The Chieftain's Daughter (aka Chief Bright Sky) (Traditional) Performer(s): George Vinton Graham
In autumn when evening was spreading Her pinions of darkness o'er all In numbers the Indians came treading Approaching Niagara Falls
For the love of tradition had taught them That one of their tribe every year At the casting of lots should be chosen To pass down the Falls without fear
The Chieftain had only one daughter He loved her as loved he his life Possessing the braveness he taught her She fears not, though costing her life
They thought that the Chieftain would surely Have them to cast lots o'er once more But nothing unfair did he claim her She left them and marched off to shore
A coffin, canoe and a paddle Lie waiting for her to step in Long farewell to pony and saddle Long farewell to forest and kin
And just as a moonbeam was sparkling To gather her in its bright beam She quickly pushed out her boat light And silently rowed down the stream
Now out from the banks of the river A boat was seen skimming the tide Oh, see how he loves his daughter He takes of his place by her side
But one weeps alone in the moonlight On the night comes a pitying cry From a mother who makes her heart quiver For daughter and Chieftain Bright Sky
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