Spokane Daily Chronicle, June 23, 1932, under the heading "Songs of Long Ago":

[I have boldfaced the words that are different from Melodie Larsen's version, and I have used ellipses to mark where words from her version are missing.]


THE CHIEFTAIN'S DAUGHTER

In autumn, when evening was spreading
    Her pinions of darkness o'er all,
In numbers the Indians came treading,
    Approaching Niagara's falls.
The laws of tradition had taught them
    That one of their tribe every year
By lot should be chosen and brought there,
    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 feared not though costing her life.
They thought … surely the chieftain
    Would have them cast lots o'er once more,
But nothing unfair would he claim them,
    But left them and marched up the shore.

A coffin, canoe, and its paddle
    Lie waiting for her to step in.
Ah! Farewell to... pony and saddle,
    Long farewell to forest and kin.
The clouds then gave way for the moonlight
    To guide her boat by its bright beam,
When fearlessly out in the moonlight,
    She dauntlessly rowed down the stream.

All quiet and breathless as evening
    By those who stand on the shore,
So quietly down the stream easy,
    Ah! Soon she'll be seen nevermore.
When as quick as the flash of the lightning,
    Her boat was seen skimming the tide,
And just as the moonbeams were brightening,
    Her father rode down by her side.

Ah! See how he loveth his daughter.
    He taketh a seat by her side.
Together, now down the deep water,
    More rapid and swiftly they glide,
When a shadow from the shore of the river
    Burst forth in a pitiful cry,
From a mother, that made all hearts quiver,
    For... chieftain and... daughter must die.

Now downward, still nearer the thunder,
    Which deafened the chieftain and child,
Ah! Look! See there they've gone under,
    Beneath where the furies rage wild.
Is the love of a father more tender
    In the race of the white man today,
Or the faith of a daughter stronger
    Than Bright Skies [sic] Bravado Obey!

Sent in by Mrs. J. F. Hall, Davenport, Wash., and Mrs. W. H. Hall, Adrian, Wash.


[I am not convinced we have an authoritative copy of the lyrics yet. Some phrases seem awkward, especially the last line. I suspect the Hall ladies (sisters-in-law, perhaps?) wrote down the lyrics from memory.]