When a Northern Indian, from sickness, is unable to continue his journey with his companions; he is left behind, covered over with Deer-skins, and is supplied with water, food, and fuel if the situation of the place will afford it. He is informed of the track which his companions intend to pursue, and if he is unable to follow, or overtake them, he perishes alone in the Desart; unless he should have the good fortune to fall in with some other Tribes of Indians. It is unnecessary to add that the females are equally, or still more, exposed to the same fate. See that very interesting work, Hearne's 'Journey from Hudson's Bay to the Northern Ocean'. When the Northern Lights, as the same writer informs us, vary their position in the air, they make a rustling and a crackling noise. This circumstance is alluded to in the first stanza of the following poem.--W. W. 1798. [At Alfoxden, in 1798, where I read Hearne's 'Journey' with deep interest. It was composed for the volume of "Lyrical Ballads."--I. F.] Classed among the "Poems founded on the Affections."--Ed. * * * * * THE POEM I Before I see another day, Oh let my body die away! In sleep I heard the northern gleams; The stars, they were among my dreams; [1] In rustling conflict through the skies, [2] 5 I heard, I saw the flashes drive, [3] And yet they are upon my eyes, And yet I am alive; Before I see another day, Oh let my body die away! 10 II My fire is dead: it knew no pain; Yet is it dead, and I remain: All stiff with ice the ashes lie; And they are dead, and I will die. When I was well, I wished to live, 15 For clothes, for warmth, for food, and fire But they to me no joy can give, No pleasure now, and no desire. Then here contented will I lie! Alone, I cannot fear to die. 20 III Alas! ye [4] might have dragged me on Another day, a single one! Too soon I yielded to despair; Why did ye listen to my prayer? [5] When ye [6] were gone my limbs were stronger; 25 And oh, how grievously I rue, That, afterwards, a little longer, My friends, I did not follow you! For strong and without pain I lay, Dear friends, when ye [7] were gone away. 30