Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
America: Vols. XXV–XXIX. 1876–79.
Lake Saratoga
By John Godfrey Saxe (18161887)A
“What,” said the Mohawk, “wouldst thou have me do?”
“Across the water, sir, be pleased to take
Me and my children in thy bark canoe.”
The legend of the lake,—hast ever heard
That in its wave the stoutest boat will sink,
If any passenger shall speak a word?”
The lady answered, with a civil smile;
“But take us o’er the water, mighty Chief;
In rigid silence we will sit the while.”
Was half across the lake, the woman gave
Her tongue its wonted play,—but still they float,
And pass in safety o’er the utmost wave!
Despite the stoic calmness of his race;
No word he spoke, but long the Indian gazed
In moody silence in the woman’s face.
“Safely to land your frail canoe is brought!
No harm, you see, has touched a single head!
So superstition ever comes to naught!”
That God is merciful to old and young;
Thanks unto the Great Spirit!—well he knows
The pale-faced woman cannot hold her tongue!”