A ruby in the raven hair of night—

And clear across the flames Uhila saw

His rival, garlanded with blossoms, pale,

Calm as a happy lover. Could he smile

Over his empty hands and meekly bow—

Uhila bow!—to taste a stranger's whip!

Death snapped the sparks, and Vengeance hurled the flames.

Like blood the fire fell o'er the bare young heart,

And he who watched in one mad bound foresaw

How blood indeed might flash across that breast.

43

The high resolve grew dim in that fierce light,

"'Tis noble, strong;" then, in a stab of keen

Humor, he saw again a native brave

Decking his naked body with the coat

Crowned with the hat of some sea-faring man,—

Aping the civilization of his stride

Till his new prowess fell to comrade's jeers.

So with a tiger heart it were to wear

A grave forgiveness of this wanton wrong.

 Prev. P 36/48 next