Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By John BoyleOReilly925 A Savage
D
Had killed a miner in a Leadville brawl;
Tried and condemned, the rough-beards curb their rage,
And watch him stride in freedom from the hall.
So ran the sentence,—it was Monday night.
The dead man’s comrades drew a well-pleased breath;
Then all night long the gambling-dens were bright.
And flocked the miners to the shooting-ground;
They chose six riflemen of deadly aim,
And with low voices sat and lounged around.
Who set the savage free must face the blame.”
A Choctaw brave smiled bitterly, and then
Smiled proudly, with raised head, as Dixon came.
He motions to the brave, who stays her tread.
Next minute flame the guns,—the woman reels
And drops without a moan: Dixon is dead.