And arrows with a head of bone,
Can only mean that life is spent,
And not the finer essence gone.
Thou, stranger, that shalt come this way,
No fraud upon the dead commit;
Yet, mark the swelling turf, and say,
'They do not lie, but here they sit'
Here still a lofty rock remains,
On which the curious eye may trace
(Now wasted half by weiring rains)
The fancies of a ruder race.
Here still an aged elm aspires,
Beneath whose far projecting shade
(And which the shepherd still admires)
The children of the forest play'd.
There oft a restless indian queen,
(Pale Marian, with her braided hair)
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