Classic Poem

SCENE SECOND. — A WOOD NEAR A MHERSTBURG . — T ECUMSEH'S Camp . — A VISTA TO THE E AST, THE SUN'S UPPER RIM JUST RISING ABOVE THE HORIZON .

Enter W ARRIORS and J OSAKEEDS . The warriors extend their weapons towards the sun. The J OSAKEEDS advance facing it .

1 ST J OSAKEED . He comes! Yohewah! the Great Spirit, comes
Up from his realm — the place of Breaking Light!
Hush, nations! Worship, in your souls, the King,
Above all Spirits! Master of our lives!
I-ge-zis! He that treads upon the day,
And makes the light!
2 ND J OSAKEED . He comes! he comes! he comes!
The ever-dying, ever-living One!
He hears us, and he speaks thus to mine ears!
I wipe once more the darkness from the earth;
I look into the forest, and it sings —
The leaves exult; the waters swim with joy.
I look upon the nations, and their souls
Strengthen with courage to resist their foes.
I will restore them to their fathers' lands;
I will pour laughter on the earth, like rain,
And fill the forest with its ancient food.
Corn will be plenteous in the fields as dust,
And fruits, moved to their joy, on every bough
Will glow and gleam like ardent fire and gold.
3 RD J OSAKEED . O Mighty Spirit! Guardian of our Breath!
We see thy body, and yet see thee not.
The spirits in our forms, which no man sees,
Breathe forth to thee, for they are born of thee.
Hear us, thy children, and protect our lives!
Our warriors retreat — it is thy will!
Declare the way — the fateful time to stand!
Then, if in battle they decline in death,
Take them, O Master, to thy Mighty Heart —
Thy Glorious Ground and Shining Place of Souls!
Yohewa! Master of Breath! Yohewa!
Hear us! Hear us!
A LL . Master of Breath — hear us!