THE DEATH SONG OF A CHEROKEE INDIAN

The sun sets in night, and the stars shun the day,

But glory remains when their lights fade away.

Begin, ye tormentors: your threats are in vain

For the son of Alknomock can never complain.

Remember the woods, where in ambush he lay,

And the scalps which he bore from your nation away!

Why do ye delay?—‘ till I shrink from my pain?

Know the son of Alknomock can never complain.

Remember the arrows he shot from his bow

Remember your chiefs by his hatchet laid low

The flame rises high, you exult in my pain?

Know the son of Alknomock will never complain.

I go to the land where my father is gone:

His ghost shall rejoice in the fame of his son

Death comes like a friend, he relieves me from pain

And thy son, O Alknomock, has scorned to complain.