Poems (Schiller)/Nellie, the huntress
NELLIE, THE HUNTRESS
She lived in a hut far out in the woods, Where dwelt the wild beasts of preyThat snuffed 'round her lonely home by night, And followed all through the day.But what cared she? She felt secure In her little lowly home;With her dagger and rifle by her sideAll through the wood she would roam. She fought the wolf full many a time,And killed the wild, fierce bear;She followed the panther through all his haunts, And oft frightened the timid hare. And oft when excited in the chaseShe would ride as fleet as the wind,While from underneath the little straw hat The long hair floated behind. But why did she lead such a life as this,Why not dwell in the world of the gay? Ah, the gay world had taught her a lesson severe,And she left the gay home one day;And now she lives far out in the woods With God and nature alone.And Nellie, the huntress was as happy—quite— As a queen is on her throne.Irving Female College, April, 1864.