Loved was he by many a maiden; many a dark eye glanced in vain;
Many a heart with sighs was laden for the love it could not gain.
So they called the brave "_Ska Capa_;"[CI] but the fairest of the band--
Moon-faced, meek Anpetu-Sapa--won the hunter's heart and hand.
[CI] Or _Capa Ska_--White beaver. White beavers are very rare, very
cunning and hard to catch.
From the wars with triumph burning, from the chase of bison fleet,
To his lodge the brave returning, spread his trophies at her feet.
Love and joy sat in the _teepee_; him a black-eyed boy she bore;
But alas, she lived to weep a love she lost forevermore.
For the warriors chose Wanata first _Itancan_[CJ] of the band.
At the council-fire he sat a leader brave, a chieftain grand.
Proud was fair Anpetu-Sapa, and her eyes were glad with joy;
Proud was she and very happy with her warrior and her boy.
But alas, the fatal honor that her brave Wanata won,
Brought a bitter woe upon her,--hid with clouds the summer sun.
For among the brave Dakotas wives bring honor to the chief.
On the vine-clad Minnesota's banks he met the Scarlet Leaf.
[CJ] _E-tan-can_--Chief.
Young and fair was Ape-duta[CK]--full of craft and very fair;
Proud she walked a queen of beauty with her dark, abundant hair.
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