Down THE MATTAWAMKEAG. 



Lovely day in Indian summer 
On the banks beneath the green tree ; 
A la mode de Indian dinner 
Fragrant smoke of half tomahwee, 
Which goes sailing out to midstream, 
Slowly moving skyward lazily ; 
And above them in the evergreen 
Upward rising, curling, dreamily. 
Just below a plover calling, 
Sand peeps on the shore are bowing ; 
Moose birds handy by are waiting 
For the pickings at the ending. 
As oft before now dip they outward, 
Outward o’er the calm, still water ; 
Always moving to the southward 
Always meeting new in nature. 
On Mattawamkeag’s upper river 
Currents vary, changing ever ; 
Pleasure marring? none whatever ! 
To its beauty adding, rather. 
Stilly waters, always charming, 
Leaping rapids, not alarming, 
Wicked rocks ’twere well avoiding, 
Always jolly if not harming. 
And lovely are its placid mirrors 
Where all is resting ; quiet leaves, 
Tranquil waters, sleeping shadows, 
Trailing mosses wait the breeze. 
