365 The Indian's Petition
Let me go to my home in the far distant West, To the scenes of my childhood in innocence blest, Where the tall cedars wave, and the bright waters flow, Where my fathers repose, let me go, let me go, Where my fathers repose, oh! there let me go. Let me go to the spot where the cataracts play, Where I often have sported in boyhood's bright day, And there greet my fond mother whose heart will o'erflow At the sight of her child, let me go, let me go, At the sight of her child, oh! there let me go. Let me go to my sire by whose battle-scarred side I have sported so oft in the noon of my pride, And exulted to conquer the insolent foe; To my father, the chief, let me go, let me go, To my father, the chief, oh! there let me go. And, oh! do let me go to my flashing-eyed maid, Who hath taught me to love 'neath the green willow's shade; And whose heart like the fawn is as pure as the snow; To the bosom I love, let me go, let me go, To the bosom I love, oh! there let me go. And, oh! do let me go to my wild forest home, No more from its life-cheering fond pleasures to roam, 'Neath the grove of the glen let my ashes lie low, To my home in the woods let me go, let me go, To my home in the woods, oh! there let me go. |