little poem on an Indian boy, who was sent to
Harvard college
thought worth copying, it being founded on facts.
It is as follows:--
From Susquehanna's farthest springs,
Where savage tribes pursue
their game,
His blanket ty'd with yellow strings,
An Indian of
the forest came.
From council grave the fathers rose,
Viewing the hopeful youth with
joy;
To Ha'rford's Hall, over wastes of snow,
They sent their
tawny-coloured boy.
Awhile he wrote, awhile he read,
Awhile he learnt the grammar rules;
An Indian savage, so well bred,
Much credit promis'd to the
schools.
Some said in law he would excel;
And some in physic thought he'd
shine;
Others, who knew him passing well,
Hop'd he might prove
a sage divine:
But those of more discerning eye,
Could then far other prospects
show,
As oft he threw his Virgil by,
To wander with his dearer
bow.
The tedious hours of study spent,
The drowsy lecture haply done,
He to the woods a hunting went;
But sigh'd to see the setting
sun.