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| author | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-05-12 20:09:46 -0700 |
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| committer | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-05-12 20:09:46 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/78673-0.txt b/78673-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6217127 --- /dev/null +++ b/78673-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10551 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78673 *** + + + + + =Kulóskap the Master= + + _And Other Algonkin Poems_ + + [Illustration: + And bade the little creature come to him; + Back smiled the baby, but it did not budge. + (_See page 108._)] + + + + + Kulóskap the Master + + _And Other Algonkin Poems_ + + + _Translated Metrically by_ + + CHARLES GODFREY LELAND, Hon. F.R.S.L.; M.A. + + (Harvard) + + Author of “The Algonquin Legends of New England” + + AND + + JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins) + + Professor in Columbia University and author of various + articles on Algonkin dialects + + + [Illustration: colophon] + + + _FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY_ + + _New York and London_ + + _1902_ + + + + + COPYRIGHT, 1902 + By FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY + NEW YORK + + Registered at Stationers’ Hall, London, England + + Printed in the United States of America + + Published November, 1902 + + + _ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE VOLUME_ + + _Half-tone Text Illustrations by F. BERKELEY SMITH_ + + _Ten Tracings after Indian Designs by + CHARLES GODFREY LELAND_ + + _Frontispiece by EDWIN WILLARD DEMING_ + + + + + =Contents= + + + PAGE + =Preface=--By CHARLES GODFREY LELAND 11 + =Introduction=--By JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE 21 + + _PART FIRST--THE EPIC OF KULÓSKAP_ + + =Canto First=--_Creation Legends_ + I. The Birth of Kulóskap 43 + II. The Creation of Man and the Animals 50 + III. The Origin of the Rattlesnakes 56 + IV. How Kulóskap named the Animals 59 + + =Canto Second=--_The Master’s Kindness to Man_ + I. What Kulóskap did for the Indians 62 + II. How Kulóskap granted Gifts and Favors to many + Indians 64 + III. Kulóskap and the Fool 90 + IV. The Three Brothers who became Trees 94 + V. Kulóskap and the Wise Wishers 98 + VI. How Kulóskap was conquered by the Babe 107 + + =Canto Third=--_The Master and the Animals_ + I. Kulóskap and the Loons 110 + II. Kulóskap and the Beaver 112 + III. The Sable and the Serpent 118 + IV. Kulóskap and the Turtle 123 + V. How Mikchik the Turtle was false to the Master 136 + VI. How Kulóskap conquered Aklibimo the Great Bull + Frog 140 + VII. How Kulóskap went Whale Fishing 152 + VIII. Kulóskap and Wuchōsen the Wind Eagle 158 + + =Canto Fourth=--_The Master and the Sorcerers_ + I. Kulóskap and Winpe 162 + II. How a Witch sought to cajole the Master 172 + III. How Kulóskap fought the Giant Sorcerers 174 + IV. How the Master showed himself a Great Smoker 182 + V. Kulóskap and the Witch 185 + VI. Kulóskap and the Witch called “The Pitcher” 194 + VII. How Kulóskap sailed through the Cavern of Darkness 203 + VIII. How the Master found the Summer 208 + IX. How Kulóskap left the World 213 + X. The Master and the Final Day 217 + + _PART SECOND--WITCHCRAFT LORE_ + + I. The Wizard’s Chant 223 + II. The Woman and the Serpent 225 + III. The Wizard Snake 229 + IV. The Measuring Worm 231 + V. The Pʾmûla or Air-Demon 236 + VI. The Little Boy kidnapped by the Bear 239 + VII. The Wizard and the Christian Priest 242 + VIII. Wizard Warfare 244 + IX. The Wizard’s Hunting 250 + X. Six Short Tales of Witchcraft 253 + XI. A Delaware Youth and his Uncle 256 + XII. The Dance of Old Age 260 + XIII. A Tale of the River-Elves 269 + + _PART THIRD--LYRICS AND MISCELLANY_ + + I. The Song of Lappilatwan 273 + II. The Story of Nipon the Summer 283 + III. The Scarlet Tanager and the Leaf 295 + IV. The Blind Boy 305 + V. A Passamaquoddy Love Song 308 + VI. The Song of the Stars 312 + VII. How the Indians lost their Power 314 + VIII. The Partridge and the Spring 320 + IX. Lox, the Indian Devil 325 + + =L’Envoi= 337 + + =Appendix=: _The Passamaquoddy Wampum Records_ 340 + + =Glossary= 361 + + + + + =Full Page Illustrations= + + + PAGE + Kulóskap and the Babe _Frontispiece_ + The Creation of Man 50 + The Origin of the Rattlesnakes 58 + What Kulóskap did for the Indians 67 + Kulóskap and the Loons 110 + Kulóskap and the Beaver 116 + The Sable and the Serpent 122 + How Kulóskap went Whale Fishing 154 + Kulóskap and Winpe 170 + How Kulóskap fought the Giant Sorcerers at Saco 178 + How Kulóskap sailed through the Cavern of Darkness 205 + The Little Boy Kidnapped by the Bear 241 + Wizard Warfare 246 + The Dance of Old Age 266 + Lox, the Indian Devil 333 + + + + + =Preface= + + BY + + CHARLES GODFREY LELAND + + + + +PREFACE + + +Very few persons are aware that there has perished, or is rapidly +perishing, among the Red Indians of North America, far more poetry +than was ever written by all the white inhabitants and that this +native verse is often of a very high order. For the Indian sagas, or +legends, or traditions were, in fact, all songs; as is the case to +this day with similar lore in Italy. Indeed, in the latter country, +I have been asked if I would have a fairy tale chanted or repeated +as prose! Thus, all the narratives in my “Algonquin Legends of New +England,” especially those referring to Kulóskap (Klûskâbe), or to +the gods, might have been correctly made into a poetic cycle, as the +Finnish Kalevala was made by Lönnrot. + +After I had published my Legends, however, I was made aware by Louis +Mitchell, a Passamaquoddy Indian, who had been in the Legislature +of Maine, and had collected and written out for me, with strictest +literalness, a great number of manuscripts, that there were in +existence certain narratives and poems quite different in kind +from anything which I possessed. Among the former was a History +of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, illustrated with numerous designs of +the birchbark school of art, which I transferred to my friend the +late Dr. D. G. Brinton as its most appropriate possessor. Three of +the poems Mitchell wrote out for me in exact, though often quite +ungrammatical language, which was so close to the original that +the metres betrayed themselves throughout. I regret that, though +I had certainly acquired some knowledge of “Indian,” it was, as a +Passamaquoddy friend one day amiably observed, “only baby Injun +now grow bigger some day like Miʿkumwess s’posin’ you want to,” in +reference to a small goblin who is believed to have the power of +increasing his stature at will. However, I with great care put the +Mitchell Anglo-Algonkin into English metre, having been impressed, +while at the work, with the exquisitely naïve and fresh character of +the original, which, while it often reminded me of Norse poetry, in +many passages had strictly a life and beauty of its own. + +Among my varied and most valued small possessions is what was once, +beyond doubt, the sketch book of Salvator Rosa himself, consisting of +a number of blank leaves on one of which still remains an exquisite +pen sketch of a head by Bronzino. There were in it also, at one time, +as appears from a memorandum and on a flyleaf, several sketches +of Salvator, but these have been cut out and sold. The binding or +cover of the book was made from a large folio-thick parchment leaf +from a fourteenth century religious manuscript, whereon are seven +illuminated vermilion capitals still remaining. And, as my manuscript +exactly fitted the cover, I placed it therein, where it rested for +many years, undisturbed even by a thought save when it occurred to me +how the great and savage master, who was himself a poet, would have +rejoiced among Indians and liked their lyrics! + + “Io sono pittore + Gar flink mit der Hand + Und bin Salvatore + La Rosa genannt.” + +It so befell that I, _per fortuna_, became correspondent with +Professor J. Dyneley Prince, who had come some time after but got +far before me in a knowledge of Algonkin, as was shown in various +papers containing the original text and translations of Algonkin +legends in different dialects. Whereupon, the thought occurred to +me that this fully qualified scholar might revise, correct, and +compare my metrical version with the original text, which task would +be much facilitated by the fact that he also was well acquainted +with Louis Mitchell, and I may here mention that, while I had at one +time obtained an accurate copy of the celebrated Algonkin “Wampum +Record” which was recited annually in bygone days at the Council of +the Tribes, and had it read to me, and written out in Indian English. +Prof. Dyneley Prince has himself translated it and reproduces a +portion of it in the present work. So it came to pass that this book +was written. And I may here mention that my colleague, while his +specialty is the Semitic tongues, also has (like my late friend E. H. +Palmer, who professed Arabic at Cambridge) the gift of the Romany and +even Shelta, which are as the Latin and Greek of the roads! + +During more than one-third of a life which began in 1824, I have +passed almost annually over the continent of Europe. I have lived for +the past fifteen years in Florence, in touch with the Apennines, or +opposite Bellosguarda, sung by many a poet, and the Alps and castled +crags of the Rhine come to me often in my dreams; yet I never found +in it all that strange and sweet charm like a song without words +which haunts the hills and valleys of rural New England. That it has +existed and been deeply felt and clearly recognized, is evident in +the works of Hawthorne, with whom we may include Washington Irving, +Judd[1] and indeed many more, every one of whom bears witness of +having been awakened by a spell which he never felt in other lands. +And this spirit of its memory is the most beautiful which I have at +command: + + “I feel its magic from afar + Like another life in me; + I hear--though not with living ear + And see the forms which with my eye + I ne’er again shall see!” + +Yet with all this, there was still one thing wanting; that which +Nature itself would not give fully, even to a Wordsworth: the subtle +final charm of human tradition, poetry, or romance. True, it may be +the slightest--a mere touch of gold-leaf or an illuminated letter, +or a sun-gleam on the mountain top--but the most inspired poet can +never feel that he is really “heart-intimate” with scenery, if it +has for him no ties of tradition or folk-lore. When I was young, I +felt this lack, and bore in patience the very common reproach of +Europeans that we had a land without ancient legends or song. But +now that I am older grown, I have learned that this want is all in +our own ignorance and neglect of what we had only to put forth our +hand to reach. We bewailed our wretched poverty when we had in our +lap a casket full of treasure which we would not take the pains to +open. Few indeed and far between are those who ever suspected till of +late years that every hill and dale in New England had its romantic +legend, its beautiful poem, or its marvellous myth--the latter +equal in conception and form to those of the Edda--or that a vast +collection of these traditions still survives in perfect preservation +among the few remaining Indians of New England and the Northeast +Coast, or the _Wabano_. This assertion is, I trust, verified by +what is given in the Micmac tales by the late Rev. S. Rand, the +collection made by Miss Abbey Alger of Boston, and my own “Algonquin +Legends of New England,”[2] which I, _sit venia_, may mention was +the first to appear of the series. And I venture to say from the +deepest conviction that it will be no small occasion of astonishment +and chagrin, a hundred years hence, when the last Algonkin Indian of +the _Wabano_ shall have passed away, that so few among our literary +or cultured folk cared enough to collect this connected aboriginal +literature. Unto which I may truly add that, when such collection was +made, there were far more critics to find fault with the way in which +it was done, than persons to do it. + +A few of the poems contained in this volume have already appeared +in prose form in the “Algonquin Legends of New England.” As these +were in fact poetry, or chanted in rude measure, I had at first the +intention to give them in English in their original form and to group +all those referring to the divinity in an epic, as Lönnrot made the +Finnish Kalevala, or Homer his own great works. This I have to a +degree accomplished in the present volume. + +To render my meaning clear as to the legends having been poems, the +reader may be aware that all rude races make no distinction between +prose narrative and poetry. When an Indian, an Italian mountaineer, +an Arab, and sometimes a Gypsy (I have had experience of all in this +respect) would spin off some long romantic yarn, he either gives you +a choice, or, more frequently, begins to intone or chant the tale in +a manner which is something between plain-song and the singing of +“Captain Kidd” in a northeaster by one who has no vocal gift. Then +the voice falls into one or the other of two measures which I believe +I have accurately followed in the present work. This primitive rhythm +is quite irregular, following only a general cadence rather than +observing any fixed number of beats in each line. I have endeavored +to represent this peculiarity in the English version by not adhering +too strictly to an unvarying measure. These Amerindian[3] metres are +not all like that of Hiawatha, which is, however, quite in accord +with the form of the Slavonic and Spanish romances. + +Although not entirely ignorant of Passamaquoddy, Penobscot and +Micmac, I am not proficient therein and have chiefly based my work +on very careful translations executed by others. Here, however, I +avail myself of the assistance and authority of my _collaborateur_, +J. Dyneley Prince, who as these pages witness, has seriously studied +the eastern Algonkin dialects, especially the idiom of the Canadian +Abenakis. + +A Penobscot woman once told me that it was _Klûskâbe_--she did not +call him _Kulóskap_, as the Passamaquoddies do--who divided the great +mountain of which Boston originally consisted into _three hills_. I +have since learned from an authentic legend gathered by Miss Roma +Lister that Virgil did the same at Rome. Here the seven hills were +confused with three. Every reader of Scott will recall the great +wizard Michael Scott, who was believed to have worked the same +miracle: + + “And, Warrior, I could say to thee + The word that cleft Eildon hills in three.” + +These coincidences are very remarkable. I regret that I have not the +Penobscot song in which the division of the Boston hill is described, +but I believe that it exists. + +The traditions and, to some extent, the languages and histories +of the aboriginal tribes are quite as worthy of being taught at +our universities to all who propose to become American scholars as +many other branches which are endowed at great expense, and are a +great source of pride. But the true value of work like this is, +that the country will be if those who love it so desire, once more +repeopled with the fairies of yore. Those who will may walk in the +spirit-haunted paths, trodden in the early time by strange beings; +the rocks will have their goblins again and the “Diana’s Bath,” as it +is now styled, will be known by its ancient Indian name of “The Home +of the Water Elves.”[4] It was Bryant, I think, who declared that +the forest trees of New England were all the summer time repeating +in Indian words “their old poetic legends to the wind,” and it is a +tradition that there are ancient Indians who understand the language +of Mūūin the Bear--wherein may lurk more truth than most would deem, +according to the latest faith!--but these were unto all lost tongues, +and the dreams were thinnest air. Now that it is indeed possible from +these poems and such tales as have begun to reappear to see the forms +of olden time once more. I venture to express the hope that all who +love nature in New England will turn to the study of its folk-lore +and thereby secure the final flash of gold on the mountain tops, the +last touch in the picture of which I have spoken. When I was a boy +my happiest hours were spent in the rural scenery of Massachusetts. +Could I have had such books then, I could have enjoyed it all far +more. Therefore, I wish with all my heart, and truly from no selfish +point of view, that every lover of rock and river and greenwood tree +would master these old Indian tales or poems, and see in all Nature +new charms. + + CHARLES GODFREY LELAND. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[1] Author of “Margaret” (illustrated beautifully by Felix Darley). + +[2] “The Algonquin Legends of New England,” by Charles G. Leland. +Boston (Houghton, Mifflin & Co.), 1885. + +[3] Amerindian is a term invented and used by the Americanists of +the Smithsonian Institution, to denote aboriginal American races and +languages. + +[4] At the Intervale in the White Mountains, N. H., the Indian +name for the spot known as “Diana’s Bath,” is _Wʾwagʾmeswuk wigît_ +(Passamaquoddy), “the fairies’ home.” + + + + + =Introduction= + + BY + JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +I became interested in Indian languages and lore at Bar Harbor, Me., +in 1887, chiefly through my able coadjutor. It was Mr. Leland’s +important work, “The Algonquin Legends of New England” (Boston, +1885), which inspired me to make my first investigations in this +field. Mr. Leland was indeed the pioneer in examining the oral +literature of the northeastern Algonkin tribes, a fact which few +scholars seem to recognize. To him especially, as well as to the late +Rev. Silas Rand of Nova Scotia and to Miss Abbey Alger of Boston, +do we owe some highly valuable additions to our knowledge of early +eastern Algonkin thought. My own researches have been devoted more to +linguistic and phonetic investigations among the Canadian Abenakis +than to comparative mythological study--in which, however, I feel a +very deep interest. In the present work I have had the pleasant task +of arranging and editing Mr. Leland’s material, to which I have added +some of my own collections. Mr. Leland’s poems are indicated by the +letter L and my contributions by the letter P. + +I gladly take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my friend, +Mr. A. S. Gatschet of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, +for a great deal of valuable advice and instruction given to me +at different times during my American researches. His extensive +knowledge of Algonkin philology and folk-lore has always been most +kindly placed at my disposal. + +The existing representatives of the Algonkin or Algic race may be +separated linguistically into three great divisions: the Blackfeet +of the extreme west, whose idiom differs most greatly from all +the other dialects;[5] the Cree-Ojibwe of the middle west, which +embraces a number of closely allied linguistic variations[6] and +the Wabanaki races of the eastern coast, with whom the present work +is concerned. It should be noted that the Algonkin languages, like +all American idioms, are polysynthetic, i.e., either by means of +prefixes and suffixes which were themselves separate words, or, by +combining the radicals with other radicals, they build up words and +often sentences from original radicals which, in all probability, +were primitively monosyllabic. These original stems were in reality +only indifferent themes which might be used practically in any sense, +be it nominal or verbal. An excellent example of polysynthesis is +seen in the combination _ndalagaʿkimzi Alsigontegok_, “I learned it +at St. Francis” (Abenaki), which may be analyzed as follows: _n_, +inseparable prefix of the first person, _dal_ the prepositional +element “in” or “at” (cf. the separable post-position _tali_, “in”), +√_agaʿkim_, the root “to learn, teach”--itself a reduplicated form +of original √_kim_, “learn”--and, finally, -_zi_, the reflexive +ending. _Alsigontegok_ is the locative case of _Alsigontegw_, “river +of empty habitations,” the Abenaki name for the Indian village of +St. Francis, near Pierreville. The termination -_tegw_, locative +_tegok_, always means “river,” but cannot be used separately. If the +reader will reflect that the entire linguistic structure is arranged +on this plan, the immense physical difficulty of these idioms will be +appreciated. On the other hand, the Algonkin languages, by reason of +their very power to form these long idea-words, are admirably adapted +for narration and song, however poor a medium they might be for +modern business. + +Among the following poems and tales will be found selections taken +from Passamaquoddies, Penobscots, Abenakis, Micmacs and Delawares, +all of which tribes are members of the so-called Wabanaki branch of +the Algonkin stock and are consequently nearly related in language +and folk-lore. This term _Wabanaki_ or _Oñbanaki_ (Abenaki) means +“land of the dawn or east,” and undoubtedly points to that section +of country in which these people first established tribal relations. +_Wabanaki_ (_Oñbanaki_) is also a common term for “a man from the +east.”[7] + +The Passamaquoddy Indians of Pleasant Point, Me., numbering about +five hundred in all, are identical with the Milicetes or Etchemins +of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The name Passamaquoddy is a +purely local term, meaning “spearers of pollock fish” (_peskátum_). +The correct form is _Pestumokádyik_. These people are by far the +most interesting remnant of the Wabanaki, as they still retain +an unusually extensive oral literature, embracing love poems, +legends, and historical tales of considerable value. It will be +noticed, moreover, that, of the material given in the present +work, that coming from the Passamaquoddy is by far the best from +a literary point of view. I need only call the reader’s attention +to the very remarkable song recording the attack of the squirrels +on _Lappilatwan_, who dwelt in the birch tree, “ever sitting with +his mouth open” (_wechkutonébit_), a song of which Mr. Leland gives +a most charming version. I know no parallel to this in any other +literature. The wonderful song of _Nipon_, the summer, and the truly +tender legend of the loves of the Leaf and the Firebird will serve +still further to illustrate the purity of Passamaquoddy thought and +diction. + +The following brief historical sketch, taken from the manuscripts +of the Passamaquoddy Louis Mitchell, will give some idea of the +conditions which prevailed among the Wabanaki previous to the coming +of the Europeans. + +“In former days the Wabanaki nation, the Indians called Megʾwek, or +Mohawks, and other members of the Iroquoian Six Nations, were wont to +wage bloody and unceasing war with one another. The Wabanaki nation +consisted of five tribes: Passamaquoddies, Penobscots, Micmacs, +Milicetes, and the tribe, now extinct, which formerly inhabited the +banks of the Kennebec River. The bitterest foes of the Wabanaki were +undoubtedly the Megʾwek or Mohawks, who on the slightest provocation +would send bands to harry them and destroy their crops. The Mohawks +invariably treated their prisoners with the most merciless severity, +showing no pity even to the women and children. A favorite torture +which they frequently practised was to build a large fire of hemlock +coals, into the flames of which they drove their captives, compelling +them to walk back and forth over the glowing embers until relieved by +death. No case is on record where a brave of the Wabanaki succumbed +to the fearful pain and begged for mercy. The warriors would always +pace the fiery path with undaunted resolution and without uttering a +sound, until nature put an end to their agony. Tortures of this sort +were practised by all the tribes, but the Mohawks exceeded the others +in cruelty.” + +“The cause of the strife was an hereditary dispute about hunting +grounds. Besides the enmity which they nourished in common against +the Six Nations, the Wabanaki had also internal disputes. Thus, the +Penobscots were at feud with the Milicetes and the Micmacs with the +Passamaquoddies.” + +“The first war between the last two tribes was brought about by +the quarrel of two boys, sons of chiefs. On this occasion the +Passamaquoddies were on a friendly visit to the Micmacs, during +which the sons of the Passamaquoddy and Micmac chiefs went shooting +together. They both shot at a white sable, killing the animal by +their joint effort, but each lad claimed it as his game. Finally, +the Passamaquoddy boy, becoming enraged, killed the son of the +Micmac chief. The latter on hearing of the murder could think only +of vengeance, and positively refused to listen to the Passamaquoddy +chief’s attempt at reconciliation. The latter even offered the +life of his own son who had been guilty of the murder, but all to +no purpose. In consequence of this unfortunate occurrence, the +celebrated ‘great war’ was then declared, which lasted many years.” + +“The Micmacs although more numerous than their enemies, were inferior +warriors, so that the victory was always won (_sic!_) by the +Passamaquoddies. So great was the hostile spirit that the two tribes +fought whenever they met, paying no heed to the time of year. On one +occasion, the Passamaquoddies went to Tlancowatik, thirty miles west +of St. John, N. B., with a small party consisting principally of +women and children, with the chief and a few braves. At this place +they met a number of Micmacs on their way to Passamaquoddy Bay. The +Micmac chief being a lover of fair play ordered his men to land on an +island to await the coming of a messenger. The other chief sent word +that on the following day ‘the boys would come out to play.’ As the +Passamaquoddy chief had very few men able to bear arms, he made the +women attire themselves like warriors so that from a distance they +might be mistaken for men, and directed them to play on the beach +shouting and laughing as if entirely fearless. The Micmac chief, +deceived by this stratagem and being afraid, summoned his braves to +council, and setting forth the disasters which had been caused by the +long war advised a treaty of peace. This proposition was made to the +Passamaquoddies who, wearied by the perpetual state of unrest, gladly +acceded to the request. A general council was accordingly called, by +which it was decided that ‘as long as the sun rises and sets, as +long as the great lakes send their waters to the sea, so long should +peace reign over the two tribes.’ + +“The usual ceremonies for making peace were then observed, as +follows: (1) a marriage was contracted between a brave of the +challenging people and a maiden of the challenged people. This was +regarded as a type of perpetual future good will. (2) A feast lasting +two months was celebrated nightly; and (3) games of ball, canoe and +foot races and other sports were carried on. After such ceremonies +were over no breach of a treaty is on record, not even a single +murder.” + +“After the great Micmac war was ended, the Passamaquoddies lived at +peace except for occasional raids of Mohawks, but the latter finally +received a blow from which they never recovered, the details of +which are as follows: It was the custom of the Mohawks to make night +attacks, and at one time, when the Passamaquoddies were at the head +of Passamaquoddy Bay, the Mohawks approached the camp, which was +called Quenasquamcook, with the purpose of utterly destroying it. +On this occasion, however, they were seen by a Passamaquoddy brave +whose people lay in ambush for them. It was the custom of chiefs to +wear medallions of white wampum shells which were visible at a long +distance, particularly in the moonlight. Picking out in this way +the person of the Mohawk chief whose name was Lox (‘Wolverine’) the +watching braves shot him first, owing to which calamity the Mohawks +were thrown into confusion and fled. The Passamaquoddies followed +them as soon as day broke, but the tracks were so scattered that +they could not find the refugees. It was ascertained afterwards that +the Mohawks had quarrelled among themselves, one party being in favor +of making peace with the enemy, while another faction was strongly +opposed to such a measure. The discussion of the question ended +in a fierce combat. This was the final blow to the Mohawk cause, +so that the nation ever afterward sought to be at peace with the +Passamaquoddies.” + +“After this battle the Passamaquoddies were never again molested, but +the Penobscot tribe was still at war with the Milicetes and Mohawks +and, in fact, was nearly destroyed three times by their ruthless +foes.”[8] + +After this period of intertribal enmity came the ratification of the +Wampum Laws preserved in the so-called “Wampum Record,” part of which +is given in the Appendix. This _Wababi Agʾnodmâgon_, as I received +it, is really an historical account transmitted orally by elderly +men whose memories had been especially trained for the purpose from +early youth. The laws themselves are not given in my version. It +was customary for these keepers of tribal history from time to time +to instruct the younger members of their clan in the annals of the +people. The Passamaquoddy accounts were kept in the memory of the +historians by means of wampum shells arranged on strings in such a +manner that certain combinations suggested certain sentences or ideas +to the narrator or “reader” who, of course, already knew his record +by heart and was merely aided by the association in his mind of the +arrangement of the wampum beads with incidents or sentences in the +tale, song, or ceremony which he was rendering. This explains such +expressions as “marriage wampum” or “burial wampum,” which are common +among the Passamaquoddies, and simply mean combinations of wampum +which suggested to the initiated interpreter the ritual of the tribal +marriage and burial ceremonies. Passamaquoddy tradition has it that +the Wampum Records (i.e., the actual laws) were read ceremonially +every year at Caughnawauga, the Iroquois headquarters. + +This custom of preserving records by means of a mnemonic system was +peculiar to all the tribes of the Algonkin race as well as to the +Iroquoian clans. Brinton refers to the record or tally sticks of the +Crees and Chippeways as the “rude beginning of a system of mnemonic +aids.” It seems to have been customary in early times to burn a +mark or rude figure on a stick, suggestive of a sentence or idea. +Brinton adds: “In later days, instead of burning the marks upon the +stick, they were painted, the colors as well as the figures having +certain conventional meanings. The sticks are described as about six +inches in length, slender, although varying in shape, and tied up in +bundles.” Among the more cultured tribes the sticks were eventually +replaced by wooden tablets, on which the symbols were engraved with +a sharp instrument, such as a flint or knife. The Passamaquoddies, +however, appear never to have advanced beyond the use of wampum +strings as mnemonic aids. + +I obtained the Wampum Records at Bar Harbor, Me., in 1887, from +the Passamaquoddy Indian mentioned above by Mr. Leland, Mr. +Louis Mitchell, who was at that time Indian member of the Maine +Legislature. The manuscripts which he sent me contained both the +Indian text and a translation into Indian-English, which I have +rearranged in an idiom I trust somewhat more intelligible to the +general reader.[9] + +The Penobscot Indians of Maine number at present not more than three +hundred and fifty, most of whom are resident at the Indian village +of Oldtown on Penobscot River, near Bangor. These people still speak +a characteristic Algonkin language which bears more resemblance +to the idiom of the Abenakis at St. Francis, near Pierreville, +Quebec, than it does to that of the nearer Algonkin neighbors of the +Penobscots, the Passamaquoddies. Moreover, a philological examination +of Penobscot and Abenaki shows that both of these forms of Algonkin +speech are sister dialects, which have sprung from a common original +at a comparatively recent date.[10] It is well known that the +Abenakis of Canada are the direct descendants (of course with some +admixture of French and other blood) of the majority of the savages +who escaped from the great battle of the Kennebec in Maine, where +the English commander Bradford overthrew their tribe on December 3, +1679. Many of the survivors at once fled to French Canada, where they +settled themselves in their present village of St. Francis, near +Pierreville, Quebec (_Alsigontegok_, “river of empty habitations”). +Others again may have wandered into Canada at a slightly later date. +There can be little doubt that the Indians now called Penobscots +from their residence near the river of that name are the descendants +of those of the early Abenakis who, instead of fleeing to French +dominions, eventually submitted themselves to the victorious English. +It is interesting to notice that the Canadian Abenakis are the only +one of the Wabanaki clans which calls itself by the generic name +(_Abenaki-Wabanaki_). + +The Micmacs are the easternmost and by far the most numerous of the +Wabanaki remnants. They are to be found in various places in the +Canadian provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince +Edward’s Island, and Newfoundland. Their grade of intelligence is +much lower than that of the other members of the same family, but +they still have a vast store of folk-lore, legends, and poems which +is perishing for want of interested collectors. Their language +differs so greatly from the dialects of the Penobscots, Abenakis, and +Passamaquoddies that the members of these clans always use English +or French when communicating with their Micmac neighbors, while +an intelligent Passamaquoddy can without difficulty understand a +Penobscot or Abenaki, if the dialect is pronounced slowly. + +The story of the enforced westward wanderings of the ill-fated +Delawares or Lenâpe has been told in detail by my late friend Dr. +Brinton (“The Lenâpe and their Legends,” pp. 122–6). + +At the present day this famous tribe, whose three clans--the Minsi, +the Unami, and the Unalachtigo--were once the dominant native race +in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and parts of New York State +is represented by but a few bands living on scattered reservations, +some in Indian Territory and some in Ontario, Canada. The Delawares +of Indian Territory have quite lost their identity as a tribe of +Indians, as they have been incorporated with the Cherokee Nation, +by whose chief and council they are governed. The last recognized +Delaware chief of this division of the tribe was Charles Jurney-cake, +whose daughters are now married to white men. These Indians occupy +lands in the Muskogee Agency, situated in the northwestern part of +the Cherokee Nation. There are still about eight hundred Delawares in +this region, all of whom moved to the Cherokee country from Kansas, +in 1867. I am informed that a few members of the race linger on at +New Westfield, near Ottawa, Kansas, most of whom are under the charge +of the Moravian Church. + +In Ontario, Canada, there are only about three hundred in all; one +hundred at Hagersville, on the Six Nations’ (Iroquois) Reserve (Chief +Nelles Montour), one hundred at Munceytown, and the same number at +Moraviantown, which is the seat of a Moravian mission. The Canadian +Delawares are all Protestants, belonging, for the most part, either +to the Church of England or to the Moravians.[11] + +Brinton (_op. cit._, pp. 91 ff.) has pointed out the chief +differences between the two ancient dialects of the Lenâpe, viz.: +the Unami-Unalachtigo and the Minsi. Of these, the Minsi is spoken +by all the Canadian Delawares. In this connection, however, it +is interesting to note that, in a letter to Dr. Brinton, dated +Moraviantown, 1884, Chief Gottlieb Tobias states that three aged +persons were then living who could still talk the other dialect. It +is evident that most of the Delawares of Indian Territory use the +Unami-Unalachtigo, since Chief Montour, of Hagersville, Ont., writes +that, when he visited the Cherokee settlement of his race some years +ago, he could only understand with difficulty the speech of his +congeners resident there. On the other hand, he asserts that the +Delawares near Ottawa, Kansas, use pure Minsi. + +Chief Montour is a highly intelligent and well educated Indian who +takes a deep interest in the language and lore of his tribe. The +Delaware witchcraft tale given in the following collection about the +Muttóntoe was sent to me by him. + +The lore of the Maine and eastern Canadian Wabanaki may be said +to center chiefly around the clown-like being known to the +Passamaquoddies as Kulóskap and to the Penobscots as Klûskâbe. My +coadjutor, Mr. Leland, has ably treated of the nature of this purely +American creation in his Algonquin Legends, pp. 15–139. Kulóskap +(Klûskâbe) is a god-man of truly Indian type who undoubtedly +represents the principle of good, and particularly good nature, +as opposed to his twin-brother Malsum the Wolf, who may be called +the Ahrimân of the Wabanaki, although this is almost too dignified +a term. It is highly interesting to notice that these twins were +born from an unknown divine mother, the good Kulóskap in the natural +manner, and the evil Wolf through the woman’s side, a method which +he deliberately chose in order to kill his mother. The tendency of +Kulóskap, in spite of his name, was essentially benevolent. Oddly +enough Kulóskap means “the liar,” from a stem √_klûsk_, “lie” + +_ap_, “a man, person, one who stands.” The stem appears in Penobscot +only in compounds; cf. _klûskachemuwâgon_, “a lie falsehood.” This +appellation, uncomplimentary as it sounds to our ears, was not really +meant in this sense by the Indians. Kulóskap is called the deceiver, +not because he deceives or injures man, but because he is clever +enough to lead his enemies astray, the highest possible virtue to +the early American mind. Kulóskap was at once the creator and friend +of Man, and, strangely enough, he made the Indian (or Man; the terms +are synonymous) from the ash tree. The following collection of +songs, mostly from Micmac sources, bearing especially on the doings +of Kulóskap, has been arranged by Mr. Leland and myself into a sort +of epic embracing all the native lore known to us concerning this +personage. The same culture-hero appears in the legends of the entire +Algonkin family, although often under another name. In the present +collection, to secure uniformity, the single name of Kulóskap has +been used throughout. + +Wabanaki mythology was really pure Shamanism, seeing a spirit in +every tree and waterfall, and a malignant or benevolent influence +in many animals. Like most barbaric races, these people were also +fervent believers in witchcraft, a superstition which still survives +in the minds of many of the older Indians. Any missionary to the +Passamaquoddies, or to their kindred, the New Brunswick Milicetes, +the Penobscots of Oldtown, Me., or to the Micmacs and Abenakis +of Quebec, will admit that belief in the ancient Shamanistic +sorcery among these Indians has by no means died out. Among the +Passamaquoddies and Milicetes particularly, there is still a perfect +mine of material relating to the wizards and their power over other +men and over the curious beings with which the Indians have peopled +the mysterious forests of their country. + +In pre-Christian times the Passamaquoddies, like their other Algic +kindred, were firm believers in the almost unlimited power of their +_Mʾdeolinʾwuk_ or wizards, belief in the existence of many of whom +still remains, subordinate, of course, to the Catholic doctrine, +which nearly all the Indians profess--there being, I am informed, +only three or four Protestant Passamaquoddy families. + +A few examples of these sorcerers’ power are described below in +the curiously curt style of Algic narrative.[12] We see from these +tales that the wizards could transform themselves into animals at +will; that they could cast a spell or curse on an enemy, even though +he might also be a _Mʾdeolin_; that they could violate the laws of +nature so far as to walk in hard ground, sinking up to the ankles +or knees at every step, and, finally--that they could communicate +with each other telepathically. I need hardly comment on the first +two and the fourth of these wonders, as they are common among all +Shamanistic conjurers, but the third phenomenon, the power to sink +into hard ground while walking, is, I believe, characteristically +American. Rink states that this is not an unusual feat among the +conjurers of the Greenland Eskimo, who frequently sink into rocky and +frozen ground “as if in snow.” The trick is probably done by some +peculiar way of stooping, or is merely suggested, possibly by means +of hypnotic influence. Leland compares here, however, the Old Norse +statements regarding their wizards, who occasionally sank into the +ground and who had power to pass through earth with the same ease as +through air or water (Algonquin Legends, p. 342). It would be hardly +permissible to draw a parallel between the ancient Norsemen and the +northern Indians on this account, as the case Leland cites is that of +a conjurer who disappeared into the ground head downwards, when he +was stabbed at by a foe. It should be noticed that in the following +tale, my Passamaquoddy authority did not see the actual feat, but +only the deep tracks of the wizard where he had sunk into the earth +“the night before.” + +The anecdote of a cannibalistic feast is highly interesting. The +wizards here eat their murdered comrade, evidently with the idea of +absorbing into themselves some or all of his power. The cannibalistic +orgies of the South Sea Islanders should be compared with this +practice. For example, the Fijis and the New Zealand Maoris ate their +enemies with the same object in view, viz., to become as brave as +the fallen foe had been. All authorities tend to show, however, that +cannibalism was extremely rare among the American races, and was only +resorted to in isolated cases like the one here noted. + +In the Delaware tale given below, a similar instance of cannibalism +is cited; only in this case, the wizard, who is evidently a being +similar in nature to the Passamaquoddy _Kiwaʿkw_ or the Micmac +_Chînu_, desires to devour a very old, worn-out man. I can only look +upon this feature as a highly interesting relic from very primitive +times, when it was probably not unusual to devour the aged, perhaps +for a double purpose: both to get rid of them, as was the case until +recently among the islanders of Tierra del Fuego, and also, perhaps, +to absorb sacramentally into the living members of the family the +essence of the dead parent, whose soul is thus prevented from +becoming entirely extinct. The fact that a giant ghoul desires to +eat the Delaware old man is, however, a distinctly Algonkin feature, +quite in accord with the ideas prevalent among the Passamaquoddies, +Penobscots and Micmacs regarding the _Kiwaʿkw-Chînu_. + +The Passamaquoddy tale given below of the _Kiwaʿkw_ or snow demon is +one of a great number. The Algonkin Indian believed in many spirits, +some benevolent like the _Wʾnagʾmeswuk_ or “little people,” who were +wont to warn the tribesmen of impending danger; some neutral, like +the wandering _Kiwaʿkw_ in this tale, or the _Chibelaʿkwe_, the +tree sprite who sits in the crotch of the large branches; and some +again distinctly malevolent, like the _Appodumken_ or spirit of the +deep water, who lurks in the lakes to drag down the unwary swimmer. +The _Kiwaʿkw_, however, as remarked above, was often an evil being. +Compare also Leland’s wonderful tales of the _Chînu_ (Algonquin +Legends, pp. 233 ff). + +The reader’s attention should be called at this point to the +remarkable ideas prevalent among the Wabanaki regarding the +cohabitation of women and serpents (see below, and also Leland, _op. +cit._, pp. 268 ff). These may seem strange coming from a land where +there are no ophidians large enough to warrant such a superstition. +It is not impossible, however, that in these hideous tales we have +some relic of far distant prehistoric days when huge serpents were +not unknown. It should be added, moreover, that in every case of +such sexual relations between snakes and man among the Wabanaki the +serpent was always a wizard (_Mʾdeolin_) in disguise, a fact which +shows that in the later superstition at least the unusual character +of such monstrous serpents was fully appreciated. + +The following points should be noted with regard to the pronunciation +of the Indian words herein given. The vowels have the Italian values, +except that _ö_ = German _ö_ in _schön_. The apostrophe ʾ is a very +short _u_-vowel. The consonants are equivalent to the same consonants +in English, except that _ñ_ represents the French nasal _n_ in _mon_, +and the final combination _kw_ or final _q_ must be uttered as a _k_ +followed by _w_ accompanied by a gentle indeterminate short vowel. +The inverted apostrophe ʿ has the value of a softly breathed _h_. +Thus _kiwâʿkw_ must be pronounced _kee-wah-kwᵘ_. + +As explained the name of the culture-hero is spelled _Kulóskap_ +for the sake of uniformity, but so far as possible, the Indian +expressions used in the different stories have been kept in harmony +with the original languages. The reason for this discrepancy lies in +the fact that some of the Passamaquoddy and Micmac tales were related +by Penobscots, who frequently inadvertently used their own forms. For +the same reason, in some stories labelled as Micmac, Passamaquoddy +words will occasionally be found. In every such case the Micmac tales +came through a Passamaquoddy medium, who, whenever he was ignorant +of the proper Micmac word, used the corresponding Passamaquoddy +expression, but elsewhere employed Micmac words. The Indian +headings to the stories are nearly all in Passamaquoddy because the +_raconteurs_ generally began in this dialect, even when they broke +into Micmac or Penobscot in continuing the tale in question. The +Glossary explains every Indian word occurring in the midst of the +English text. + +We present these selections from the still vast storehouse of +Wabanaki lore, not to prove any preconceived theory as to their +origin, or as to the origin of the eastern coast tribes themselves. +No man can ever know now whence the Algonkin races came. Whether +they with other peoples were emigrants from palaeolithic Europe, +crossing by way of some long since vanished land-bridge, or whether +they wandered into their present habitat from the western part of +our own continent, having had their origin in pre-historic Asia, +it is impossible to say and, in view of the absolute darkness in +which we grope, all theories are futile. I cannot see a meaning in +the word _Wabanaki_, “land of the dawn or east,” which points to any +period further back than the time of these peoples’ first tribal +centralization on the present eastern coast of North America. + +Let then our labor in this work suffice merely to present to the +English-speaking public a few interesting and characteristic +specimens of the traditions of a rapidly perishing race--a race which +fifty years from now will have hardly a single living representative. + + JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[5] Cf. J. W. Tims, “Grammar and Dictionary of the Blackfoot +Language,” London, 1889. + +[6] Cf. Horden, “Grammar of the Cree Language,” London, 1881; Wilson, +“The Ojebway Language,” Toronto, 1874. + +[7] Cf. Prince, in _Misc. Linguistica Ascoliana_, Turin, 1901, p. 344. + +[8] See Prince, Annals N. Y. Academy of Sciences, XI., No. 15, pp. +370–374. + +[9] See Prince, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, +XXXVI., pp. 479 ff. + +[10] See Prince, American Anthropologist, IV., No. 1. + +[11] See Prince, American Journal of Philology, XXI., pp. 295, 296. + +[12] See also Prince, Proceedings of the American Philosophical +Society, XXXVIII., pp. 181–189. + + + + + PART FIRST + + =The Epic of Kulóskap= + + + + + =Canto First= + + CREATION LEGENDS + + + + + I + + THE BIRTH OF KULÓSKAP, THE LORD OF BEASTS AND MEN, + AND THE DEATH OF MALSUM THE WOLF + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Yut nit nʾkani akʾnodʾmâgon + Uch Kulóskap elaknotmotits piche._[13] + + +[Illustration] + + Wonderful traditions + Of the olden time; + Very old indeed, + Ere the world began: + + The great lord Kulóskap + Who in after days + Was worshipped everywhere + By the Wabanaki + Or Children of the Dawn, + Was as yet unborn, + Living as a twin + With another named + Malsumsis--the Wolf. + Wolf, the lesser one, + As his brother was good + So was this one bad; + One, the Lord of Light, + One, of Darkness dire. + + Now ere they were born, + The two a council held + That they might decide + How they would be born. + And Kulóskap said: + “I shall be content + If I may come to life + Even as others come.” + But Malsum, the Wolf, + Said: “Just as you will; + But I am too great + E’er to see the light + As common creatures do; + I will burst to light + Rending everything + E’en through death to life.” + + So it came to pass + Kulóskap, the Lord, + Came in peace to light; + Malsum kept his word, + And the mother died. + + So the two grew up, + Till one day the Wolf, + Who knew that both were given + Strange mysterious lives + Charmed ’gainst everything + Save one concealèd death, + Asked of the elder what + His hidden bane might be? + + Then the wise Kulóskap + Thought how when he was born + Malsumsis in his pride + Had slain his mother; + And he said: “If Wolf knew + The secret of my life, + That life would soon be o’er.” + And therefore he agreed + To tell Malsum the Wolf + The secret of his death, + If he the younger born + Would tell him in return + The secret of his own. + + Therefore the elder said, + To test his brother’s truth: + “The feather of an owl + Is the one thing on earth + Which e’er can end my life.” + In sooth, this was a lie + Although no evil one, + And yet from uttering it + Kulóskap got his name + Which means the Liar, or, + As Indians mean the word: + A wise and crafty man. + + And then it came to pass + That in the after-days + Kwâbîtsis the son + Of the Great Beaver, or + As others tell the tale + Miʿko the squirrel, or else + The very devil himself + Who dwelt within his heart, + Tempted Malsum to slay + His brother Kulóskap; + For in those early days + All men were wicked--all + Lived but in evil deeds. + + So Malsum took his bow + And, stealing through the woods + Into his dark retreat, + Shot Koʿkoʿkhas, the owl, + And with his feathers struck + Kulóskap while asleep. + + Up leaped the Lord enraged, + Yet even in his wrath + He spoke right craftily: + “Thou ever evil One! + Thou murderer of all! + Know that no feather can + E’er take my life. ’Tis by + A pine-root and a blow + That I am doomed to die, + By that, and that alone.” + + So on another day + When both together went + A-hunting in the woods + Kulóskap laid him down + To sleep upon the leaves + Where all was very still; + Then Malsum, ever bent + On evil and on death, + With a great pine-tree root + Smote with his giant strength + His brother on the head. + Up leapt the Lord again + Unharmèd as before, + And drove the Wolf away, + Away in bitter scorn, + Away into the woods. + + Then sitting by a brook + He saw the flowering rush, + Or cat-tail, in the stream-- + Of all the plants on earth + The weakest, softest thing-- + And said unto himself, + Although he spoke aloud: + “What soul would ever dream + That in that plant abides + The secret of my death?” + + The Beaver who lay hid + Deep down among the reeds. + Heard what the Lord had said, + And hastening to Malsumsis + Told him the whole. For this + Malsum had freely sworn + To give the Beaver aught + Or all that he might wish. + + But when the Beaver asked + For wings, that he might fly + Even as pigeons do, + Malsum replied in scorn, + And laughing from his heart: + “Thou with a sorry tail + Like any rugged rasp, + What need hast _thou_ of wings! + Mud-scraper! Get thee gone!” + + In a bitter rage + Forth the Beaver ran, + Ran by night and day, + Till he found the Lord, + Kulóskap the Wise, + Unto whom he told + All that he had done, + Sorrowing that he + Had so evil been, + Sorrowing that he + Had ever heard and told + The secret of his life. + Then in sorrow too, + And yet in anger grim, + Up the Lord arose, + Rose all in his might, + And plucking up a fern, + Sought in the deep dark wood + For Malsumsis the Wolf: + And having found him there + Smote him a single blow; + Down fell the demon dead. + + Then Kulóskap sang a song, + Lamenting for the dead; + Though ever unto him + He had so evil been, + And as a bitter foe + Had sought to end his life; + Sung over him a song, + Then homewards went his way. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[13] This is an ancient story of Kulóskap which they told long ago. + + + + + II + + THE CREATION OF MAN AND THE ANIMALS + + [_Passamaquoddy and Micmac_] + + _Kulóskap nitamk naga nit kʾchi pechies + Yut kilun kʾmʾt-kinansnok._[14] + + + Kulóskap was first, + First and greatest, + To come into our land-- + Into Nova Scotia, Canada, + Into Maine, into Wabanaki, + The land of sunrise, or light. + + There were no Indians like us, + Here in those early days; + Only far in the West + Lived red men strange and wild. + + First born were the Miʿkumwessuk + The fairies of the forest, + The Wʾnâgʾmeswuk, elves, + The little men, dwellers in rocks. + + Thus it was Kulóskap the Great + Made man: He took his arrows + And shot at a tree--the ash, + Known as the basket-tree. + +[Illustration: =The Creation of Man=] + + From the hole made by the arrow + Came forth new forms, and these + Were the first of human kind. + And so the Lord gave them a name + Meaning “those born from trees.” + + Kulóskap the Lord of Light + Made all the animals. + First, he created + All of giant size; + Such was the beginning. + Then he said to Teâm, the Moose, + Who was tall as the Kiwaʿkw, + The colossal giant of the mountain, + The awful king of the forest, + The lord of the roaring river: + “What wouldst thou do, Teâm, + Shouldst thou see man a-coming?” + Answered the monstrous Teâm, + “I would tear the trees down on him.” + Then the Lord Kulóskap + Saw that the Moose was too strong; + So he made him smaller and weaker + So that the Indians could kill him. + + Even so with the Squirrel + Who was as large in those days + As the great wolf in our time; + “What would you do, Sâkskadu?” + Asked the Lord of Beasts and Men, + “If you should meet an Indian?” + “I would scratch up trees by their roots + That they might fall upon him.” + Answered the Squirrel undaunted. + “Thou also art far too strong,” + Replied the mighty Master; + So he smoothed him down in his hands, + And, as he was smoothed, the Squirrel + Grew ever smaller and smaller, + Till he was as we see him now. + + Then he asked the Great White Bear: + “And thou, Kʾchî Mūʾūin! + What wouldst thou do if ever + A man should come in thy way?” + And the Bear replied: “I would eat him.” + Then the Master bade him go + And live among rocks and ice, + Very far away in the North, + Where he would see no Indians. + And there he is ever in snow. + + So Kulóskap the Great, + Lord of all things that are, + Did question all the beasts, + Changing their size or strength, + Or measuring out their lives, + According to their answers. + + He took the Loon for his hunter + To serve him as a dog; + But the Loon was often absent, + Not to be found when wanted; + So he took in his place two Wolves, + One black, the other white; + And these wild dogs are his messengers + Who bear to him tidings of all. + + Many years ago, + Yet still within our time, + Very far to the North, + An Indian in his canoe + Was about to cross a bay + To a distant place; + When, just before he launched, + There came in haste a stranger + Followed by two great dogs, + Who asked to be taken over. + “You may come,” replied the Indian, + “Come over the bay and welcome, + But what will you do with your dogs? + For we cannot take them with us!” + + The stranger replied, “They may go + Around by land and meet us.” + “That cannot be,” said the other, + “No dogs could run such a distance, + Not even in weeks of running.” + But as there was no answer + He paddled, saying nothing, + Over the bay to the landing, + And there the dogs were waiting! + But when he turned his head + He found the stranger had vanished, + And then he said to himself: + “Now have I seen Kulóskap, + The Lord of Beasts and Men.” + + And yet at a later day + At a place afar in the North, + There were many Indians assembled + When there came a strange commotion. + The ground was heaving and rumbling, + The rocks were shaking and falling, + And even the boldest among them + Felt faint at heart with terror; + When lo, they saw before them + The Lord of all, Kulóskap! + And he said to them: “Lo, I am here, + And when you feel the ground + Trembling again as to-day, + Then know that I have returned.” + So it is that man will know + When the last great war shall be, + The war of the Final Day! + For then Kulóskap the Lord + Will make the plain and the mountains + Shake with an awful noise. + + The Beaver had been the foe + Of the Lord in the beginning; + Hence it came that Kulóskap slew + Full many of the tribe. + Away up in the Tobaic + Are two salt water rocks-- + That is, they stand by the ocean + Near a fresh water stream-- + A spot which to the Beaver + Had ever been forbidden. + But one day when far away, + So far that none could see + Who had not the magic vision, + Kulóskap saw the Beaver + Defying his injunction, + And drinking from the stream. + Then with his might, in anger, + The god tore up a rock + And hurled it at the Beaver. + It was many leagues away, + The Beaver deftly dodged it-- + Few beasts are so quick at dodging-- + But when another boulder + Came after the first one, Kwâbît + Ran deep into a mountain + From which he came forth no more. + But the rocks which the Master threw, + And the mountain and the fountain, + Are shown unto this day; + And the Indians say in reverence; + “Kulóskap once was here!” + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[14] Kulóskap was the greatest one who ever came into our land. + + + + + III + + THE ORIGIN OF THE RATTLESNAKES + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Ntʾladwewâgʾnuk aʿtosis yut the snake._[15] + + + You know Aʿtosis, the Snake? + Truly all snakes are evil, + But worst among them all + Is the Rattlesnake their master. + Well! In the olden time, + The Rattlesnakes were Indians, + And they were very saucy: + Men said they were all face, + And never could be frozen; + They could not be put down by much, + And they rose for very little. + When the Great Flood was coming, + Kulóskap the awful prophet, + Gave them full warning of it. + They answered, “They did not care.” + He told them that the water + Would rise o’er the heads of all; + They said, “Should this come to pass, + We shall all be very wet.” + He bade them be good and quiet, + And pray to escape from drowning; + They whooped and hurrahed to mock him. + He said, “The Great Flood is coming!” + They gave three cheers for the Flood. + Then he added, “’Twill drown you all!” + The Indians whooped again, + And got out all their rattles, + Which were made of turtle shell + Containing little pebbles, + And rattled with all their might + In a daring dance to the Flood. + + Yes, ’twas a rattling dance! + The rain began to fall, + But the Indians danced on. + The thunder roared, and they answered + With rattles and with war-cries + The Indians danced on. + To the flash and crash of lightning + Amid the rising waters + The Indians danced on! + + Then Kulóskap was angry + Yet in the rising flood + He did not drown a soul, + But for their arrogance + Changed all to serpent form-- + That of the Rattlesnake, + Which crawls about the rocks, + And so unto this day, + Whene’er they see a man, + They lift their heads and hiss; + And move them up and down-- + That is the way snakes dance, + Shaking their rattles, too, + As we do when we dance. + How do you like the sound? L. + +[Illustration: =The Origin of the Rattlesnakes=] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[15] In my language _aʿtosis_ is the snake. + + + + + IV + + HOW KULÓSKAP NAMED THE ANIMALS, AND DISCOVERED + THAT MAN WAS THE LORD OF THEM ALL + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Wut ktagʾnodʾmul uch Kulóskap._[16] + + + This is an ancient tale of the Lord, + Told ’mid the tales of the spirit time, + How the Master of Beasts and Men + Was born in the Sunrise land, + The land of the Wabanaki; + Though other traditions tell + That he came from across the ocean + In a great stone canoe, + A barque which was all of granite, + Covered with trees for masts. + When the great Lord of All, + The Chief of Beasts and Men, + Descended from this ark, + He went into the land + Of the Wabanaki, + The children of the Light; + And calling all the Beasts + Gave unto each a name: + Unto the Bear, Mūūin; + And as he gave it, asked: + “Oh Bear, what would’st thou do, + If thou should’st meet a man?” + To which Mūūin replied + Simply and honestly: + “I fear him and should run.” + “Well spoken,” said the Lord, + “Man should be feared by all.” + + Now at that time, Miʿko, + The Squirrel, was as great, + Or, some say, far more great + Than even the Northern Bear; + So the Lord Kulóskap + Took Miʿko ’neath his hands, + And softly smoothed him down; + And as he felt the touch + Miʿko grew less and less, + And dwindled until he + Was what we see him now. + Howbeit in later days, + Miʿko was Kulóskap’s dog, + And, when the Master willed, + He oft grew large again + Touched by the Master’s hand, + And slew his fiercest foes. + But, being asked what he + Would do if chased by Man, + Miʿko at once exclaimed: + “I would climb up a tree + As fast as legs could run.” + + “Well answered,” said the Lord, + “And therefore, I ordain + That from this day henceforth + Thou and thy kind at large + Shall ever dwell in trees.” + + The Moose was standing by, + Intently looking on, + With great, soft, staring eyes, + Attending to it all + With deepest interest. + Calling then Kchi Mūs, + Big Moose, the Master said: + “But say what would’st thou do + If thou should’st meet with Man?” + “In faith,” replied Kchi Mūs, + “I’d canter through the woods + Fast as my legs would fly.” + “Well spoken,” said the god, + “So shalt thou ever live + In shade and forests wild.” + + The Beaver being asked + What he would do, replied + That he would seek a stream + Ere he would face mankind. + So the great Lord perceived + That of all creatures born + Who walked upon the earth + The first and best was Man. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[16] This I will tell you about Kulóskap. + + + + + =Canto Second= + + THE MASTER’S KINDNESS TO MAN + + + + + I + + WHAT KULÓSKAP DID FOR THE INDIANS + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piche mesogw Kulóskap nemiquosikw._[17] + + +[Illustration] + + In the very olden time + Before Kulóskap the Master, + The Lord of Beasts and Men, + Had come into the world, + Or man was by him instructed, + All lived in wonderful darkness; + Men could not even see + To slay their enemies; + But the Lord brought light unto them, + The daybreak and the dawn. + Therefore, for this his people + Are known as the Wabanaki, + The Men of the Early Dawn. + + And many a thing he taught them: + The noble art of hunting, + How to build huts and canoes, + And weirs to catch the fishes, + And how to trap the beaver, + And net the shad and salmon. + Before he came they knew not + How to make nets or weapons; + Then he, the Mighty Master, + Showed them the hidden virtues + Of plants and roots and blossoms, + And all the herbs which Indians + Could use for any purpose; + And also every creature, + Beasts, birds, and all the fishes, + All things which could be eaten + Or serve for joy to man. + + Then, pointing to the heaven, + He taught the names of the stars, + With all the wonderful stories, + The very old traditions, + Of all that the planets had been. + + He greatly loved mankind, + And wherever he might be, + Though afar in the wilderness, + He never was far away, + Away from his Indian children. + He dwelt in a lonely land, + But whoever went to seek him + The Master ever found. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[17] Long ago before Kulóskap was seen. + + + + + II + + HOW KULÓSKAP GRANTED GIFTS AND FAVORS TO MANY INDIANS + + [_Micmac and Passamaquoddy_] + + + Long ere Kulóskap the Master + Had left the land and his people, + And before he had ceased to wander + In the ways of man, he called + The loons his faithful servants, + And bade them make it known + That for many years to come + He would still remain on earth, + And that whoever would seek him + Might have one wish full granted, + Whatever that wish might be. + + Although the journey was long + And the trials were terrible + Which all must endure who would find + The Lord of Men and Beasts, + There were many who ventured on + The wonderful pilgrimage. + Now you may hear what happened + To several of these seekers, + Even as I heard the tales + From a Passamaquoddy _Sénap_. + + When all the land had heard + That the Master would grant a wish + To any who would seek him, + Three Indians resolved + That they would try this thing. + One was a Milicete + Who came from near St. John, + And the other two were Penobscots + From Oldtown, that is in Maine. + And they went upon the journey + And found that the path was long, + And the way was very hard; + Their sufferings were great, + It was well nigh seven years + Before they saw the Lord. + But while it was yet three months + Ere they came unto his dwelling, + They heard the bark of his dogs, + And, as day by day they drew nearer + The sound grew louder and louder, + Till after many trials + Led by the bay of the hounds + They found the mighty one, + The Lord of Men and Beasts, + And he made them very welcome + And entertained them all. + + Then in due time he asked them + What was it they desired. + And then the first replied--An + honest simple man + Who was of but little account + Among the Indian people + Because he hunted badly-- + He prayed that he might excel + In killing or catching game; + Then the Master gave him a flute, + Or the magic pipe which pleases + The ear of everyone, + And has the power to bring + By wonderful fascination + All animals to that piper + Who plays it in their haunts. + He thanked the Lord and left. + + [Illustration: + But, smiling anew, he gave him + A bag which was tightly tied.] + + Now the second of the three, + A reckless amorous youth + Yet who never could succeed + In winning women’s love, + When asked what he would have + Said: “I would win my way + To many maidens’ hearts!” + And being questioned, “How many?” + Replied, “I would know no limit. + Let there be only enough, + And more than enough beside.” + Thereat the Master frowned, + But, smiling anew, he gave him + A bag which was tightly tied, + And said to him, “Do not open + Till you shall have reached your home.” + So he thanked the Lord and left. + + Now the third who had come with these + Was a gay and handsome youth, + Yet very foolish withal + Since he cared for nothing whatever + Save to make the Indians laugh, + And to cut a figure with jests + At every gathering. + He, being asked what he sought, + Replied that he fain would have + The power to make a sound + Which when uttered would startle all, + And make them laugh indeed + As they never had laughed before. + This was a wondrous cry + Which the sorcerers of yore + Uttered to gladden hearts, + But now that the art is lost. + That is indeed the cause + That our times are so sorrowful, + Since that magic, merry cry + Is heard no more in the land. + + And unto him likewise + The Master was truly kind + Sending Marten into the woods + To seek for a certain root + Which, when eaten by any one, + Conferred the mystic power + Of making the wondrous sound. + But when it was bestowed + He was warned not to touch + The root till he reached his home. + + It had taken them seven years + To reach the Master’s lodge, + But seven days were enough + To tread the path to their huts-- + That is, for him who got there, + For indeed there was only one, + And that was the hunter, who + With his marvellous pipe in his pocket, + And never a care in his heart, + Trudged on well satisfied + To think that all his life + He never should want a joint + Of venison in his cabin + Or a bear-skin to lie upon, + As indeed he never did. + + Now the one who so loved women + And never had won a wife, + Was wild with wistfulness + And great anxiety. + Therefore he could not wait, + And he had not gone very far + Into the woods, ere he + Sat down and opened the bag. + There was a whirr as of wings + And they came flying forth + By hundreds round his head + Like beautiful white doves + Swarming all about-- + Wonderful lovely girls + With large black burning eyes, + And torrents of flowing hair. + Wild with passion the witches + Threw their fair arms around him + And kissed him as he responded + To their ardent, fond embraces. + But ever more and more + They came, more glowing with love, + Till he bade them give way for a space, + Till he bade them let him be; + But they only pressed the more. + So, panting, crying for breath, + And smothered in love, he died, + And those who came that way + Found him a silent corpse, + But what became of the witches + Kulóskap only can tell! + + Now the third went merrily on, + Tramping along through the woods, + When it flashed upon his mind + In an instant, that Kulóskap + Had bestowed on him a gift; + And, without the slightest heed + To what the Master had said + Of waiting till he got home, + He took out the magic root + And ate it, then and there; + When all at once he found + He could utter the magic cry + Which startles all who hear it, + Inspiring them to joy + And making them laugh aloud; + Then, as it rang afar + O’er many a forest dale + Waking the ringing echo + Of the far-distant hill, + Until it was answered by + A solemn snowy owl, + He felt that he had won + A wondrous power indeed; + So he walked gayly on + O’er many a hill and dale, + Whistling or trumpeting + As happy as a bird. + + But he ere long began + To weary of himself, + When, seeing in a glade + A deer, he bent his bow; + When, just as he would shoot, + The wild unearthly sound + Broke out, despite himself, + Even like a demon warble, + The deer took flight and fled; + And the young man cursed aloud! + + And when he reached the town + Half dead with hunger, he + Indeed was little worth + To make the others laugh, + Though for a time he did, + Which somewhat cheered his heart, + But, as the days went on, + They wearied of the sound, + And, when they saw him come, + Turned off another way; + Which vexed him to the heart, + So that one day he went + Alone into the woods + And there he slew himself. + + The dark and evil demon, + The sprite of the night-air, + Pʾmûla named by some, + From whom the gift had come, + Swooped down from clouds on high, + And bore his soul away + To the dwelling place of darkness + And men heard of him no more. + + Now ’tis a thing well known + To all the Indians + Who keep the holy faith + Of the good olden time, + That there are wondrous dwellers + Deep in the silent woods, + Such as the elves and fairies + Who are called by different names; + In Micmac Wigŭladŭmūchŭk + But by the Passamaquoddy + Wʾnâgʾméswuk. They + Can work strange deeds and sing + Such songs of magic power + As charm the wildest beasts + And tame the wolf and bear + And soothe the wolverine. + From them and them alone + Are brought the magic pipes, + Or flutes, which sometimes pass + To sorcerers or great braves. + When these are played upon + Women who hear the tone + Are all bewitched with love, + And the moose and caribou + Follow the winning sound, + Yes, even to their death; + And when the forest elves + Are pleased with anyone + They make of him an elf + E’en like unto themselves. + + Back in the olden time + There was an Indian town + In which dwelt two young men, + Kekwâjû the Badger, + And the other Kâktugwââsis, + The Little Thunder. They + Chanced to hear that Kulóskap + Would give to anyone + Whatever he desired: + + And so they went their way + On the long pilgrimage + For many years, until + They reached the wondrous isle + Where the great Master dwelt, + Where first they met Dame Bear, + Then Marten, and at last + The mighty Lord himself + Who welcomed them with grace. + + Then all sat down to a meal, + But all that was placed before them + Was one small dish of meat, + A very tiny morsel. + Then the elder of the pilgrims, + A reckless jolly fellow, + Thinking it was a joke + And that he was mocked for sport, + Cut off nearly all the meat, + And ate it. Then what was left + Grew at once to its former size; + So it went on, and all + Ate all that they desired, + And found the food of the best, + And when the meal was over + The dish was as full as before. + + Now of these two, the Badger + Had set his heart on becoming + A wigʾladʾmûch or fairy, + Which would give him magic power + While the other wished to win + A very beautiful girl, + The daughter of a chief, + A most powerful Sagamore, + Who set such cruel tasks + To all who came to woo her + That all who had made the trial + Thus far had come to their deaths. + + Then the Master took the Badger + Who sought initiation + Into the occult art, + And by a wondrous trick + Covered him all with filth + And put him to utter shame + Then led him down to the river + Where he washed him clean, and gave him + A beautiful change of clothing. + And, combing his hair, placed on it + A fillet of wondrous virtue; + For when he had bound it on + He became a wigʾladʾmûch + A fairy and enchanter, + No longer a common mortal, + But one of the elfin world.[18] + + And as he wished to excel + In magic song and music, + The Master gave him a flute, + Which would charm all living beings; + And, singing, he bade him join + In the air, and as he did so, + He found he knew all the art; + And from that day, thereafter, + He had a wondrous voice. + + Now to seek the beautiful girl + It was needful that the lover + Should sail far over the sea; + And during this adventure + The Būʾūin or magician + Was charged to take all care + Of Kâktugwââs, the Thunder; + And therefore he begged the Master + To lend him his canoe, + To which Kulóskap answered, + “I will gladly lend it to thee + If thou’lt honestly return it + When thou needest it no more. + For I tell thee in very truth + I never yet did intrust it + To any mortal man + But what in the end I had to + Go after it myself.” + + Then the Badger solemnly swore + That, as he was an honest Indian, + He would, when the need was over, + Indeed return the canoe. + For never in all his life + Had he stolen any _Kwédŭn_ + (Canoe) nor borrowed anything + Without returning it promptly. + + But when they came to the bay + There was no canoe to be seen, + But not very far away, + There arose a little island + Of granite which was covered + With pine-trees, tall and waving. + “See--that is my canoe!” + The Master said to them smiling, + And when he took them on it + They found that it was indeed + A great and large canoe + With lofty masts, and sails-- + So the two went forth rejoicing. + + Then they sailed on and came + To a large and beautiful island + Where they carefully hid the canoe. + Ere long they came to a village + That of the Sagamore, + The father of the girl + For whom many had lost their lives. + And, having come to his wigwam, + They entered and were welcomed + And placed on the seat of honor, + And sat at the evening meal. + Now ’tis of old the custom + When an Indian seeks a wife, + Be it from her father or friends, + He makes small ado about it, + And only utters two words + Which mean in the Micmac language: + “I am tired of living alone.” + + And the Sagamore hearing this, + Consented that Little Thunder + Should marry her whom he sought, + But on several conditions-- + The first that he should slay + And bring to him the head + Of a certain horrible monster, + Like to a wingless dragon, + The dreadful and horned Chipíchkâm. + So this was agreed upon, + Then the strangers went to their cabin + And all the world to sleep. + + All save the wise Būʾūin + Who soon arose from his bed, + And went alone and afar, + Till he came to the den of the monster + In a gaping gulf in the ground. + Over the hole he laid + A mighty log, and began + The magic dance round the den; + Then the serpent or great Chipíchkâm, + Hearing the call, came forth, + Putting out his head from the hole, + And weaving it about + After the manner of snakes. + While he was doing this, + He rested his head for an instant + On the over-arching log, + When, with a blow of his hatchet + The Indian severed the neck; + Then, taking the head by one + Of its shining yellow horns, + He bore it to his friend + Who gave it in the morning + Unto the chief, who said: + “This time I fear indeed, + That I must lose my child, + Yet thou hast more to do.” + + More indeed, for the chief + Said, “Look at yonder hill, + I fain would see my son + Coast down it on a sled.” + Now the hill was indeed a mountain. + Its sides were very steep, + Ragged with rocks and holes + And terrible with trees + And rough with snow and ice. + + Then they brought out two toboggans, + One for the strangers. This + The Badger should direct; + While on the other sat + Two great and powerful men, + And these were Būʾūinuk + Or sorcerers who were skilled + In sledding, and they hoped + To see the others soon + Fall out upon the ground, + And then to run over them. + + And at the word they went + Flying at fearful speed + Adown the mountain side, + And ever faster still + As if to headlong death. + Soon he who sought the girl + Went whirling from his sled, + And the two sorcerers howled + In triumph an hurrah! + For they knew not that this was done + By their enemy that he + Might get them before his sledge. + Then he put forth his arm, + And seizing the younger man + Turned for a pace aside, + And then again shot on. + Then the sorcerers stopped, + Thinking that those before + Were checked and at an end; + When lo! their enemy + In his sled shot over their heads, + And over a mighty wall + Of ice, as a bird might fly + High above all in the air; + Then, touching the ground once more, + Ran with tremendous speed, + First down into the vale, + Then up, and ever up + Upon the opposite hill + Where the village stood, till it struck + The wigwam of the chief, + Ripping it all in two. + Again the Sagamore said: + “This time I fear indeed + That I must lose my child: + Yet thou hast more to do!” + + Yes, and far more to do: + For then the Sagamore said: + “I have a runner here, + A man so fleet of foot + That never in his life + Has he been overcome, + And thou must strive with him + And gain the victory + Ere thou canst win thy wife.” + So then the race was set, + And Thunder should compete, + But at the time his friend + Lent him the magic pipe + Which gave him wondrous power + Over all dark sorcery + Such as Būʾūinuk use + And witches dark and vile. + + Now when the pair had met + The youth said: “Who art thou?” + And the sorcerer replied: + “I am the Wegaduskʾ;” + Which means the Northern Lights, + “But tell me who art thou?” + “I am Wosogwoesk, + Chain-lightning is my name,” + The Thunder answering said. + And, as the race was run + All in the early morn, + Then in an instant both + No longer were in sight. + They were far, far away + Beyond the distant hills; + Then, waiting, all sat still, + Till long before the noon + Chain-lightning came again; + He showed no weariness, + Nor was he out of breath, + Yet had gone through the world. + Then all sat still again + Till evening, when they saw + The Northern Light return + Completely, sadly tired; + He quivered and he shook + As beaten by fatigue, + Yet for all that the Light + Had not been through the world, + For, coming to the south, + The heat had sent him home. + Again the Sagamore said, + “This time I fear again + That I must lose my child, + Yet thou hast more to do.” + + The Sagamore had a man + Whom none could overcome + In swimming of all kinds, + Or diving in the sea; + With him the youth must strive. + And when they met, the Badger + Asked him, “What is thy name?” + And he replied, “I am + Ukchigʾmûech (Sea Duck), + But tell me who art thou?” + He answerèd “The Kwîmû,” + That is, “the Loon,” and then + They dived from a high rock + Deep down into the sea. + Ere long the Sea Duck rose + Again to get his breath, + But long the Indians + Waited and watched until + They saw the Loon again. + An hour passed, and then + Another hour, before + He rose from the deep sea. + But when at last he came, + The Sagamore sadly said, + “This is the end of all + Our weary work, for now, + I have truly lost my child!” + + Yet it was not the end + Of all the curious deeds + Which they beheld, before + The strangers took their leave. + For, when the wedding came + In the evening of that day, + There was a general dance, + A wild festivity, + At which the wizard bold + Astonished every one; + For as he danced around + On the hard beaten floor, + They saw his feet sink in + Deeper at every step, + And ever deeper still + As the strange dance went on, + Still ploughing up the ground + In ridges rough and high, + Forming a trench, until + His head and nothing more + Could from without be seen. + That ended all the dance, + Since no one after him + Save wizards or a witch + Could dance on such a floor. + + The bridegroom and the bride, + With them the wizard bold, + Then entered the canoe + And sailed away toward home; + Yet they had more to meet, + And trials to endure, + Though of no dangerous kind; + ’Tis said they were but jests + Played by the Master’s skill. + For they had not gone far, + When right before their path + They saw an awful storm + Coming to meet them. He + Who had the elfin power + Knew that it had been raised + By sorcery, because + The tempests which are due + To hidden magic power + Are ever worst of all. + So without fear he rose + And sang the sorcerer’s song, + And, filling lungs and cheeks + With air, he blew against + The rising hurricane, + Wind against wind until + He blew the wind away, + Then all the mighty flood + Was smooth as smooth could be: + + So they sailed ever on + Over a sunlit sea, + And yet it was not long + Ere the elf-gifted one + Saw rising ’mid the waves + A dark and curious form, + That of a monstrous beast + Fast-coming as a foe, + And then they knew it was + The Giant Beaver, called + Kwâbît, in fearful rage; + But when the mighty one + Saw this, he sailed direct + Even at the monster’s jaws, + And, coming to him, said: + “Lo, I am the great foe + Of all thy race and called + The Beaver-Hunter; I, + Am he who butchers them; + Full many a one ere now + Has perished by my hand.”[19] + Kwâbît had placed himself + Under the water, with + His tail upraised above + The level of the waves, + That he might sink the barque + With one tremendous blow, + As is the Beaver’s way; + But he of magic power + With well directed stroke + Of the _tumîhîgʾn_, or + His tomahawk, then cut + The body from the tail, + Leaving the Beaver dead; + Then blithely sailed away. + + Yet had they not gone far + When coming round a point + They saw another beast, + Also of giant size, + Waiting to be their death; + Abúkchelû the Skunk, + A thing which many dread + More than a raging wolf; + And he, too, had his tail + Uplifted in the air; + But, ere the brute could make + His hideous attack, + The wary gifted one + Caught up his hunting spear, + And, hurling it with haste, + So pierced Abúkchelû, + That father of the skunks, + That down he fell and died. + Thrice did he kick in pain + Before he passed away. + So then the gifted one, + Stepping upon the shore, + Took up a long dead pine + Which lay upon the shore, + And, as he stuck its point + Into Abúkchelû, + Lifted him high in air, + And, fastening the tree + Firmly into the ground, + Left him, and said with scorn, + Even as he turned away; + “Just show your tail now, there!” + + And ever they sailed on + Over the silver sea, + O’er blue and dancing waves, + Till home they came with joy, + And at the landing place + They saw the Master stand; + And his first words were, “Well! + I see, my friends, that you + Have brought me my canoe + All safely back again.” + And they replied, “We have.” + And gayly he inquired + “Has all gone well with you?” + And when he thus had said, + He laughed and let them know + ’Twas he in all their trials + And triumphs who had worked + And brought it all to pass. + + Then to the gifted one + He said, “Now go in peace + Thy way with these thy friends; + Lead ever happy lives + There in the elfin world + Deep in the forest-shades, + Far in the silent land + Of flowers and mystery. + But of this thing be sure, + If any care should come + Unto you, think of me + And I will give you aid.” + + They rose and went their way. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[18] All of this corresponds accurately to the ancient Greek and +Roman initiation to the Mysteries, in which the hair-string or fillet +played a prominent part. L. + +[19] This is oddly like the declaration of the Beaver Killer in The +Hunting of the Snark, in fact, it is almost identical with it. But +the Rand MS. in which it occurs was written many years before the +latter work appeared. + + + + + III + + KULÓSKAP AND THE FOOL + + [_Micmac_] + + _Kes saak: Nigumaach ut + Agunudumâkun Klûskâbel._[20] + + + “Of the old times the tale is, + A story of Kulóskap,” + Unto whom there went full many + When they heard that all could have + Whatever they desired; + And truly he gave them all + Whate’er it was they asked for, + But whether they got their wish + Depended on the wisdom + Which they showed when it was won. + + Now the Master liked it not + If, when he had plainly told + What it was that one must do, + That man should double on him + Or quibble, or disobey. + So then it came to pass + That a certain fool of the kind + Who never can do aught + Without a twist or a turn + In his own peculiar way, + Went a long journey to ask + A favor of the Lord. + His trials were many and sore; + He came unto a chain + Of mountains exceeding high, + In a dark and lonely land + Wherein no sound was heard; + And the ascent was hard + As climbing a slippery pole. + And the going down + Or descent on the other side + Was more ungrateful still, + For ’twas all a precipice + With broken, crumbly edge + Which overhung a gulf; + Yet it was worse beyond. + For there the road led on + Between the hideous heads + Of two great serpents, which + Did almost touch their lips, + And darted terrible tongues + At those who went between. + And yet again ’twas worse + When the way passed under a wall, + The awful Wall of Death + Which hung like a dreadful cloud + Over a dismal plain, + Rising and falling at times; + Yet when, no one could know. + So those who were beneath + When it fell and struck the ground + Were ever crushed to death. + + Yet he escaped all this + And came to the Master’s home + Where he was well received, + And dwelt for many days; + And when the Master asked + What ’twas that he would have? + He answered, “If my Lord + Will give me a medicine + Which will cure me of every ill, + I shall be well content.” + And he asked for nothing more. + Then the Master gave to him + A little package, and said: + “Herein is that which thou seek’st + But I charge thee solemnly + That thou lettest not thine eyes + Behold what is therein, + Till thou shalt have reached thy home.” + So he thanked the Lord, and left. + + Yet he was not far away + Ere he longed to open the gift, + And test the medicine, + And still more the Master’s truth. + And so he said to himself: + “If this be all deceit, + It was very shrewdly planned, + To bid me not open it + Until I should be at home. + Tush! If the medicine + Is really what I required + It cannot lose its power. + In truth I will test it now.” + So he opened it--when lo! + All that which was therein + Fell to the ground and spread + As water, everywhere, + And then like a summer mist + As quickly melted away. + So when he returned to his home + He was mocked by one and all. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[20] This is a story about Kulóskap of long ago. + + + + + IV + + THE THREE BROTHERS WHO BECAME TREES + + [_Passamaquoddy and Micmac_] + + _Nequt nikt nsapihioak udelabasinia unachihonamihánia + Kelhosilichil naga omsnamnia eli-bawatmotit uch negum._[21] + + + There were three brothers, who + Had made the pilgrimage + To seek the Lord of Life, + And win their wishes. One + Was wondrous great and tall, + The tallest in the land; + Of this he was right proud, + For he was one of those + Who slyly put soft clay + Into their moccasins + That they may be admired + By folk of lesser size, + And win the love of squaws. + And his hair was plastered up + To stand on high, and on + The summit of it was + A very long turkey tail; + But what this man desired + Was to be taller still. + The second brother asked + That he might ever live + Where he might behold the land + And all the beauty of it, + And do naught else save rest + In peace forever more. + And the third one asked to live + Unto a great old age, + And ever be in health + Till he should pass away. + + Now when they came to the isle + They found three lodges there, + And in two of them were men + Who are not spoken of + In any of the tales + Which I have ever heard: + In one dwelt Kulpujot-- + A wondrous one indeed! + For there is not a bone in him, + Yet every spring and autumn + He is “rolled over with hand-spikes” + By order of the Lord; + And this is what his name + Means in the Micmac tongue. + In the autumn he is turned + Over towards the West, + But in spring towards the East; + And the meaning of it all + Is the seasons of the year + As they follow in their course. + + He with his breath alone + Can sweep all armies forth, + And with his looks alone + Perform most wondrous things; + This means what weather can do + With sunshine, frost and ice, + Which are felt in everything. + + And in the other dwelt + Kuhkw, which in Micmac means, + The Earthquake. This great man + Can pass beneath the ground, + And make the mountains shake, + And tremble by his power. + + Now when the Lord had heard + What it was that they desired, + He bade the Earthquake come + And put them with their feet + Fast planted in the ground. + And when ’twas done, the three + At once were turned to trees; + To pines, as one tale tells, + Or cedars, as some say; + In either case each man + Received what he required. + + Thus, he who would be tall + Became exceeding great, + For his head rose o’er the wood + Even as a giant pine; + Nor was the top-feather forgotten; + It waves in the wind to this hour. + And on a summer day + Who listens in a pine wood, + May hear the trees a murmuring + In the soft Indian tongue + All of the olden time: + (“_Î nĭl etuchi nek mʾkilaskîtap + Î nĭl etuchi nek mʾkiluskíjin_”) + “Oh, I’m such a great man! + Oh, I’m such a big Indian!” + + And the second brother, who wished + To remain in peace in the land, + So stays, for while his roots + Are in the ground he _must_ do so; + And the third, who fain would live + To the end in perfect health, + Unless they’ve cut him down + Is standing as of yore. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[21] Once there were three brothers who went to see the Lord of Life +and get their wishes from him. + + + + + V + + KULÓSKAP AND THE WISE WISHERS + + [_Micmac_] + + _Kes saak; kes saak._[22] + + + All of the olden time. + Now when ’twas noised abroad + That whoever sought the Master + Could obtain the wish of his heart, + There were three men who said: + “Let us seek the Lord and see + If this be truly so.” + So they left their home in the spring + When the bluebird began his song, + And walked till the autumn frosts, + And then into the winter, + Ever steadily onward + Till the next midsummer came; + And being in a forest + They found a winding path + Which they followed till they came + To a very beautiful river + Which led to a great fair lake; + And still they kept to the path, + Yet where it failed, the trees + Were blazed, or the bark removed + On the side of the trunk, but ever + Opposite to the place + Where the wigwam or village lies + Towards which the pathway leads, + So the mark can aye be seen + As the traveller goes to the goal, + But not while leaving it. + + Then after a time they came + To a long point of land + Which ran into the lake, + Where, having climbed a hill, + They saw in the distance smoke; + Guided by this they came + To a large and beautiful hut; + And entering it they found, + Seated upon the right, + A handsome stately man + Like a chief of middle age, + And on the left a woman, + So old and so decrepit + That it seemed as if a century + Or more had made her life; + And opposite the door + Was a mat which seemed to show + That some other had there a place. + + And the Master made them welcome + And spoke as if he were + Well pleased to see them there, + But asked not whence they came, + Or whither they were going, + As others are wont to do. + + Ere long they heard the sound + As of a paddle outside, + And the noise of a canoe + When it is drawn ashore. + + Then in there came a youth + Of beautiful form and features, + Well clad and bearing weapons + As if returned from the chase; + Who addressed the woman _Kejû!_ + Which is in the Micmac, “Mother;” + And told her he had game. + So then, with sore ado, + For she was very weak, + The old dame tottered out + And brought in one by one + Four beavers; but she had + Such trouble to cut them up, + That the elder of the pilgrims + Said to the youngest, “_Nchígŭnŭm!_ + My brother--do thou the work.” + + And so they supped on beaver, + And then they stayed for a week, + Resting themselves in comfort, + For all were sadly worn, + And also utterly ragged; + But then there came to pass + A wonderful thing which showed + That they were in fairy land, + For the master said to the youth, + “Go wash the mother’s face!” + He did so--when all her wrinkles + Vanished, and she became + Very young and fair: + The travellers had never + In all their lives beheld + A maid so beautiful: + Her hair, once white and scanty, + Now hung to her very feet, + It was as dark and glossy + As any blackbird’s breast; + And, clad in fine array, + She showed a tall lithe form, + Graceful, in all points perfect. + + Then the travellers said to themselves, + “Truly this Sagamore is + A very great magician.” + With him they all walked forth + To see the place where he dwelt, + They never had felt the sunshine + So soft and so sweetly tempered + By a cooling gentle breeze; + For all in that land was fair, + And day by day grew fairer + To all who dwelt therein: + Tall trees, with richest leafage + And many fragrant flowers, + Grew everywhere in groves + Without any lower limbs, + And clear of underbrush, + Wide as a forest; yet + The eye could pierce the distance + In any or every way. + + Now when for the first time + They felt that they had come + Into another life, + An ever-enchanted land, + The Master gently questioned + And asked them whence they came, + And what it was they sought; + They said they sought Kulóskap, + And he answered, “I am he!” + + Then they were awed by his presence, + For now a wondrous glory + And majesty showed in him. + For as the woman had changed, + So he, and he seemed divine. + + Then the elder pilgrim said: + “Lo, I am a wicked man + Accursed with furious moods, + Given to wrath and reviling; + Yet I would fain be gentle, + Pious and meek and good.” + + And the second said: “I am poor, + My life is very hard, + And, though I toil unceasing, + I can barely make a living, + And I would fain be rich.” + + And the third replied, “Though proud, + I am of low estate, + Being despised and scorned, + While I long to be respected + And loved by every one.” + + And to all of these the Master + Made answer, “So shall it be!” + + Then, taking from his belt + His powerful _upsinai_, + That is his medicine-bag, + He gave unto each Indian + A little box and bade him + Keep it well closed, nor heed it + Till he should reach his home. + Then he led them to the wigwam + And gave them all new garments, + Exceedingly rich apparel, + The like of which the pilgrims + Had never seen before. + + Then, when it was time to depart, + Since they knew not the way + Unto their home, he rose + And went with them for a distance. + A year had they been in coming, + But having put on his belt + He led them and they followed, + Till, ere the afternoon, + He took them to the top + Of a lofty mountain, from which + Afar off they beheld + Another, whose outline blue + Rose lofty o’er the plain. + Yet it seemed so far away + They thought ’twould be a week + Ere they should gain its top, + But the Master led them on, + And in the afternoon + Of the day when they first beheld it, + Lo, they were on the summit! + And looking from this afar, + All seemed familiar to them: + The plains and hills and river, + And wood and dale and valley-- + It was their native land! + “And there,” said the Master to them + “There lies your village home.” + + So he left them on the mountain, + And they went on their way. + Before the sun had set + They were among their people, + Each by his wigwam fire; + At first sight no one knew them, + Because of a wondrous change; + The like of their fair attire + Had never in those days + Been seen by any man. + But when they made themselves known, + All gathered round to behold them, + In wonder or silent awe, + Or to listen to their adventures, + And truly all were amazed. + + Then each man opened his box, + And found therein an unguent + Exceedingly rich and fragrant, + With which they rubbed themselves + From head to foot completely. + And always from that day + The three smelt so divinely + That all who could draw near them + Were ever in delight; + And happy were the Indians + Who could get a single whiff + Of that celestial fragrance + Spread by them all around! + + Now he who had been despised + For his deformity, + Leanness, weakness, and meanness, + Became as grand and stately, + As beautiful and graceful, + As the fairest pine of the forest; + There was in all the land + No man so much admired, + And his people were proud of him. + + He who desired abundance, + Had it in fullest measure, + The wild deer came to his arrows, + The fish leaped into his nets; + As he gave freely to all, + All gave as freely to him. + + And he who had been wicked, + Hasty and wild and cruel, + Became as meek and gentle, + Calm and ever forbearing + Making others like himself; + He had ever a blessing on him, + As there ever is upon those + Who make their wishes with wisdom, + For such folk shall be happy + Unto the end of their days. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[22] Long ago; long ago. + + + + + VI + + HOW KULÓSKAP WAS CONQUERED BY THE BABE + + [_Penobscot_] + + _Yut nit nekani agnodʾmâgon uch Kulóskap + Elakʾnotmotits piʾche._[23] + + + All of the olden time. + They tell this tale + Of great Kulóskap. He had conquered all + Of his worst enemies, even the Kiwaʾkw + Who were ice-giant ghouls, and over them, + Mʾdeolinʾwak or sorcerers + And Pʾmûla the night air’s evil spirit, + And every manner of uncanny ghosts, + Grim witches, devils, goblins, cannibals, + And the dark demons of the forest shade. + And now he paused, and, thinking o’er his deeds, + Long wondered if his work was at an end. + + This thought unto a certain wife he told-- + A clever woman with a ready tongue-- + And she replied: “O Master--not so fast! + For One there still remains whom no man yet + Has ever overcome in any strife + Or got the better of in any way; + And who will ever, as I oft have heard, + Remain unconquered to the end of time.” + “And who is he?” inquired the Lord, amazed. + + “It is the mighty Waʾsis,” she replied: + “And there he sits before you on the floor! + And mark my words--if you do trouble him, + He’ll cause you greater trouble in the end!” + + Now Waʾsis was the Baby. And he sat + Upon the floor, in baby peace profound + Sucking a piece of maple sugar sweet; + Greatly content and troubling nobody. + + Now as the mighty Lord of Men and Beasts + Had never married, nor had had a child, + The art of nursing or of managing + Such little ones was all unknown to him; + And therefore he was sure, as all such folk + Invariably are, be they or maids + Or blooming bachelors, that he at least + Knew all about it and would have his way, + And make the young obey him. So the Lord + Turned to the babe with a bewitching smile, + And bade the little creature come to him; + Back smiled the baby, but it did not budge. + + And then the Master spoke in sweeter tone, + Making his voice like that of summer birds, + And all to no avail; for Waʾsis sat, + And, sucking at his sugar silently, + Looked at Kulóskap with untroubled eyes. + + So then the Lord as in great anger frowned + And ordered Waʾsis in an awful voice + To crawl to him at once. And baby burst + Into wild tears, and high he raised his voice + Unto a squall tremendous--yet for all + Did never move an inch from where he sat. + + Then, since he could do only one thing more, + The Master had recourse to sorcery + And used the awful spells, and sang the songs + Which raise the dead and scare the devils wild + And send the witches howling to their graves, + And make the forest pines bend low to earth. + And Waʾsis looked at him admiringly + And seemed to find it interesting, quite; + Yet, peacefully as ever kept his place. + + So, in despair, Kulóskap gave it up, + And Waʾsis, ever sitting on the floor + In the warm sunshine, went “Goo! goo!” and crowed; + That was his infant crow of victory. + + Now to this very day, whene’er you see + A baby well contented, crying “Goo!” + Or crowing in this style, know that it is + Because he then remembers in great joy + How he in strife, all in the olden time, + Did overcome the Master, conqueror + Of all the world. For that, of creatures all, + Or beings which on earth have ever been + Since the beginning, Baby is alone + The never yielding and invincible. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[23] This is an old story of Kulóskap. They told it long ago. + + + + + =Canto Third= + + THE MASTER AND THE ANIMALS + + + + + I + + KULÓSKAP AND THE LOONS + + [_Micmac and Passamaquoddy_] + + _Kulóskap umimat netinniaspʾnil + Winpeul kʾchi mteolinul._[24] + + + While the Master was pursuing + Winpe the giant magician, + One day at Uktukâmkw + He saw afar in the distance + Over the silent water, + Far away in the sunset, + Kwîmûŭk (the Loons) a-flying. + Thence did their chief in a circle + Lead them around the lake; + Yet ever drawing nearer + To the Home of Beasts and Men; + And as he came, the Master + Said: “What is thy will, O Kwîmû?” + +[Illustration: =Kulóskap and the Loons=] + + To whom the Loon replied + “I fain would be thy servant, + Thy servant and thy friend.” + Then the Master taught them a cry, + A strange long cry like the howl + Of a dog when he calls to the moon, + Or when, far away in the forest, + He seeks to find his master; + And told them when they required him + To utter this long strange cry. + + Now it came to pass long after + The Master in Uktâkŭmkûk + (The which is Newfoundland) + Came to an Indian village + And all who dwelt therein + Were Kwîmûŭk, who had been + Loons in the time before; + And now they were very glad + As men to see once more + The Master who had blessed them + When they were only birds; + Therefore he made them his huntsmen, + Also his messengers; + Hence comes that in all the stories + Which are told of the mighty Master + The Loons are ever his friends; + And the Indians when they hear + The cry of the Loons, exclaim: + “_Kwîmû elkomtûejul + Kulóskapŭl_,” “The Loon is calling + Kulóskap,” the Master. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[24] Kulóskap used to fight with Winpe the great wizard. + + + + + II + + KULÓSKAP AND THE BEAVER + + [_Micmac_] + + _Kulóskap naga Kwâbît._[25] + + + Over all the land + Of the Wabanaki, + The Land of the Break of Day, + There is never a place + Where the hand of Kulóskap + Made not a mark. + It is seen on hills and rivers, + On the great roads through mountains, + As well as on mighty rocks + Which once were living monsters. + + Such is the wonderful highway + Running along the river + Called Herbert--the road which is named + By white men the Boar’s Back, + By Indians Onwokun, + Which is their word for Causeway. + + The tale is told of Kulóskap + That, once while travelling + To visit Partridge Island + And then Cape Blomidon, + His friends were tired of rowing, + Tired of travel by water, + And wished to cross by land; + And, while they all were resting, + The Master, raising his magic + Unto a mighty deed + To be spoken of forever, + Went away for a little time + And cast up a giant ridge, + A wide and beautiful level + Over great bogs and streams, + And across this they travelled + Rejoicing, to await him. + + And yet again the Master + Did a very wondrous deed; + For it came to pass in those days + That the beavers had built a dam + From Âûkogegéchk or Blomidon, + Even unto the opposite shore, + And thereby made a pond + Which filled up all the valley. + Now in those times the beavers + Were beasts of monstrous size, + And the Master, though kind of heart, + Seems to have had indeed + But little love for them + Since the day when young Kwâbîtsis, + The son of the Great Beaver, + Tempted Malsum to slay his brother + In the very early time. + Now to this very day + They find the bones of these beavers; + There are many on Unamagik, + Their teeth are six inches wide, + There are no such beavers to-day! + And these are indeed the bones + Of the beavers who built the dam + Across at Cape Blomidon + And crossed the Annapolis Valley. + + Now the Master would fain go hunting, + And thereby do a deed + Which should equal the great whale-fishing + Of Kitpûsiigʾnâû. + + So he cut the great dam near the shore, + And he bade the boy Marten watch; + For he said, “I greatly suspect + That there is a little beaver + Who is hiding hereabouts.” + And when the dam was cut + From where it joined the shore, + There was a mighty rush, + And the roar of many waters, + So that the beaver dam, + Which was made of giant trees + Deftly fastened together, + Swung full around to the westward; + And yet it did not break + Away from the other shore. + Therefore the end of it lodged + With a great split therein + When the flood had found a passage; + And the whole may be seen there still, + To this very day, even, + As it is seen by all + Of those who pass up the bay; + And still this point, Cape Split, + Is called by the Micmacs Plîgun + Which means the opening + Or cleft of a beaver dam. + + Then to frighten the Beaver + The Master threw at it + Several handfuls of earth, + Which falling to eastward + Of what is called Partridge Island, + Became the Five Islands, and + The pond which was left behind + Became the Basin of Minas. + + Yet another tradition tells + That after cutting the dam + The Master sat and watched, + And yet no Beaver came forth, + For Kwâbît had escaped by a hole + Which led back to the other side; + Kulóskap then tore up + A rock and he threw it + Very far indeed, + One hundred and fifty miles, + To frighten the Beaver back; + But over the Grand Falls + Kwâbît had gone in haste + And so for the time escaped; + Yet the stone remaineth there + As a wonder to this day. + + However, others declare + That by this rock the Beaver + Was killed while swimming away; + For thus the tale was told + By a Penobscot woman + As she sat weaving a basket, + A basket or _abaznoda_ + Of that sweet-scented grass + Which Indians dearly love. + + Kulóskap gave the names + To everything on earth; + He first made man and woman + Bestowing on them life; + He also made the winds + To make the waters move; + The Turtle was his uncle, + Tiakēūch the Mink + Was his adopted son, + While Mūnŭmkwech, the Woodchuck-- + She was his grandmother. + The Beaver built a dam + The greatest ever seen. + +[Illustration: =Kulóskap and the Beaver=] + + Kulóskap turned it away, + And killed the Beaver, too; + At Mûschik he killed a moose; + The bones are there e’en now, + At Bar Harbor, turned to stone. + The entrails of the moose, + Across the bay he cast + Unto his dogs, and they, + Which were also turned to stone, + To this day may be seen there, + As I have seen them myself; + And there, too, in the rock + Are the prints of his arrow and bow. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[25] Kulóskap and the Beaver. + + + + + III + + THE SABLE AND THE SERPENT + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Kulóskap wtiwaspʾnil nequt + Otloketmul nʾmokswesul._[26] + + + All of the olden time, + All in a year it befell + That Kulóskap had a foe: + A very evil man, + A very sinful beast, + A very vile magician, + Who after he had tried + A hundred tricks in vain + Took on the form of a snake, + A serpent of awful size, + In hope to kill the Lord. + + Now the Master had a boy + His faithful servitor, + Nʾmokswes or the Sable; + A boy of elfin kind + Who played the magic flute + Wherewith he could entice + All birds and animals + To come to him, when they + Once heard its wondrous sound. + + It happened on a time + When Kulóskap was afar, + The Sable broke his flute, + And, deeply crushed with grief, + Would not return again, + But wandered far away + Into the wilderness. + And all of this the Lord + Knew well--for by his art + He knew when aught went wrong + Pertaining to himself. + Then, when returned, he asked + The old, old grandmother + Where Sable was? but she + Could only weep. And then, + The Master said: “I’ll roam + Forever if I must, + But I will find the boy.” + + So he went forth, resolved, + Following Sable’s trail, + And tracked him through the snow, + Three days and nights, and then + Heard some one sing afar; + It was the magic song + Which sorcerers only sing + When in the direst need, + And death is drawing near. + So, circling round the place, + Kulóskap looked adown, + And saw a lodge, and heard + The voice distinctly sound, + As he grew nearer; it + Was Sable’s wondrous voice; + Then heard him sing a curse + Against all serpent kind, + And he was wandering + About the place to seek + A stick, extremely straight. + + The Master understood + What this all meant: how that + Sable had been enticed + Into the wilderness + By Atoʾsis the Snake, + And that the Serpent-chief + Was in the lodge, and he + Had sent the Sable forth + To seek a long straight rod + For evil magic deeds. + Then, softly singing, he + Bade Sable disobey, + And get a crooked stick, + As twisted as could be, + And told him carefully + What more he was to do. + + Then Sable found in fact + A very rugged rod, + As twisted as a worm, + When it is wounded; then + As he came in, the Snake + Cried out, amazed and wroth, + “How hast thou dared to bring + To me a stick like that?” + But Sable, answering, + Replied, “It is not straight, + But what is crookedest + May be the straightest made, + And I do know a charm + Whereby this may be done; + I will but heat this stick + A little in the fire, + And sing the proper spell + And then it shall be straight.” + + Now Atoʾsis the Snake, + Like all the crafty folk, + Was very curious + And so looked closely on. + But Sable, when the stick + Was burning, or red hot, + Thrust it into his eyes; + (It had a forked end) + Utterly blinding him; + Then headlong rushed away. + + The serpent followed him, + But, even as he left + The wigwam, there he met + The Master, who forthwith + Struck him a mighty blow + And slew him out of hand; + Of old times this befell-- + And thus my story ends. + +[Illustration: =The Sable and the Serpent=] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[26] Kulóskap had a servant once who was a Sable. + + + + + [Illustration] + + IV + + KULÓSKAP AND THE TURTLE + + [_Micmac and Passamaquoddy_] + + _Nekke meiawet nektuk Piliomeskasik ktakʾmigw otlian Pikto._[27] + + + When the Master left _Uktâkumkûk_, + Called by the English Néwfoundlánd, + He went to Piktook or Pictou, + Which means “the rising of bubbles,” + Because at that place the water + Is ever strangely moving. + There he found an Indian village + And in the village a man + Whom he loved through all his life. + + Yet it was not because this man, + Whose name in Micmac is Mikchik + And in our Passamaquoddy + Chikwenóchk “the Turtle,” + Was great or well favored or rich; + He was truly none of these, + Being very poor and lazy, + No longer young or lively, + Nor in any way clever or wise. + It is said he was the uncle + Of Kulóskap, but many declare + It was only by adoption.[28] + However, he always bore + His trials with such good nature, + His wants with such merry patience, + That the Master took strangely to him + With most unwonted affection, + As if he had determined + To make of the idler a man; + Which verily came to pass + Quite soon, and very quaintly, + As you shall presently hear. + When he came to Piktook, + A town of a hundred wigwams, + Kulóskap being a handsome + And very stately warrior + With the air of a great chief, + Was greatly admired by all, + Especially the women; + So that every one felt honored + Whose wigwam he deigned to enter; + Yet he saw the folk very seldom, + And dwelt with old uncle Mikchik + Delighting in his fancies, + Quaint ways and old time stories, + Very old songs of the fathers; + Such things were the joy of his heart. + + Now ’twas the time for holding + The great and yearly feast + With dancing and merry games; + But Kulóskap cared not to go + As guest or as performer. + However, he asked his uncle, + “Wilt thou not go to the feast? + All the fair girls of the forest, + All the beautiful matrons, + All the bewitching widows + From far and wide will be there; + Why hast thou never married? + There are many nice women a-waiting, + ’Tis evil living alone.” + + Thus answered Uncle Turtle: + “I am poor and old and homely, + With no garments fit for a feast; + Therefore ’tis better for me + To smoke my pipe at home.” + + “Well, if that be the only hindrance, + Uncle,” replied the Master, + “I can turn tailor I trow, + And fit you to a turn-- + Fit you as if by magic, + Or in fact by magic itself; + Therefore have thou no care + As to your face or outside, + For to him who hath the art + ’Tis as easy to make a man over + As any suit of clothes.” + + “That may be true, my nephew,” + Quoth Turtle, “but what say you, + As to the making over + The _inside_ of a mortal?” + + “By Kwâbît the immortal Beaver!” + Replied the Master, laughing, + “That is something harder to do, + Else I were not at work + So long in this world of ours. + Yet, ere I leave this town + For you I will do that also. + As for this present sport, + Do but put on this belt.” + + And when he wore the girdle + Mikchik became so young + And so bewitchingly handsome + That never a man or woman + In the land had seen the like; + And as the Master arrayed him + In garments of great splendor, + He also gave him his word + That, as a man, he ever + Should be of men the comeliest, + And as animal, hardest to kill, + Most vital and enduring, + As it truly came to pass. + So Mikchik went to the feast. + + Now the chieftain of the Piktook + Had three very beautiful daughters, + And of the three, the youngest + Was the loveliest in the land. + On her the old-young turtle + Cast his experienced eyes + With a boy-like, innocent look, + And said, “I think that damsel + Would exactly suit my complaint, + And therefore I think I will take her!” + + Now all the young men in Piktook + Were of just the same opinion, + And all were firmly resolved + To kill the one who should win her. + + So the next day the Master, + Taking a bunch of _wâbab_, + That is, of the finest wampum, + Went to the chief of the Piktook + Proposing that his uncle + Should marry the youngest daughter. + And truly the chief was willing, + While the mother at once cried, “Yes!” + To such a grand proposal; + So, without loss of time, + The maiden swept out a wigwam, + And made a bed of sprays, + Or of leaves, upon the floor, + Spreading out a great white bear skin + As a cover over all. + Then with Mikchik and the Master + They had dried meat for supper, + And so the pair were wed. + + Now the Turtle seemed very lazy, + And for days after they were married + While other men were hunting + He lounged about at home + Smoking over the fire, + Till one frosty, sunny morning, + His wife said to him, “Mikchik, + If this goes on much longer + We two must certainly starve.” + So he put on his snow-shoes, + Taking his bow and arrows, + And she followed silently after + To see what he would do. + But in truth he did very little, + For he had not gone far forward + Ere he tripped and fell rolling over. + And the wife, returning disgusted, + Said in a rage to her mother: + “He is not in the least a hunter. + He can’t even walk on snow-shoes.” + But the mother said: “Be patient, + There is more in him than you dream.” + + One day it came to pass + That the Master said to Mikchik + “To-morrow will be held + The very great yearly ball-play + And you must share in the game. + It will be sore for you, + A game of life and death, + For all the young men who live here + Are your enemies, and will seek + To slay you in the rush + By crowding close together, + And trampling you under foot. + But when they do this, ’twill be + Close by the Sagamore’s lodge, + And that you may escape them + I give you, Uncle, the power + To jump twice over the roof; + But if they chance to bring it + To a third attempt, ’twill be + A very terrible thing for you, + And yet it _must_ come to pass; + ‘No honey without a sting; + No chase, no venison.’” + + And all of it came to pass + As the Master had foretold; + For the young men of the village + All joined to kill the Turtle, + And to escape them, Mikchik + Jumped, when beset, so high + Over the Sagamore’s lodge + That he looked like an eagle flying. + But when for a third time he + Attempted another leap, + His scalp-lock caught on a pole, + And there he hung a-dangling + In the smoke which rose from below. + + Then Kulóskap, who was sitting + On a skin in the tent beneath, + Said: “Uncle the hour is come, + Now will I make thee Sagem, + Grand Sagamore of the Tortoise, + The chief of the Lenni Lenâbe; + Thou shalt bear up a great nation + Which shall rest upon thy shell!” + + Then he smoked Mikchik so long + That his skin became a shell, + A very hard round shell, + And the marks of the smoke from the pipe + May be seen thereon to-day. + And of all his entrails he left + But _one_ which was very short, + And then indeed Mikchik + Seeing himself so reduced + Cried out, “Beloved nephew, + You will kill me certainly!” + But the Lord replied, “Far from it, + I am giving you longer life-- + A longer life than is given + To any other on earth; + From this time forth, my uncle, + You may pass through a glowing fire, + And never feel its breath, + You may live on land or in water, + Nay, though your head be cut off + It will live for nine days after, + And even so long shall beat + Your heart when cut from your body.” + Whereat Mikchik rejoiced. + + And this came, indeed, betimes, + And not before it was needed; + For on the very next day + All of the men went hunting, + And the Master warned the Turtle + That they would attempt his life. + So the men all went before, + While the Turtle toiled slowly behind them; + But when they saw him no more, + He made a magic flight + Far over their heads, and deep + In the forest he slew a moose, + He drew it upon the track + Which he knew that they soon must take; + And when his foes came up, + There he sat on the moose + Smoking, and waiting for them. + + Now Kulóskap the Wise + Had unto them foretold + That on that day they would see + Some one come out as first + Who they thought would be last of all. + And when this came to pass, + They were more enraged than before, + And so they planned again + To kill Mikchik, but his nephew + Who was on the point of leaving + The village and all therein, + Told him how it would be. + + “First of all, my uncle, + They will build a mighty fire, + And throw you into the flame, + But endure it, and with joy; + For by my magic power + I will see that it does no harm. + Only beg as a dying favor + Not to be cast into water, + Into the water to drown, + Beg and implore and entreat them + To spare thee that terrible torture, + Yes, fight to the bitter end; + So will they certainly do it, + And so it shall come to pass.” + Then he bade farewell to the Turtle, + And they built up a blazing fire + And threw him at once into it; + Wherein, being very lazy, + He turned over and went to sleep, + And when the fire burned low + He called for more wood to rebuild it + Because it was bitterly cold. + + Then they all called out, “Let us drown him!” + But hearing this, as in terror + He implored them not to do it. + “Cut me to pieces,” he said, + “Burn me again, or stab me, + But do not, I beg you, throw me + Into the water to drown!” + + Therefore they swore they would drown him, + And dragged him down to the shore; + He screamed like a mad magician, + And fought like a wolverine, + Tearing up trees and roots, + Rending the rocks like a tempest; + Yet at length they overpowered him, + And took him in a canoe + To the middle of the lake + And throwing him in they watched him, + Watched him as he was sinking + Till he vanished far down below; + And thinking him surely dead + Returned to their homes rejoicing. + + Now on the next day at noon + There was a glowing sunshine, + And something was seen basking + Upon a great flat rock + About a mile from the shore. + So two of the younger men + Took a canoe and went forth + To see what this might be. + And when they came to the rock + Just hanging over the water, + Whom should they see but Mikchik + A-dozing in the sunlight! + But, seeing them coming to take him, + He only said “Good-bye!” + And rolled over into the lake + Wherein it is said he is living + Unto this very day. + So in memory of this thing, + All turtles in swamps or rivers + When they see a man a-coming + Tip-tilt them into the water + With a _plump!_ which means “Good-bye!”-- + Or which sounds like it in Indian[29]-- + As their ancestor did of yore. + + The Turtle lived with his wife + Happily, long and contented. + Then it happened in after years + That Kulóskap came one day + To visit his uncle, and saw + A babe which uttered a word. + As ’twere in a childish cry: + “Knowest thou what he is saying?” + Inquired the Master smiling. + “Truly not I,” said Mikchik, + “For I deem it is in the language + Which is spoken by the demons + Or spirits of the air, + Which ’tis said no mortal knoweth.” + “Well, I think,” replied Kulóskap, + “That he is talking of eggs + For he cries ‘_Huwâh, Huwâh_’ + As if he were trying to say + _Wâhwun_--which means an egg + In the Passamaquoddy tongue.” + “But where are eggs to be found?” + Inquired the uncle amazed. + “Seek in the sand,” said the Master, + Where he sought and found full many + And greatly he marvelled at them. + In memory of which and the Master, + All the female turtles + Lay eggs to this very day. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[27] When the Master left Newfoundland he came to Pictou. + +[28] It is usual to give as a mere matter of politeness terms of +consanguinity to persons in conversation. Mikchik the Turtle appears +in all the legends as a perfect Panurge or Falstaff, a worthless old +scamp, who is nevertheless liked by everybody and privileged. P. + +[29] It is curious that in Italy a stone thrown into water is +supposed by the sound which it makes to answer Yes or No to questions. + + + + + V + + HOW MIKCHIK THE TURTLE WAS FALSE TO THE MASTER + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Kulóskap meiawet._[30] + + + Kulóskap the Master + Was lord of beasts and men + Even the one as the other + He ruled them one and all. + Great indeed was his army + His tribe indeed was the whole. + In it the Golden Eagle + Was a leading chief who married + A female Caribou; + And the Turtle, Kulóskap’s uncle, + Married the only daughter + Of the Eagle and Caribou. + Of these things are many traditions, + Many and very long, + Which are told by the fire in winter; + Old people knew these stories, + The younger now forget them + And the wisdom in them all. + + It is said that Mikchik the Turtle + Was ever loved by his nephew, + While another tradition tells + That he was false to the Master: + I know not how it may be, + I can only tell the story + As it was told to me. + + When the Turtle married, + The Master bade him make + A splendid feast, and for this + He gave him wonderful power. + Then he bade him go down to a point + Of very great rocks by the sea + Where whales were always found, + And told him to bring a whale, + And gave him the might to do so. + But he set an appointed mark + Or space, and said that he must not + Go even an inch beyond it: + So the Turtle went down to the sea, + And caught a monstrous whale, + And bore it up to the camp; + It all seemed very easy, + But he quite forgot that the power + Was given him by the Master; + So he took it all as his own. + + Like all men of his kind + He was very vain and curious. + So to see what would come of it + He went beyond the mark + While carrying the whale, + And doing this he lost + The strength on him bestowed; + And sank beneath his burden + Crushed by the mighty whale. + + Then many ran to the Master + Saying that Turtle was dead, + But he answered “Cut up the whale + For the dead will soon revive.” + So they cut it up and cooked it; + And when the feast was ready, + The Turtle came yawning on, + And stretching out his leg + Cried out: “How tired I am! + Truly, I think I must + Have overslept myself!” + Then all men feared the Lord, + For now they knew him a spirit, + A spirit of terrible power. + + However it came to pass + That the Turtle grew mightily + All in his own conceit, + And thought he could take the place + Of the Master and reign in his stead; + So he called together a council + Of all the beasts, to find + How Kulóskap might be slain. + Greatly the Great One laughed + When he had learned all this + And little did he care. + + And knowing all that passed + In their evil hearts, he went + Disguised as an agèd squaw + Into the Council Lodge. + There were two witches there, + The Porcupine and Toad, + Bearing the human form; + Of them he humbly asked + How the Master was to die, + And to him the Toad replied, + “Well! What is that to thee? + And what hast thou to do + With such a thing as this?” + “Truly I meant no harm,” + Was all the Master said. + And then he softly touched + The tip of either’s nose. + And rising, went his way. + But when the witches looked + At one another--both + Screamed out in dire dismay + For neither had a nose! + Their faces were smooth and flat; + So it came that the Porcupine + And Toad, are to this day + Noseless among the beasts. + So the Council came to an end. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[30] Kulóskap the Master. + + + + +[Illustration] + + VI + + HOW KULÓSKAP CONQUERED AKLIBIMO, THE GREAT BULLFROG + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piʾchce uskichinwi otenesis + Pakichiotote pemtanikek._[31] + + + Long, long ago, + Far, far away in the mountains + An Indian village stood, + Little known to other men; + All lived therein at their ease, + The men did well in their hunting + The women worked at home, + And all went well--save in _one_ thing + And that one thing was this: + That the town lay by a brook + And except in the stream there was not + A single drop of water + In all the country round + Save in the puddles of rain. + No one of all these Indians + Had ever found a spring, + Yet they all were very fond + Of a drink of good, clear water + And that in their brook was good. + So over it they grew dainty + And were very proud of it. + + But after a time they saw + That the brook was running low, + Not only in summer time, + But in autumn after the rains; + And as the water fell + Their spirits, too, sank low; + But day by day it grew less, + Until its bed was as dry + As a dead bone is, which lies + In the ashes of a fire. + + Now they had sometime heard + That, far away in the hills + Where none of them had been, + There was another village + Upon this very stream; + But what kind of people dwelt + Therein, no one could say; + So, thinking that these folk + Knew something about the drought, + They sent a man to look + Into the thing. Three days + Onward and upward he went, + Till on the third he came + Unto the village where + He found a solid dam + Built over the rivulet + So that no water could pass, + But all was kept in a pond. + + Then, asking the village folk + Why they had done this evil, + Since ’twas of no use to them, + They said: “Go ask our chief, + It was he who ordered it.” + + And when the messenger came + To see the Sagamore, + Behold, there lay before him, + Lazily in the mud, + A creature who was more + Of monster than of man-- + Though truly in human form-- + For he was immense in size, + In measure like a giant, + Fat, bloated, at all points + Most brutal to behold; + His great, round, yellow eyes + Stuck from his head as knots + Or knobsticks from a pine. + His mouth with stringy lips + Went well from ear to ear; + His feet were broad and flat, + With toes immensely long-- + He was marvellous to behold! + + And unto him the man + Set forth his just complaint, + To which the brute at first + Made no reply beyond + A most uncivil grunt + And a croak, but he said at last + In a loud, bellowing voice, + Such as we sometimes hear + At night from pond or pool: + “Do as you choose, + “Do as you choose, + “Do as you choose! + “What do I care? + “What do I care? + “What do I care? + “If you want water, + “If you want water, + “If you want water, + “Go somewhere else.” + + Then the messenger told + How his people were pining + Near dead of their thirst, + Which seemed hugely to please + The monster, who grinned for joy, + Till at last he rose to his feet. + And, making a single spring + Of many rods to the dam, + Took an arrow and bored a hole + So that a little water + Just trickled out, and then cried: + “Up and begone, + “Up and begone, + “Up and begone!” + Then the messenger returned + In sorrow to his people, + Bringing them little joy, + And for a very few days + There was a little water, + Then it stopped and they suffered again. + + Now these good Indians, who + Were the honestest fellows alive, + Best natured in all the world, + And never harmed any one + Except their enemies, + Were in a pickle indeed; + For sad it is to have + Nothing but water to drink; + But to want even that + When one is raging with thirst + Is worse than waiting for dinner + When we have no dinner to wait for. + Now this the Lord Kulóskap, + Who was merciful in heart + And knew all that was passing + In the hearts of his Indian children, + Observed, and pitying them + Came to them all at once; + For he ever came as the wind + And no man e’er wist how. + + Now, just before he came, + These honest Indians + Had in a council resolved + To send their boldest man + Though ’twere to certain death, + Even unto the village + Where dwelt the evil chief + Who built the cursèd dam + Which kept the water with which + They slaked their thirst when they + Could get it--that is to say, + Whenever the water was running. + And when he got there, the brave + Was either to obtain + That the water-dam be cut, + Or, failing, do something desperate-- + They knew not exactly what; + But it was expected by all + That if he were refused + He would paint the village with care + Of a deep vermilion hue, + Leaving on every lodge + Blood, and in this intent, + Should, armed at every point, + Go with his tomahawk, + His axe and scalping-knife + Singing his death-song, too, + As he went on his way; + And they were all agog. + + Now the Master was greatly pleased + When he observed all this, + For nothing delighted him more + Than plucky, desperate deeds; + So he resolved that he + Would see to this thing himself. + + Therefore he came to them-- + The people of the town + Which was then so high and dry-- + Looking so terribly fierce + That in all the land there was none + Who was half so horrible; + For he seemed to be ten feet high, + With a hundred wonderful plumes, + Feathers of red and black, + From his scalp-lock uprising; + His face fresh-painted like blood, + Green rings around his eyes, + While a very large clam-shell hung + From either ear, and behind, + A great spread eagle, which + Was awful to behold, + Flapped wings at every step; + So that the hearts of all + Beat as he entered the village, + For as simple Indians, they + Accounted that this must be + Either Lox, the Wolverine, + Or Michihant the Devil + Himself in person, who + Had turned to Indian form. + And the squaws declared that they + Had ne’er seen aught so fine, + Such a lovely, lovable man! + + Then the Master having heard + The whole of their terrible tale, + Bade them cheer up, for he + Would soon set all to rights. + So without delay he went + Straight up the bed of the brook, + And coming to the town + Sat down, and bade a boy + Bring him some water to drink; + To which the boy replied + That not a drop could be had + In that town unless ’twere given + Out by the chief himself. + + “Then go to your Sagamore,” + Said the Master, “and bid him hurry, + Or verily I will know + The reason why I wait.” + And when the boy had gone + There was no reply before + An hour, when the boy returned, + During which time the Master + Sat on a log and smoked. + Then at last the messenger + Came with a little cup + Which was only just half full + Of water, extremely foul. + Then the Master rose and said: + “Now I will go to your chief, + And I think that he soon will give + Far better water than this!” + + And having come to the chief + He said, “Now give me to drink + And that of the best, at once, + Thou villainous Thing of Mud!” + + Then the Sagamore in a rage + Bellowed: “Begone and find + Thy water where thou canst;” + When Kulóskap thrust his spear + At once into the beast, + Into his belly, lo! + Gushed forth a mighty stream, + For it was all the water + Which should have run in the brook-- + He had taken it all to himself! + + Then the Master, rising high + As any giant pine, + Caught the monster in his hand, + And crumpled in his back + With a mighty grip--and lo! + It was the Bull-Frog! Then + He hurled him with contempt + Into the stream to follow + The current ever on. + + And ever since that time + The Bull-Frog’s back has borne + Those crumpled wrinkles which + Are in the lower part: + These are the print-marks made + By the Master’s awful squeeze. + + Kulóskap then returned + Unto the town, but there + Found not a living soul, + For a marvellous thing had come + To pass while he was gone; + A thing which shall be heard + In every Indian’s speech + Through all the ages, as + ’Tis told by all to-day. + + For as these people were, + As I said, good simple folk, + They had talked together, just + As boys do at their play, + When they are hungry, thus: + “What would you like to have?” + When another will reply: + “Truly, I’d like to eat + A good hot venison steak, + With maple sugar and bear’s oil;” + “Nay, give me for my part + Some succotash and honey.” + Even so these villagers said: + “Suppose you really had + All the cold sparkling water + There is in the world, what then + Would you do with it?” One replied, + “I would live in the soft smooth mud, + And always be wet and cool.” + + To which another said, + That he would plunge from the rocks + And dive in the deep cold stream, + Aye drinking as he dived. + + And the third said: “I would be washed + Up and down with the rippling waves, + Living at will on land, + Or in the water;” Then + The fourth said: “None of you + Know how to wish, and I + Will teach you how. I’d live + In water all the time. + And forever swim in it!” + + Now it chanced that these things were said + In the hour when, while it passes + Over the world, all the wishes + Which are uttered by men are granted. + And so it was with these Indians; + For the first became a leech, + The second a spotted frog, + The third a crab which is washed + Up and down with the tide, + And the fourth a fish which swims + A-drinking ever more. + + Ere this, there had been in the world + None of the creatures which dwell + In the water, but now they were there + Of every kind. And the river + Came rushing and roaring on, + And they all went headlong down + Into the endless ocean, + To be washed into many lands, + And places all over the world, + Forever and ever more. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[31] Long ago, an Indian village stood far back in the mountains. + + + + + VII + + HOW KULÓSKAP WENT WHALE-FISHING + + [_Micmac_] + + _Piche Kulóskap pechian + Machieswi menikok._[32] + + + All of the olden time! + The Master Kulóskap came + To Pulowechē Munígû, + That is to Partridge Island. + And on the isle he met + With Kitpûsâgunâû, + Whose mother had been slain + By a fearful cannibal giant: + Therefore, like Kulóskap, + He warred through all his life + Upon the monstrous race; + From which it came to pass + That they were loving friends, + Which did not hinder them + From a hearty, merry strife + In which they barely missed + Taking each other’s lives + In the most good-natured way + As ye shall hear anon. + + Now being on the isle, + The Lord of Men and Beasts + Was entertained as guest + By Kitpûsâgunâû, + Born after his mother’s death. + And, as the night came on, + The host said to the Lord. + “Let us go forth to sea + In my canoe, and catch + Some whales by torch light.” So + Kulóskap, nothing loath, + Consented, for he was + A mighty fisherman, + Like all the Wabanaki + Who live along the shore. + + Now when they came to the beach + There were many mighty rocks + Lying scattered here and there. + Then Kitpûsâgunâû, + Lifting the largest of them, + Put it upon his head, + And it became a canoe. + Then picking up another + It turned to a paddle; next + A long and narrow piece + Which he split away from a rock + Was changed to a fishing spear; + And then Kulóskap asked + “Who shall sit in the stern + And paddle; and who shall take + The spear?” The other said + “That will I do.” And so + The Master paddled; ere long + The canoe passed o’er a whale. + A monster of a fish; + There was not his like in the sea. + But he who held the spear + Sent it down into the waves + As if ’twere a thunderbolt; + And as the handle rose + He snatched it up, and so + The mighty fish was caught; + And as Kitpûsâgunâû + Whirled it on high, the whale + Loud roaring touched the clouds; + Then taking it from the spear + He tossed it into the barque + As if it had been a trout. + And both the giants laughed; + And the sound of their laugh was heard + All over the land afar, + The Wabanaki land. + + So, being at home, the host + Took up a knife of stone + Splitting the whale in two, + And threw one half to his guest. + And they roasted each his piece, + Over the fire and ate it. + +[Illustration: =How Kulóskap Went Whale-Fishing=] + + Now the Master, having marked + The light which was in the heaven + Long after the sun went down, + Said, “The sky is red, and the night + I think will be bitter cold.” + And the other understood + That by his magic power + The Lord would bring a frost + And make it cold indeed; + So he made the Marten bring + All the wood that lay without, + With the fresh oil of a porpoise + Which he multiplied ten times + By sorcery; and then + They sat them down and smoked, + And sang old songs and told + Tales of the early time. + But ever the cold came on, + And at midnight, when the fire + And fuel were all burnt out, + The Marten froze to death, + And then the grandmother. + But still the giants smoked on, + And laughed and talked as before. + + Then the rocks all round without + Split with the awful cold. + The great trees in the forest + Were rent with frost, and the sound + Was like thunder above, but still + The Master and “He who was born + After his mother’s death.” + Kitpûsâgunâû, + Laughed on, and so they sat + Until the sun arose. + + And then Kulóskap said + Unto the grandmother: + “_Nugumích, nemchaase!_” + “O grandmother, arise.” + And then unto the boy + “_Abistaneûch, nemchaase!_” + “Marten, arise!” and both + Awoke to life once more. + + Then as the day was fair + They went into the woods + To seek for game, yet found + Full little. All they got + Was one small beaver, so + The Master said: “My friend, + You may keep all of that.” + Then Kitpûsâgunâû + Fastened it to his knee + Where it dangled like a mouse. + But as the giant went + On through the woods, and on, + The beaver ever grew + Larger and larger still, + Till ’twas of monstrous size; + Then he who bore it, took + A mighty sapling. This + He twisted to a withe + And with it, to his waist + He tied the beaver fast; + But still it grew apace + Till, trailing after him, + It tore down all the trees, + So that the giant left + A clean fair road behind. + + Then when the night came on + They fished for whales again, + And feasted as before + And had the cold again; + So, even as before, + The grandmother lay dead + Of cold, with Marten, too. + Then Kitpûsâgunâû + Yielded unto the spell, + And Kulóskap sat alone, + Alone as conqueror. + But when the sun arose + He brought them back to life; + And, laughing heartily, + Said merrily, “Good-bye!” + To Kitpûsâgunâû.[33] L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[32] Long ago Kulóskap came to Partridge Island. + +[33] The last nine lines of this poem were added by me conjecturally. L. + + + + + VIII + + KULÓSKAP AND WUCHOʿSEN, THE WIND-EAGLE + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Wuchoʿsen nit kininagwʾsit + Kʾchî plakʾn potowatak pemlamsuk._[34] + + + Wuchoʿsen the Giant Eagle, + The Bird-Who-Blows-the-Winds, + Lives far away in the North, + Ever sitting on a rock + Which is at the end of the sky; + Because when he flaps his wings + The wind blows over the earth, + Men gave him the name of old. + + When Kulóskap lived among men, + He often in his canoe + Went forth to kill the wild-fowl, + Ducks or swans or brant, + Which swim upon the sea. + One day the tempest roared, + The waves were as high as hillocks, + Even Kulóskap the Lord + Cared not to face the storm; + So then he said to himself: + “Wuchoʿsen has made this mischief + And all to show his power, + So now he shall feel mine!” + + He turned him to the North, + It was long ere he came to the end; + There on a moss-grown rock + He found a great White Bird, + The Eagle of the Wind. + + “Grandfather!” said the God, + “Thou takest no compassion + Upon us Kosesak-- + That is, ’thy suffering children’-- + For thou hast raised this storm. + It is too terrible! + Be easier with thy wings!” + + The Giant Bird replied: + “Even from the earliest time, + And from the earliest days, + Ere aught beside on earth + Had ever uttered word, + I moved my wings and spoke + In Wind unto the World; + For mine was the first Voice + E’er heard in life or time, + Therefore I’ll ever speak, + And ever move my wings, + At freedom, as I will.” + + Then Kulóskap the God, + Arose in all his might, + Tremendous--for he rose + Up to the clouds above-- + And took the Giant Bird + As if he were a duck, + And, tying fast his wings, + Cast him afar, adown + Into a deep dark cleft + Between the splintered rocks, + And left him lying there. + + Then all the Indians + Could go in their canoes + As freely as they chose + For many days and months. + But then as time went by, + They noted day by day + That all the waters grew + So stagnant and so foul + That even the Master found + He could not row his bark; + All was so thick and dead, + And rottenness and slime + Crept into all the world. + And then he thought upon + The Giant Bird, and went + To find him, far away. + As he had left him, so + He found him, for the Bird, + The Spirit of Air, + Can never truly die. + + And so he picked him up, + And then with care untied + One single wing, but left + The other tightly bound. + And since that time the Wind + Has never been so wild + As ’t ever was of yore. L. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[34] Wuchoʿsen, that is the great eagle which blows the winds. + + + + + =Canto Fourth= + + THE MASTER AND THE SORCERERS + + + I + + KULÓSKAP AND WINPE; OR, THE MASTER’S FIRST VICTORY + + [_Micmac_] + + _Piʾche ktagudimol._[35] + + + All in the olden time, + Or in the first of all, + Of all things here on earth, + Men were as animals + And animals as men. + But how this mystery was, + No one can understand, + Though some explain it thus: + As Man was made the first, + All creatures first were men, + But as they gave themselves + To this or that desire + Like that of animals, + And all their souls to it, + So were they changed to brutes. + + Yet ere this came to pass + There was a middle time + When they could change their forms + To beasts or men at will; + Yet more and more and more + Even as men, they showed + In all, the Animal. + + Then Kulóskap the Great + Lived on a wooded isle + With many Indians + Whose names and natures, too, + Were all of beasts and birds. + + These men, and most of all + The one called Pulowech, + The Partridge, had attained + To certain magic power. + These, as they found him great, + Grew jealous of the Lord, + He who was ever Man; + And so they all resolved + To leave him in the isle. + But with them take away + His grandmother, likewise + Marten, the boy, who served + The Master in his lodge. + In Micmac Marten’s name + Is Abistanēūch; he + Was of the Elfin kind, + One who could change his form + To what he pleased. For all + Relating to the Lord + Was wonderful and strange. + + This Marten ever ate + From a small dish of bark + Called Witchkwîdlakunchich. + Whene’er he left this plate + Kulóskap always knew + The place where it was laid, + And by a glance thereat + Could tell whate’er had happed + Unto his family. + Kulóskap had, beside, + A wondrous magic belt + Which gave him endless strength + And untold mystic power. + Yet to increase his might, + Even he, the Lord of Men, + Must often all alone, + Dwell in the wilderness, + And fast and pray and dream, + Until by penance strong + He gained once more his power. + + Among his enemies + Who dwelt upon the isle, + Was one named Winpe, who + Of all was terrible; + So he and all the rest, + With Marten as a slave, + Likewise the grandmother, + One day when Kulóskap + Was hunting in the North + Got into their canoes + With all their worldly gear, + And sailed, far, far away. + + Now when the Lord returned + And saw that all were gone, + He sought and found the dish + Which Marten had concealed, + And on it read the truth: + How he had been deceived + And whither all had fled. + + Now, it is said, the Lord + To gain tremendous power, + Or such grand mastery + As man had never won, + Went to the wilderness, + And there for seven years + So trained his mighty mind + By penance into will, + That when the time was o’er + He knew that he had won, + And that no thing on earth + No sorcerer nor fiend, + Giant nor devil grim, + Could now resist his power. + So when the time had come + He called his dogs, and went + Down to the shore and looked + Far o’er the rolling sea, + And sang the magic song + Which all the Whales obey. + Soon in the distance rose + A small dark spot, which grew + In size as it drew near. + ’Twas but a little whale; + It came unto the Lord, + But he was now a giant; + He stepped upon the whale. + It sank beneath his feet; + He laughed and said, “Begone! + Thou art too small for me!” + + He sang again the song, + But now with all his power; + And then there came the Queen + Of all the whales, and she + Was as a giantess + Even among her kind; + She bore him easily + Unto Kespūgitk, then + She paused and said, “O Lord! + I dare not further go, + For I shall run ashore.” + And this he wished because + He would not wet his feet, + And so he lied and said: + “The land is far away.” + So she went boldly on, + Till she beheld below, + The bottom of the sea + With many shells on it; + And then she said in fear: + “The land, does it not seem + To thee like a bow-string?” “No!” + He answered, “Land is far.” + + The water grew so shoal + That soon she heard the song + Of many Clams, who lay + Deep shelled below the sand. + They were the enemies + Of Kulóskap the Man, + Their only enemy, + And so they sang to her: + “Hasten and throw him off, + And drown him in the sea.” + But great Putúp the whale + Who did not know their tongue, + Asked what the words might mean? + And he replied in song + “They tell you to make haste; + _Nenagimk_, ’to hurry’; + To hurry, to hurry along, + Away--as fast as you can.” + + The whale like lightning flew + Until she found herself + High up upon the shore, + Then she, too, cried in woe: + “Alas, alas! Nujich! + My grandchild, you have been + My death at last--for now + I cannot leave the land; + I shall swim in the sea no more!” + + But Kulóskap answered her: + “Nʾgumi, have no fear! + You shall not suffer, for + You shall swim in the sea once more.” + Then with a push of his bow + Against her head, he sent + The whale into the sea, + Into the deep once more. + + And then the whale rejoiced, + But ere she went she said: + “O darling grandson mine! + O Master! Hast thou not + Tobacco in thy pouch, + Therewith a pipe to spare?” + And he replied, “Ah yes! + I see you want a smoke, + I have what you require.” + + He gave the whale a pipe, + Tobacco and a light + And so she sailed away + Rejoicing as she went, + A-smoking as she swam; + While Kulóskap, the Lord, + Leaning upon his bow + Beheld the long low cloud + Which trailed behind her, till + She vanished far away. + + So to this very day, + The Indians, when they see + A whale who blows, cry out: + “Behold, it smokes a pipe, + The pipe of Kulóskap.” + + And so the Lord went on, + Meeting at every step + Adventures wild and strange; + Witches and sorcerers + Sought to delay his steps, + Until at last he came + To Uktâkumkuk, or + Néwfoundland, where his foes + Had been, then fled away. + + Again he sang his song, + And once again a whale + Carried him far away, + Away unto the North; + And now he found indeed + That he had gained his end, + Since by the shore he saw + A wigwam, and therein + His sorrowing grandmother + And Marten well-nigh dead; + Winpe the sorcerer + Had treated them full ill. + Greatly did they rejoice + To see their Lord once more; + And then Kulóskap said: + “When Winpe shall return + Do all that’s in your power + To irritate the man + To make him mad with wrath; + So shall he lose his power, + For anger weakeneth will.” + + They did what he required + When Winpe came again, + Till in a roaring rage + He sought to take their lives; + When lo! before their eyes + The Master stood and gazed + In aspect terrible, + Upon his angry foe. + Winpe fell back a pace + To gain once more his power; + It came and it was great. + With all his evil will + The sorcerer raised his strength + And as it came he grew + In giant stature, till + His head was o’er the pines; + And truly in those days + The pines were higher far + Than those we have to-day: + +[Illustration: =Kulóskap and Winpe=] + + But Kulóskap the Great + The Lord of Men and Beasts, + Laughed as the thunder roars. + And grew until his head + Was far above the clouds, + Until he reached the stars, + And ever higher still, + Till Winpe seemed to be + A child beneath his feet. + + Then, holding him in scorn, + Kulóskap the great lord + Smote Winpe with his bow + As one might strike a dog; + Down fell the sorcerer dead! + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[35] I will tell you of long ago. + + + + + II + + HOW A WITCH SOUGHT TO CAJOLE THE MASTER + + [_Micmac_] + + _Kes saak._[36] + + + This is a story of the olden time. + It chanced that great Kulóskap met a witch, + An evil being who had made herself + Look like a fair young girl, and that so well + By all the deepest art of sorcery, + That she was sure the Lord could never see + Through her disguise--wherein she was a fool, + Because he read her at a single glance. + + She bade him take her out in his canoe; + So forth they sailed over a summer sea + With a sweet breeze. The witch upon the way + Sought to beguile the Lord with loving words + To which he made no answer, knowing well + What kind of passenger he had on board. + + And so she played all her cajoleries, + While he remained as grim as any bear, + Replying with a growl to loving words; + Till in a rage she changed her melody + Into the curse which raises up the storm + As if to show defiance of his power. + And it was terrible when the wind howled + Over the waves which madly rose and fell + Like great white wolves a-jumping while they run; + And the red lightnings flashed, while the great sea + Grew dark as if to show their fire the more. + + And then the Master was enraged indeed, + That a vile witch should dare to play such tricks + With him, the mighty Lord of Beasts and Men; + And, driving the canoe unto the beach, + He leaped ashore, and giving it a push + He sent it headlong out to sea again, + And cried: “Sail with the devil if you will, + But ne’er on earth again in human form!” + + Then she in terror cried: “What must I be? + Oh, Master, say what shape shall I assume?” + And he replied: “Whatever form you please-- + That grace alone I give thee.” In despair + She plunged into the deep and there became + The _wĕbĕtumekw_, a ferocious shark + Which has upon its back a mighty fin + Like a great sail when swimming in the sea. + + So the canoe and witch were changed as one + To the great evil fish, and to this day + The Indians when they see it, ever cry: + “Behold the girl, who in the olden time + Was punished by the Master.” That is all! L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[36] Of old time. + + + + + III + + HOW KULÓSKAP FOUGHT THE GIANT SORCERERS AT SACO + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Yut nʾkani aknodʾmâgon uch Kulóskap._[37] + + + This is a tale of Kulóskap, + An old one. There was a father + Who had three sons and a daughter, + And all were Mteolinwuk, + That is, they were magicians + Of terrible power, and giants; + They ate men, women, and children; + Yea, they did everything + That was wicked and horrible; + And the land grew tired of them + And of all their abominations. + Yet when this family + Was young, Kulóskap had been + Ever and truly their friend; + He had made their father his father, + The brothers his brothers, the sister + His sister by adoption, + As Indians often do. + + But, as they all grew older, + And the Master began to hear + On every side of their sins. + He said: “I will go among them + And find if this be true; + If it be so, they shall die-- + I will not spare one of those + Who oppress and devour mankind, + I care not who he may be.” + + This evil family dwelt + Near the place that now is Saco, + Upon the sandy field + Which is in the Intervale, + Or the summer bed of the river, + Among the White Mountains, which lie + Between Kèzitwâzuch, + Or Mount Kearsarge the mighty, + And Kchibenabesk + The towering rock, and near + Wʾnâgʾmeswuk Wigît + The Home of the Water Elves. + + Now the old man, the father + Of all these evil sorcerers, + Had only one eye, and he + Was half gray like a stony mountain; + Then the Master made himself + Like to the hoary old fellow; + There was not between them + The difference of a hair. + So having taken this form + He entered into the wigwam + And sat by the agèd man. + + Then the murdering brothers + Who never spared a soul, + Hearing that some one was talking, + Peeped slyly in, and seeing + A stranger so like their father + That they knew not which was which, + Said: “This is a great magician, + But he shall be tried ere he goes, + And that right bitterly.” + + Then the giantess sister took + The tail of a whale, and cooked it, + And gave it to the stranger + That he might eat it, when + Just as it lay before him + On the platter, and on his knees, + The elder brother entered + And saying: “This is too good + For a beggar like you,” took it + Away to his own wigwam. + And then the Master said: + “That which was given to me + Is mine--so I take it again.” + And sitting still he _willed_ + Or wished for it to return. + And lo! the dish came flying + Again into his lap! + And he ate from it, undisturbed. + Then the brothers said: “This truly + Is a very great magician, + But he shall be tried ere he goes, + And that right bitterly!” + + When he had eaten, they brought + A mighty bone; the jaw + Of a whale, and the elder brother + With great ado, and using + Both arms and all his strength, + Bent it a little, and proudly + He held it to the Master + Who with the thumb and finger + Of his right hand alone, + Snapped it like a green twig, + And crumbled it to powder. + Then the brothers said again: + “This is truly a great magician, + But he shall be tried ere he goes, + And that right bitterly.” + + [Illustration: + Then they brought an enormous pipe + Full of the strongest tobacco;] + + Then they brought an enormous pipe + Full of the strongest tobacco; + No man, not even a sorcerer + Could have smoked such fearful stuff. + And as it was passed around + All of them smoked. The brothers + Blew the smoke through their nostrils + As if it were light as air. + But the Master filled it full + And, lighting it, burned all + The tobacco into ashes + At one puff, with a single pull! + Blowing all the smoke through his nose + Even as they had done. + Then they said and now in anger: + “This is truly a great magician; + But he shall be tried ere he goes”-- + They never said it again! + + Yet still they tried to smoke. + They shut the door of the wigwam + Hoping to smother him. + But he puffed and puffed away + As if he had been on the top + Of a mountain in a breeze, + Till one said: “This is idle, + Let us go and play at ball!” + + The place where they were to play + Was the sandy stony plain + Which lies on the bend of the river. + And so the game began. + Kulóskap discovered + That the ball with which they played + Was a hideous human skull, + A living thing which snapped at + His heels. Had the Master been + As other men, the monster + Would have bitten a foot away. + Then he laughed aloud, and said: + “So this is your style of foot-ball! + Well and good! But let us all play + With our own balls.” He stepped + Up to a tree by the river, + And broke off a hole or knot + And it turned to a living skull, + But one which was ten times greater, + And ten times more terrible + Than that which the sorcerers used. + And the three brothers ran + Before it as it chased them + As rabbits are chased by a lynx; + They were entirely beaten. + Then Kulóskap stamped in the sand, + And the waters rose and came rushing + Fearfully from the mountains + Adown the river bed; + The whole land rang with their roar. + Then the Master sang the song, + The magic song which changes + All creatures to other forms, + Which changed the Three and their father + Into the Chinames, + A fish which is long and broad + As a man, and they all went headlong + Down in the flood to the ocean + Where they must dwell forever + And are caught unto this day. + + These three magicians wore + Each one a collar of wampum + Of purple beads and white, + Wherefore the Chinames + Has exactly round its neck + Or below its head, the same, + Distinctly marked and clear; + They were mighty men in their day + And great Mteolinwuk, + But were tried before they went + And that most bitterly. + + Yes indeed, Nsîwes, my brother, + This story is really true, + For Kulóskap was very great + In his day--and a day will come + When I myself shall go to him. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[37] This is an old story about Kulóskap. + + + + + IV + + HOW THE MASTER SHOWED HIMSELF A GREAT SMOKER + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piʿche Kulóskap kʾchî skitap._[38] + + + Kulóskap the Great, + Lord of Beasts and Men, + Was ever a boon companion + And a right valiant smoker. + In all the world was no man + Who loved a well-filled pipe + Of good and fragrant tobacco + So heartily as he did. + + Now in that happy time, + The sun shone warmer and brighter, + The summers were far longer + In the land of the Wabanaki + Than they truly are to-day. + And the Indians raised _tomáwe_, + That is to say, tobacco, + Far better than the best + Which ever is seen to-day. + And they found a mighty solace + In burning the gold-brown leaves. + + There came one day to the Master + A great and evil magician + Who sought to take his life, + As the Master at once perceived; + For he read the thoughts of men + As though they were strings of wampum-- + Seeing deep into every heart. + + Now this evil magician thought, + By first amazing the Master + Through some wonderful trick, to weaken + The will which gave him strength; + As they say a fish is frightened + When he sees that his foe swims faster, + And is too much alarmed to fight. + + So the sorcerer sat to smoke + With a pipe whose bowl was bigger + Than the head of any man, + With a stem full ten feet long; + But ever that of Kulóskap + Grew to the size of a pumpkin, + And then like the ten-foot boulder + Which lies on the beach at Rye; + And the smoke which rose from his puffing + Was like that of a forest fire. + + Then the sorcerer filled his pipe + Afresh with strong tobacco, + Such as would kill if they breathed it + A porcupine or a toad. + And at one pull he burned it + Leaving no spark behind; + And at one whiff he sent it + Out in one great round ball; + Then sat and looked at the Master. + And then the Lord Kulóskap, + Whose pipe was many times greater, + Also sent his tobacco + Out in a puff as round-- + Out in a mighty ball + As hard as any flint, + And, blowing it on the ground + Which was of granite rock, + Split it asunder, so + That a valley yawned between them. + Then they both sat in silence + Until the Master said: + “Do that--and then take my life.” + But the wizard could do no more, + And returned in shame and anger + To the evil ones who had sent him. L. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[38] Long ago Kulóskap was a great man. + + + + +[Illustration] + + V + + KULÓSKAP AND THE WITCH + + [_Passamaquoddy and Micmac_] + + _Nequt Kulóskap meiaoet + Pechian kʾtakʾmikomnok. Nit kʾmʾtkinansnok + Neke bʾsʾnboek kʾchî Kiwaʿkwik._[39] + + + When Kulóskap the Master + Came into this world of ours, + Or the Land of the Wabanaki, + It was full of giants and monsters, + Sorcerers, dwarfs and demons, + Mighty beasts and men, + Fiends and the Indian devils, + And, worst of all, the witches, + And worst among them Pûjinskwes, + A word which means “The Pitcher.” + + She could be fair when she would, + Fair as a rosy sky + With stars still beaming in it + In very early dawn; + Or terrible as a storm, + When it howls among the mountains, + And lightens in the midnight. + + Now while the Master was young, + And had not gained the power + Which he won in riper age, + Pûjinskwes sought his love. + But he knew that she was evil, + So he fled away from her wooing, + And the wild-cat witch pursued him. + It was a dreadful flight, + Since to make their steps the longer + Both took the giant form, + Took it by magic power. + + It was an awful storm, + A terrible storm in winter + When the wind is chasing the clouds; + It was like a frightful tempest + In summer when the lightning + Chases after the thunder. + Deep lay the snow on the earth; + Therefore they both wore snow-shoes; + But, when they came to the shore, + Kulóskap leaped from the mainland + Over the sea between + To the island of Grand Manan; + And so he escaped from the sorceress; + For the shoes which the Master wore + Were round and out of the common; + While those of the witch were long, + Long it is said and pointed, + And the marks of the two are still + To be seen deep pressed in the rocks + By the shore to this very day. + + But for days and years thereafter + Pûjinskwes sought to slay him, + And she had terrible power, + The might of the Evil Witches + Which came from the early time. + + Now ’tis the greater part + Of the Indian art of magic + To know what our foes are planning, + Planning and plotting against us, + And all their tricks and devices + Which they scheme in the darkened paths, + The darkened paths of Evil. + In knowing this, Kulóskap + Was the greatest and the first, + And, knowing new arts of magic, + Went far beyond them all. + For before his time all sorcerers + Went every one his way + Unheeding the ways of others, + Even in wickedness. + But Kulóskap first of all + Threw out his soul unto others + To find what others knew. + + When the Lord was on the warpath + Seeking the sorcerer Winpe + Who had carried away his household, + He came to Ogomkeok + Where he found a great birch wigwam, + And, in the wigwam seated + Bending over a fire, + A strange old woman--a horror + Of all old hags and ugliest-- + Trembling in every limb, + As if death stood at her elbow, + Dirty, ragged and loathsome, + He never had seen the like. + + Then looking up at the Master + With bleared and pitiful stare, + She begged him to bring some fire-wood + Which he did indeed, while knowing + Who it was who was so disguised, + For he knew it was Pûjinskwes + And he laughed at her in his heart. + + Then she said to him, “O stranger, + As thou art a man of mercy, + Pray free me from the _waagûkw_ + From the monstrous terrible vermin + Which madden me by their bites!” + Now all the _waagûkw_ were devils, + The spirits of every poison, + Which she thought had such a power + As must even kill the Master. + + But he foreseeing this + Had taken as he came + Cranberries from a swamp, + And bidding her bend over, + He took the imps from her hair, + And every one as he took it + Turned into a porcupine, + Or else a terrible toad. + When she asked him, “Have you found one?” + And, “I have,” replied the Master; + Then, “Crush it,” was her answer, + So then he crushed a berry, + And Pûjinskwes, hearing the sound, + Thought to herself: “The poison + Which is now upon his fingers + Will soon be in his heart, + And death will follow after.” + + But Kulóskap put the devils + One by one as he found them + Under a wooden platter + Which was lying close beside him. + And as he did this he chanted + A song which put her to sleep, + A song of wonderful power. + So she slept until the morrow + And when she awoke, the Master + Was far away, and her devils, + Porcupines, toads and all, + Were swarming over the floor, + For they had upset the platter. + Then she was filled with fury + To think he despised her so + That he had not even cared + To kill her while a-sleeping. + Then she burst forth in madness, + Wild as the Indian devil + Forth in her own true figure + As beautiful as sin, + Wild as the wolverine; + And gathering up her imps, + And summoning all her power + Of magic by fiercer will, + Went forth to meet the Master. + + Onward he went to the North + Till he came to a pass in the hills. + It was a great ravine + Wherein two monstrous beasts + Waylaid all travellers + And tore them limb from limb. + Straight at his dogs they flew; + He did but touch the dogs, + And speak a word of power, + When up they grew to size + Stupendous, so they seized + The beasts e’en as the wolf + Seizes a rabbit. Then + The fight was at an end. + These dogs had been so trained + That when called off they fought + More fiercely than before, + And when told not to bite + They ever bit the more. + + Soon he came to the top + Of a high hill, and looking + Afar o’er all the land + Beheld, away in the distance, + A wigwam, and knew in his heart + That an enemy dwelt therein; + And coming to it he found + An old woman with two fair daughters. + But he knew at a glance that the mother + Was a witch among the witches, + And the one who sought his life. + + The girls came to him greeting + With fond and pleasing glances, + Asking if he was hungry, + And offering him a dainty: + The entrails of a bear + Which, when turned and smoked and seasoned, + Are deemed by all delicious. + They are a common gift + Of Indian girls to their lovers, + For, when cast around the neck + As a necklace, it means “I love you.” + But these had been enchanted, + Poisoned by magic spells; + Had the Master taken them then + He would have lost his power. + + Little they knew of the magic, + The new and wonderful magic + Of reading the thoughts of men, + Which the Lord had brought into the land, + Unknown to the witches of yore; + So as they came wooing round him + With smiles and wanton glances, + He smiled, as if all he wanted + Of them, was to be won! + So he took the gift which they offered, + But, instead of putting it on, + Cried out to his dogs, “_Cuss! cuss!_” + Which in Micmac means “Stop, stop!” + But which they had been trained to believe + Was, “Hie at them!” They flew at the witches + When both flashed up like fire + In the terrible form of devils, + As flaming female fiends. + Then came an awful tumult + Such as never before was seen + In the land of the Wabanâki; + All the earth and rocks around + Were rent in the dreadful tumult + And all the while the Master + Cried merrily to his dogs: + “Stop, stop! These are my sisters, + Let them alone! Be quiet!” + But the more he bade them be peaceful + The more they attacked the witches + And drove them at last away. + + Then the Master entered the wigwam + Where Pûjinskwes sat waiting, + Waiting for him as dead, + Waiting for him as food. + So he said to her while smiling, + “Grandmother, are you hungry? + Do you love the links of a bear? + Then here are some.” He threw them + Around her neck and she died, + Died and became a devil. + Yet the sorcerers when devils + Ever rise to life again; + Ever rise to work men mischief, + For evil can never die. + + Then the Master kept on his way + Till he met the giant Winpe-- + The evil sorcerer Winpe + Whom he slew in terrible battle. + This is the song of the Micmacs, + Of the Master’s earlier deeds. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[39] When Kulóskap the Lord came into our land the country was full +of great giants. + + + + + VI + + KULÓSKAP AND THE WITCH CALLED “THE PITCHER” + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Uskijinwi otenesis._[40] + + + There was an Indian village + Wherein dwelt many people, + Who were all of the Pogumʾk + Or of the Black Cat totem; + And wisest and bravest among them + Was Kulóskap the chief; + And when he went forth a-hunting + With the _tumʾhîgʾn_ (tomahawk), + The knife and bow and arrow, + He slew the moose and the bear; + So he gave meat to the poor, + So he fed all the tribe, + Yet, though he was chief of the Black Cats, + He was by his mother a Bear. + + Pûjinskwes the witch and devil + Was also one of the Black Cats; + She was woman or man as she listed, + But in those days she lived as a man; + And, because she hated the chieftain, + She thought how she might kill him, + And take his place in the tribe. + One day when all the people + Were packing to travel away + To another place for summer, + Pûjinskwes asked the chief + To go with him (or _her_, + As you may choose to take it), + Adown to the water side + To seek for the eggs of the gull. + Then both in a canoe + Went far away, and still farther, + Till they came to a lonely island. + And while Kulóskap was seeking + For eggs along the seaside + She stole away in silence, + Away in the _agwedʾn_ + That is, in the birch-canoe. + And as she paddled away + She sang in the Indian tongue: + “_Nikedha pogumʾk mʾneʿnuk + Petesinel sagʾmawiw!_”[41] + “I have left the Black Cat on an island, + I shall be the chieftain now.” + + So she returned to the village; + Next day they all departed, + There was not one of them left, + Save the one who was worth them all. + Then at night they camped, and expected + The chief who w’ould come to them, + And then the evil Pitcher + Ruled them as Sagamore. + + Now for thirty days Kulóskap + Who had well-nigh lost his power + Of magic, as all magicians + Are often all exhausted, + Remembered that his friend + The Fox was mteolin, + With all the strength of sorcery. + And still the mighty Master + Could sing the wonderful song + Which is heard to any distance, + Away over forests and mountains, + Over the rolling rivers. + So he sang and the Fox soon heard it, + And he travelled by night and day + Until he came to the ocean, + And swam to the lonely isle. + + “Now swim with me to the mainland,” + Said the Fox unto the Master. + “Brother, I cannot do it + For all my power is gone.” + “Hold to my tail” said the Fox, + “Be of good faith, my brother, + We soon shall gain the shore.” + + “But remember,” said the Fox, + “While we are in the water + Thou must keep thine eyes fast shut. + All depends upon that, + On that alone and thy faith.” + + So all went well for a time, + But anon the chief grew weary, + And opening one eye a little + It seemed to him that truly + They were not ten feet from the shore, + And being of little faith + He thought--for he spoke not aloud: + “We shall never get to land:” + But the Fox who read his thought, + Replied, “Do not believe it, + I _will_ that we reach the shore.” + + But the journey lasted long, + For what seemed unto the Master + To be ten feet, was really + Ten miles--and the wind was high, + And the waves were wild and beat them, + For the witch had raised a storm; + And it was late in the evening + Before they reached the land. + + “And now my elder brother,” + Said the Fox, “you may go your way.” + He went and came to the camp + Where he had left his people. + + There all was silent and sad, + The ashes were cold on the hearths, + In the deserted homes, + In the lonely, silent wigwams; + So he followed the tracks of the Indians, + And in a day came near them. + The first whom he overtook + Was his mother bearing his brother; + Nʾmokswes, that is the Sable, + Or as others say the Marten. + She bore him on her back, + The child’s back lay against her, + So that, while she looked forward, + He could only look behind. + As Kulóskap peered from a thicket, + Smiling to see the boy, + The Sable cried: “Oh, my brother + Is coming to us at last!” + And she turned her head, yet saw nothing, + For the Master hid his head + Quickly behind a tree. + But the infant cried again: + “Indeed and truly, mother, + I saw my brother there!” + And this time glancing quickly + She caught a sight of the Master, + And they all laughed for joy. + + Then the mother threw Nʾmokswes + Like a stick down into the leaves, + But the Master bade him rise + And run to the camp with speed. + “And when you are there,” he said, + “Build up a mighty fire, + A fire of hemlock bark, + And take the Pitcher’s babe, + Whom she so dearly loves, + And has given to you to tend, + And throw it into the fire; + Then run to me for your life, + For verily thou wilt be + In direst need to do it.” + + And as he had commanded + It was done. When the fire was hot + Nʾmokswes threw the imp, + The child of an evil mother, + Into the roaring flames, + And it was burned to death. + Then the sorceress who was maddened, + As you may well believe, + With rage, pursued the Sable, + Even as a starving wolf + Chases a rabbit in winter: + Nʾmokswes in great fear + Cried, “Oh my elder brother!” + And the sorceress yelled: “Call out! + Call loudly as you can! + For to save your life you must run + As far as the distant island + Where I left him long ago.” + But at the word the Master + Stepped forward, and as he faced her + Said: “He need not run so far.” + + Then, seeing him, fear came o’er her, + But laughing aloud to hide it, + She said: “I only chased him + In sport, for I truly love him.” + But the Master answered grimly, + “I know thee and thy love, + And also all thy tricks, + Thou who art truly a devil.” + Then feeling that his power + Of magic was returning, + He used his mighty will, + And the will awoke to might, + And before his breath the sorceress + Was driven backward lightly, + Like a leaf before the wind + Till her back was against a tree; + Then he said to her, “Remain + Ever attached to the bark,” + And so indeed she remained, + Though not as the Master meant. + + Then the Master and his brother + Together went to the camp; + Great was the joy when he came. + + The Pitcher had a hatchet, + And so with much ado + She cut herself (or himself), + In time away from the tree. + The Black Cats heard her chopping, + Pounding and chopping all night; + And wondered what it might be. + She came to them in the morning, + But a fragment from the tree + Ever adhered to her back: + So they laughed at her in scorn, + And sang together these words: + + “He who made the chief + Stay on a distant island, + Is now stuck by the chief + Fast with his back to a tree.” + + It is said she turned to a toad + Which bears to this day on its back + A hump, or the piece of wood + Which was carried away from the tree. + Though another legend has it + That, as during all her life + She had tormented men + With her insatiate longing, + She was changed to a mosquito + Which preys on them in the night, + The blood-thirsty stinging Tʾsiso + Ever a-stinging and singing: + “Give me thy life and blood.” + It is said it was at Fresh-Water, + After she left Bar Harbor, + That she changed into the insect + Which ever will bear her name. + + Pûjinskwes had many children + Whose fathers were giants and monsters, + Sorcerers and demons, + But, as they all were hideous, + She stole from the Indian women + Their fairest babes, and pretended + That they were all her own. + Among these was a comely youth, + And as he grew older he wondered + That most of his brothers and sisters + Were dark and like the devils + While he, and a few, were fair. + So one day he asked Pûjinskwes + Why it was? She answered laughing: + “The dark were born in the darkness, + But thou, my son, by day.” + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[40] There was an Indian village. + +[41] This couplet indicates the metre into which most of the original +can be resolved. + + + + + VII + + HOW KULÓSKAP SAILED THROUGH THE CAVERN OF DARKNESS + + [_Micmac_] + + _Nʾkani bʾmaoinnoak itmok niktuk iloiknuk wesisek + Kulóskap honichan uch negum + Naga honosokoan nihit Piliomeskasik ktakʾmigw._[42] + + + It is told in old traditions, + And even in them with a difference, + According to the nations + In which these songs are sung, + That “in these olden times,” + Kulóskap’s seven neighbors, + That is, seven beasts of the forest, + Stole his family from him + And that he long pursued them + Even to Néwfoundlánd. + + When he came there it was night, + And, finding Marten alone, + He took him into the forest, + Bidding him seek for game, + Putting his belt on the boy; + Which gave him such magic power + That he killed both moose and bear, + And brought all gayly home. + + Now it came to pass in the morning, + That old Dame Kâkâgûch, + The meddling and spying Crow, + Observed that meat was drying + In the smoke of the Master’s wigwam. + This news she spread abroad, + Adding that trouble was coming, + For the Master must have returned. + + Then a great fear came upon them, + They sat every man in his wigwam, + Waiting for death in silence + For they knew the Master had come. + But when he had slain Winpe + And saw them sitting in silence, + Frightened like so many rabbits + Before a hungry wild-cat, + He laughed aloud and forgave them; + For he was noble and generous, + And cared for no small foe. + And as they were very hungry, + For he had come in a time + When all of them were starving. + He fed them all with venison; + So sorrow left the wigwams. + But as they had left him of old, + He left them in turn and departed. + Ere they had known his power, + They had left him alone to die; + Now that they knew his power, + They feared they should die without him. + But he left them to go their path + And turned his steps toward others. + Then, having made a canoe, + The Master and his mother, + Dame Bear, and Marten, his brother, + Went forth on a mighty river + Which was in its beginning + Both broad and beautiful. + So they sailed away down the stream + Till they came to mighty cliffs + Which ever grew higher and closer, + Till they met in an arch overhead, + But the river ran on beneath them, + And ever far underground, + Deep into earth and deeper, + Till it dashed into roaring rapids + Among rocks and wild ravines; + Then under cataracts, + So horrible that death + Seemed to come and go as they darted + With every plunge and motion + Headlong in their canoe. + + [Illustration: + But the Master with silent soul + Ever sang the songs of magic.] + + Narrower grew the water, + More dreadful still the current, + And fear came over the mother + And then on the brother Marten, + Till of that fear they died. + But the Master with silent soul + Ever sang the songs of magic, + The awful incantations, + Till he had passed the darkness + And came again into sunlight, + The bright and beautiful day. + + He found upon the bank + A lonely deserted wigwam, + Therein he carried the dead, + And, laying them down, he said: + “_Nemchaase!_” that is, “Arise!” + And behold they both arose, + And thought they had only slept. + Then the Master found by this trial + He had gained his greatest power. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[42] The old people say that seven beasts stole Kulóskap’s family +from him and that he followed them to Newfoundland. + + + + + VIII + + HOW THE MASTER FOUND THE SUMMER + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piche pamaosoinnoak wiwikitopʾnik + Mequatoekak ospassio._[43] + + +[Illustration] + + In the long time ago, + When people ever lived + In the red morning light + Or ever the day of man had come; + Before the sun had risen + And ere the Eastern land + Was peopled as to-day, + Kulóskap, the great lord, + Went far into the North + Where all was snow and ice. + + He came to a great lodge + Wherein he found a giant, + Truly a wondrous one + The greatest of his race, + For he was Winter. When + The Indian god came in, + He sat in silence down; + Then gave as welcoming + A pipe unto his guest; + And as they smoked, the host + Told stories to the chief-- + Tales of the olden time, + In the old giant tongue. + A charm was in the words, + The enchantment of the frost, + And so the giant talked on, + Freezing with every word, + Until Kulóskap fell + Into a sleep like death. + Six months he silent lay, + Even as the bear or toad + Lies quietly till spring: + + Then, when the charm was gone, + The Indian god awoke, + Woke with his might renewed. + Homeward he turned his way + Unto the glowing South. + At every step his foot + Met with the growing grass, + Warm breezes greeted him, + And many a forest flower + Rose up and talked in song. + + He came into a dell + Deep in the greenwood shade, + Where many little fays, + Fair little sun-ray elves, + Were dancing in their joy. + And their sweet fairy queen, + Bright Summer, led the round-- + Summer most beautiful + Of beings ever born. + He caught fair Summer up, + And, by a crafty trick, + He kept her as his own; + For, as he fled away, + And as the elves pursued, + He let behind him trail + A long and slender cord + Cut from a moose-hide. All + Pulled gayly at the end; + But as he ran, he let + The cord run out, and they + Were ever left behind, + Because by magic power + The moose-cord had no end! + Even so the Lord escaped + The Fairies of the Light, + The Ladies of the Dawn! + + Again as he returned + He came unto the lodge + Where grim old Winter lay, + Who gayly welcomed him, + Hoping to freeze the god + Again into sleep, and hold + Him very sternly there, + Forever in his power. + But hidden in his breast + Kulóskap held the charm + Of a great victory, + For he had Summer there; + Even as now to you + I sing the summer song! + + They sat them down and smoked. + This time the Master told + Tales of the ancient time + In the old giant tongue + Once spoken by the gods-- + Magic and wonder tales. + This time he had the power; + His spell was mightiest, + And his strange wizardry + The stronger of the two. + Ere long the hut grew warm + And then down Winter’s cheeks, + His cheeks of hard gray stone, + The melting ice-drops ran, + Till he and all his home + Fell down, and in a flood + As water rushed away + Adown between the rocks + Into the roaring sea! + + Then everything awoke. + The seeds and wildflowers grew. + The snow in rivers ran + Bearing away the leaves + Left from the Fall before; + The fairies all came out + And then Kulóskap turned + Again unto the South, + Leaving his captive there; + Summer was in the land. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[43] Long ago people used to live in the red light of morning. + + + + + IX + + HOW KULÓSKAP LEFT THE WORLD + + [_Passamaquoddy and Micmac_] + + _Yut negum tan Kulóskap + Udelinaktamnes uskitkamigw._[44] + + +[Illustration] + + When the great Kulóskap, + The Lord of Beasts and Men, + By power, for all his people + And for the world, had subdued + All of the evil things + Which cursed the early time, + Giants and sorcerers, + Witches and devils dire, + Fiends and every horror, + All were silenced then. + The ice-hearted Kiwakʿw + Wandered no longer free + In the green wilderness, + And the mighty bird Kullû, + Great as a hundred eagles, + No longer scared the Indian + As it spread its mighty wings + Like a cloud ’twixt earth and the sun. + Evil beasts, devils and serpents + Were found no more in the land, + And the world at last knew peace; + For the Master had taught to man + All that should make him happy; + But all were in turn ungrateful, + And, while they feared the Master, + Grew every day more wicked, + Forgetting him in their hearts; + And sin roared in the land. + + Now when the ways of men + And of beasts became so evil, + So false, proud and ferocious, + Kulóskap as their lord + Was angered at their sin, + Yet bore it as a god + Till all his love was gone; + As oil spreads over the sea + Till all is thinned away. + Then he sent messengers forth + Inviting all to a feast, + The richest ever known + By the great Lake Minas shore, + On the silver water’s edge; + And all the beasts of the wood, + The fathers of all the tribes, + Came to the feast in state, + Came at the call, to revel; + But the Lord had little to say. + Solemn and grim was the banquet, + All knew that the chief was going, + And knew, too, why he would leave them. + + And when the feast was over, + Kulóskap, the Lord of all living, + Entered his great canoe + And sailed away over the water, + The shining waves of Minas; + And they looked in silence at him + Until they could see him no more. + Yet, after they ceased to behold him, + They still heard his voice in song, + The wonderful voice of the Master! + But the sounds grew fainter and fainter + And softer in the distance, + Till at last they died away. + + Then over them all was silence, + Till a wonder came to pass; + For all the beasts, who, before + Had spoken but one common language, + Now talked in different tongues; + Each with a tongue of his own + Understood the others no more. + + So they parted from one another + And fled to the sea or the forest; + And, since that day of the parting, + They never have met in council, + And never again will meet + Till the day when all sins and sorrows + Will be in full forgiven, + Forgiven and forgotten, + And their Lord the great Kulóskap + Shall return to restore to his children + The age of sunshine and plenty; + When all shall dwell together + In peace and joy forever; + Till then the world will mourn. + + And ’tis said that, when the Master + Had left Acadia, + The bird who most had loved him, + The great white Snowy Owl + Went far into the North, + Into the deep dark forest, + Where to this day his children + Sing to the night “_Kūkuʿskūūs!_” + Which means in Indian, + “I am sorry, oh, I am sorry!” + And the loons who had been his huntsmen, + Go up and down by the waters, + Over the snow-topped mountains, + Across the rushing rivers, + Through dale and wood and valley, + Seeking in vain for their master, + The Lord whom they cannot meet; + Ever wailing, wailing sadly, + Because they find him not. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[44] This is how Kulóskap left the world. + + + + + X + + THE MASTER AND THE FINAL DAY + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Kulóskap mech pʾmaoso?_[45] + + + “Is Kulóskap living yet?” + Yes, far away, but no one knoweth where-- + Beyond the mountains or above the skies, + Where in the autumn’s lengthening twilight shades, + He smokes his _tūmʾhîgʾnpowâgon_, + His ancient tomahawk-pipe, + Making the brown air + Of the pleasant Indian summer. + Some say that he sailed away + In his marvellous stone canoe, + Afar beyond the sea, + To the country of the East; + Some that he went to the West; + And ’tis said that in days of old + There were men who knew where he dwelt, + And, making a pilgrimage + Could get from him what they sought. + And they say that, even now, + If you travel ever on, + Travel in perfect faith, + You’ll find at last the Kchi Sagem, + That is the great Sagamore + The greatest of all lords. + + “Is Kulóskap living yet?” + Yes, he lives in a very great wigwam, + A wigwam very long-- + That is, a council lodge-- + Where he always is making arrows; + And all one side of the lodge + Is full of arrows now, + All closely packed together, + Even as your fingers lie. + When all the lodge shall be full + The god will come forth to battle, + And till then no mortal being + May ever enter the wigwam. + + “On whom will war be made?” + He will make it on all mankind, + He will end all life that endures, + For the world will pass away + When that battle shall come to an end. + I know not when it will be, + To-morrow it may come + Or hundreds of years away. + + “Are any to be saved + By any one, in that hour?” + That is beyond my ken, + All I have heard is this: + That the world will pass away + In roaring fire and flame, + While all the sea will rise + Hot boiling into mist, + And that the good with it + Will rise on high to heaven; + It may perhaps be so; + I’ve only heard it told, + Just heard it--and no more. L. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[45] Is Kulóskap alive yet? + + + + + PART SECOND + + =Witchcraft Lore= + + + + + WITCHCRAFT LORE + + + + + I + + THE WIZARD’S CHANT + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Nil nolbin naga ntetlitemen pekholagon._[46] + + +[Illustration] + + I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum; + And by its mystic sound I call the beasts. + From mountain lair and forest nook they throng; + E’en mighty storms obey the dreadful sound. + + I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum; + The storm and thunder answer when it calls. + Aplasemwesit, mighty whirlwind, stops + To hearken to the mystic sound I make. + + I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum; + And Chibelaʿkwe, night-air spirit, flies + To hearken to the mystic sound I make; + And old Wuʾchoʿsen, storm-bird of the North, + Rests his great pinions, causing calm to reign, + To hearken to the mystic sound I make. + + I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum; + And Lumpeguin, who dwells beneath the wave, + Arises to the surface struck with awe, + To hearken to the mystic sound I make. + E’en Atwuskniges, armed with axe of stone, + Will cease his endless chopping, and be still + To hearken to the mystic sound I make. + + I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum; + And Appodumken, with his long, red hair, + Ariseth from the depths, and draweth near + To hearken to the mystic sound I make. + + The lightning, thunder, storm and forest sprite, + The whirlwind, gale, and spirit of the deep, + The Chibelaʿkwe, loathly night-air ghost, + All come together, and with reverent mien + Will hearken to the mystic sound I make. P. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[46] I sit and beat the magic drum. + + + + + II + + THE WOMAN AND THE SERPENT + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piʿchedog Laʿtogwesnuk._[47] + + + Far away, very far in the North, + There dwelt by a great fair lake + An Indian and his wife, + A very beautiful woman + Given to strange wild dreams; + Passion was in her blood. + + The lake was frozen over + For many months in the year; + One day, when she cut away + The ice, she saw in the water + A pair of wonderful eyes + Steadily gazing at her; + Bright eyes which charmed her so + That she could not move a hand; + Then she saw a handsome face + And a graceful slender young man, + Who rose from the glittering water, + And he himself, like it, + Glittered from head to foot; + On his breast were _nʾskemanul_, + Or shining silvery plates. + + He said, “I am Aʿtosis, + The King of all the Serpents”; + Little she cared for his nature, + She talked with him of love, + She returned his fond embraces; + Every day she came to meet him, + And often in the night. + + Her husband noticed that often + She strayed away from home, + And asked her, why she wandered? + She answered, “To get fresh air.” + + The weather grew ever warmer; + The ice from the lake had melted, + Grass, flowers and leaves were growing. + The woman patiently waited + Till her husband was asleep; + Then she stole away in silence + From the one whom she kissed no more + Unto her serpent lover + Whom she kissed with all her heart. + + The husband greatly suspecting, + Resolved to watch her wandering. + And so, to avert suspicion, + Said, “Stay here in the wigwam, + For I shall be gone three days + To hunt the deer in the forest.” + But at the end of the second + He came again to the wigwam, + And found that she was absent. + As he sat, re-kindling the fire, + She entered. He saw upon her + Bright shining silver scales; + He asked her what ’twas that glittered? + She answered, “My silver brooches.” + + He said. “I must go again + To be absent hunting to-morrow.” + He went to the top of a hill + Overlooking the lake, where he watched her. + She went and sat by the shore; + Then rose afar in the water + What seemed to his sight to be + A shining flake of ice, + But when it came to the shore + ’Twas a tall and slender man + All clad, as it seemed, in silver. + The woman leapt up and embraced him, + And gave him many kisses. + + The husband in awe and anger + Went forth to other people, + And left his wife forever; + But soon her father and mother + Came to her home to see her, + And dwelt with her many days. + And every day, when returning + From an absence they knew not whither, + She brought them furs and venison, + With fish and fowl in plenty. + + They asked her whence she had it? + She answered, “I have another, + A husband who suits me better + Than him whom first I married. + This one can give me all. + He is a better hunter.” + She sent them away with presents, + With many silver bracelets, + With many ear-rings and brooches + And said: “Do not return + Till the ice is here in winter.” + + When they returned they found her + White as a silver lily: + Her Indian hue had faded; + And soon she gave birth to offspring + But her children all were serpents. + Then the parents went away; + But even as they left her + She said: “When you come again + You will see me but never know me!” + + Years after three Indian hunters + Who had heard this wondrous story + Sought by the lake for the wigwam. + It was standing still, but empty, + But all the wood about it + Was full of great black serpents + Which from the grass uprising + Would look them in the face + Then glide away in silence. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[47] Far away in the north. + + + + + III + + THE WIZARD SNAKE + + [_Abenaki_] + + _Noñwat nizwak noñkskwesizak._[48] + + + Long years ago, two lovely Indian girls + Were wont to leave their people every week, + Embarking secretly in birch canoe. + Their tribe knew neither why nor where they went. + One summer’s noon a hunter chanced to stray + Close to a well-hid pond in forest deep, + Where, puzzled by the sound of plashing spray, + He stole behind the alders for a peep. + There swam the damsels in abandoned glee, + Their hair all streaming with a loathly snake. + Then when they felt the hunter’s look of awe + Straightway they dived beneath the surface foul. + In horror, back the hunter made his way + And told the Indians what his eyes had seen. + Then, all together left the happy town + And struggling through the brush and tangled wood + Went straightway to that fearsome pool to save + The damsels from a fate too dread to tell. + But ah, when they drew near, they heard them sing, + All sad and woful in a wailing chant: + “No more, no more may we turn back again, + For mortal eye hath seen us in our sin.” P. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[48] Long ago there were two maidens. + + + + + IV + + THE MEASURING WORM + + [_Abenaki_] + + _Noñwat alnoñbak liwʾlalmoñldamōk + Ali mʾdaulinʾwak aïdit._[49] + + + Long, long ago the Indians believed in witches’ power. + One day a man was hunting far from human sights and sounds, + Deep in the wildest forest glades, nor thought of magic wiles, + When suddenly he heard a voice which said to him: “Depart, + And come again to this same spot at earliest streak of dawn.” + Awestruck, the hunter at the hour appointed sought once more + To hear the mystic tones which came to him he knew not whence. + So at the morrow’s dawn he trod again the darksome glade; + And once again he heard the voice command him in this wise: + “Begone from here and seek the spot where yawns a precipice. + There on the earth thine eyes shall see a liver freshly cut + This eat and then depart; but come again, I’ll give thee strength.” + Then on the following day, he brought his bow and arrows sharp + And heard the voice command him: “Do thou shoot at yonder tree,” + He shot, and saw his arrow pass straight through the doomèd tree. + + Astonished beyond measure then, he bade his mother look. + “_O kini nikʾn_,” “mother, see,” he cried in wonder great. + His mother saw and straightway feared; began to watch the lad, + And marked that when he lay at night no sleep would come to him, + But always after little time he’d rise and steal away, + Till daylight dawned and then he would come creeping back to bed. + At last, all tortured by her pain and harrowed by her fears, + She questioned him and said: “My son, where hast thou been all + night?” + Quoth he: “My friend and I have played together in the wood.” + She asked once more: “My son, pray tell what is it that you do.” + “We have been killing serpents vile and eating them,” said he; + “A serpent’s liver eaten giveth magic gifts to man. + I am not as I was before, but have the power to move + And climb from ledge to ledge as doth a worm, upon my head. + My friend hath taught me how to pass through ways impassable + To all save us.” “Who is thy friend?” His mother asked of him. + “His name is Tatebákwunowat, which means ‘a Measuring Worm.’ + Of sport like this I never dreamed;” and yet the mother feared, + And told her agèd husband that their son was lost to them; + For he’d become _mʾdaulin_ and endowed with secret might. + Then spake the father: “This shall cease; I know a way to save + The foolish lad.” So when the evening came, he locked him in + And would not let him forth to roam in spite of all his prayers. + Then came the sound of some one walking heavily and hard, + The old man looked and saw a Thing of horror at his door, + Large eyes, short arms, short body and long legs of insect shape. + “Set free thy son thou foolish one,” the loathsome wizard cried. + “Not I,” replied the father, and at once let fall the flap + Before his wigwam door. The lad grew very ill and begged, + Entreated and implored that he might be allowed to roam + As he had done before, but only got the answer “No.” + + Yet once again when morning’s light shone whitely on the trees, + Another wizard slowly came before the wigwam door. + At his approach the leaves and shrubs all rustled as from wind. + “Why dost thou seek to keep thy son from getting magic power? + He hath the magic gift to be the greatest of the great + Among us men who practise arts unknown to thee and thine.” + So spoke the wizard scornfully; the father stern replied: + “I have no wish that son of mine should be like thee and thine.” + Then quoth the wizard: “Thou shalt see thy son die here to-night, + For we have taken him too far to let him back to thee.” + “I care not if he die or no,” the father answering said, + And moaning with an angry moan the wizard drew away + And soon was lost to sight amid the waving forest leaves. + + In awful agony the boy lay stretched upon the earth + Retching and crying out as one who soon must breathe his last. + Till suddenly he vomited a mass of serpent skins, + And then at last cast up the magic liver from his mouth. + This was the end of all his woe, for when that loathsome thing + Had left his body he arose all strong and purged and clean + And never more was known to seek to practise magic arts. P. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[49] Long ago the Indians believed there were wizards. + + + + + V + + THE PʾMULA OR AIR-DEMON + + [_Abenaki_] + + _Noñwat agua ni alnoñbak pʾmigowak kʾpiwi._[50] + + +[Illustration] + + In days of yore some Indians were camping in the woods + And one of them when near a stream heard a strange sound o’erhead. + At once he looked and lo he saw a sprite of upper air, + Called by the Indians, Pʾmûla, alighting on a ledge. + + The demon took a piece of yellow metal from his lips + And bent himself to drink and then, restoring to his mouth + The metal, spread his spacious wings and, rising, soared away. + The man perceived that power to fly lay hidden in this charm, + And so at once decided he would steal the thing away. + It was not long before he heard again the rush of wings. + This time, though, when the demon had alighted, he ran forth, + And, snatching up the yellow charm, said, laughingly: “Ha, ha, + My friend, do thou lie there a while, and I will fly about!” + Then the Pʾmûla told the man: “If thou wilt let me go, + I’ll give to thee another charm which aye will bring thee luck.” + The Indian at once believed the demon’s given word + And gave him back the yellow charm which brings the power of flight. + Soaring aloft the Pʾmûla at once was lost to view + But after a brief period returned and gave the man + The two great eye-rings of a snake, and once again was gone. + No sooner had the hapless wight these eye-rings in his hands, + Than every kind of snake and beast that roam the northern woods + Surrounded him, till, terrified, he rushed to his canoe. + E’en there a giant serpent’s head confronted him agape. + Then, quite beside himself with fear, he fled to thickest wood, + And when at length all out of breath and weary with the chase + He had to pause, he saw that still a host of snakes was there. + Then suddenly he thought: “This dread comes from the magic rings.” + + So, raising up a heavy stone, he laid them safe beneath. + And there they lie unto this day all full of mystic power. + The Indian then ran away and saw no more strange sights, + But ever on his hunts abroad he killed sufficient food, + For all the forest creatures had no fear of him who once + Had had the serpent’s eye-rings from the demon of the air. P. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[50] Long ago some Indians camped in the woods. + + + + + VI + + THE LITTLE BOY KIDNAPPED BY THE BEAR + + [_Penobscot_] + + _Nâwad agua eleʿkza niʿkwop kʾdado kéowun._[51] + + + I am going to tell you now what happened long ago. + Some Indians were camping with their children near a lake + And one fair morning started off to hunt the wary moose, + The children left alone in camp, as is the Indian way. + On that same day a little lad who scarce could walk unhelped, + Tottered and crawled away from camp until he lost the path + And passed the cold and bitter night afar out in the bush. + When morning dawned he thought he saw his mother drawing near + And, rushing to her side, he held her fast in firm embrace. + This was a she-bear, shaggy, great and strong as oxen twain. + She seized the lad and bore him off and fed him in her den. + When the old folk returned to camp they sought the boy in vain. + + [Illustration: + This was a she-bear, shaggy, great and strong as oxen twain, + She seized the lad and bore him off.] + + For ten full days, all day and night, they sought the boy in vain. + At last they broke up camp and, sorrowing, went back unto their + town. + All winter long the baby lay warmed by the sleeping bear + And drawing nourishment at need forth from her milky teats-- + A wonder this, and quite unlike the usual way of bears. + But this one was a wizard bear who wished to keep the lad. + When spring-time came, the wizard of the little Indian town + Took twenty men and started off to seek the long-lost lad. + He had found out by secret arts the way to his abode. + When they arrived, the furious bear rushed forth in anger dire + But met her death by magic shot, and thus the boy was saved; + He ran away, but soon was caught and to his kind restored, + But during many years that lad was wild as any bear. P. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[51] I am going to tell you of what happened long ago. + + + + + VII + + THE WIZARD AND THE CHRISTIAN PRIEST + + [_Abenaki_] + + _Askua ali wigiidit waʿkasimigʾzowak + Salaʾki agua ni wijiganun kigamʾwinno._[52] + + + A priest of God came to an Indian town + And settled there to teach the people truth, + Which some received and others spurned with scorn. + Some hostile Mohawks fell upon that town, + Killing the folk, all save the Priest and one, + An Indian of many magic gifts. + + Late in the afternoon of that same day + The Mohawks reached their village with these two: + The holy Priest and Wizard skilled in craft. + The Mohawks held a council by the fire + Discussing how to torture best the twain, + So as to see their frenzy, and enjoy + With gloating satisfaction every pain. + They all agreed to heat two earthen pots + On fiery coals unto the whitest heat; + Then place these pots upon the head of each + And watch them dance about till life was spent. + + With merry whoop they started up the fires; + Began at once to heat the torture pots. + Soon, when they thought the glow was great enough, + They first of all laid hands upon the Priest. + Then he who had been taken with the Priest + At once brought all his magic arts to bear, + And burst his bonds asunder with a yell + That curdled every heart among the foe. + The Wizard cried in Indian tongue: “_Nda + Awâni niûna ndelima-- + Magahôûnana_,” which means: “My friends, + We shall not torture any one (to-day).” + And then he leapt upon the fiery coals + And danced and danced, until his feet did fry + And sizzle hot like bacon in a pan. + Then all the Indians were full of fear. + But when to crown the horror of the whole + They saw the wizard put the glowing pot + On his own head and leap about in glee, + They all took flight in terror to the woods. + Then spake the Wizard: “Father, now escape.” + + When they had reached all safe and sound their home, + The Priest said to the Wizard: “O my son, + Thou shouldst repent and turn thee from thine art + Unto God’s ways and ever keep the Faith.” + Then quoth the Wizard laughing: “Father mine, + Had I repented and mine art eschewed, + Then were we both of us dead men this day.”[53] P. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[52] A priest came to where some families were camping. + +[53] This song is very interesting, as indicating a survival of the +old Indian faith in their magicians as superior to Christian power. +It is quite like the many indications in Italian tales, relating to +witches, in which the sorcerer conquers the priest.--C. G. L. + + + + + VIII + + WIZARD WARFARE + + [_Abenaki_] + + _Noñwat nd-odananok + Mʾsalok mdaulinʾwak._[54] + + + Long, long years ago + When wizards were not few + There happened near our town + A war of which I’ll tell. + One day a wizard wise + Sought counsel from the gods, + And entered in the hut + They knew as _petegwîgun_-- + A round-house made of bark, + With opening above; + No door nor window there + Save only at the top + Through which the wizard climbed, + And, lying there in trance, + Saw all the foemen’s wiles. + Then, singing magic songs, + Forth from that hut he came + And ordered all the tribe + To rise and meet the foe, + The cruel Mohawk foe, + Encamped not far away. + So all the Indian braves + Embarked in their canoes, + Went down one stream, then up + Another, paddling soft, + Avoiding any sound. + At last they saw a smoke + Arising far away. + Then spake the wizard thus: + “Do ye all wait me here + And I will go and spy + The numbers of the foe, + Taking with me but one; + Another Indian brave + Who hath the magic gift.” + These wizards then withdrew + Into a thicket’s shade, + Whence suddenly emerged + In beaver’s guise the one, + In muskrat form his friend. + When they drew very near + The island where the foe, + The cruel Iroquois, + Were feasting on a moose, + The beaver and the rat + Dived deep beneath the stream, + Causing that sudden plash + Which even to this day + Makes many a hunter jump. + Among the Iroquois + Another wizard sat + And when he heard the plash + Quoth he: “The foe is there, + The fierce Abenakis.” + Then, grasping in his hand, + The legbone of a moose, + He flung it straight and far + To where the muskrat swam + And struck him on the head. + The beaver seized his friend + And drew him ’neath the stream + And held him till he drowned, + In order that his pains + And struggle for his life + Should not alarm the foe. + The Iroquois then rose + And danced around the fire + Thinking in hideous glee + Of how when morrow came + They’d torture all their foes. + + [Illustration: + The beaver seized his friend + And drew him ’neath the stream.] + + They then lay down to sleep. + At once the beaver swam + To shore to their canoes + And gnawed with his sharp teeth + Great holes in the birch bark + Of which these craft were made. + The wizard beaver then + Swam back to his own folk + To whom he said: “Arise, + Come, quickly hunt them out.” + The fierce Abenakis + Came stealthily and still + And landed on the isle + Where lay the Iroquois. + Then, whooping with the cry + Of war which chills the soul, + The fierce Abenakis + Awoke the Iroquois + Who, paralyzed with fright, + Rushed straight to their canoes + Which sank in mid-stream all-- + The work of wizard teeth. + + Then the Abenakis + Swooped down with horrid cries + And then slew all their foes + Save only two. I’ll tell + What ’twas they did to them. + Of all their slaughtered foes + They first cut off the heads + And stuck them up on stakes + All over that fair isle. + Then to their prisoners + Whom they had saved alive, + They gave a little thought. + So first they bound them fast + Then pried with cruel sticks + Their mouths till open wide; + Cut off their lower lips, + Showing the grinning teeth, + Then severing half their ears + And half their noses too, + They said to them in scorn: + “_Kdihleba nda mina + Ni nojimigahakw_:” + “We warn you now, my friends, + Do not attempt again + To come against us here.” + This was the way they marked + The prisoners in old days. + + Then they gave them food + Enough to give them life + Upon the journey home, + In order that these maimed + And harshly usèd foes + Should tell the Iroquois + In northern forest far + That the Abenakis + Were mightier than they. + + That island to this day + Is called the Place of Skulls, + Wdupsek in our tongue. P. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[54] Long ago there were many wizards in our town. + + + + + IX + + THE WIZARD’S HUNTING + + [_Abenaki_] + + _Noñwat mʾzi mʾdaulinowak nadialoldowak._[55] + + + In ancient days when wizard power was great + There were two mighty men who knew these arts + And understood full well unholy skill. + Once on a time it chanced that these great twain + Did quarrel for a certain hunting ground. + The one had set up deadfalls in the paths + Where run the timid deer, all ignorant + Of man, and man’s desire to slaughter them. + The other wizard straightway came along + And, ruthless, snapped these deadfalls every one, + To irritate his fellow wizard’s heart. + Twice did the mischief-maker do this deed, + Till, finally, the injured man bethought + Him that he must consult the secret powers + How he should catch and punish well the foe. + So crawling into _petegwîgun′s_ shade-- + This was the magic round-house where the gods + Give wisdom unto man--he lay in trance + Until he saw a cruel wolverine, + Which he at once knew well to be the foe. + Then, leaping from the house of magic arts, + He followed fast the trail of Wolverine + Who was the evil-hearted enemy. + This mischief-making wizard straightway knew + That he was being followed, so he changed + Himself into a hooting, snowy owl + That wakes the echoes of the forest night. + Thus he escaped and forthwith went again + And full of glee the other’s deadfalls broke. + At last the injured wizard in despair + Went to consult his uncle in the glade + Where hang the alders drooping by the stream. + “O Uncle, aid me in my direst need + And find for me this rascal foe,” he cried, + “Who changes into every living thing, + And thus escapes my burning righteous wrath.” + His uncle was a wizard full of power, + So he at once departed for a time + And then, returning, said: “I’ve found thy foe, + He lives within thy shanty in the woods, + He’s taken his abode within the cracks + Where thou hast sewn the bark upon thy roof.” + “How then shall I be able to outwit + A foe so wily and so full of skill?” + The nephew asked. The uncle told him all. + And then the injured wizard went his way + Unto his barken shanty in the woods. + + When he was sitting by the fire that night + An evil bat of monstrous size flew forth + From underneath the shanty’s sloping roof. + Straightway the wizard seized and held the bat + So close unto the glowing fiery coals + That all his filthy, vermin-reeking hair + Was clean consumed--then let him fly away, + Feeling that vengeance had been wreaked full well. + No more thereafter was there mischief wrought + And all his hunting met with fortune fair. + Then later in the year the wizard came + Home to the village laden down with spoils + And trophies of the chase, and there he saw + A man he knew with skin all scarred and burned. + Quoth this one to the wizard: “O my friend + I have been duly punished for my sin. + Do thou now heal me quickly and forgive + That I have caused thee trouble in the chase.” + The wizard then took pity on his foe + And healed his burns and made him whole again. P. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[55] Long ago all the wizards used to hunt. + + + + + X + + SIX SHORT TALES OF WITCHCRAFT + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Kʾchi Joe Benoit mʾdeaulin + Kʾchi kʾnokwchil pohégunul._[56] + + + Old Joe Benoit, a friend of mine, + Was full of all unholy skill and power. + He quarrelled with a man who like himself, + Was wizard and a guileful, crafty foe. + A giant turtle’s form Joe Benoit took; + The other changed himself into a snake; + The twain then met and fought in combat dire + Within the waters of a little lake + Which since that time has ever borne the name + Of Neʿseyik, which means “the muddy lake,” + Because their strife had stirred up all the soil + And weeds, and roiled the waters of that pool. + Joe Benoit slew his foe, the giant snake. + + * * * * * + + Old Lacote was a wizard made a trap, + A deadfall trap for bear off in the woods. + When he had set the trap all fast and firm, + He crawled within to test the prop-stick stout. + But by the magic arts of wizard foe + Through old Sabatis’ guile who owed him hate, + The prop-stick fell and let the great bear-trap + Drop full upon old Lacote’s head and back. + His son was there and dragged the old man forth. + But Lacote knew to whom he owed ill-luck. + + * * * * * + + When I was fifteen years I saw a man + Who had become a demon of the wood, + A Miʿkumwess with power to change his size + And art to sink into the rocky soil + Up to his ankle-joints or knees as though ’twere sand. + I saw myself the tracks where he had sunk + Into a soil all full of rocks and roots. + + * * * * * + + My father was a wizard and had power + To call unto his partner miles away. + I’ve often heard him singing in the night + All low and weird, and when the morning dawned, + He’d tell me what his partner’s luck had been. + I never knew his magic skill to fail. + + * * * * * + + My brother told me, many years ago, + Some wizards had a quarrel, and they slew + One of their number, took his corpse away + And ate it on the isle of Grand Manan, + Sitting upon a ledge above the sea. + + * * * * * + + Two men were hunting on an inland lake + When suddenly they heard a fearful whoop + As of a man in agony, who ran + Adown the lake along the farther shore. + They went out in their barque and there they saw + Him come right up to where their shanty lay. + Returning to the shore they begged him then: + “Pray stay and eat,” but he, with accents wild, + Cried: “Nay, I may not stop in this warm place. + I must away, away unto the North, + Where ice and snow shall cool my bounding blood.” + This man was a Kiwaʿkw, a demon ghoul, + Ice-giant--of that race which loves to prey + Upon the tender flesh of man and babe. P. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[56] Old Joe Benoit the wizard changed himself to a great turtle. + + + + + XI + + A DELAWARE YOUTH AND HIS UNCLE + + [_Delaware_] + + _Weekwaum lawee kohpee + Weekena withkeelno wauk wʾsheetha._[57] + + + Afar in the midst of the forest + Dwelt a youth and his uncle, + His uncle of many summers. + Once on a time the old man + Was sick unto death with an illness + Whose cause was unknown to himself + And his nephew, his fond loving nephew. + So, thinking the light of his being + Was soon to go out, the old uncle + Called to his bedside the young man + To hear his last words of affection. + The loving nephew grievèd, + Grieved in the depths of his heart, + Then thought to himself: “My dear uncle, + At least shall not die on bare earth. + I’ll make for him now a great basket + And line it with soft, downy feathers. + So shall he die in all comfort.” + He worked all the night at the basket + And then, when the morrow dawned, + Presented his work to his uncle + Who wept tears of gladness and said: + “Dear nephew--how great is thy kindness!” + The old man then lay in the basket + And to him came a vision of dread; + He stretched forth his hand to his nephew, + A gesture to draw his attention, + And then told the youth of his vision. + Quoth: “Some one is coming at midnight + From whom thou shalt shrink with great trembling, + But fear not, take courage, my nephew, + Although he shall come to our wigwam + At midnight when all things are sleeping.” + + That night, long after their supper, + The youth sat him down by the fire, + On the further side of the fire,[58] + And waited to see what was coming. + Then all of a sudden a creature + Too awful to tell of was with him, + A wizard of hideous presence + Who dropped through the smoke-hole a-shrieking: + “Give up to me, youth, thine old uncle + I wish to devour his lean flesh.” + The youth gave not way to his terror + But leapt to his feet and said boldly: + “Foul being, mine uncle remains here + And ne’er shall be eaten by thee.” + Howled the wizard, the cannibal wizard: + “When I come here once more have him ready, + Rash lad, or thou dearly shalt rue it.” + + Thought the youth in his heart: “He is awful. + It must be that my uncle shall leave me. + I will journey afar toward the sunset + If perchance I may find there some people + Who shall aid me in this my dire need.” + Then the young man took leave of his uncle + And said to him: “Fear not, beloved, + I go to seek aid for thy sickness, + Soon I’ll return to thy side.” + + After journeying days through the forest + He passed a small curious wigwam + From which came a lad who addressed him: + “Hail, stranger, how fareth thine uncle?” + The youth was amazed beyond measure + That one who appeared but an infant + Should know all about his affairs, + But he passed on in silence and wonder. + Soon after he came to a wigwam + Near which stood a great, kindly wizard, + Who saw from the face of the traveller + That he was in fear for his uncle. + + Then when he heard how the nephew + Had met with the terrible being, + He said: “This in truth is Muttóntoe, + Muttóntoe, the spirit of evil, + Who yearns for the flesh of thy kinsman. + But fear not, my lad, I will aid thee, + I’ll tell thee the way to o’ercome him.” + + When the nephew had heard all the wisdom + And learned how to conquer Muttóntoe, + He went back at once to his uncle. + Then after they’d eaten that evening, + He swept up the dirt from the wigwam + And placed in his own bed the uncle. + Then _he_ lay himself in the basket, + Where he felt himself filled full of magic + And power to conquer Muttóntoe. + At the dead hour of midnight + Once more in the midst of the wigwam + The monster dropped down through the smoke-hole. + “Awake, lad,” quoth he, “I’m Muttóntoe. + Bring forth thine old uncle, I want him.” + Then out from the basket the nephew + Stept boldly, all covered with feathers. + A terrible sight to Muttóntoe, + Who leapt with a shriek through the smoke-hole + And never returned to that wigwam, + Where the youth and his uncle, still living, + Dwell happily in the dark forest. P. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[57] In a wigwam in the forest dwelt a youth and his uncle. + +[58] The fire is in the middle of the wigwam. + + + + + XII + + THE DANCE OF OLD AGE + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piʾche uskichinwi utenesizek._[59] + + + All in the early time + In an inland village + Many Indians lived, + Of two of them I’ll tell: + One was a handsome man, + Young, brave, a great hunter; + The other, a beautiful girl. + + What might be her name?-- + Malikakusquess? + Or Kaliwahdasi? + I do not remember + Which of the two it was. + But she was very proud, + Fierce as she was fair, + And through and through revengeful. + And, what was worst of all, + She was an awful witch, + Seven witches in one, + Like seven devils united + But this she hid from all; + Only the Wʾnagʾmeswuk, + The singular silent spirits, + Who are ever flitting around us, + Knew of this terrible secret. + + She wanted the youth to wed her, + But he at that time was busy, + Very busy in getting ready + To go on his autumn hunt, + Which would last far into the winter; + And he had no time for wooing, + As he very plainly told her. + + Truly he must have spoken + Very plainly indeed; + For her heart shrunk up in anger + Until ’twas hard as a flint + With sharply cutting edges, + And thus she cut in reply: + “You may go afar to the North, + You may go if you like on your hunt + But you never will return + The same as when you departed; + Remember me when the change + Comes over you in the forest.” + + He gave no heed to her words, + He cared not for her, nor feared her, + So he went away with his brother, + And for many days together + They hunted in the North, + Hunted the deer and moose; + The girl was all forgotten. + + But one day when deep in the woods, + And very far in the North, + In the mid winter gloom, + The youth went raging mad, + For the witch had struck him sore, + Though far and far away, + Struck him with sorcery. + + The elder brother with him + Was a brave among the braves, + A fierce and terrible man + Who had no dream of fear: + And as he could do naught else + He did the most desperate deed + Which the wildest of the warriors + Among the Wabanaki + Has ever dared to do; + For he went down to the river + At midnight and alone, + And sang the terrible song + Which calls the Wîwilmekw, + The Demon of the Worm, + Even to devils a terror. + + _Nil nʾwikwima Wîwilmekw + Nil nʾwikwima chipinaʿkwsit + Nit besq weshʾmʾwit + Nil npechikinapin nekmomeswelas_ + + “I call on the Wîwilmekw, + I call on the Terrible One, + On the One with the Horns, + I dare him to appear!” + + It came in all its horrors, + Its eyes were like deep red fire, + Its horns rose sharp and high. + It asked him, what he would have? + He answered that his brother + Had lost himself in madness, + And he fain would cure the youth. + + “I will give you what you want,” + Answered the Wîwilmekw, + “If you are not afraid.” + + “I have no fear at all,” + The Indian replied, + “Of anything that lives.” + + “Hast thou no fear of me?” + The Demon Worm inquired. + + “No more of thee than I + Have of the Michihant, + Who is the Devil of all.” + + “If you dare take me by + My horns,” the fiend replied, + “And scrape them with your knife, + And lay the scrapings by, + Then you may have your wish.” + + In truth this Indian was + As savage, wild and brave, + As was the Devil himself; + He had great need indeed + To be all that he was; + For the Wîwilmekw, + Most terrible to see, + Grew fiercer than before, + Yet the man drew out his knife + And boldly scraped away, + Until the Demon said: + “Now hold! You have enough.” + + “And now go seek your camp, + Put half the scrapings then + Into a cup half full + Of water from the spring, + And bid your brother drink!” + “And with the other half?” + The Indian inquired. + “Keep that till you return, + Then give it to the girl + Who made the trouble--she + Needs medicine as well.” + + So the man returned to camp + And made his brother well. + And when the hunt was o’er + They turned them to their home. + + There they arrived at night; + A great festivity + Was stirring all the town, + Torches were everywhere, + And everywhere the scent + Of _mskîkwul wʾli-mhaskil_, + Which is the perfumed grass + Burning intensely sweet. + + The dance was going on, + So, many were athirst. + And this the hunter knew, + The younger of the pair; + So he had made a drink + Cool, and with honey sweet, + Fragrant with pleasant herbs-- + A dainty drink indeed-- + But, mingled with it all, + There lurked a subtle life, + The powder from the horn + Of the Wîwilmekw. + So thirsty was the witch + As she from dancing came, + So warm that, when the youth + Held out to her the cup, + She seized and drank it dry + All without giving heed + As to what hand had held + The cool, refreshing draught; + Then turning to the one + Who was her partner, she + Went on into the dance, + And then a wondrous thing + Was seen by all therein: + For lo! at every turn + The maiden older grew, + One year for every round; + Beginning as a girl + In all her freshest youth + She at the lodge’s end, + Seemed fifty years of age, + And still, as she danced on, + Added unto her age, + Till just as she returned + Unto the very place + Whence she had come, she fell + All dead upon the floor, + A little dried-up thing, + A wrinkled, wizened squaw, + A thing of the last old age + Or of a hundred years. + + [Illustration: + She seized and drank it dry + All without giving heed + As to what hand had held + The cool, refreshing draught.] + +There is another Passamaquoddy version of this poem which is hardly +less striking in its ending. The brother, having obtained the +scrapings of the horn, merely touches with them a large green beech +tree which becomes dead in an instant and then falls to the ground, +actually rotten as if it were a century old. And, when the same +powder is given to the witch, + + She grew older in an instant, + She became very old indeed: + A pale color rippled + All over her face. She fell, + Looking a hundred years, + Dead upon the floor. + Shrivelled and dried as she fell, + Then dropped to powder--“She + Will trouble you no more.” + Then said the conjurer; + “Her dance is over now.” L. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[59] Long ago in an Indian village. + + + + + XIII + + A TALE OF THE RIVER-ELVES + + [_Abenaki_] + + _Noñwat Manoñuamasak + Udainoñ kwaʿliwi kd-odana-na._[60] + + + Long ago some River-elves were living near our town. + These Elves would always work at night along the river shore, + And fashion little wheels of clay and leave them on the bank. + When these small cakes of clay were fresh some Indians there were + Who learned to eat them and to take great pleasure in their taste. + In ancient times--this is the tale which oft was told to me-- + An Indian and squaw were out afar in bark canoe + When in the current’s swirling waves they right before them saw + A wee canoe in which there sat two children, as they thought. + Now these were hideous River-elves, and when they had beheld + The Indians, they called to them: “O ye of fairer face + And better looks go back,” and then tipped over their canoe, + Which, as it rolled, the Indians perceived to be of stone, + And nevermore thereafter did they see the River-elves, + Who when the loud-voiced Whites had settled all the country-side, + Withdrew far up the rushing stream where no canoe may pass + Save only stone ones. Nor again did ever Indian find + Those wheels of clay which he of old so dearly loved to eat.[61] + P. + +[Illustration] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[60] Long ago the River-elves were around our town. + +[61] This song clearly indicates “earth-eating” among the Indians. It +still exists among negroes in the United States. + + + + + PART THIRD + + =Lyrics and Miscellany= + + + + + LYRICS AND MISCELLANY + + + + + I + + THE SONG OF LAPPILATWAN, THE SINGER IN THE DUSK + + _Piʿche Lappilatwan mechimiu-olamto + Wʾtagwsiu-ut msiu sipsis._[62] + + + Lappilatwan, fair tree-fungus, + From days of old, + The ever good-natured, + Of all the birds cousin. + Dwelt on the birch-tree; + All the birds of the forest, + Even the little insects, + Even the little worms, + Crawled up the great birch + To see their good friend. + + Thus always at sunset + They heard him singing: + _Lappilatwan + Wappilatwan + Wechkutonébit_, + “Fair tree-fungus, + Fair tree-fungus, + Sits with mouth open,” + The signal song + Unto all wood birds, + Worms and insects, + To go to sleep; + So that all the birds, + Little worms, little insects, + When they heard + _Lappilatwan + Wappilatwan_ + Knew he was silent + For all the night + There where he hung + In the cold birch tree, + Cold, rough and damp, + All night, all day! + All through the year. + But when the day dawns + His song rings again; + _Lappilatwan + Wechkutonébit_, + “Fair tree-fungus + Fair tree-fungus + Sits with mouth open.” + Then every bird + Every small insect, + All creeping things + Who heard his song, + Knew there was coming + A beautiful day: + “Let us arise! + The daylight is breaking!” + They rose at his call. + + One bright fresh morning, + Lively Sexkâtû + The flying squirrel + Climbed the great birch-tree, + And there he found + Lappilatwan + From a branch hanging, + And he thus spoke; + “Tell me how long + Have you dwelt here?” + “I have lived in this tree + Since your great grandfather + _Kʾchî Kʾmûsums_ + Was born on that cedar + From which you came + Early this morning.” + + “But tell me truly, + Lappilatwan, + How long will you + Dwell in this birch-tree?” + + “While the birch-tree + Sends forth its leaves, + While its trunk stands, + I will dwell in its branches.” + Sexkâtû the squirrel + Wanted that birch-tree + For his own home: + He would be nesting + In that same place. + Thus he then answered: + “You have been here + Long--and far _too_ long. + It is time for you + To yield to another: + Let me come here!” + + Lappilatwan + Answered him quietly: + “_Noses_, ‘my grandchild:’ + I cannot go hence. + If I should do so + Birds and the insects + Could not hear me call. + Could not hear my songs + From another tree; + You, who are so clever, + Far quicker than I am. + You can make your home + All over the forest.” + + “You must go!” said Sexkâtû, + Then he gnawed at the branch; + There was the nest + Of the Hamw[´ĕ]sŭk, + Of the stinging wasps, + Who came swarming out + From their little wigwam; + More than a hundred, + Flew at Sexkâtû + Clung to his back + Madly they stung him, + Till stunned with their stinging + Saucy Sexkâtû + Fell to the ground. + Well nigh a-dyin, + With stings and with bruises. + + Ere long the news spread, + Soon all the squirrels + Said: “_Sexkâtûwuk + Kʾputwusin_,” + “Let us take council.” + Red squirrels, gray squirrels, + Striped squirrels, flying ones, + Came running together, + Then they cried out: + “Lappilatwan + Must leave his tree, + And if it may be, + Be put to death!” + + All in a band + They went to the birch-tree, + Then they observed that + In one way only + Could they approach + Lappilatwan. + Straight up the trunk + Not many together. + +[Illustration] + + The news spread afar, + Soon there came flying + The wasps and the hornets, + The bees and the black flies, + The angry mosquitoes: + Even the midges, + The little Chessúyek + Came to the rescue + Of Lappilatwan. + The chief of the squirrels + Gave out the order: + “Let the battle begin!” + The squirrels rushed onward + They rushed to the birch-tree: + Yet only a few + At once together + Could climb up the trunk: + Musesaaqua, the horse-fly, + Was brave in that battle. + Mosquitoes and midges + Like gallant warriors + Rushed on the squirrels, + With their sharp spears. + Ere the first squirrel + Was half-way up the birch-tree, + He and his followers + Fell to the ground + Wounded and dying. + + Lappilatwan + High up on the birch-tree + Saw the battle rage, + But was ever silent, + Silent till sunset; + Then his loud song + Rang through the forest: + “_Lappilatwan + Wechkûtonébit_.” + “Fair tree-fungus + Sits with mouth open.” + + Soon as they heard it + All of the warriors, + Squirrels and insects + Valiant mosquitoes, + Humble hornets, + Bold bumble-bees, + Wild whizzing wasps, + Gallant merry midges + Went to their wigwams. + Lappilatwan + Had faith in his warriors: + Truly he trusted + That they could defend him. + + When in the morning + They heard the signal, + The song of awaking, + Ring from the birch-tree, + The mighty armies + Again assembled; + The chiefs held council; + Thus spoke Sexkâtû + While all were silent: + + “Listen, oh squirrels! + Last night in dreaming + This was revealed to me: + If in the battle + One of your warriors + Can touch for an instant + Lappilatwan + Ever so lightly, + Before he sings us + The summons to sleep, + Then we shall conquer; + Failing to touch him + Ere we hear ringing + ‘_Lappilatwan + Wappilatwan_’ + We are defeated. + Now you have heard me, + On to the birch-tree!” + + The angry flies + Sharpen their spears; + Dip them in poison; + Loud was their buzz! + + As they went to battle, + Terrible slaughter + Followed their onrush; + Desperate squirrels + Heedless of death + Clung to the birch-tree + Wingèd warriors + By many thousands + Swarmed on the foe; + Many a horse-fly + Beheld no more + His wife and children; + Many a hornet + Sat no more + By the fire of his wigwam; + The dying bumble-bee + Chanted his death song. + + Dire was the slaughter, + Full thrice greater + Than on the first day; + Still they rushed onward, + Fiercer for battle, + Giving no heed + That the day was ending; + Never observing + The sun down-sinking, + When over the forest + Rang loud the summons: + “_Lappilatwan + Wappilatwan_.” + + All was over. + High on the birch-tree + Untouched by a foeman-- + Sat the watchman-- + The flies were victorious! + +This poem is like Homer’s Batrachomyomachia, the battle of the frogs +and mice, as sung by some Icelandic bard. The humor is as Greek as +the form is Norse. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[62] Long ago, Lappilatwan, always good-natured, was cousin of all +the birds. These lines indicate the measure to which the whole was +sung; _i.e._, they are a “staff-rhyme.” + + + + + II + + THE STORY OF NIPON THE SUMMER + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piʿche weligit ēpit + Liwiha Nipon + Metchimiû wikos + Kwihio kizosek._[63] + + + In the far old time + Lived near the sun + A beautiful woman, + Nipon her name. + Green were her garments + All of fresh leaves. + And with green leaves + And beautiful flowers + She covered her wigwam. + + She had a grandmother, + Kʾmēwun, the rain, + Who dwelt far away. + But when she came + To visit her grandchild + One thing she ever + Said ere she left her: + “One thing I bid thee + With hardest warning, + To one thing I bind thee + With a strong will: + Look that thou never + Seek in thy wandering + The Laʿtogwesnuk, + The land of the North: + For there dwells Pûn, + Pûn, the winter; + A deadly foe + Thou wilt surely find him. + Should thy feet fall + In the Laʿtogwesnuk + Thy beauty will leave thee, + Thy green dress fade, + Hair turning gray + Thy strength become weakness.” + + Little heed + And scant attention + Gave Nipon + To Kʾmēwun, the rain. + One fair morning + She sat by her wigwam + In the bright sunshine, + And looking afar + At the Laʿtogwesnuk + All that she saw + Seemed strangely lovely + As if enchanted. + No human being + Was in the Northland, + But o’er it all + Was beautiful sunshine; + There she beheld + At a long distance + A wonderful land: + Broad shining lakes, + High blue mountains, + Bright rolling rivers + All strange and sweet. + Something came over her, + She knew not what; + A dream or a voice; + There was no help, + She must rise and go. + Must go to the land + Of Laʿtogwesnuk + Unto the Northland. + + Up rose Nipon + Unto the North + Wending her way, + When she heard a voice, + The voice of the Rain + (Though she could not see her), + Kʾmēwun, a-wailing: + “Bide, my daughter! + If thou goest + Unto the Northland + Pûn the winter + Will surely kill thee!” + She heard nothing + Of all the warning, + She could not stay + For a spell was on her; + Ever onward + She went to the North. + + For many days, + For many moons, + Still the sun shone, + Still she saw + The beautiful country + Of mountains and rivers, + Until one day + Nipon noted + That as she followed, + The land went onward, + And as she travelled, + It travelled before her. + + All around her + Was nothing but sunshine. + Stopping a little + To think of the wonder, + She heard a whisper, + The voice of the Rain: + “Stay, my daughter!” + It made her wilful, + She still went onward; + On to the North. + +[Illustration] + + Still the far country + Went on before her, + And something she never + Had known came o’er her-- + She felt the cold! + An unseen power + Now drove her onward; + Will had departed, + Still the mountains + Went on before her; + The green leaves + Of her beautiful garment + Grew yellow and faded, + And were blown away + By the grim wind; + Her long hair + Turned gray and white; + The sun grew dim + And then shone no more; + She was very weak; + The beautiful mountains + Were heaps of snow; + The beautiful rivers + And lakes were of ice-- + All in the North. + + Kʾmēwun, the Rain, + Was sad in her soul. + She looked afar + No smoke was rising + From Nipon’s wigwam: + “She has not returned,” + Said the Rain-mother, + So in her fear + She went to the wigwam. + + All was silent, + The boughs and the flowers + Which covered the wigwam + Were yellow and faded: + “My child!--my child! + Thou art caught at last + By the icy Pûn, + By the wicked winter! + Afar in the North.” + + Straight she called for + Her bravest warriors. + The ever-unseen. + These were their names: + Saunésen the south wind, + Wchîpi the east wind, + With Sĕnusóktun + The warming breeze. + Quickly she cried: + “Hasten away + To the Laʿtogwésnuk, + Fight like heroes, + Use all your power + To rescue Nĭpon + From Pûn, the winter, + Fly to the North!” + + The wind warriors, + The unseen by man, + Flew like lightning + On their long journey. + As they entered + The Laʿtogwesnuk + Pûn the winter + Felt ill at ease; + He called his chieftains: + Great Laʿtogwĕsin + The terrible north wind, + And the wild north-wester, + The chill north-east wind, + With all the frosts + Sleet-spirits, snow-spirits, + And every child + Of the killing cold + Who dwell in the North. + + “Fly!” he cried, + “For our foes are coming! + Up from the Southland, + The home of Summer!” + Even as he spoke + The sweat dropped from him + His face grew thin, + His feet seemed smaller: + “I feel them coming! + Fly to the battle!” + + The mighty wind-giants + Flew to the fight, + Great snow-flakes + And heavy hail-stones + Met and melted + With the great rain-drops; + Winds were loud roaring, + Thunder pealing, + Tempest fighting tempest, + Storm against storm; + The drops of sweat + Grew ever bigger + On Pûn’s cheeks; + On Nipon’s head + The hair grew whiter; + Louder and louder + The winds were blowing, + Snow was falling, + Thicker and thicker, + But the driving rain + And the mild south winds + Were ever warmer + And bigger the drops + Grew on Pûn’s face; + His strength had left him. + Down he fell + And in his falling + A leg was broken: + + “Lo, I must perish + If this lasts longer, + Set Nipon free! + She it is + Who has brought this trouble + And made this battle. + By my own prisoner + I have been conquered. + Set Nipon free!” + + At the word spoken, + Even in the instant, + The winds were silent. + Snow and rain ceased. + Turning her back + To the Laʿtogwesnuk + And Pûn the winter, + Weary Nipon + Set out on her journey. + Old she was, old + As she bore from the North + In her white hair + The hue of its snows, + In her tottering weakness + Its chilling frosts. + Many moons passed, + Still she travelled; + The sun grew warmer, + Days and shadows + Were ever longer; + The air was softer; + Greener and greener + Grew the mountains; + Freer from ice + Rivers were rushing; + Lakes were shining + In the sunlight; + Flowers were unfolding + To the warm breezes. + + Weary Nipon + Was weary no longer; + Her heart grew lighter, + Her hair grew darker, + Her face was fairer, + Brighter and younger, + Thus becoming + All she had been + In her early beauty. + + Then the butterflies + Knew her again, + And fluttered round her, + And all the flowers + Greeted with perfume + In scent-voices + As she went past. + + On she went + To the grandmother’s wigwam, + To old Kʾmēwun. + As she drew near + The clouds grew thicker; + Rain-winds were blowing, + Rain-drops falling, + Showers pelting, + Torrents pouring, + Thunder roaring round: + Still she went on, + Her path lit + By wild lightning, + Till in the midst + Where the clouds were darkest + She found the wigwam + And entered the door. + There as if dying + Lay Kʾmēwun + The ancient Rain-mother, + Weaker and older, + And worn and weary. + + “Thou, my daughter!” + She said to Nipon, + “Hast well-nigh killed me! + By disobedience + Thou hast brought suffering + On me and all things. + But for my battle + With Pûn the winter + All life had perished: + Never again though, + While life is in me + Can I venture + On such a struggle! + Be this thy warning! + Else will Pûn, + The cruel winter, + Conquer all things + And ice and snow + For ever and ever + Cover the world.” L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[63] Long ago a fair woman named Nipon always lived near the sun. + + + + + III + + THE SCARLET TANAGER AND THE LEAF + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Piche yut kʾchî wachok nit wigit welitasit mipis._[64] + + +[Illustration] + + In the earliest time on the greatest mountain + Lived merry Mĭpis, the Little Leaf; + When spring is coming and sunlight is shining + He climbs a tree, and there, all summer, + Dressed in green he rocks in the branches, + Listens all day to the birds and the breezes, + And goes to sleep to the song of the owl. + + When fall is coming and days are shorter, + Mĭpis dresses himself in scarlet; + Glad and gay in the Indian Summer; + But as the nights grow cold and longer, + He puts on a coat of brown or yellow, + Curls himself up like a bear for winter, + Lets go his hold and falls to the ground; + There he sleeps, all under the snow-drift + Till he hears in the spring the blue-bird calling, + And the stream fighting its enemy ice-- + Carrying proudly in pieces as prisoners + The foe which kept it a frozen captive, + All the winter under its wigwam. + Then little Mĭpis, the Leaf, awaking, + Dresses in green and climbs in the sunshine, + Up through a tree, and upon the branches, + Lives as he did the summer before. + + Merry Mĭpis on a bright May morning + Was stretching himself in the warm sunshine + When he heard afar a wonderful music, + A sound like a flute and the voice of a maiden, + Rippling melodies melting in one. + Never before had he heard such singing; + Then looking up he beheld before him + A beautiful merry little bird-girl, + Dressed in garments of brilliant scarlet, + Just like his own in the Indian Summer. + “O fairest of small birds!” said merry Mĭpis; + “Who are you, and what is your name?” + Thus she answered: “I am Squʿtes: + The Little Fire. When I fly in the forest + And meet in my way a bar of sunshine, + I look as I enter and leave the shadow + Like a red flame which leaps up in darkness, + And then falls asleep in the night again. + I have lived in the deep green forest, + Even as you have, for many ages, + Singing my songs to Kʾmûsomsʾn + Unto our Father the mighty mountain, + And because he well loved my music, + For a reward he sent me hither + To seek a youth whose name is Mĭpis, + Whom he wills that I should wed. + And as I think, and hope as I think it, + You are truly the one whom I seek.” + + Little Leaf listened in silence + Being by nature very cunning, + Trained to suspicion from his childhood; + Thus his grandmother ever taught him: + “My child--beware of all living creatures, + Even the very smallest insect + May eat your life out. A worm so little + That it can pass through the prick of a needle + Even as a rabbit runs through a valley, + Or as a fish swims free up a river, + May cut your stem or blight your beauty; + Anything living may be your death.” + + So to Squʿtes, Mĭpis listened, + Charmed with her beauty yet still mistrusting, + Liking her look yet deeply doubting, + Wondering whether this lovely creature + Was truly a friend or a false-hearted foe. + + Beautiful Squʿtes, never heeding + What the Leaf thought, began to warble; + Pouring out in the pleasant sunshine + Her morning song. As Mĭpis listened + To the melodious trill, he melted; + For the sweet tune filled all the forest, + Every leaf on the tree was listening, + Branches were waving in keeping cadence, + Even the busy ants stopped running, + The butterfly sat on a flower to hear; + And as the music grew tender and stronger, + And as in one long soft note it ended, + Little Leaf said to her: “Be my own!” + + So in the greenwood they lived together; + Other singers often assembled, + Other birds were often about them, + Coming to see the beautiful stranger, + Longing to try with hers their voices, + But at every trial the Little Fire + Flew in her melody far above them, + Even as she went beyond them in beauty. + One morning Squʿtes sang to the Leaf: + “Let us go and visit Kʾmûsomsʾn + Our mighty grandfather--the Mountain: + He made us happy--let us thank him!” + So the little Squʿtes and Mĭpis + Went like a flame through the shades of the forest, + Till they came to the cave of the grandsire. + Glad the grandfather was when he saw them! + Thus he spoke unto them--“_Nosesak!_ + Grandchildren! Heed well what I tell you! + While you live never leave the mountain! + While you are here you are always in safety: + But when away from it, ever in danger + From one who is ever seeking to kill you: + The little Indian boy Monimques, + Who, armed with a terrible bow and arrows, + Shoots all the little birds of the forest, + And carries them home to old Monimques, + Who roasts them all in the fire and eats them. + Even worse is another foeman, + A dreadful little boy who is flying + All the time over rivers and valleys, + Aplasemwesit, the Little Whirlwind, + Who never rests. He is always trying + To blow the leaves away from the branches, + And drives them headlong, in flocks together, + To his grandfather the terrible Tempest, + The great wild Whirlwind who kills them all.” + + Taking the Leaf in her bill, the Red Bird + Flew through the forest among the branches + To the great tree which grew secluded + In the safest place in all the mountain. + On its topmost branch they built a wigwam; + Bad little Indians never came near them + Hunting for birds with their bows and arrows, + Nor the wicked whirlwind looking for leaves. + There they lived and were perfectly happy, + Nothing but kind words passed between them, + Only kind words and favorite songs.[65] + + Leaves like men are never contented, + When all’s for the best they never know it; + So it came to pass that Mĭpis one morning + Saw far away in the pleasant sunlight + A land of beautiful lakes and mountains, + Lovelier far than the place they lived in; + And felt in his heart an earnest longing + To wander away. So he said to the Red Bird: + “Look, my dear, at that beautiful country! + There we are sure to be perfectly happy: + I can no longer live here on the mountain!” + + Taking the Leaf in her little bill, + The Red Bird flew over rock and river, + Till she came to the beautiful country; + Again on a tree they built their wigwam, + And Squʿtes sat and sang on the branches: + The little Indian boy Monimques + Never had heard such beautiful singing, + Never beheld such wonderful feathers; + Amazed he stood for a while and listened, + Then bending his bow let fly an arrow. + Down fell the Red Bird, sorely wounded, + And proud of his prey the boy ran homeward. + Then another foe came rushing after, + Aplasemwesit the Little Whirlwind, + Seeing the Red Leaf soon he seized it, + Took it in triumph unto his grandsire + The mighty Storm; when the chief beheld it, + “This,” he said, “is no common capture, + This is the Leaf of the Leaves, my grandson! + He shall not die. I will keep him a prisoner: + He has come from afar. We must guard him with care.” + + Greatly the Storm Chief fears the Mountain + Who stops the wind in its wildest flight. + That night there came a dream to Kʾmûsomsʾn + And he learned that the Leaf had been taken prisoner, + By Aplasemwesit and kept as captive. + Waking in anger he called to his son: + “Go to the chief of the storms and tell him + To send me the Leaf!” His son departed + And when he came to the mighty Whirlwind + Said: “Give me the Leaf! Else, ere the evening + All of our tribe will be on the war path.” + Gladly the Whirlwind gave up his captive, + And the son of the Mountain carried him home. + + Soon the Leaf was safe in his wigwam + On the great tree. He lived in sorrow, + And when the notes of a bird came ringing + Out of the forest, his grief was greater; + His life was gone with the Little Fire, + And the fire of his life was all in ashes. + + Thus it fared with the beautiful Red Bird; + When the old Monimques beheld her, + Long he was silent, then said: “My grandson! + This is truly no common capture! + Well it is that thou didst not kill it! + Let the bird live in peace in our wigwam! + But take good care lest it escape!” + + Day after day the Red Bird grew better + And soon her color was as bright as ever, + Until one morning when least expected, + Her voice broke forth like a brook into sunshine. + These were her words: “Could the Wind but hear me, + I should not long be kept a captive, + Soon he would carry the news to the Mountain! + Soon the Mountain would send a warrior, + Soon the warrior would give me freedom! + Soon I should be with the Leaf again!” + + As the old Monimques heard her singing: + His heart at the words grew weak with fear: + “Truly it was a bad beginning + That ever my grandson shot this singer, + And truly, ’twould have a woful ending, + If the Mountain should learn she is here! + It is madness to keep her a captive, + But certain death if we let her go free!” + + While he thought it over his grandson returned + Bringing a burden of birds of the forest, + And little singers who live by the rivers: + And when they were cooked, and the chief had eaten, + Down by the fire he lay on a bear skin, + Smoking himself into silent sleep. + The door was closed, nor was there a crevice + Through which the Red Bird could creep to freedom + When all at once she thought of the opening + Through which the smoke from the fire ascended + Ever upward so densely pouring + Nobody deemed she would dare to pass it. + + As the head of Monimques drooped on his shoulder + And as the pipe stem dropped from his fingers + And as the little Wʾnagʾmeswuk + The tiny fairies who tap the eyelids, + Soothed him into deepest slumber, + Softly the Red Bird rose and taking + A birchen bucket, filled it with water. + Dipping her wing in the water she sprayed it + Little by little upon the fire; + Little by little the fire, like Monimques + Sunk to sleep, and the bright red flame + Lay down to rest in the dull gray ashes. + Out of the smoke-hole, in careful silence + Flitted Squʿtes, and when far from the wigwam, + In the fresh air and the beautiful sunshine, + Heard other song-birds far beneath her. + As she went flying over the forest, + Leaving death behind, with love before her, + She had never been half so happy. + And what was her joy when she reached the mountain + And saw from afar on the great tree rising + A bright Red Leaf which shone in the sunset; + Straight was her flight as that of an arrow, + Fast as an arrow, when she beheld him. + And the Red Leaf leapt as if smit by an arrow, + When all in an instant her arms were round him. + Then without an instant’s warning + All his darkness was turned to daylight, + And the Red Wing burst into tears of rapture. + + It was long ago, even in the morning + Of the first moons that this all happened; + Trees had not mouldered as yet in the valleys, + To the cold depths of many a river + Fishes as yet had not found their way, + And all the secret roads of the forest + Had not been learned by the bear or woodchuck; + But even then the Squʿtes and Mĭpis + Lived all the summer upon the mountain, + Sung in its shadows and shone in the sunshine + Still as of yore they are singing and shining; + And so it will be while the mountain is there. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[64] Long ago on the big mountain lived the happy little leaf. + +[65] In the original Indian-English version this line is given +as--“Only kind words and popular songs.” + + + + + V + + THE BLIND BOY + + A VERY OLD SONG + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Nit neke epit pʾiche nitwechi moskesits + Poskaniknikok mechinechik etli-poskʿnot._[66] + + + There was a woman, long, long ago, + She came out of a pit + In which dead people were buried; + She made her home in a tree; + She was dressed in leaves; + All long, long ago. + When she walked among the dry leaves, + Her feet were so covered + That they could not be seen; + She walked in the woods + Singing all the time: + “I want company: I am lonesome!” + All long, long ago! + + From afar o’er the lakes and mountains + A wild man heard her cry; + He came to her, she saw him, + Saw him and was afraid; + She tried to flee away, + For he was clothed with the rainbow, + Color and light were his garments. + She ran and he pursued her, + Pursued her rapidly, + Unto the foot of a mountain. + He spoke in a strange language, + She could not understand him. + He would make her tell where she dwelt. + They married and had two children + One of them was a boy, + A boy who was blind from his birth. + But he frightened his mother by his sight; + He could tell her what was coming: + What was coming from afar, + What was near he could not see. + He could see the bear and moose, + Far away beyond the mountains; + He could see through everything. + + The father was a great being, + He was a mighty hunter; + His wife had magic gifts. + A boy was born to them + Alas, the boy was blind! + In time his sight returned, + He said that he could see. + The mother did not believe it, + She thought it was magic sight. + So one day she bade her husband + Put on him certain things + Which no one could behold + Who saw them not with eyes + As every one could see them. + And then she asked the boy + “What is it that your father + Uses to pull his sled?” + Promptly the child replied + “The rainbow.” Then she said: + “What has he for a bow-string?” + To which his answer was + “It is Ketaksuwauʿt + That is the Spirits’ Road” + (Meaning the Milky Way). + Yet once more she inquired: + “What has he on his sled?” + “A beaver,” he replied; + She knew that he could see. + +It would appear from collateral indications of other songs in +different tribes that this song is of very great antiquity. The +first portion of it was chanted to Mrs. W. Wallace Brown by an old +Indian woman; the remainder was recovered from the Passamaquoddy +Thomas Josephs or Tamaquah. There appears to be in the myth, for +such it undoubtedly is, a refinement of philosophic or theosophic +speculation. This is shown in the conception of the young magician, +or poet, so gifted though _blind_ that his mother could not determine +whether he saw all things by _clairvoyance_ or natural vision. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[66] Long ago there was a woman who came out of a pit where dead +people are buried. + + + + + V + + PASSAMAQUODDY LOVE SONG + + ORIGINAL TEXT + + + Anigowanotenu! + Boski ktabin elmi nelemwik + Elmi papkeyik; boski ktlabin, + Anigowanotenu! + + Neket mpesel etli-nemiotyikw. + Etuchi wlinakwben sebayi sibuk; + Etuchi wli baquasketen. + Kʾmachtina nolithasiben. + Mechinoltena keppithamʾl. + Anigowanotenu! + + Boski ktlabin elmi nelemwik + Elmi papkeyik; boski ktlabin, + Anigowanotenu! + + Negetlo he eli-alnisukmekwben + Sibayi guspenik + Etuchi welanakwsititben wuchowek + He eli-machip klamisken mipisel. + Anigowanotenu! + + Anigowanotenu! + Nittloch apch eli-alnisuknukw tan etuch apachyaie; + Tan etuch boski pʾkesik mipisel + Yut pemden nit kʾtlaskuyin. + Anigowanotenu! + Boski kʾtlabin elmi nelemwik + Elmi papkeyik; + Boski kʾtlabin, + Anigowanotenu! + +[Illustration] + + + + + V + + PASSAMAQUODDY LOVE SONG + + + Anigowanotenû! + Oft these lonely days thou look’st + On beauteous river and down shining stream. + Oft thou look’st and sighest deep, + Anigowanotenû! + + With me thy lover by thy side + How fair that stream did bubble on! + How lovely was the silver moon! + Thy heart now tells thee of that joy. + E’en unto death I think of thee. + Anigowanotenû! + + Oft these lonely days thou look’st + On beauteous river and down shining stream. + Oft thou look’st and sighest deep. + Anigowanotenû! + + When we in birch canoe did glide + Together on that glistening lake, + How fair the hills and how we watched + The _red_ leaves whirling in the breeze. + Anigowanotenû! + + Anigowanotenû! + We’ll rove once more in bark canoe + And watch the _green_ leaves swirl on high + When spring smiles on the mountain tops. + Anigowanotenû! + Oft these lonely days thou look’st + On beauteous river and down shining stream. + Oft thou look’st and sighest deep. + Anigowanotenû! P. + +[Illustration] + + + + + VI + + THE SONG OF THE STARS + + [_Passamaquoddy text_] + + + Nilun pesazmuk elintaquik. + Ntʾlintotebin kʾpesaukhenmâgonok. + Nilun sipsizuk squʿtek; + Kʾpʾmitoiapon pissokiqs + Kʾpesaukhenmagon pesazum. + Kʾtʾlintoanen âût niwesquok; + Otâût Kʾchî-Niwesq + Koitchimkononnoak nohowok katonkewinoak, + Nosokoat moinial + Nit mesq tepnaskwiewis + Mesq katonketitiq + Ketlapinen pemtenikek + Yot lintoakʾn pemtenikek. + +[Illustration] + + + + + VI + + THE SONG OF THE STARS + + + We are the stars which sing. + We sing with our light. + We are the birds of fire + We fly across the heaven, + Our light is a star. + We make a road for Spirits, + A road for the Great Spirit. + Among us are three hunters + Who chase a bear: + There never was a time + When they were not hunting; + We look down on the mountains. + This is the Song of the mountains. L. & P. + +[Illustration] + + + + + VII + + HOW THE INDIANS LOST THEIR POWER + + [_Penobscot_] + + _Uskichinwi pilskwessis muiso Ktatnok + Naya kamach okiwachitahasin._[67] + + + All of the olden time! + Once as an Indian girl + Was gathering blue-berries, + On Mount Katahdin’s side, + She felt a strange loneliness, + And said unto herself: + “I would that I were wed + Unto some brave great man!” + And, seeing the great mount + In glory rising high + E’en as ’twere to heaven + (White the red sunlight shone + Upon the very head), + She said: “A man indeed, + Like great Katahdin there! + High rising over all, + That were the man for me.” + This she was heard to say + Ere she went further on + Up to the mountain top-- + Three years then passed away + Ere she was seen again, + And then when she returned + ’Twas with a charming child, + The fairest in the land; + Only one thing was strange: + His eyebrows were of stone. + + She had been wed in truth, + To Mount Katahdin’s self; + The Spirit of the Mount + Had ta’en her to himself, + And when she greatly longed + To see her folk again, + He said: “Then go in peace.” + But one thing he forbade + With terrible command: + That she should ever tell + To any mortal soul + Who ’twas had married her. + + The boy had wondrous gifts; + The sages of the tribe + Said he was soon to be + A mighty sorcerer; + For when he did but point + His finger at the moose, + Or anything which ran, + At once it would drop dead, + Killed by his magic will; + And, when in a canoe + He pointed at the ducks, + The wild fowl swam no more, + And all the water round + Was full of floating game + Which all might gather in, + As freely as they would. + And so it came to pass + That through that wondrous Boy + The mother and her tribe + Had ever food enough. + + Now this is all the truth, + And ’twas a wondrous thing, + As ever yet was told. + Katahdin the great lord + Of the Wabanaki; + The children of the Light, + Or of the Break of Day; + Had wed him to the girl + That she might have a child + Who should raise up the tribe, + And make them great once more + Even a mighty race, + The Lords of all the land. + And so to her he said: + “Declare unto thy folk + That they shall never ask + Of thee, who was the sire + Of this brave lad, our son; + They’ll know it all right well + If they but see his face, + And thou shalt not be teased + By questions and by talk + From fools who fain would know + The by-ways of a god.” + + And so she made it known + That none should question her, + And gave them all their food, + And bade them let her be! + + And truly this was like + The casting oil on fire, + And men and women all + Were raging to inquire + About the mystery, + And ask the wife herself + Who might her husband be? + Though everybody knew + In all the country round. + And though it had been said + That life and death and all + Hung on her telling naught. + + Though what were life or death + To any woman born, + Likewise to many a man, + Compared unto the joy + Of learning that which is + None of their business-- + And tattling it abroad? + + And so they pressed her sore, + Still teasing her to tell, + And giving her no rest + As fools are wont to do. + Until one day, enraged, + She thought: “This passes strength + And I’ll bear it no more. + Truly my lord was right, + These people are too vile, + Too petty and too mean, + For subjects to my son, + He ne’er shall lead them on + To glorious victory! + They are not of the kind + To make a mighty race: + With them it shall be o’er!” + + And as they still kept on + Tormenting, teasing her. + She spoke and said: “Ye fools! + Who fain would kill yourselves + By your own folly, ye + Mud-wasps who sting the hands + Which fain would pluck you forth + When drowning in the pool. + Why will ye trouble me + To tell you what ye know? + When ye keep asking me + ‘Who my boy’s father was?’ + Can ye not plainly see + Katahdin in his brows? + Now it shall be indeed + To your great woe and pain, + And abject misery, + That ever ye did ask + Of what concerned you not. + So now from this day forth, + Ye all may feed yourselves; + For now my boy no more + Will lend his help to you.” + + So she arose and went + Her way into the woods + And up the mountain side, + Leading her little son; + And from that day and hour + Was seen on earth no more. + + And since that time our tribe + With all the Indian folk + Who once might have become + A great and glorious race, + Have dwindled down into + A very little folk. + For when our minds grow small + And gossip is our god, + We must diminish too. + Truly it had been wise + For them of olden time, + And for us too, indeed, + Could they have held their tongues. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[67] Long ago an Indian girl was walking on Katahdin and she felt +very lonesome. + + + + + VIII + + THE PARTRIDGE AND THE SPRING + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Uskitap iaqu bamose kʾchikok + Etuchi nodak metetaguak kequ pichikok._[68] + + +[Illustration] + + A man was walking the woods + When he heard afar a noise + As of footsteps beating the ground. + With a cry as of merry singing; + So he sought to find the people; + ’Twas a week before he found them. + + ’Twas a man and his wife a-dancing + About a tree; on its summit + There sat a great Raccoon, + And by their constant treading + They had worn a trench in the ground-- + Yea, in it, up to their waists. + + And when the stranger in wonder + Asked of them, “What are you doing?” + They answered that being hungry + They were trying to fell the tree, + And bring it down by dancing. + + The stranger said to them: + “Know ye not that another, + A newer and better way + Of felling trees more quickly, + Has come into the land?” + They asked him how it might be. + + Then, while they greatly wondered, + Taking his axe, he showed them + How to cut down trees in a hurry; + But made it a condition + That when the Raccoon should be taken + They might have his meat and eat it, + But the pelt should be his portion. + + So, when the tree had fallen, + And the game became their booty, + The woman tanned the skin + Which was strangely large and glossy + And gave it to the Indian + Who took it and went away. + + Then afar in a path in the forest + He met with another man, + And was greatly amazed at the sight, + Because the other was bearing + A very large birch wigwam, + A dwelling with many rooms. + He never had seen the like, + And at first was in a fright, + But the man, putting down the house, + Burst into a fit of laughter, + And shook him by the hand, + Seeming in faith to be + A downright honest fellow. + Then, while they smoked and laughed, + The man of the house beheld + The skin which the other bore + Of Espuns, the Raccoon, + And said with curious air: + “_He kekw nit?_” “What have you there + The skin of magic power?” + Then the other answering told + How he met the man and his wife + Who danced around the tree: + Whereat the man of the house + Offered to buy the skin + At any price at all, + And offered the house for it. + + Then the other looked it through + And truly he was amazed + To find how many rooms + Were all contained in it, + And what a wondrous store + Of furniture and arms + And kettles and the like + Were stored in every room. + “But oh and alack,” he cried, + “I could never carry this house + As you do, on your head.” + + “You can do it with ease,” replied + _Pilowî wʾskichin_, + That is “the stranger man;” + “Just put it on your head.” + He tried and found it as light + As a _kchi bʾsnŭd_, or + A basket made of birch. + + And so he went his way, + Bearing the magic house + Lightly upon his head, + Till he came to a hard-wood ridge + In which was a bubbling spring; + And here he said: “I will live.” + So searching he found a room + In which there was a bed; + A better he ne’er had seen, + All covered with the skin + Of a snow-white northern bear. + So he laid him down to sleep. + + In the morning when he awoke + What was his wonderment + To see above his head, + All hanging to the beams, + Good food of every kind, + All dainties known to man. + For there were venison, + Bear hams and many ducks, + Buckets of maple sugar, + Others of cranberries, + And many golden ears + Of drying Indian corn. + But as in his delight + He stretched out both his hands + To grasp the tempting food, + The bear-skin, melting fast, + As water ran away-- + For it was but the snow + Which all the winter long + Had gathered o’er his nest. + And as he stretched his arms, + Lo! they were changed to wings! + And up he flew to the food, + Which was the early buds + Of the birch on which they hung. + He was in truth himself + A Partridge who had been + Wintering beneath the snow, + And who in joy came forth + To greet the pleasant spring. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[68] A man was walking in the woods and he heard something far off. + + + + + IX + + LOX, THE INDIAN DEVIL + + [_Passamaquoddy_] + + _Laks uskiehinwi Wahant + Nekŭm mechikit wesis kchikok._[69] + + + Lox the Wolverine, + Is of all the beasts of the forest + Crafty and most ferocious, + Cunning and utterly given + To every kind of mischief. + In all the world of the wood + There is none so utterly evil, + And therefore he is called + By right, the Indian Devil. + + Now it happened on a time, + That Lox, or the Wolverine, + Who had many a time been killed, + And as often rose from the dead + By his sheer force of will-- + The one great gift he had-- + Found himself down in luck, + Yea, very deeply down. + Crossing in bitter winter + A wide and dismal region + Very poorly supplied + For travel of any kind, + The cold wind blew like knives, + Snow fell with sleet and frost, + And hail and pelting rain + All in bad company + Came on him all in one. + + And yet this evil soul + Was reckless through it all + And jolly, for he had + With every devilish vice + One virtue, as I said, + One saving gift, and that + Was, that of all the beasts + Who in the forest dwelt, + Or devils in Hʿlamkîk + (That is the Indian hell), + He had the hardest heart, + Toughest, as all allowed, + And most unconquerable. + He was the first to fight + And last one to give in + (Indeed, he never did + Give in, nor meant to do), + From which it came that he + Was specially admired + By all the blackguard beasts + Who prowled about the woods; + Wherein they differed little + From many among men. + + Now, as of all the rogues, + Rowdies and rascal roughs, + The Wolves are just the worst, + You may right well believe + That ’twas with wondrous joy + Lox heard, as night came on, + Afar a long sad howl, + Betokening the presence + Of a pack of these pleasant folk; + It was music to the ears + Of the Indian Devil, Lox. + + So he lifted up his voice + All in the Wolfish tongue; + For he was deeply learned + In many languages; + And soon was in the midst + Of a score of howling beasts + Of lupine land-loafers, + Who danced and rolled and screamed, + Biting each other for joy + At seeing him again-- + The Indian Devil, Lox. + + And then the eldest wolf + The Sagem or the chief, + Said unto him: “I hope + Thou’lt camp with us to-night; + For truly it is ill + For any gentleman + To be alone where he + Might meet with vulgar beasts!” + And Lox replied as if + He did a favor, all + With condescending air; + And ate their best dried meat, + And took the highest place + Beside their fires, and smoked + The chief’s best _tomawe_, + That is tobacco, from + The chieftain’s choicest pipe; + While all the others grinned + At his tremendous cheek, + To see him put it on-- + The Indian Devil, Lox. + + And when they laid them down + To sleep, the Sagamore + Said to the younger wolves: + “Be sure and cover up + The stranger with your tails.” + But Lox, who thought it was + A blanket made of fur, + Soon threw the cover off, + And then the chief and all + Admired the plucky guest + Who seemed to have no care + Of cold, or for their care; + And little did he care-- + The Indian Devil, Lox. + + Then in the early morn + When he would wend his way, + The Sagem of the Wolves + Said to the Wolverine: + “Oh Uncle--thou hast yet + Before thee three long days + All in a land where there + Is neither house nor hearth, + And thou wilt find it hard + To camp without a fire; + Now by good luck I have + An admirable spell + By which thou canst have fires, + And only three--yet they + Will serve thee to the end-- + This is the way ’tis done: + Build up a pile of sticks, + And then jump over it, + Even as children do, + And thou wilt see it blaze. + This is a sacred charm + Of great antiquity + A secret ’mong the wolves. + Thou art the very first, + Not of our holy race, + To whom it hath been given; + No Gentile knoweth it.” + And so he bade farewell + To the Indian Devil Lox. + + So Lox went trudging on, + Away unto the West; + And, as he went, he thought + Of the great gift of the + Peculiar pious race, + And, wondering to himself + If ’twere not all a flam, + Since ’twas his nature to + Suspect all kinds of deeds, + As he had ne’er done one + Save to some evil end, + And being curious + And very anxious to + Behold some strange new thing, + He said unto himself: + “Tush! I will try it now.” + So piling up some sticks + He bounded over them; + They burst into a blaze. + So all had come to pass + As the Wolf prophesied: + Which greatly did amaze + The Indian Devil Lox. + + So having warmed himself + He went his way with joy, + But very soon observed + That it grew cold again. + The wind blew sharp and shrill, + The snow began to fall, + And Lox began to think + How very nice ’twould be, + And pleasant, to be _warm_. + Now ’tis a curious truth + All very wicked men + Have always _one_ weak spot, + So Lox the Wolverine + Without reflection piled + More sticks together; then + Jumped over them at once. + Up leaped a jolly blaze + As if to dance with him; + This was the second fire + And he had still three nights + Of bitter killing cold, + Ere he could reach his home-- + The Indian Devil Lox! + + And yet this Wolverine + Who was wise in all that’s bad, + Wicked and witty in sin, + Had not indeed gone far + Or out-walked the afternoon, + Before he began to think, + As he shivered and cursed the cold, + Of lighting another fire. + “Ah--hem!” he said, “who knows + But the weather may take a turn + To a thaw, and give us a night + Which _may_ be rather warm! + _Hum! ha!_ Methinks by the look + Of the clouds that the wind may be + South-westerly! I think + I have heard my grandmother say: + That a color such as I see, + Of red in the sky, means something-- + I forget what it is--but it may be + A change for the better--or worse! + Well, I’ll take the chance.” Thus saying, + He piled up the sticks again, + And had a third fire--although + The first night had not come. + But he warmed himself and was happy-- + The Indian Devil Lox! + + [Illustration: + Then gayly jumping over + Awaited the cheerful blaze.] + + Then as it grew dark and darker, + As the coals and sticks grew blacker, + When a fire is dying away, + He came to his camping place, + And then it grew cold in earnest, + A cold to split a flint. + However, Lox the Believing, + Said, “What is good for once + Must surely be good for ever,” + And made up a pile of sticks, + Then gayly jumping over + Awaited the cheerful blaze. + But all in vain, not a sparkle, + Not a hint of anything burning, + Not even a tiny crackle + Came from the silent wood. + But as Lox was persevering, + He hopefully kept on jumping, + Till after some thirty efforts + There arose a little smoke + Which came as if it were angry + At being so frequently called, + And then returned no more. + But Lox to himself repeating + “All smoke has fire behind it,” + Kept bravely at his leaping + Until the Indian Devil + Of madness and desperation + Awoke within his soul, + And he swore by it that he ever + Would keep straight on with his jumping + Till something blazed--or burst! + He himself was almost blazing-- + The Indian Devil Lox. + + So he kept on a-leaping, + But to him there came no comfort, + Not even the glow of a spark; + And being at last aweary + He fell in a swoon on the wood-pile, + And so he froze to death, + And that was the last that winter, + Which was heard of him in the land. + Yet I think in time he recovered, + For since then, he very often + Has appeared among the people-- + Lox, The Indian Devil, + The Indian Devil Lox. L. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[69] Lox, the Indian Devil, is the worst beast in the woods. + + + + + =L’Envoi= + + + + + L’ENVOI + + + O happy sylvan hours and days of yore! + O quaint old speech which echoes in our ears! + From you we learn our country’s early lore, + The forest people’s sorrows, joys and fears. + So pass in peace, ye simple woodland race! + We may no longer hope to bid you live. + In our mad turmoil ye can have no place, + But we have taken what ye have to give. P. + +[Illustration] + + + + + APPENDIX + + =The Passamaquoddy Wampum Records= + + + + +[Illustration] + + APPENDIX + + THE PASSAMAQUODDY WAMPUM RECORDS + + [This is an emendation of the text published by me in + Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, xxxvi., pp. + 479 ff. P.] + + +Mechi mieu begokni tohocioltowuk kʾchi ya wioo wʾskitap epitjik +wasisek nespi wʾsikyojik yot mechi mipniltimkil; nit etuch +alit-huswinook negmaoo tepit-hodmotit chewi kegw layoo kegusitch +eliyoek chewi layoo tech na neksayiu. Nit etuchi mʾsioo sise +pʾchittaketil kinwetaswinoo mʾsitte elipitt wʾskichin anquotch +elquiyik sownisnook anquotch wʾchipenook ketkik snoot segdenook +ketkik kʾski yasnook. Pechiote pechiyik Wabnakik.[70] Kʾmach +wʾsipkikmʾn yaka keswook naga wewʾchiyanya nitta tama wejiwetit +wʾtiyawa wʾskichunoo kepechip-tolnen wʾliagnotmagʾn. Nit +ettlowsittgw-ton kisipootwusoo likislootemook. Mʾsitte tekepitt +wʾskichin kinwetto nit kʾchi lagootwagʾn kitwitasso. Mʾsioo +wʾskichin nootek aknoomagʾn mʾsioo wʾlitt-hasoo. Mʾsioo wʾsiwatch +yogonyalkatkisilet tekowmʾk maltnitin. Nit mʾsioo kesookmik +sittobjitakan opootwuswinoom. Mʾsioo kesookmik sittopetchitakan +nissoo kessena agwamʾk opootwuswinoom natchiwitchitagwik kʾchi +lagootwagʾn kessena kʾchi mawopootwuswagʾn. + +Nit mʾsioo kisma wewsettil nit omache tipit-hodmʾnya ta nʾteh +wʾtelook-hʾdinya. Stepal mʾsioo siwatch yokotit eli wʾabli +pemowsittit; yokt kʾchi sogmak wʾtiyana-kʾt kihee yot elapimʾk +asittwechosyokw kʾnʾmittunen elipegak naptwuk kenemittonenwul +kesek ewablikil yotʾl pegaknigil temʾhigʾnsisʾl to (?) naga tapyik +tepakw-yil chewi pooskenoswul oskemioo nitte mʾsioo wʾtlkislootmʾnya +wʾtlagootinya; nit otaginwipoonmʾnya kisook etuchi pootwusitit. + +Nit liwettasoo chikte wigwam. Yot wʾkesekmenya etasikiskakil katama +loo-wen-kelosioo mʾsitte pootwuswin chewitpit-hasoo tanetch wʾtitmʾn. +Tan etuchi littootit tebaskuswagʾnʾl mʾsitte wʾtipithodmʾnya tanetch +likisi-chenetasso manʾtimʾk guni chikpultowuk topemlokemkil. + +Apch etuchi apkw-timootit wigwam liwitassoo mʾsittakw-wen tlewestoo +nitt na guni omache pootwuswinya; mʾsioo potwooswin wʾtoknootmʾn +elipipyaks naga mech matnuttitit mʾsioo eli wʾsikyoltotitits +guenipnʾltimʾk; nittlo alteketch tepnasko yotipit-hatosoo naga +kʾtemakitt-haman wʾtepittemowa wʾtowasismowa naga mamatwikoltijik; +mechi mieu yokli-wʾsikyaspenik tahalote saglit-hat wʾsikap +naga mʾtappeguin. Nit mʾsioo mitte westotitit. Nit likisloomuk +wʾtlitonia kʾchi lakalosnihagʾn naga tochioo opoomʾnya epasioo +kʾchi wigwam tebagalosneoo; na wʾtlitunia ebiss oponmoonya +omittakw-sowall nit wen pelestowat nit etuch eshemhoottam yotʾl +eyilijil wʾnijanʾl tebakalusneoo. Mʾsitte na wʾtachwiyik settswawall +naga na mejimioo wʾmʾtutwatmʾn wʾkchi squt wa wechi skanekaswenook. +Yot wechi mach-hak wababi tebaskuswagʾnʾl. + +Nit lagalosnihagʾnʾl etli-nʾsettwasik spemek nit nitmame +lagootwi-kislootmewagʾn mʾsitte kesigpesitt wʾskichin newanko +kesookinito kenooklo kechayami milijpesw. Mʾsitte yokteke +wʾskichinwuk wʾtachwi elyanya naga wiginya tebagaloosneoo teketch wen +kegw liwableloket chiwisemha wʾnikikowal wʾtesemhogol; nit ebis kisi +mawettasiks nittlo tane teppo wigit tebakalosneoo chejik sʾtʾmenal +tan eyigil tebaskuswagʾnʾl kessena essemha. Nit wigwam ettlinwasik +tabakalosneoo hidmowioo mʾsitte kesitt wʾskichin kesittakw chewi +sanke wipemowsoo. Katama apch chigawi yotoltiwun chewi lipemowsowuk +tahalo wesi westoltijik witsegesotoltijik opeskon wenikicowa. +Nittlo kʾchi squt etli wʾsittwasik wigwamek hidmowiw mʾsitte ta wut +kiswichitakw wʾskichin nittetch ettlositit squtek wela manch skat +apch teke yiwibmes-honwal. Nittlo wenikigowal ettlin mʾsitt woot +wigwamek nit kʾchi Sagem Kanawak. Nitte lakaloshigʾn naga hibis +hidmowiw wababi tebaskuswagʾnl. Tan woot pelsetek chewi mawe sagyawal +etli nʾsettwojik nit mʾsigekw kisittpiyak. + + * * * * * + +Nitte apch omach elok-hʾdinya hʾnʾwʾtlitunia apsegiguil +wʾtebaskuswagʾnowal. Mʾsioo yotʾl tebaskuswagʾnʾl chewi-littaswul +wababik. Wechich kiskittasik tan teppo elikimwittpiyak elnogak +mʾsittech yo naga elimilichpegek wapap. Yot wapap elyot sagmak naga +mʾitapeguinwuk naga nipwultimkil. Elok-hʾdimek tan etuchi metchmete +sagem naga elipuskenoot eli-mʾtakittmowatil mʾsitte wʾskichinwuk. +Wulasikowdowi wapap; wigwamkewi wapap. + + + + + [Illustration] + + APPENDIX + + THE WAMPUM RECORDS IN ENGLISH + + +Many bloody fights had been fought, many men, women and children had +been tortured by constant and cruel wars until some of the wise men +among the Indians began to think that something must be done, and +that whatever was to be done should be done quickly. They accordingly +sent messengers to all parts of the country, some going to the +South, others to the East, and others to the West and Northwest. +Some even went as far as the _Wabanaki_. It was many months before +the messengers reached the farthest tribes. When they arrived at +each nation, they notified the people that the great Indian nations +of the Iroquois, Mohawks and others had sent them to announce the +tidings of a great _Lagootwagon_ or general council for a treaty of +peace. Every Indian who heard the news rejoiced, because they were +all tired of the never-ending wars. Every tribe, therefore, sent +two or more of their cleverest men as representatives to the great +council. + + * * * * * + +When all the delegates were assembled they began to deliberate +concerning what was best to do, as they all seemed tired of their +evil lives. The leading Chief then spoke as follows: “As we look back +upon our bloodstained trail, we see that many wrongs have been done +by all of our people. Our gory tomahawks, clubs, bows and arrows must +undoubtedly be buried for ever.” It was decided, therefore, by all +concerned to make a general _Lagootwagon_ or treaty of peace, and a +day was appointed when they should begin the rites. + +For seven days, from morning till night, a strict silence was +observed, during which each representative deliberated on the speech +he should make and tried to discover the best means for checking the +war. This was called the “Wigwam of Silence.” + + * * * * * + +After this they held another wigwam called _mʾsittakw-wen +tlewestoo_, or “Wigwam of Oratory.” The ceremonies then began. Each +representative recited the history of his nation, telling all the +cruelties, tortures and hardships they had suffered during their wars +and stating that the time had now come to think of and take pity +on their women and children, their lame and old, all of whom had +suffered equally with the strongest and bravest warriors. When all +the speeches had been delivered, it was decided to erect an extensive +fence and within it to build a large wigwam. In this wigwam, they +were to make a big fire and, having made a switch or whip, to place +“their father” as a guard over the wigwam with the whip in his hand. +If any of his children did wrong he was to punish them with the whip. +Every child of his within the enclosure must therefore obey his +orders implicitly. His duty also was to keep replenishing the fire in +the wigwam so that it should not go out. This is the origin of the +Wampum laws. + +The fence typified a treaty of peace for all the Indian nations who +took part in the council, fourteen in number, of which there are +many tribes. All these were to go within the fence and dwell there, +and if any should do wrong they would be liable to punishment with +the whip at the hands of “their father.” The wigwam within the fence +represented a universal house for all the tribes, in which they +might live in peace, without disputes and quarrels, like members +of one family. The big fire (_ktchi squt_) in the wigwam denoted +the warmth of the brotherly love engendered in the Indians by their +treaty. The father ruling the wigwam was the Great Chief who lived at +Caughnawaga. The whip in his hand was the type of the Wampum laws, +disobedience to which was punishable by consent of all the tribes +mentioned in the treaty. + + * * * * * + +After this, they proceeded to make lesser laws, all of which were +to be recorded by means of wampum, in order that they could be read +to the Indians from time to time. Every feast, every ceremony, +therefore, has its own ritual in the wampum; such as the burial and +mourning rites after the death of a chief, the installation of a +chief, marriage, etc. There were also salutation and visiting wampum. + + + + + ELOK-HʾDIMʾK TAN ETUCHI MECHMETE SAGEM + +Tan etuchi mechinet sagem omutlʾwaqulmʾnʾl chewi temitaha naga +nʾkikw-wakw-san. Mʾsitte tan kesiyit wʾtowegaknul wʾtchapyil +wʾtumhigen naga wʾmutewagʾn w’skichinwnk wʾnittagitmowawal +enguchi gʾdunweyin. Tan etuchi tepnasgoyak wʾskichinwuk wikwmania +pootwuswinoowo pootwuswinia wateplomania pili sagmal negootekmi +kataina wʾkislomowyil sagnial. Nitte eli kisi-mawekislootmootitits +nit opechitakaya kinwetaswinoo newunol kessena kaniachin begwitnol +hesgun elye Mikmakik, Kebeklo, Panwapskek Welastogok sagem teli +mechinet Pastemogatiek. Tan etuchi pechiyatit kinwettasijik +elyatit Mikmakik nitte mʾmittutil wechkiyak eguidin metenegnahasik +wʾkisin-setumenya kegw itmowio nitte sagem wʾmoweman oskmaknesum +wʾtiyan nit wechkoyak kegw nikt kinwut wechipechijik. Nit mʾsitte wen +wasisek naga epijik wʾskittapyik mʾtappyataswook wenachi asikwenya +malemte eguayik. Nitte peskw wʾgapetasin natuchio wʾthntowatmun +nʾskawewinto-wagʾnʾl. Nit wʾtali esui nʾskawan elamkigap wiyalit. +Malemte mechintoo nitte na yok wechiyojik peskw littposwin omilawiyan +nit na negum wʾtasitetunan wʾsiwesul na negum wʾwuskawan. + +Malemte mʾsioo mechi nʾskaw-hʾtimek naga tuchioo omach yapasinya +imye-wigwamʾk wʾnaji-mawehimyanya. Malemtech apch kisi-myawletwuk +naga tuchioo lippan tanpunote wigwamʾk. Nit m’sioo wen pejit epijik +wasisek mʾsioo wʾtlapasinya wʾnaji-wʾlasikwawa sʾsikiptinenawa naga +na opummunya mʾtewegon tesagioo wigwamʾk etli wechiwetit nit naga +tojio hchi-yawiwul wʾskichin wutakewagʾnl. + +Elukemkil etchwi kisetuchil meskw kisi sepyatikw nit amskwas +welaguiwik ehʾli wulit-has soeltowegw pemgowlutwuk. Nit apch +wespasagiwik yokt mejiwejik opetchitaganya pesgowal oskittapemwal +sagma-wigwamʾk wutiyanya sagmal opawatmunia mʾsitte wʾunemyanya +oskittapi gwandowanek. Nitte sagem wʾtakinwettuwan oskittapemomaweman +gwandowanek naga apch wʾtaginwettuwan yohote wechi-welijihi. Nit +na kisi kusyapasitit naga tojoo omoosketunia wapapyil naga tojoo +egitoso neget elikislotmotits. Nit ettlowsit Pestumagatiek wʾkuskatam +wʾkʾchi-wʾskinosismowow; nitlo kʾpawatmagʾnkil yot ettlowsiyan +kʾnajiwichi kehman eliat-kʾchi w’skinosismul. Malemte naga kisi +westoltitit yokt wechiwejik nit na sagem onakisinn na wutelewestoon +wʾtiyan wʾpemowsowinoom nit negum holithodmun wenajiwi-chakekemiw +wicho keman wʾsiwesul kipnael. Nit apch yokt wechiwejik onagesin +wʾteleweston olasweltumʾn kisi-weleyet sagman eliwulmatulit napch +okisiyinya naga tojoo onestomʾnya kisookch etuchiweswesittit. + +Wechiyowitit nittech apch liwitasso eldagemk ekelhoochin malemte +kisachwuk weswesinya. Wechiyawitit nit sagem wʾtokinwettuwan +oskittapem nikt kʾsiwesnowook kisachwuk weswesinya katama +kiseltumwownewin toji neksayiu omach-honya. Napch moskettaso wapap +kelhodwei naga wʾtegitmunya wʾtiyawa: nit yot etlowsit Mikmakik +epit wasis wʾskittap kʾpowatmagon kʾchenesin apch wagisook nio nit +kigwusin katagonkuthagʾn kʾmachkulit-hookowa. Nit ittmowioo katama +okiseltumwawun omach-halin. + +Nit apch elok-hʾdimʾk liwitasso nʾskowhʾdin. Nit apch sagem +opechitagon oskittapem onachi-ketonkatinya kʾchikook nit appi +kʾtunkatitit nit wʾtelogwsumnia tan eli pechputit mʾsioo weyesis +nepahatijihi malem-te mʾsioo kegw kisogwew. Nit mʾsioo macheptaso +gwandowanek nit etli kitimawemittsoltitit naga kinwetowan +nojikakolwet (_or_ notgudmit) wʾtalqueminowticook kʾwaltewall (_or_ +wikw-poosaltin). Nit mʾsioo wen wʾnastowan. Elque milit nitte +na wʾquaskoltinya wasisek epitjik wʾskitapyik pemip-hatijihi waltewa +mosque weya malemte pechik sikowlutwuk gwandowanek. Nitte mʾsioo +tʾholpiyanya pemkemigek nit yokt nojitophasijik otephemwan yayate +elapesit. Yot nit elwittasik elok-hʾdimʾk egelhodwi wikw-paltin; nit +kisapeseltitit omach yapasinya. Nitte apch neksayiu appat aptdoowuk. +Nit naga tochio hʾnskowhʾdin nit apch yokt wechiwejik onakisin peskw +wʾtlintowatmʾnhichi eleyiks elittotits omesomsowuk peskwun kessena +nisnol elintowatkil. Nit na sagem wut wechi yot wenaskawan-na. + +Malemte nit mechintotimʾk nit sagem holpin eppasio gwandowanek +kelnek pegholagnesis naga epesis nitte omache kʾtumosin omachetemun +opekholagʾn naga otlintowatmun kʾtumaswintowagʾnʾl. Nit miswen +onayinyan opemkan wʾskittapyik epitjik pechiote wasisek nit omikmow +powlʾtinya. + +Nit malemte mechit piye apch naga tojoo apch otakinwipunmunia +etuchi mach-hatit. Apch kisatchitit nit apch sagem nimwul-kʾdʾminya +hilelok-hʾdimkil. Anquotch metch nichi kesspemi minwukelhak yot +nit eldakewagʾn anquotch metch nihilente kessena te peskw kisoos +etasi-welaquiwigil pemkak; nit quenni wechi yot. + + + CEREMONIES CUSTOMARY AT THE DEATH OF A CHIEF + +When the chief of a tribe died, his flag-pole was cut down and +burnt, and his war-like appurtenances, bows and arrows, tomahawk and +flag, were buried with him. The Indians mourned for him one year, +after which the _Pwutwusimwuk_ or leading men were summoned by the +tribe to elect a new chief. The members of one tribe alone could not +elect their own chief; according to the common laws of the allied +nations, he had to be chosen by a general wigwam. Accordingly, +after the council of the leading men had assembled, four or six +canoes were dispatched to the Micmac, Penobscot and Maliseet tribes +if a Passamaquoddy chief had died.[71] These canoes bore each a +little flag in the bow as a sign that the mission on which the +messengers came was important. On the arrival of the messengers at +their destination, the chief of the tribe to which they came called +all his people, children, women and men, to meet the approaching +boats. The herald, springing to land, first sang his salutation song +(_nʾskawewintuagun_), walking back and forth before the ranks of the +other tribe. When he had finished his chant the other Indians sang +their welcoming song in reply. + +As soon as the singing was over they marched to some _imyewigwam_ +or meeting house to pray together. The visiting Indians were then +taken to a special wigwam allotted to their use over which a flag was +set. Here they were greeted informally by the members of the tribe +with hand-shaking, etc. The evening of the first day was spent in +entertaining the visitors. + +On the next day the messengers sent to the chief desiring to see all +the tribe assembled in a _gwandowanek_ or dance hall. When the tribe +had congregated there, the strangers were sent for, who, producing +their strings of wampum to be read according to the law of the big +wigwam, announced the death of the chief of their tribe, “their +eldest boy” (_kʾchi wʾskinosismowal_), and asked that the tribe +should aid them to elect a new chief. The chief of the stranger tribe +then arose and formally announced to his people the desire of the +envoys, stating his willingness to go to aid them, his fatherless +brothers, in choosing a new father. The messengers, arising once +more, thanked the chief for his kindness and appointed a day to +return to their own people. + +The ceremony known as _Kelhoochun_ then took place. The chief +notified his men that his brothers were ready to go, but that they +should not be allowed to go so soon. The small wampum string called +_kellhoweyi_ or prolongation of the stay was produced at this point, +which read that the whole tribe, men, women and children, were glad +to see their brothers with them and begged them to remain a day or +two longer; that “our mothers” (_kigwusin_), _i.e._, all the tribal +women, would keep their paddles yet a little while. This meant that +the messengers were not to be allowed to depart so soon. + +Here followed the ceremony called _Nʾskuhudin_. A great hunt was +ordered by the chief and the game brought to the meeting-hall and +cooked there. The _noochila-kalwet_ or herald went about the village +crying _wikw-poosaltin_, which was intelligible to all. Men, women +and children immediately came to the hall with their birch-bark +dishes and sat about the game in a circle, while four or five men +with long-handled dishes distributed the food, of which every person +had a share. This feast was called _kelhootwi-wikw-poosaltin_. When +it was over the Indians dispersed, but returned later to the hall +when the messengers sang again their salutation songs in honor of +their forefathers, in reply to which the chief of the tribe sang his +song of greeting. + + * * * * * + +When the singing was over, the chief seated himself in the midst of +the hall with a small drum in one hand and a stick in the other. To +the accompaniment of his drum he sang his _kʾtumasoointawagunul_ or +dance songs, which was the signal for a general dance, followed by +another feast. + +The envoys again appointed a day to return, but were deterred in the +same manner. As these feasts often lasted three weeks or a month, a +dance being held every night, it was frequently a long time before +they could go back to their own tribe, because the chief would detain +them whenever they wished to return. Such was the custom. + + + + + ELOK-HʾDIMʾK TAN ETUCHI ELYOOT SAGEM + +Malemte mʾsigekw mitnaskiyi nit naga toji sankiyiw omajahapanya +malemtech nikt pechiyik elyatit wecheyawitit nitte na omawemania +opemowsowinomwa wʾteginwetowania eli kisi-kiwkenitit eli pekwatotit +wichoketwagʾn. Miyawal te nikt na ketkik otapch-yanya ki +wʾkenitsepenik. Nit wʾchi-mach-yiw otaskowalmunia wechiyan nachiwichi +sakmakatenik. Malemte pechiyik omʾsioo nit me (?) elok-hʾdimkil-lelan +nach sekeptin ewan nut pemkemek. Pechiyatil odenesisek kisi-pemkatil +kisi-nʾskowhʾditit. + +Malemte tama nisook nekiwik naga omache hel-yanya mʾtewagemʾl +nit sagem kitwi yotomʾtewagwemul. Malemte kisachit otemepelanya +hʾnit peskw sagmak oponmowan naga wʾnasettowan omannimʾl naga na +onas-hewhotlanya pileyal elequotewagʾnʾl. Nit peskw sagem onestomowan +yohot sagmal kisiyajik wutege kʾchi-wʾskinosismowa kʾtachwi-elokepa +tan eli kisi-wu-lasweyekw naga na kʾtachicbik sitʾwania nekemch +na elookil tan wechi miyawil wahod opemowsowinoom. Yotʾl na echwi +elokejil sagem wʾtachiwi-sagitonel mʾsioo tan yootʾl nekachikil. +Wʾtachwi-klamanel chikow yootʾl timkil matnʾtoltimkil wʾtachwi na +kig-ha opemowsowinoom. Chikate wʾpemowsowagʾn lawutik. + + * * * * * + +Napch omach yot asinya gwandowanek wʾnachmoyo-wagʾnya. Napch sagem +wʾkutomasin naga wisek-han sagmal sagmaskw wisekhod pili sagmal naga +kiska-mek. + + * * * * * + +Apch wespasakiwik naga okeptinen teboloman el-wigʾnʾk keswuk +nihitanke yachihi wʾtliteboloma wataholoteh elitebolomoot sagem. +Peskw na elipemket wut eli wisek-hot. Eli miloot oʾmanimwa aguami +sagleyowal katik sagem napch wut piliwi sagem oskowiman naga +onestomowan kesich pigak wutlokewagʾnowal miyawal tena okisajin +otewepoosan mʾtewaguem. Nittle metewagʾn-mel osagmamwal nikt gaptinek +wiwunik apwihtowatijil ya te chikihigʾnʾl kelnajit ayat na tan teppo +yot kegus ewabligik quasijik kemenia pekusek wʾtachwi pekiyawal. Yot +nit itmowin wʾtachiwi wulankeyowwowwal tan te quenowsiltil +pemowsowagʾnawa te wʾtlipoonmʾnia. Wʾtachwi lipoonmenia opokenoom ya +hotankeyowa tich-hi nihitanke yatgotachihi tan etuchi nesa naguak +pechyamkotit. Chewi noteyik gaptinek woot sagem kislomot kitama +kiseltumwawun wichipnusin ansa teppo wʾtankeyowa opemowsowinoom naga +wʾnote genekmen tan gekw-nesanaguak pechiyak. Nit woot sagem naga +otelitepsowinoom okisitpesotinia. + +Nit apch ketkil elok-hʾdimkil malemte nit welaguiwik nit yaka +opemkanya tegio te apch echeguak enitespatek wʾtenkamhedoltinia. +Enowdoltowuk epeskum-hʾdinya wʾkisik-apwelanya metewagwemel. Nit +mʾsioo tan elitowtoltitit ek-hodasik tan woot neglo-wechik niktech +wikw-nekik niltelkisek hodasikil. Nit elok-hʾdimʾk anquoch queneket +nihi sente kessena te pes-kisoos. + + + THE CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION + +When they reached home, however, and the embassies from the other +_Wabanaki_ tribes had also returned, the people of the bereaved tribe +were summoned to assemble before the messengers, who informed them +of the success of their mission. When the delegates from the other +tribes, who had been appointed to elect the chief, had arrived and +the salutation and welcome ceremonies had been performed, an assembly +was called to elect the chief. + +This took place about the second day after the arrival of the +other _Wabanaki_ representatives. A suitable person, a member +of the bereaved tribe, was chosen by acclamation for the office +of chief. If there was no objection to him, a new flag-pole was made +and prepared for raising, and a chief from one of the kindred tribes +put a medal of wampum on the chief-elect, who was always clothed in +new garments. The installing chief then addressed the people, telling +them that another “eldest boy” had been chosen, to whom they owed +implicit obedience. Turning to the new chief, he informed him that he +must act in accordance with the wishes of his people. The main duties +of a chief were to act as arbiter in all matters of dispute, and to +act as commander-in-chief in case of war, being ready to sacrifice +himself for the people’s good if need were. + +After this ceremony they marched to the hall, where another dance +took place, the new chief singing and beating the drum. A wife of one +of the other chiefs then placed a new deer-skin or bear-skin on the +shoulders of the new chief as a symbol of his authority, after which +the dance continued the whole night. + +The officers of the new chief (_geptins_) were still to be chosen. +These were seven in number and were appointed in the same manner and +with the same ceremonies as the chief. Their duties, which were much +more severe, were told them by the installing chief. The flag-pole, +which was the symbol of the chief, was first raised. The _geptins_ +stood around it, each with a brush in his hand, with which they were +instructed to brush off any particle of dust that might come upon it. +This signified that it was their duty to defend and guard their chief +and that they should be obliged to spill their blood for him, in case +of need and in defence of the tribe. All the women and children and +disabled persons in the tribe were under the care of the _geptins_. +The chief himself was not allowed to go into battle, but was expected +to stay with his people and to give orders in time of danger. + +After the tribal officers had been appointed, the greatest +festivities were carried on; during the day they had canoe races, +foot races and ball-playing, and during the night, feasting and +dancing. The Indians would bet on the various sports, hanging the +prizes for each game on a pole. It was understood that the winner of +the game was entitled to all the valuables hung on this pole. The +festivities often lasted an entire month. + + + + + NIBOWE ELDAKEWAGʾN NʾKANSOSWEI + +Tan etuchi wʾskinoos pewatek oniswitijil en wʾtakin-wetowan wʾnikigo +naga tan yotʾl pawatgil nika nio nitaskowtitiesil netch woot +kʾtakw-hemoos wʾtakinwetuwan wʾtelnapem nit skawen waplithodmuk +nittech tekw-chetunia. Nit woot kʾtakw-kʾmoosimilan kelwasilipil +pileyal mowinewiyul kessena odook kessena quabitewiyul. Nutch woot +oskinoos omachep-hon odeneksonel yot nackskw wikowak netch nitponan +woot neksonel nowtek wigwamek; yote ebonel nisnol naga nowtek +naga kʾsoshone. Nit elichpi milipitasik elawigwam nit kisekelat +wʾdoneksonel. Woot loo nackskw omitakwsel otakin-wetuwan otelnapem +malemte kisi-mowemat wʾnestowan eliwisilit wʾskinosel pechipowat +matonijanel wʾniswinya. Nit skawen wablitthodmuk nittech woot +kitakw-pʾmoos wʾtelkiman wʾtusel nowtek pemekpit eneksone nittech nit +kisit piye nipwoltin nitan elikwusitasik wigopaltin mawemitsoltin +ayot pemkamik neskow hʾdimʾk. Anquotch quenatkʾt pemlokemkil. + + + THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY + + _The Ancient Rite_ + +It was the duty of the young Indian man who wished to marry to inform +his parents of his desire, stating the name of the maiden. The young +man’s father then notified all the relatives and friends of the +family that his son wished to marry such and such a girl. If the +friends and relations were willing, the son was permitted to offer +his suit. The father of the youth prepared a clean skin of the bear, +beaver or deer, which he presented to his son. Provided with this, +the suitor went to the wigwam of his prospective bride’s father and +placed the hide at the back of the wigwam or _nowteh_. The girl’s +father then notified his relations and friends, and if there was no +objection, he ordered his daughter to seat herself on the skin, as +a sign that the young man’s suit was acceptable. The usual wedding +ceremonies were then held, viz., a public feast, followed by dancing +and singing, which always lasted at least a week. + + + + + NIBOWE ELDAKEWAGʾN YOT PILIOO YOT KISI MAWETASIK + +Tan etuchi wʾskinoos ketwakatek wʾtachwich na kinwettwa wʾnikiko +wʾnestowan nackskwyil powatkil. Netch woot kʾtakw-hemoos omaweman +wʾtelnapemwa nit skatwen waplit-hodmuk. Nitch wʾdakinwettowania +nojikelol welijil nitch omacheptunia nequotatkeyi wapap nittech nit +milatit woot nackwesk omitakw-sel naga tan te kisikesitit kesosejihi +najichik lutkig wapap egitasik nibowei. Liwitasso kʾlelwewei yotech +wʿtetlegitmʾn elgitnuwik wʾnestowalch na eli-wisilit oskinosel nit +pawatek nitʾl nackskwuyil oniswinya. Nittech nit metewestakw nittech +weswi yapasinia yot wʾskinoos wigek. Nittech-et-laskowasooltitit +tegio asittemoot. Nittech na woot nackskw omitakw-sel omaweman +otelnapemwʾl nittech skatwen wablithamagw nitʾl pechi kelolwelijil +nittlowen kegw kʾchi chitwat ewabligik wʾmestomʾnch. Nittech +sagesso kʿtinipwooltimkepn. Nittlo mʾsioo li wulit-hodmotit nit +etepkisitpiye. Nit neke oskichinwuk kisi papatmotit nitch patlias +onipwik-han. + +Nittech nittʾl nibowe eldakewagʾnʾl elok-hʾdim. Wutech wʾskinoos +omilwan pileyal elquootewagʾnʾl nit kissewett woot pilkatek +netch omach-yapasinia oniswitijil wigwek netch wʾnatlasikwan +wʿniswitijil wenachi sekeptinenan wʾniswitijil naga kesosejihi. Yot +nit eliwittasik eldakewagʾn wulisakowdawagʾn. Nit weswesit wikwak +nutch nut holpiyanya yohot na pechi kesosejihi quesquesoos naga +pilskwessis naga gana wʾskittapyik. Wutech na wʾskinoos na onagʾnl +makeslasikasijihi nittech omach-yapasinia wʾnachi-sekeptinenya. +Malemtech metlasikowdoltin. Nittech uletonya kʾchi mawepoltimek +wutech nackskw towipootpoonek liwitass natpoonan oskittapyik epijik +pechi te wasisek. Wutech na wʾskinoos soksagw kotch meketch tlagw-te +mijwagʾn malemch kisakwtek. Nit wikopaltinya netch wʾgagalwaltinya +kʾwaltewall. Mʾsitte wen wʾnestem nit. + + * * * * * + +Nit omache-guaskoltinia natchi teppam wan wikopalan. Mechte +nibowattimek meskw metekto. Nitte otlas-hewhodlusooltinya naga +omach-yapasinia gwandowanek. Malemte pachaswook gwandowanek pechi +kesosejihi. Nitte kes yapasitit nitte pesgowat peskutenil ech-wechi +kʾchich yot lusoweskw eliyit kis gwandowanek. Nit ne oskinoo-lusoo. +Ena negum omach-yapasinia kesooswechihi malemte petapaswuk +kesyapasittit nit apch peskw-tay peskowat. Nitte gaptin omachep-han +omachi-ostook kegania oniswitijil. + + * * * * * + +Malemte epasitpokak en-onatpoon-hʾdinya kiste wulaquipwagʾn. +Nitt etli-mikomoot yokt kisiniswijik nit yotʾl lusowesquiwil +omache-kesoosanya kʾchi epitjik. Otasohonel na onespiptonial. + + + METEGUT. + + + THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY IN LATER DAYS. + +After the adoption of the wampum laws the marriage ceremony was much +more complicated. + +When the young man had informed his parents of his desire to marry +and the father had secured the consent of the relations and friends, +an Indian was appointed to be the _Keloolwett_ or marriage herald, +who, taking the string of wampum called the _Kelolwawei_, went to +the wigwam of the girl’s father, generally accompanied by as many +witnesses as cared to attend. The herald read the marriage wampum +in the presence of the girl and her father, formally stating that +such and such a suitor sought his daughter’s hand in marriage. The +herald, accompanied by his party, then returned to the young man’s +wigwam to await the reply. After the girl’s father had notified his +relatives and friends and they had given their consent, the wedding +was permitted to go on. + +The usual ceremonies then followed. The young man first presented +the bride-elect with a new dress. She, after putting it on, went +to her suitor’s wigwam with her female friends, where she and her +company formally saluted him by shaking hands. This was called +_wulisakowdowagon_ or salutation. She then returned to her father’s +house, where she seated herself with her following of old women and +girls. The groom then assembled a company of his friends, old and +young men, and went with them to the bride’s wigwam to salute her +in the same manner. When these salutations were over a great feast +was prepared by the bride, enough for all the people, men, women and +children. The bridegroom also prepared a similar feast. Both of these +dinners were cooked in the open air and when the food was ready +they cried out _kʾwaltewall_, “your dishes.” Every one understood +this, which was the signal for the merrymakers to approach and fall +to. + +The marriage ceremonies, however, were not over yet. The wedding +party arrayed themselves in their best attire and formed two +processions, that of the bride entering the assembly wigwam first. In +later times it was customary to fire a gun at this point as a signal +that the bride was in the hall, whereupon the groom’s procession +entered the hall in the same manner, when a second gun was fired. +The _geptins_ of the tribe and one of the friends of the bride then +conducted the girl to the bridegroom to dance with him. At midnight, +after the dancing, a supper was served, to which the bride and groom +went together and where she ate with him for the first time. The +couple were then addressed by an aged man (_nojimikokemit_) on the +duties of marriage. + +Finally, a number of old women accompanied the newly made wife to +her husband’s wigwam, carrying with them her bed-clothes. This final +ceremony was called _natboonan_, taking or carrying the bed. P. + + + THE END. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[70] According to Indian tradition, six Iroquoian tribes united in a +confederation in the interests of peace. This was the famous league +of the six nations: Onondagas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Senecas, Cayugas +and Tuscaroras. The first five of these completed their league as +early as the middle of the fifteenth century under the Onondaga chief +Hiawatha. The object of the federation was to abolish war altogether +(see Brinton, “The American Race,” pp. 82, 83). It is evident that +the Passamaquoddy tradition embodied in this part of the Wampum +Records refers to these proposals made by their Iroquois neighbors. + +[71] From here on the recorder mentions only the neighboring +Algonkin tribes as belonging to the federation which he has in +mind. The northern Algonkin tribes were very probably in a loose +federation with the Iroquois merely for purposes of intertribal +arbitration. These Algonkin clans themselves, however, seem to have +been politically interdependent, as one clan could not elect a chief +without the consent of all the others. + + + + + =Glossary= + + + + + Glossary[72] + + [72] A.=Abenaki; P.=Passamaquoddy; Pen.=Penobscot; M.=Micmac. + + + Âbâznōdâ, “basket” (A. and P.); cognitive of _abazi_, “tree,” + _i.e._, something made of wood. Cf. P. _bʾsnŭd_. + + Âbĭstânēûch, “marten” (M.); probably cognitive with A. _âpânâkĕs_ + and _panakos_, “marten.” + + Ãbŭkchĕlû, “skunk” (M.); cf. P. _âpîchîlû_. The A. word is + _segoñgw_, “skunk,” from a cognitive of which, viz., Ojibwe, + [_=ž_]_ikág_, is derived the English “skunk,” and the city-name + “Chicago,” “place of skunks”! + + Âklîbĭmô, “bull frog” (P.); cf. M. _ăblîgĕmû_, “bull-frog.” + + Ăgŭnōdămâkŭn, “story” (P.); cf. _kt-ăgʾnōdʾmŭl_, “I will tell + thee”; _ăgŭnôdŭmaak′_, “one relates.” The A. stem _oñdoka_, + “tell,” is clearly a metathesis of the same root. + + Agwē′dʾn, “birch canoe” (P.); see M. _kwēdŭn_. + + Alsigontegw = _Arsikantekw_ is composed of the elements _arsi_, + “empty”; _kan_, an infix which signifies “cabin”; and the suffix + -_tekw_, which always means “river”; cf. _tego_, “wave.” The + modern form of the word is _Alsigontekw_, which the Indians + wrongly connect with _als_, “shell,” and translate “river where + shells abound.” _Als_ appears, however, as _ess_ in the older + language. See on this subject, GILL, _Notes sur les Vieux + Manuscrits Abenakis_, pp. 13 ff, Montreal, 1886. + + Ămwĕ′sŭk, “wasps” (P.); cf. M. _amuĕs′_, “a wasp.” + + Aplasemwesitt, “whirlwind” (P.); M. _pĭptōgōgwââsik_, A. + _pĕtĕgwîlômsĕn_. + + Appodumken, like the _Lumpeguin_ (both P.), dwelt under the water. + He had long red hair and was the favorite bugaboo used by + Indian mothers to frighten the children away from the water. + _Appodumken_ is identical with A. _Waodumkenowat_, who plugs + the eyes, ears, and nostrils of drowned corpses with mud. + + Aʿtosis, “snake” (P.); in M. _mtaaskum_, clearly not cognate. + + Atwusknigess, a Pass. invisible being who occasionally fells trees + with a single blow of his stone axe. This accounted for the fall + of an apparently healthy tree. + + Âûkōgēgĕ′chk, Blomidon; “Dogwood grove” (M.): also called + _utkogunchîchk_, “bark doubled and sewed together.” + + Awasos, See Mūūin. + + Awesos, See Mūūin. + + Bʾsnŭd, “basket” (P.); see _abaznoda_. + + Bûsîjĭk, “they sailed off” (P.); 3 p. pl. participle. The singular + is _bûsit_, “one who embarks.” + + Bûʾûin, “a wizard” (M.) = P. _mʾdeolin_ in meaning. The English + powwow is a derivative from the Mass. Narragansett cognitive of + this word; _powwâ_, “medicine man”; cf. Roger Williams, “Key to + the Indian Language,” Providence, 1827, p. 111. + + Chessuyek, “mosquitoes” (P.). The singular is _chîsu_ or _tʾsîso_, + _q.v._ This has no connection with M. _pijegunjit_ and A. + _pegues_, “mosquito.” + + Chibelaʿkwe, “night air sprite,” a monster consisting solely of + head and legs, without a body. It was always seen sitting in the + crotch of a tree. + + Nʾchigunum, “my younger brother” (M.). + + Chikwenochk, “turtle” (P.). + + Chinames, “a fish as long and broad as a man” (M.?). + + Chînu, a Micmac equivalent of P. _Kiwaʿkw_, _q.v._ + + Chipi′chkâm, “horned dragon”, really a huge wizard snake (M.). + + Elkomtûejul, “he is calling him,” with obviative ending -_ul_ (M.). + + Ēpīt, “woman”; pl. _ēpījĭk_ (P.); cf. M. _ēbit_. + + Etuchi, “so,” “thus” (P.); cf. A. _adoji_. + + Hămwĕsŭk, See _Amwĕsŭk_. + + Hʾlâmkîk, “hell” (P.); lit., “the lower land,” from _hʿlâm_, + “below,” and _ki_, “land,” + locative -_k_. Cp. A. _Alômki_. + + Î, excl., “oh!” (P.). + + Kt-iyi-pʾn, “we have” (P.). This is the _inclusive_ we, _i.e._, + thou and I. The exclusive form would be _nt-iyi-pʾn_. + + Kâk′âguch, “crow” (M.). In P. _kâkâgos_. + + Kâktûgwāās, “thunder” (M.); really “young thunder,” a common proper + name. + + Kaktugwāāsĭs, “little thunder” (M.); a further diminutive (ending + = _is_) of _Kâktûgwāās_, “little thunder.” _Kâktûgwāāsĭs_ means + properly, “son of Little Thunder.” + + Kaliwahdasi, “female proper name” (P.). + + Kʾchî, “big,” “large” (P.); also A. and Penobscot. + + Kchî-benabesk, “large rock” (P.). + + Kĕjû, “O mother” (M.); voc. of _nkĕ′ch_, “my mother.” Cp. A. + _nikʾn_, voc. of _nigawes_. + + Kĕkwâjû, “badger” (M.); cogn. with Ojib., _missá-kak-wijis_. + + Kekw? “what?” (P.); cp. A. _kagui?_ M. _kogūē?_ “what?” + + Kespugitk, “a place name.” + + Kes saak, “long ago” (M.). + + Ketaksuwâûʿt, “spirits’ road” (P.); a combination of _ketākw_, + “spirit,” and _âûʿt_, “road.” + + Kezitwâzuch, “Kearsarge” (Pen.). + + Kitpusâgʾnâû, Pass. proper name (?). A mythical being. + + Kiwaʿkw, “giant ghoul” or “ice-giant” (P.); cp. A. _kiwaʿkwa_, a + mythical being, similar in form to a man, who inhabited the + snows of the far north. + + Kʾmewun, “rain” (P.); cf. P. _kʾmēĭn_, “it is raining.” + + Koʿkoʿkhas, “owl” (P.); cp. M. _kûkûgwĕs_, A. _kokokhas_. + + Kuhkw, “earthquake” (M.). + + Kukuʿskûûs, “snowy owl,” a P. word, undoubtedly of onomatapoetic + origin. + + Kullû, “a fabulous bird of gigantic size” (M. and P.). + + Kulpujot, “one rolled over with handspikes” (M.); a fabulous being + supposed to be connected with the changes of season. + + Kwâbît, “beaver” (P.); cf. M. _kobet_. + + Kwabîtsis, “little beaver” (P.); diminutive of _kwâbît_. + + Kwĕdŭn, “canoe” (M.). See Ăgwē′dŭn. + + Kwîmû, “loon” (M.); cp. P. _ŭkwîn_. + + Lappilatwan, Pass. name of a small bird which sings from sunset + until quite dark. _Lappilatwan_ properly means a tree-fungus, + but the word is applied to this bird because it sits in the + branches without moving. See _Wappilatwan_ and _Wechkutonébit_. + + Laʿtogwesnuk, “Northland” (P.). + + Lenni Lenâbe, “Delawares” (P.); clearly a loan word from Minsi, + _Linni Linâpe_, “the men” (_par excellence_). Cp. Prince, “Proc. + Amer. Philos. Soc.,” 1899, p. 186; “Amer. Journ. Philol.,” p. + 295, n. 1. + + Lisignigen, “breastwork” (P.); M. _lŭtkŭdāāgŭn_, “hedge.” + + Lox, “wolverine” (P.); cogn. with A. _alaskan_, “wolverine.” Note + the metathesis. + + Lumpeguin, “water demon” (P.); see _Appodumken_. + + Malikakwsquess, Pass. female name. + + Malsum, “wolf” (P.); cp. A. _moñlsem_. + + Malsumsis, “little wolf” (P.), the diminutive of the above. + + Manoñgamasak, “river elves” (A.). + + Mʾdeolin, “wizard,” “witchcraft”; pl. _mʾdeolinʾwuk_, P. and + _mʾdaulinōwak_, (A. and Pen.). Cf. Ojibwe, _medewin_, + “witchcraft.” It probably means originally “one who drums.” Cp. + Old Delaware, _meteú_, “a medicine doctor”; also a turkey cock, + from the drumming of its wings. + + Michihant, “devil” (P.); a combination of _michi_, “bad” = A. + _maji_ + _hant_, the same stem seen in A. _Madahoñdo_, “demon.” + + Mikchik, “turtle” (P.); cp. M. _mikchikch_. + + Miʿko, “squirrel” (P.); cp. A. _miʿkowa_. + + Miʿkumwess, “wood devil”; pl. _miʿkumwessuk_; a small spirit + normally, which has the power, however, of increasing its + stature at will. + + Mĭpis, “little leaf” (Pass. diminutive); pl. _mĭpyĭl_. Cp. M. + _nebe_, “leaf.” + + Mʿskikwul wuli-mʾhaskil, “perfumed grass” (P.). Cp. M. _Mskegûl_, + “grass,” and _welemaak_, “fragrant”; A. _mʾskikoal_, “grass.” + + Monimquess, “woodchuck” (P.). See M. _munumkwech_. + + Munumkwech, “woodchuck” (M.); see P. _monimquess_. + + Mûs, “moose” (P.); see M. _Teâm_. The English moose is undoubtedly + a loanword from Pass. _mûs_; cp. Pen. _mûñs_; A. _moñz_. + + Mūschik, “place name” (P.). + + Mūsesaaqua, “horse fly” (P.); cp. M. _msusók_. + + K-musums, “thy grandfather”; _k-musomsʾn_, “our grandfather” (P.); + cp. A. _nʾmahom_, “my grandfather.” + + Mūūin, “bear” (M.) and P. In A. and Pen. we find _awasos_ and + _awesos_ respectively. + + Naga, “and” (P.); M. _ak_; A. _ta_. + + Nʾgŭmĭch, “my grandmother” (M.); cp. A. _nōkĕmĕs_. + + Nekmʾkila, “I am big” (P.). + + Nemchaase, “arise” (M.). + + Nenagimk, “hurry up!” (M.). + + Neʿs[´ē]yik, Pass, place-name = “the muddy lake.” + + Nikʾn, “O mother” (A.); dim. voc. of _nigawes_, “my mother.” + + Nĭl, “I” (P. and M.). + + Nipon, “summer” (P.); also _niben_ in Abenaki. + + Nit, “that” (P.). + + Nʾmokkswess, “sable” (P.); see M. _abistaneuch_. + + Noñwat, “long ago” (A.); cp. Pen. _nâwad_. + + Nowut Kemaganek, a Pass. place-name. + + Nsk[´ē]manul, “silver plates” (P.). + + Nŭgŭmĭch, “my grandmother” (M.). See _Nʾgŭmĭch_. + + Nujich, “my grandchild” (M.). + + Nulūks, “my nephew” (M.). + + Ogomkeok, place-name (M.). + + Onwokun, place-name (M.); “a causeway”; cp. A. _ondawahanik_, “a + divide.” + + N-osesak, “my children” (P.). + + Piʿche, “long ago” (P.). + + Piliomeskasik kʾtakʾmigw, “Newfoundland” (P.). This is a literal + translation of the English name. See _Uktâkŭmkûk_. + + Pilowi, “strange” (A. Pen. Pass.). + + Piktuk, place-name (M.). + + Plîgun, “Cape Split” (P.); M. plekteok, “large handspikes for + breaking open a beaver dam.” + + Pʾmûla, “night-air demon” (A.). This word occurs also in + Passamaquoddy and Penobscot as the name of a flying malevolent + sprite. + + Pogumʾk, “black-cat” (P.); an animal of the mink tribe, sometimes + called “fisher.” + + Pûjinskwess, “pitcher.” Pass. word denoting an evil witch; cp. M. + _Pikchimskwesû_. + + Pulowech, “partridge” (M.). + + Puloweche munigu, “Partridge Island” (M.). + + Pûn, “winter” (P.); cp. A. _pon_. + + Putup, “whale” (P.); M. bûtŭp. + + K-putwusin, “let us take council” (P.); cp. A. _podawazina_, both 1 + p. pl. inclusive. + + Saak; see _kes_. + + Sagem, “chief” (P.); cp. A. _Soñgmoñ_. English sagamore is a + loanword from this. + + Sâkskâdu, “squirrel” (M. and P.). See _Sexkâtu_. + + Saŭnesen, “south wind” (P.); cp. A. _soñwanaki_, “the southland.” + + Sĕnap, “man” (P.); cp. A. _sanoñba_; Pen. _sĕnōbē_. + + Senusoktun, “warming breeze” (P.). + + Sexkâtu, “squirrel”; see _sâkskâdu_. + + Nsiwes, “my brother” (P.). + + Skitap, “man” (P.); cp. old Pass. _wusketomp_. + + Squʿtes, “little fire” (P.); dim. of _squt_, “fire”; cp. A. + _skweda_. + + Teâm, “moose” (M.); See _Mûs_. + + Tiakēûch, “mink” (M.); cp. P. _chiâkes_. + + Tomâwē, “tobacco” (P. and M.). + + Tsîso, “mosquito”; see _chessuyek_. + + Tumʾhîgen, “axe” (P.); cp. A. _tamahigan_. + + Tumʾhîgenpowâgon, “tomahawk-pipe” (P.). + + Ukchigʾmuech, “sea duck” (M.). + + Uktâkŭmkûk, “Newfoundland” (M.); lit., “the mainland.” + + Uktukâmkw, “Newfoundland” (P.); the usual form is _piliomeskasik + kʾtakʾmigw_, _q.v._ + + Unamagik, “otters” (P.); cp. A. _unegigw_, “otter.” A place name. + + Upsinai, “medicine-bag” (M.). + + Uskichin } “Indian” (P.). + Uskijin } + + Waaguʿkw, “lice” (M.). + + Wâbab, “wampum” (P.); lit., “something white,” from the color of + the shells. In A. _skwōñzo_. + + Wabanaki, “the land of the dawn, or east” (P. and Pen.); in A. + _Woñbanaki_, from _woñban_, “dawn” (lit., “whitening”) + _aki_, + “land.” This also means “an Eastlander.” + + Wahwun, “egg” (P.); M. _wâû_; A. _woñwan_. + + Wappilatwan, “toadstool” (P.); punningly applied as an epithet to + _Lappilatwan_, _q.v._ See _wechkutonébit_. + + Waʿsis, “child” (P.); cp. A. _awoñsis_. + + Wʾchipi, “East wind” (P.). + + Webetumekw, “shark” (M.). + + Wechkutonébit, “he sits with his mouth open” (P.); parti., 3 p., + singular. See _Lappilatwan_ and _Wappilatwan_. + + Wegadusk, “northern lights” (M.). + + Wʾnagʾmeswuk, “fairies” (P.); small beings in human form of a + benevolent character. + + Wichkwîdlakunchich, “small dish of bark” (P.). + + Wîgît, “he, they live or lives” (P.); parti., 3 p., sing. and + plural. The stem _wig_, “dwell, live,” is common to all the + Algic idioms. Cp. _wigwâm_, “a house.” + + Wiguladumuch, “elves”; pl. -_uk_ (M.). + + Winpe, a Pass. evil spirit, perhaps cogn. with M. _Winsit_, “devil.” + + Wîwĭlmekw, a Pass. horned monster, living in the water. + + Wuchoʿsen, “north wind” (P.). This word denotes a fabulous eagle + which causes the wind by the motion of his wings. + + Wut, “that” (P.). + + Owing to lack of space, this Glossary contains only the most + important Indian words which appear in the English text. + No attempt has been made to explain the Indian headings + grammatically, nor the text of quoted poems. P. + + + + + OTHER WORKS BY + CHARLES GODFREY LELAND + + + The Poetry and Mystery of Dreams, 1850 + Hans Breitmann’s Ballads, 1868 + The English Gypsies and Their Language, 1872 + English Gypsey Ballads, 1873 + Life of Abraham Lincoln, 1881 + The Minor Arts, 1881 + The Gypsies, 1883 + The Algonquin Legends of New England, 1884 (2d edition 1885) + Dictionary of Jargon and Slang (in collaboration with Prof. Barrère), + 1891 + Gypsey Sorcery, 1891 + Legends of Florence, 2d series, 1895–6 + Hans Breitmann in Tyrol, 1895 + Songs of the Sea and Lays of the Land, 1895 + Mending and Repairing, 1896 + One Hundred Profitable Arts (issued as a series of handbooks) + Legends of Virgil, 1899 + The Gothic Mother Goose (in preparation) + Flaxius (in preparation) + + + + + OTHER WORKS BY + + JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE + + + Notes on the Language of the Eastern Algonkin Tribes, in the American + Journal of Philology, ix. pp. 310–316, 1888 + Archæology in Turkey, in the New York Independent, Dec. 6, 1888 + The Linguistic Position of the Osmanli Turkish, in Johns Hopkins + University Circular, April, 1891 + MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN, an historical study of the Fifth Chapter of + Daniel, with translation of the Cyrus Cylinder and the Annals of + Nabonidus, Baltimore, 1893 + The Syntax of the Assyrian Preposition Ina, in the Proceedings of the + American Oriental Society, April, 1895, pp. ccxviii-ccxxvi + The Book of Psalms, English Translation of Wellhausen’s Notes, in the + Polychrome Edition of the Old Testament, Leipzig, 1895 + Brasluniau o Bagdad, in the Drych (Welsh Newspaper), March 5, 1896 + The Passamaquoddy Wampum Records, in the Proceedings of the American + Philosophical Society, pp. 479–495, 1897 + Old Testament Notes, in the Journal of Biblical Literature, xvi. pp. + 175–6, 1897 + The Syntax of the Assyrian Preposition Ana, in Journal of the American + Oriental Society, xviii. pp. 355–6, 1897 + Some Passamaquoddy Documents in the Annals of the New York Academy of + Science, xi. nr. 15, pp. 369–377, 1898 + On Daniel viii. 11–12, in Journal of Biblical Literature, xvii. pp. 203 + ff. 1898 + Assyrian Prepositional Usage, Journal of the American Oriental Society, + xx. pp. 1–11, 1899 + A CRITICAL COMMENTARY on the Book of Daniel, Leipzig, 1899 + On Psalm ii. 12, in Journal of Biblical Literature, xix. pp. 1–4, 1900 + Forgotten Indian Place-Names in the Adirondacks, Journal American + Folklore, 1900, pp. 123–128 + Some Passamaquoddy Witchcraft Tales, in Proceedings of the American + Philosophical Society, xxxviii. pp. 181–189, 1900 + The Unilingual Inscriptions K. 138 and K. 3232 translated from the + Sumerian, Journal of the American Oriental Society, xxi. pp. 1–22, + 1900 + Notes on Passamaquoddy Literature, in Annals of the New York Academy of + Science, xiii. pp. 381–386, 1901 + Notes on the Modern Minsi Delaware Dialect, American Journal of + Philology, xxi. pp. 295–302, 1901 + The Modern Dialect of the Canadian Abenakis, in Miscellanea Linguistica + in Onore di Graziodio Ascoli, pp. 343–362, 1901 + + + + + FLAXIUS, + OR LEAVES FROM THE LIFE OF AN IMMORTAL + + BY + CHARLES GODFREY LELAND, F.R.S.L., + A.M. (Harvard) &c. + + Published by P. WELLBY, LONDON. + + +“It is not so much the spirit of Breitmann which animates these pages +as that of Pantagruel. From the President of the United States, +Roosevelt, he goes to Hamlet and resolves to visit Hades. The tale of +Flaxius and the Were-wolf is a brilliant narrative.... Flaxius breaks +a lance for Jezebel and also for Herodias with graceful impartiality. +The chapter on the Bookseller is among the most charming in the +work.... It is quite certain that many readers will welcome Flaxius +as a philosopher seeking _la vraie verité_, a philosopher whose +sympathy is very human, and who has in spite of all his erudition ... +something of the naïve spontaneous pen of his Teutonic rival, Hans +Breitmann.” + +Condensed from a review of 150 lines in the _London Academy_. + +“The prose which is nearly all the book is a continued delight and +surprise in its humorous ideas, as well as in its more pitiful and +thoughtful moods.” “The whole is a literary entertainment of a rare +and delicate kind. Truly it is one of the daintiest, quaintest, +most frolicsome, and at the same time most spiritual of _jeux +d’esprit_.”--The (London) _Free Lance_. + +“An extremely pleasant and agreeable book.... No one who cares for +curious customs presented in a quaint and entrancing manner will miss +‘Flaxius: Leaves from the Life of an Immortal.’”--_Pall Mall Gazette._ + + + + +Transcriber’s Note: + +Words and phrases in italics are surrounded by underscores, _like +this_. Chapter and Canto headings, printed in gothic font, are +surrounded by equal signs, =like this=. Letters that have both an +accent and macron are shown within brackets, like this: [´ē]. Words +may have inconsistent hyphenation and use of diacriticals. + +Footnotes were renumbered sequentially; except for the Glossary, +footnotes were moved to the end of the chapter. Partially printed +punctuation and diacriticals were completed. Misspelled words were +not corrected. The word ‘a’ was added to ‘... in a pickle ...’ In the +Appendix, the English translation was moved to follow the related +section of Native language. + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78673 *** diff --git a/78673-h/78673-h.htm b/78673-h/78673-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c52dbb8 --- /dev/null +++ b/78673-h/78673-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12600 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> + <meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no,date=no,address=no,email=no,url=no"> + <title> + Kulóskap the Master | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +h1,h2,h3,h4 { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0em; + clear: both; + font-weight: bold; + page-break-before: avoid;} +h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} +h1 { margin: .5em 5%; 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The title, 'Kuloskap the Master,' is printed in red; the first letter, K, is outlined in black. Below the title, the head of an Indian, with two feathers in his hair, is surrounded by a black box; the background between the head and the box is gold. Centered below the box is the word 'By' in black script; then 'Charles Godfrey Leland' in block letters in black; then 'AND' in small capitals in red; and last 'John Dyneley Prince' in block letters in black."> +</figure> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<div class="linebox"> +<h1 class="red"> +Kulóskap the Master +</h1> +<p class="p0 center muchlarger"><i>And Other Algonkin Poems</i></p> +</div> +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="frontispiece" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/frontispiece.jpg" alt="Watercolor in shades of brown and grey set inside a wigwam. To the right is an Indian man sitting on his knees with his left hand extended. A small pot sits on top of a low fire in the lower left corner. Opposite the man, sitting cross-legged on a blanket, is an Indian woman. She is looking down at a small child, seated in front of her. The child, wearing only a necklace, looks at the man."> + <figcaption class="red"> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0">And bade the little creature come to him;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Back smiled the baby, but it did not budge.</div> + <div class="poemright">(<i>See <a href="#Page_108">page 108</a>.</i>)</div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> +<div class="box"> +<div class="box"> +<p class="center xxl red"><strong>Kulóskap the Master</strong></p> +<p class="center muchlarger"><i>And Other Algonkin Poems</i></p> +</div><!--end inside box--> + +<div class="box"> +<p class="p4 center"><i>Translated Metrically by</i></p> +<p class="center red">CHARLES GODFREY LELAND, <abbr title="Honorary Fellow Royal Society of Literature"><span class="allsmcap">Hon.</span> F.R.S.L.</abbr>; <abbr title="Master of Arts">M.A.</abbr></p> + +<p class="center">(Harvard)</p> + +<p class="center">Author of “The Algonquin Legends of New England”</p> + +<p class="center allsmcap">AND</p> + +<p class="center red">JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE, <abbr title="Doctor of Philosophy">Ph.D.</abbr> (Johns Hopkins)</p> + +<p class="center">Professor in Columbia University and author of various +articles on Algonkin dialects</p> +<br><br><br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="colophon" style="max-width: 28.1875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/colophon.jpg" alt="Icon of an open book with the letter F on the verso and W on the recto. The book is surrounded by a laurel wreath."> +</figure> +<br> +</div><!--end inside box--> + +<div class="box"> +<p class="center"><i>FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY</i></p> +<p class="center"><i>New York and London</i></p> +<p class="center"><i>1902</i></p> +</div><!--end inside box--> +</div><!--end outside box--> +</div><!--end chapter--> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center tall"> +<span class="smcap">Copyright</span>, 1902<br> +By FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY<br> +<span class="smcap">New York</span><br> +</p> +<hr class="r5"> +<p class="p0 center">Registered at Stationers’ Hall, London, England</p> +<hr class="r5"> +<p class="p0 center">Printed in the United States of America</p> +<hr class="r5"> +<p class="p0 center">Published November, 1902</p> + +<p class="p4 center"><i>ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE VOLUME</i></p> +<hr class="r5"> +<p class="center"><i>Half-tone Text Illustrations by F. BERKELEY SMITH</i><br> +<br> +<i>Ten Tracings after Indian Designs by</i><br> +<i>CHARLES GODFREY LELAND</i><br> +<br> +<i>Frontispiece by EDWIN WILLARD DEMING</i> +</p> +</div> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Contents"> + <strong>Contents</strong> + </h2> +</div> +<hr class="r25"> + +<table data-summary="contents"> +<tbody> +<tr><th colspan="3" class="tdr muchsmaller allsmcap">PAGE</th></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdh" colspan="2"><strong>Preface</strong>—By CHARLES GODFREY LELAND</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#PREFACE">11</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh" colspan="2"><strong>Introduction</strong>—By JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#INTRODUCTION">21</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdc"><hr class="r25"></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdc"><a href="#PART_FIRST"><i>PART FIRST—THE EPIC OF KULÓSKAP</i></a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdl"><a href="#Canto_First"><strong>Canto First</strong></a>—<i>Creation Legends</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="One">I.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Birth of Kulóskap</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_1_I">43</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Two">II.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Creation of Man and the Animals</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_1_II">50</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Three">III.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Origin of the Rattlesnakes</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_1_III">56</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Four">IV.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap named the Animals</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_1_IV">59</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdl pad1"><a href="#Canto_Second"><strong>Canto Second</strong></a>—<i>The Master’s Kindness to Man</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="One">I.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">What Kulóskap did for the Indians</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_2_I">62</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Two">II.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap granted Gifts and Favors +to many Indians</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_2_II">64</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Three">III.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Fool</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_2_III">90</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Four">IV.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Three Brothers who became Trees</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_2_IV">94</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Five">V.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Wise Wishers</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_2_V">98</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Six">VI.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap was conquered by the Babe</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_2_VI">107</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdl pad1"><a href="#Canto_Third"><strong>Canto Third</strong></a>—<i>The Master and the Animals</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="One">I.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Loons</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_I">110</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Two">II.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Beaver</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_II">112</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Three">III.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Sable and the Serpent</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_III">118</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Four">IV.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Turtle</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_IV">123</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Five">V.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Mikchik the Turtle was false to the +Master</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_V">136</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Six">VI.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap conquered Aklibimo the +Great Bull Frog</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_VI">140</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Seven">VII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap went Whale Fishing</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_VII">152</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Eight">VIII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and Wuchōsen the Wind Eagle</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_3_VIII">158</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdl pad1"><a href="#Canto_Fourth"><strong>Canto Fourth</strong></a>—<i>The Master and the Sorcerers</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="One">I.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and Winpe</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_I">162</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Two">II.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How a Witch sought to cajole the Master</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_II">172</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Three">III.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap fought the Giant Sorcerers</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_III">174</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Four">IV.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How the Master showed himself a Great +Smoker</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_IV">182</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Five">V.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Witch</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_V">185</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Six">VI.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Witch called “The Pitcher”</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_VI">194</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Seven">VII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap sailed through the Cavern of +Darkness</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_VII">203</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Eight">VIII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How the Master found the Summer</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_VIII">208</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Nine">IX.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How Kulóskap left the World</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_IX">213</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Ten">X.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Master and the Final Day</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#I_4_X">217</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdc"><hr class="r25"></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdc"><a href="#PART_SECOND"><i>PART SECOND—WITCHCRAFT LORE</i></a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="One">I.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Wizard’s Chant</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_I">223</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Two">II.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Woman and the Serpent</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_II">225</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Three">III.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Wizard Snake</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_III">229</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Four">IV.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Measuring Worm</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_IV">231</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Five">V.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Pʾmûla or Air-Demon</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_V">236</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Six">VI.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Little Boy kidnapped by the Bear</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_VI">239</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Seven">VII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Wizard and the Christian Priest</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_VII">242</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Eight">VIII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Wizard Warfare</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_VIII">244</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Nine">IX.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Wizard’s Hunting</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_IX">250</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Ten">X.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Six Short Tales of Witchcraft</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#II_X">253</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Eleven">XI.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">A Delaware Youth and his Uncle</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#XI">256</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Twelve">XII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Dance of Old Age</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#XII">260</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Thirteen">XIII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">A Tale of the River-Elves</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#XIII">269</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdc"><hr class="r25"></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdc"><a href="#PART_THIRD"><i>PART THIRD—LYRICS AND MISCELLANY</i></a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="One">I.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Song of Lappilatwan</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_I">273</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Two">II.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Story of Nipon the Summer</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_II">283</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Three">III.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Scarlet Tanager and the Leaf</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_III">295</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Four">IV.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Blind Boy</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_IV">305</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Five">V.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">A Passamaquoddy Love Song</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_V">308</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Six">VI.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Song of the Stars</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_VI">312</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Seven">VII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">How the Indians lost their Power</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_VII">314</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Eight">VIII.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">The Partridge and the Spring</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_VIII">320</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="tdr vlt"><abbr title="Nine">IX.</abbr></td> + <td class="tdh">Lox, the Indian Devil</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#III_IX">325</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="3" class="tdc"><hr class="r25"></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2" class="tdh"><strong>L’Envoi</strong></td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#LEnvoi">337</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2" class="tdh"><strong>Appendix</strong>: <i>The Passamaquoddy Wampum Records</i></td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#APPENDIX">340</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2" class="tdh"><strong>Glossary</strong></td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#Glossary">361</a></td></tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Full_Page_Illustrations"> + Full Page Illustrations + </h2> +</div> +<hr class="r25"> + +<table data-summary="illustrations"> +<tbody> +<tr><th class="tdr allsmcap muchsmaller" colspan="2">PAGE</th></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Babe</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#frontispiece"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">The Creation of Man</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_050">50</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">The Origin of the Rattlesnakes</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_058">58</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">What Kulóskap did for the Indians</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_067">67</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Loons</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_110">110</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">Kulóskap and the Beaver</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_116">116</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">The Sable and the Serpent</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_122">122</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">How Kulóskap went Whale Fishing</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_154">154</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">Kulóskap and Winpe</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_170">170</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">How Kulóskap fought the Giant Sorcerers at Saco</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_178">178</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">How Kulóskap sailed through the Cavern of Darkness</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_205">205</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">The Little Boy Kidnapped by the Bear</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_240">241</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">Wizard Warfare</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_246">246</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">The Dance of Old Age</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_266">266</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdh">Lox, the Indian Devil</td> + <td class="tdr vlb"><a href="#i_333">333</a></td></tr> +</tbody> +</table> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> +<p class="center xxl"><strong> +Preface</strong></p> +<p class="center allsmcap">BY</p> +<p class="center">CHARLES GODFREY LELAND +</p> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE"> + PREFACE + </h2> +</div> + +<p>Very few persons are aware that there has perished, or +is rapidly perishing, among the Red Indians of North +America, far more poetry than was ever written by all +the white inhabitants and that this native verse is often +of a very high order. For the Indian sagas, or legends, +or traditions were, in fact, all songs; as is the case to +this day with similar lore in Italy. Indeed, in the latter +country, I have been asked if I would have a fairy tale +chanted or repeated as prose! Thus, all the narratives +in my “Algonquin Legends of New England,” especially +those referring to Kulóskap (Klûskâbe), or to the gods, +might have been correctly made into a poetic cycle, as +the Finnish Kalevala was made by Lönnrot.</p> + +<p>After I had published my Legends, however, I was +made aware by Louis Mitchell, a Passamaquoddy Indian, +who had been in the Legislature of Maine, and +had collected and written out for me, with strictest +literalness, a great number of manuscripts, that there +were in existence certain narratives and poems quite +different in kind from anything which I possessed. +Among the former was a History of the Passamaquoddy +Tribe, illustrated with numerous designs of the birchbark +school of art, which I transferred to my friend the +late Dr. D. G. Brinton as its most appropriate possessor. +Three of the poems Mitchell wrote out for me in +exact, though often quite ungrammatical language, +which was so close to the original that the metres betrayed +themselves throughout. I regret that, though I +had certainly acquired some knowledge of “Indian,” it +was, as a Passamaquoddy friend one day amiably observed, +“only baby Injun now grow bigger some day like +Miʿkumwess s’posin’ you want to,” in reference to a small +goblin who is believed to have the power of increasing +his stature at will. However, I with great care put the +Mitchell Anglo-Algonkin into English metre, having been +impressed, while at the work, with the exquisitely naïve +and fresh character of the original, which, while it often +reminded me of Norse poetry, in many passages had +strictly a life and beauty of its own.</p> + +<p>Among my varied and most valued small possessions +is what was once, beyond doubt, the sketch book of +Salvator Rosa himself, consisting of a number of blank +leaves on one of which still remains an exquisite pen +sketch of a head by Bronzino. There were in it also, at +one time, as appears from a memorandum and on a flyleaf, +several sketches of Salvator, but these have been cut +out and sold. The binding or cover of the book was +made from a large folio-thick parchment leaf from a fourteenth +century religious manuscript, whereon are seven +illuminated vermilion capitals still remaining. And, as +my manuscript exactly fitted the cover, I placed it +therein, where it rested for many years, undisturbed +even by a thought save when it occurred to me how +the great and savage master, who was himself a poet, +would have rejoiced among Indians and liked their +lyrics!</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0a" lang="it">“Io sono pittore</div> + <div class="verse indent0" lang="de">Gar flink mit der Hand</div> + <div class="verse indent0" lang="de">Und bin Salvatore</div> + <div class="verse indent0" lang="it">La Rosa genannt.”</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>It so befell that I, <i lang="it">per fortuna</i>, became correspondent +with Professor J. Dyneley Prince, who had come some +time after but got far before me in a knowledge of Algonkin, +as was shown in various papers containing the +original text and translations of Algonkin legends in +different dialects. Whereupon, the thought occurred to +me that this fully qualified scholar might revise, correct, +and compare my metrical version with the original +text, which task would be much facilitated by the fact +that he also was well acquainted with Louis Mitchell, +and I may here mention that, while I had at one time +obtained an accurate copy of the celebrated Algonkin +“Wampum Record” which was recited annually in bygone +days at the Council of the Tribes, and had it read +to me, and written out in Indian English. <abbr title="Professor">Prof.</abbr> Dyneley +Prince has himself translated it and reproduces a portion +of it in the present work. So it came to pass that +this book was written. And I may here mention that +my colleague, while his specialty is the Semitic tongues, +also has (like my late friend E. H. Palmer, who professed +Arabic at Cambridge) the gift of the Romany and even +Shelta, which are as the Latin and Greek of the roads!</p> + +<p>During more than one-third of a life which began in +1824, I have passed almost annually over the continent +of Europe. I have lived for the past fifteen years in +Florence, in touch with the Apennines, or opposite Bellosguarda, +sung by many a poet, and the Alps and +castled crags of the Rhine come to me often in my +dreams; yet I never found in it all that strange and +sweet charm like a song without words which haunts +the hills and valleys of rural New England. That it has +existed and been deeply felt and clearly recognized, is +evident in the works of Hawthorne, with whom we may +include Washington Irving, Judd⁠<a id="FNanchor_1_1" href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and indeed many +more, every one of whom bears witness of having been +awakened by a spell which he never felt in other lands. +And this spirit of its memory is the most beautiful +which I have at command:</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0a">“I feel its magic from afar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like another life in me;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I hear—though not with living ear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And see the forms which with my eye</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I ne’er again shall see!”</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>Yet with all this, there was still one thing wanting; +that which Nature itself would not give fully, even to a +Wordsworth: the subtle final charm of human tradition, +poetry, or romance. True, it may be the slightest—a +mere touch of gold-leaf or an illuminated letter, or a sun-gleam +on the mountain top—but the most inspired poet +can never feel that he is really “heart-intimate” with +scenery, if it has for him no ties of tradition or +folk-lore. When I was young, I felt this lack, and bore +in patience the very common reproach of Europeans +that we had a land without ancient legends or song. +But now that I am older grown, I have learned that +this want is all in our own ignorance and neglect of +what we had only to put forth our hand to reach. We +bewailed our wretched poverty when we had in our lap +a casket full of treasure which we would not take the +pains to open. Few indeed and far between are those +who ever suspected till of late years that every hill and +dale in New England had its romantic legend, its beautiful +poem, or its marvellous myth—the latter equal in +conception and form to those of the Edda—or that a +vast collection of these traditions still survives in perfect +preservation among the few remaining Indians of New +England and the Northeast Coast, or the <i>Wabano</i>. This +assertion is, I trust, verified by what is given in the +Micmac tales by the late Rev. S. Rand, the collection +made by Miss Abbey Alger of Boston, and my own +“Algonquin Legends of New England,”⁠<a id="FNanchor_2_2" href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> which I, <i lang="la">sit +venia</i>, may mention was the first to appear of the series. +And I venture to say from the deepest conviction that +it will be no small occasion of astonishment and chagrin, +a hundred years hence, when the last Algonkin +Indian of the <i>Wabano</i> shall have passed away, that so +few among our literary or cultured folk cared enough +to collect this connected aboriginal literature. Unto +which I may truly add that, when such collection was +made, there were far more critics to find fault with the +way in which it was done, than persons to do it.</p> + +<p>A few of the poems contained in this volume have +already appeared in prose form in the “Algonquin +Legends of New England.” As these were in fact poetry, +or chanted in rude measure, I had at first the intention +to give them in English in their original form and to +group all those referring to the divinity in an epic, as +Lönnrot made the Finnish Kalevala, or Homer his own +great works. This I have to a degree accomplished in +the present volume.</p> + +<p>To render my meaning clear as to the legends having +been poems, the reader may be aware that all rude races +make no distinction between prose narrative and poetry. +When an Indian, an Italian mountaineer, an Arab, and +sometimes a Gypsy (I have had experience of all in +this respect) would spin off some long romantic yarn, +he either gives you a choice, or, more frequently, begins +to intone or chant the tale in a manner which is something +between plain-song and the singing of “Captain +Kidd” in a northeaster by one who has no vocal gift. +Then the voice falls into one or the other of two measures +which I believe I have accurately followed in the +present work. This primitive rhythm is quite irregular, +following only a general cadence rather than observing +any fixed number of beats in each line. I have endeavored +to represent this peculiarity in the English version +by not adhering too strictly to an unvarying measure. +These Amerindian⁠<a id="FNanchor_3_3" href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> metres are not all like that of Hiawatha, +which is, however, quite in accord with the form +of the Slavonic and Spanish romances.</p> + +<p>Although not entirely ignorant of Passamaquoddy, +Penobscot and Micmac, I am not proficient therein and +have chiefly based my work on very careful translations +executed by others. Here, however, I avail myself of +the assistance and authority of my <i lang="fr">collaborateur</i>, J. +Dyneley Prince, who as these pages witness, has seriously +studied the eastern Algonkin dialects, especially +the idiom of the Canadian Abenakis.</p> + +<p>A Penobscot woman once told me that it was <em>Klûskâbe</em>—she +did not call him <em>Kulóskap</em>, as the Passamaquoddies +do—who divided the great mountain of which +Boston originally consisted into <em>three hills</em>. I have +since learned from an authentic legend gathered by Miss +Roma Lister that Virgil did the same at Rome. Here +the seven hills were confused with three. Every reader +of Scott will recall the great wizard Michael Scott, who +was believed to have worked the same miracle:</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0a">“And, Warrior, I could say to thee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The word that cleft Eildon hills in three.”</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>These coincidences are very remarkable. I regret that +I have not the Penobscot song in which the division of +the Boston hill is described, but I believe that it exists.</p> + +<p>The traditions and, to some extent, the languages and +histories of the aboriginal tribes are quite as worthy +of being taught at our universities to all who propose +to become American scholars as many other branches +which are endowed at great expense, and are a great +source of pride. But the true value of work like this +is, that the country will be if those who love it so desire, +once more repeopled with the fairies of yore. Those who +will may walk in the spirit-haunted paths, trodden in +the early time by strange beings; the rocks will have +their goblins again and the “Diana’s Bath,” as it is +now styled, will be known by its ancient Indian name +of “The Home of the Water Elves.”⁠<a id="FNanchor_4_4" href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> It was Bryant, +I think, who declared that the forest trees of New England +were all the summer time repeating in Indian words +“their old poetic legends to the wind,” and it is a tradition +that there are ancient Indians who understand the +language of Mūūin the Bear—wherein may lurk more +truth than most would deem, according to the latest +faith!—but these were unto all lost tongues, and the +dreams were thinnest air. Now that it is indeed possible +from these poems and such tales as have begun to reappear +to see the forms of olden time once more. I +venture to express the hope that all who love nature in +New England will turn to the study of its folk-lore and +thereby secure the final flash of gold on the mountain +tops, the last touch in the picture of which I have +spoken. When I was a boy my happiest hours were +spent in the rural scenery of Massachusetts. Could I +have had such books then, I could have enjoyed it all +far more. Therefore, I wish with all my heart, and +truly from no selfish point of view, that every lover of +rock and river and greenwood tree would master these +old Indian tales or poems, and see in all Nature new +charms.</p> + +<p class="right"> + CHARLES GODFREY LELAND. +</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_1_1" href="#FNanchor_1_1" class="label">[1]</a> Author of “Margaret” (illustrated beautifully by Felix Darley). +</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_2_2" href="#FNanchor_2_2" class="label">[2]</a> “The Algonquin Legends of New England,” by Charles G. Leland. +Boston (Houghton, Mifflin & <abbr title="Company">Co.</abbr>), 1885.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_3_3" href="#FNanchor_3_3" class="label">[3]</a> Amerindian is a term invented and used by the Americanists of the +Smithsonian Institution, to denote aboriginal American races and languages.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_4_4" href="#FNanchor_4_4" class="label">[4]</a> At the Intervale in the White Mountains, <abbr title="New Hampshire">N. H.</abbr>, the Indian name for +the spot known as “Diana’s Bath,” is <i>Wʾwagʾmeswuk wigît</i> (Passamaquoddy), +“the fairies’ home.”</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> +<p class="center xxl"><strong> +Introduction</strong></p> +<p class="center allsmcap">BY</p> +<p class="center">JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE +</p> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="INTRODUCTION"> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>I became interested in Indian languages and lore at +Bar Harbor, <abbr title="Maine">Me.</abbr>, in 1887, chiefly through my able +coadjutor. It was Mr. Leland’s important work, “The +Algonquin Legends of New England” (Boston, 1885), +which inspired me to make my first investigations in this +field. Mr. Leland was indeed the pioneer in examining +the oral literature of the northeastern Algonkin tribes, +a fact which few scholars seem to recognize. To him +especially, as well as to the late Rev. Silas Rand of +Nova Scotia and to Miss Abbey Alger of Boston, do we +owe some highly valuable additions to our knowledge of +early eastern Algonkin thought. My own researches +have been devoted more to linguistic and phonetic investigations +among the Canadian Abenakis than to +comparative mythological study—in which, however, I +feel a very deep interest. In the present work I have +had the pleasant task of arranging and editing Mr. +Leland’s material, to which I have added some of my +own collections. Mr. Leland’s poems are indicated by +the letter L and my contributions by the letter P.</p> + +<p>I gladly take this opportunity to express my gratitude +to my friend, Mr. A. S. Gatschet of the Smithsonian +Institution at Washington, for a great deal of valuable +advice and instruction given to me at different times +during my American researches. His extensive knowledge +of Algonkin philology and folk-lore has always +been most kindly placed at my disposal.</p> + +<p>The existing representatives of the Algonkin or Algic +race may be separated linguistically into three great +divisions: the Blackfeet of the extreme west, whose +idiom differs most greatly from all the other dialects;⁠<a id="FNanchor_5_5" href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> +the Cree-Ojibwe of the middle west, which embraces a +number of closely allied linguistic variations⁠<a id="FNanchor_6_6" href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> and the +Wabanaki races of the eastern coast, with whom the +present work is concerned. It should be noted that the +Algonkin languages, like all American idioms, are polysynthetic, +i.e., either by means of prefixes and suffixes +which were themselves separate words, or, by combining +the radicals with other radicals, they build up words and +often sentences from original radicals which, in all probability, +were primitively monosyllabic. These original +stems were in reality only indifferent themes which might +be used practically in any sense, be it nominal or verbal. +An excellent example of polysynthesis is seen in the combination +<i>ndalagaʿkimzi Alsigontegok</i>, “I learned it at +St. Francis” (Abenaki), which may be analyzed as follows: +<i>n</i>, inseparable prefix of the first person, <i>dal</i> the +prepositional element “in” or “at” (<abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> the separable +post-position <i>tali</i>, “in”), <abbr title="root">√</abbr> <i>agaʿkim</i>, the root “to learn, +teach”—itself a reduplicated form of original <abbr title="root">√</abbr> <i>kim</i>, +“learn”—and, finally, -<i>zi</i>, the reflexive ending. <i>Alsigontegok</i> +is the locative case of <i>Alsigontegw</i>, “river of +empty habitations,” the Abenaki name for the Indian +village of St. Francis, near Pierreville. The termination +-<i>tegw</i>, locative <i>tegok</i>, always means “river,” but cannot +be used separately. If the reader will reflect that the +entire linguistic structure is arranged on this plan, the +immense physical difficulty of these idioms will be appreciated. +On the other hand, the Algonkin languages, by +reason of their very power to form these long idea-words, +are admirably adapted for narration and song, however +poor a medium they might be for modern business.</p> + +<p>Among the following poems and tales will be found +selections taken from Passamaquoddies, Penobscots, +Abenakis, Micmacs and Delawares, all of which tribes +are members of the so-called Wabanaki branch of the +Algonkin stock and are consequently nearly related +in language and folk-lore. This term <i>Wabanaki</i> or <i>Oñbanaki</i> +(Abenaki) means “land of the dawn or east,” +and undoubtedly points to that section of country in +which these people first established tribal relations. +<i>Wabanaki</i> (<i>Oñbanaki</i>) is also a common term for “a +man from the east.”⁠<a id="FNanchor_7_7" href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a>⁠</p> + +<p>The Passamaquoddy Indians of Pleasant Point, <abbr title="Maine">Me.</abbr>, +numbering about five hundred in all, are identical with +the Milicetes or Etchemins of New Brunswick and Nova +Scotia. The name Passamaquoddy is a purely local +term, meaning “spearers of pollock fish” (<i>peskátum</i>). +The correct form is <i>Pestumokádyik</i>. These people are +by far the most interesting remnant of the Wabanaki, as +they still retain an unusually extensive oral literature, +embracing love poems, legends, and historical tales of +considerable value. It will be noticed, moreover, that, +of the material given in the present work, that coming +from the Passamaquoddy is by far the best from a +literary point of view. I need only call the reader’s +attention to the very remarkable song recording the +attack of the squirrels on <i>Lappilatwan</i>, who dwelt in +the birch tree, “ever sitting with his mouth open” +(<i>wechkutonébit</i>), a song of which Mr. Leland gives a +most charming version. I know no parallel to this in +any other literature. The wonderful song of <i>Nipon</i>, +the summer, and the truly tender legend of the loves of +the Leaf and the Firebird will serve still further to illustrate +the purity of Passamaquoddy thought and diction.</p> + +<p>The following brief historical sketch, taken from the +manuscripts of the Passamaquoddy Louis Mitchell, will +give some idea of the conditions which prevailed among +the Wabanaki previous to the coming of the Europeans.</p> + +<p>“In former days the Wabanaki nation, the Indians +called Megʾwek, or Mohawks, and other members of the +Iroquoian Six Nations, were wont to wage bloody and +unceasing war with one another. The Wabanaki nation +consisted of five tribes: Passamaquoddies, Penobscots, +Micmacs, Milicetes, and the tribe, now extinct, which +formerly inhabited the banks of the Kennebec River. +The bitterest foes of the Wabanaki were undoubtedly the +Megʾwek or Mohawks, who on the slightest provocation +would send bands to harry them and destroy their crops. +The Mohawks invariably treated their prisoners with the +most merciless severity, showing no pity even to the +women and children. A favorite torture which they +frequently practised was to build a large fire of hemlock +coals, into the flames of which they drove their captives, +compelling them to walk back and forth over the glowing +embers until relieved by death. No case is on record +where a brave of the Wabanaki succumbed to the fearful +pain and begged for mercy. The warriors would always +pace the fiery path with undaunted resolution and without +uttering a sound, until nature put an end to their +agony. Tortures of this sort were practised by all the +tribes, but the Mohawks exceeded the others in cruelty.”</p> + +<p>“The cause of the strife was an hereditary dispute +about hunting grounds. Besides the enmity which they +nourished in common against the Six Nations, the Wabanaki +had also internal disputes. Thus, the Penobscots +were at feud with the Milicetes and the Micmacs with the +Passamaquoddies.”</p> + +<p>“The first war between the last two tribes was +brought about by the quarrel of two boys, sons of +chiefs. On this occasion the Passamaquoddies were on +a friendly visit to the Micmacs, during which the sons +of the Passamaquoddy and Micmac chiefs went shooting +together. They both shot at a white sable, killing the +animal by their joint effort, but each lad claimed it as +his game. Finally, the Passamaquoddy boy, becoming +enraged, killed the son of the Micmac chief. The latter +on hearing of the murder could think only of vengeance, +and positively refused to listen to the Passamaquoddy +chief’s attempt at reconciliation. The latter even offered +the life of his own son who had been guilty of the murder, +but all to no purpose. In consequence of this unfortunate +occurrence, the celebrated ‘great war’ was +then declared, which lasted many years.”</p> + +<p>“The Micmacs although more numerous than their +enemies, were inferior warriors, so that the victory was +always won (<i>sic!</i>) by the Passamaquoddies. So great +was the hostile spirit that the two tribes fought whenever +they met, paying no heed to the time of year. On +one occasion, the Passamaquoddies went to Tlancowatik, +thirty miles west of St. John, <abbr title="New Brunswick">N. B.</abbr>, with a small party +consisting principally of women and children, with the +chief and a few braves. At this place they met a number +of Micmacs on their way to Passamaquoddy Bay. +The Micmac chief being a lover of fair play ordered his +men to land on an island to await the coming of a +messenger. The other chief sent word that on the following +day ‘the boys would come out to play.’ As the +Passamaquoddy chief had very few men able to bear +arms, he made the women attire themselves like warriors +so that from a distance they might be mistaken for men, +and directed them to play on the beach shouting and +laughing as if entirely fearless. The Micmac chief, deceived +by this stratagem and being afraid, summoned +his braves to council, and setting forth the disasters +which had been caused by the long war advised a treaty +of peace. This proposition was made to the Passamaquoddies +who, wearied by the perpetual state of unrest, +gladly acceded to the request. A general council was +accordingly called, by which it was decided that ‘as long +as the sun rises and sets, as long as the great lakes +send their waters to the sea, so long should peace reign +over the two tribes.’</p> + +<p>“The usual ceremonies for making peace were then +observed, as follows: (1) a marriage was contracted +between a brave of the challenging people and a maiden +of the challenged people. This was regarded as a type +of perpetual future good will. (2) A feast lasting two +months was celebrated nightly; and (3) games of ball, +canoe and foot races and other sports were carried on. +After such ceremonies were over no breach of a treaty +is on record, not even a single murder.”</p> + +<p>“After the great Micmac war was ended, the Passamaquoddies +lived at peace except for occasional raids of +Mohawks, but the latter finally received a blow from +which they never recovered, the details of which are as +follows: It was the custom of the Mohawks to make +night attacks, and at one time, when the Passamaquoddies +were at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay, the Mohawks +approached the camp, which was called Quenasquamcook, +with the purpose of utterly destroying it. +On this occasion, however, they were seen by a Passamaquoddy +brave whose people lay in ambush for +them. It was the custom of chiefs to wear medallions +of white wampum shells which were visible at a long +distance, particularly in the moonlight. Picking out in +this way the person of the Mohawk chief whose name +was Lox (‘Wolverine’) the watching braves shot him +first, owing to which calamity the Mohawks were thrown +into confusion and fled. The Passamaquoddies followed +them as soon as day broke, but the tracks were so scattered +that they could not find the refugees. It was +ascertained afterwards that the Mohawks had quarrelled +among themselves, one party being in favor of making +peace with the enemy, while another faction was strongly +opposed to such a measure. The discussion of the question +ended in a fierce combat. This was the final blow +to the Mohawk cause, so that the nation ever afterward +sought to be at peace with the Passamaquoddies.”</p> + +<p>“After this battle the Passamaquoddies were never +again molested, but the Penobscot tribe was still at +war with the Milicetes and Mohawks and, in fact, was +nearly destroyed three times by their ruthless foes.”⁠<a id="FNanchor_8_8" href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a>⁠</p> + +<p>After this period of intertribal enmity came the ratification +of the Wampum Laws preserved in the so-called +“Wampum Record,” part of which is given in the +Appendix. This <i>Wababi Agʾnodmâgon</i>, as I received it, +is really an historical account transmitted orally by +elderly men whose memories had been especially trained +for the purpose from early youth. The laws themselves +are not given in my version. It was customary for these +keepers of tribal history from time to time to instruct +the younger members of their clan in the annals of the +people. The Passamaquoddy accounts were kept in the +memory of the historians by means of wampum shells +arranged on strings in such a manner that certain combinations +suggested certain sentences or ideas to the +narrator or “reader” who, of course, already knew his +record by heart and was merely aided by the association +in his mind of the arrangement of the wampum beads +with incidents or sentences in the tale, song, or ceremony +which he was rendering. This explains such expressions +as “marriage wampum” or “burial wampum,” which +are common among the Passamaquoddies, and simply +mean combinations of wampum which suggested to the +initiated interpreter the ritual of the tribal marriage +and burial ceremonies. Passamaquoddy tradition has +it that the Wampum Records (i.e., the actual laws) +were read ceremonially every year at Caughnawauga, +the Iroquois headquarters.</p> + +<p>This custom of preserving records by means of a mnemonic +system was peculiar to all the tribes of the Algonkin +race as well as to the Iroquoian clans. Brinton +refers to the record or tally sticks of the Crees and +Chippeways as the “rude beginning of a system of +mnemonic aids.” It seems to have been customary in +early times to burn a mark or rude figure on a stick, +suggestive of a sentence or idea. Brinton adds: “In +later days, instead of burning the marks upon the stick, +they were painted, the colors as well as the figures having +certain conventional meanings. The sticks are described +as about six inches in length, slender, although +varying in shape, and tied up in bundles.” Among the +more cultured tribes the sticks were eventually replaced +by wooden tablets, on which the symbols were engraved +with a sharp instrument, such as a flint or knife. The +Passamaquoddies, however, appear never to have advanced +beyond the use of wampum strings as mnemonic +aids.</p> + +<p>I obtained the Wampum Records at Bar Harbor, <abbr title="Maine">Me.</abbr>, +in 1887, from the Passamaquoddy Indian mentioned +above by Mr. Leland, Mr. Louis Mitchell, who was at +that time Indian member of the Maine Legislature. +The manuscripts which he sent me contained both the +Indian text and a translation into Indian-English, which +I have rearranged in an idiom I trust somewhat more +intelligible to the general reader.⁠<a id="FNanchor_9_9" href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a>⁠</p> + +<p>The Penobscot Indians of Maine number at present not +more than three hundred and fifty, most of whom are +resident at the Indian village of Oldtown on Penobscot +River, near Bangor. These people still speak a characteristic +Algonkin language which bears more resemblance to +the idiom of the Abenakis at St. Francis, near Pierreville, +Quebec, than it does to that of the nearer Algonkin +neighbors of the Penobscots, the Passamaquoddies. +Moreover, a philological examination of Penobscot and +Abenaki shows that both of these forms of Algonkin +speech are sister dialects, which have sprung from a common +original at a comparatively recent date.⁠<a id="FNanchor_10_10" href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> It is well +known that the Abenakis of Canada are the direct descendants +(of course with some admixture of French and +other blood) of the majority of the savages who escaped +from the great battle of the Kennebec in Maine, where the +English commander Bradford overthrew their tribe on +December 3, 1679. Many of the survivors at once fled +to French Canada, where they settled themselves in their +present village of St. Francis, near Pierreville, Quebec +(<i>Alsigontegok</i>, “river of empty habitations”). Others +again may have wandered into Canada at a slightly +later date. There can be little doubt that the Indians +now called Penobscots from their residence near the +river of that name are the descendants of those of the +early Abenakis who, instead of fleeing to French dominions, +eventually submitted themselves to the victorious +English. It is interesting to notice that the Canadian +Abenakis are the only one of the Wabanaki clans which +calls itself by the generic name (<i>Abenaki-Wabanaki</i>).</p> + +<p>The Micmacs are the easternmost and by far the most +numerous of the Wabanaki remnants. They are to be +found in various places in the Canadian provinces of +Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward’s +Island, and Newfoundland. Their grade of intelligence +is much lower than that of the other members of the +same family, but they still have a vast store of folk-lore, +legends, and poems which is perishing for want of interested +collectors. Their language differs so greatly +from the dialects of the Penobscots, Abenakis, and Passamaquoddies +that the members of these clans always +use English or French when communicating with their +Micmac neighbors, while an intelligent Passamaquoddy +can without difficulty understand a Penobscot or Abenaki, +if the dialect is pronounced slowly.</p> + +<p>The story of the enforced westward wanderings of the +ill-fated Delawares or Lenâpe has been told in detail +by my late friend Dr. Brinton (“The Lenâpe and their +Legends,” <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 122–6).</p> + +<p>At the present day this famous tribe, whose three +clans—the Minsi, the Unami, and the Unalachtigo—were +once the dominant native race in Delaware, New Jersey, +Pennsylvania, and parts of New York State is represented +by but a few bands living on scattered reservations, +some in Indian Territory and some in Ontario, +Canada. The Delawares of Indian Territory have quite +lost their identity as a tribe of Indians, as they have +been incorporated with the Cherokee Nation, by whose +chief and council they are governed. The last recognized +Delaware chief of this division of the tribe was Charles +Jurney-cake, whose daughters are now married to +white men. These Indians occupy lands in the Muskogee +Agency, situated in the northwestern part of the Cherokee +Nation. There are still about eight hundred Delawares +in this region, all of whom moved to the Cherokee +country from Kansas, in 1867. I am informed that a +few members of the race linger on at New Westfield, +near Ottawa, Kansas, most of whom are under the +charge of the Moravian Church.</p> + +<p>In Ontario, Canada, there are only about three hundred +in all; one hundred at Hagersville, on the Six Nations’ +(Iroquois) Reserve (Chief Nelles Montour), one +hundred at Munceytown, and the same number at Moraviantown, +which is the seat of a Moravian mission. +The Canadian Delawares are all Protestants, belonging, +for the most part, either to the Church of England or +to the Moravians.⁠<a id="FNanchor_11_11" href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a>⁠</p> + +<p>Brinton (<abbr title="in the work cited"><i>op. cit.</i></abbr>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 91 <abbr title="and the following pages">ff.</abbr>) has pointed out the chief +differences between the two ancient dialects of the Lenâpe, +<abbr title="namely">viz.</abbr>: the Unami-Unalachtigo and the Minsi. Of +these, the Minsi is spoken by all the Canadian Delawares. +In this connection, however, it is interesting to note that, +in a letter to Dr. Brinton, dated Moraviantown, 1884, +Chief Gottlieb Tobias states that three aged persons +were then living who could still talk the other dialect. +It is evident that most of the Delawares of Indian +Territory use the Unami-Unalachtigo, since Chief Montour, +of Hagersville, <abbr title="Ontario">Ont.</abbr>, writes that, when he visited +the Cherokee settlement of his race some years ago, he +could only understand with difficulty the speech of his +congeners resident there. On the other hand, he asserts +that the Delawares near Ottawa, Kansas, use pure Minsi.</p> + +<p>Chief Montour is a highly intelligent and well educated +Indian who takes a deep interest in the language +and lore of his tribe. The Delaware witchcraft +tale given in the following collection about the Muttóntoe +was sent to me by him.</p> + +<p>The lore of the Maine and eastern Canadian Wabanaki +may be said to center chiefly around the clown-like +being known to the Passamaquoddies as Kulóskap and +to the Penobscots as Klûskâbe. My coadjutor, Mr. Leland, +has ably treated of the nature of this purely American +creation in his Algonquin Legends, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 15–139. +Kulóskap (Klûskâbe) is a god-man of truly Indian +type who undoubtedly represents the principle of good, +and particularly good nature, as opposed to his twin-brother +Malsum the Wolf, who may be called the Ahrimân +of the Wabanaki, although this is almost too dignified +a term. It is highly interesting to notice that +these twins were born from an unknown divine mother, +the good Kulóskap in the natural manner, and the evil +Wolf through the woman’s side, a method which he deliberately +chose in order to kill his mother. The tendency +of Kulóskap, in spite of his name, was essentially benevolent. +Oddly enough Kulóskap means “the liar,” from +a stem <abbr title="root">√</abbr> <i>klûsk</i>, “lie” + <i>ap</i>, “a man, person, one who +stands.” The stem appears in Penobscot only in compounds; +<abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> <i>klûskachemuwâgon</i>, “a lie falsehood.” This +appellation, uncomplimentary as it sounds to our ears, +was not really meant in this sense by the Indians. Kulóskap +is called the deceiver, not because he deceives or +injures man, but because he is clever enough to lead his +enemies astray, the highest possible virtue to the early +American mind. Kulóskap was at once the creator and +friend of Man, and, strangely enough, he made the Indian +(or Man; the terms are synonymous) from the ash +tree. The following collection of songs, mostly from +Micmac sources, bearing especially on the doings of +Kulóskap, has been arranged by Mr. Leland and +myself into a sort of epic embracing all the native +lore known to us concerning this personage. The +same culture-hero appears in the legends of the entire +Algonkin family, although often under another name. +In the present collection, to secure uniformity, the +single name of Kulóskap has been used throughout.</p> + +<p>Wabanaki mythology was really pure Shamanism, seeing +a spirit in every tree and waterfall, and a malignant +or benevolent influence in many animals. Like +most barbaric races, these people were also fervent believers +in witchcraft, a superstition which still survives +in the minds of many of the older Indians. Any missionary +to the Passamaquoddies, or to their kindred, +the New Brunswick Milicetes, the Penobscots of Oldtown, +<abbr title="Maine">Me.</abbr>, or to the Micmacs and Abenakis of Quebec, will admit +that belief in the ancient Shamanistic sorcery among +these Indians has by no means died out. Among the +Passamaquoddies and Milicetes particularly, there is still +a perfect mine of material relating to the wizards and +their power over other men and over the curious beings +with which the Indians have peopled the mysterious forests +of their country.</p> + +<p>In pre-Christian times the Passamaquoddies, like their +other Algic kindred, were firm believers in the almost +unlimited power of their <i>Mʾdeolinʾwuk</i> or wizards, belief +in the existence of many of whom still remains, +subordinate, of course, to the Catholic doctrine, which +nearly all the Indians profess—there being, I am informed, +only three or four Protestant Passamaquoddy +families.</p> + +<p>A few examples of these sorcerers’ power are described +below in the curiously curt style of Algic narrative.⁠<a id="FNanchor_12_12" href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> +We see from these tales that the wizards could transform +themselves into animals at will; that they could +cast a spell or curse on an enemy, even though he +might also be a <i>Mʾdeolin</i>; that they could violate the +laws of nature so far as to walk in hard ground, sinking +up to the ankles or knees at every step, and, finally—that +they could communicate with each other telepathically. +I need hardly comment on the first two and the +fourth of these wonders, as they are common among all +Shamanistic conjurers, but the third phenomenon, the +power to sink into hard ground while walking, is, I believe, +characteristically American. Rink states that this +is not an unusual feat among the conjurers of the Greenland +Eskimo, who frequently sink into rocky and frozen +ground “as if in snow.” The trick is probably done by +some peculiar way of stooping, or is merely suggested, +possibly by means of hypnotic influence. Leland compares +here, however, the Old Norse statements regarding +their wizards, who occasionally sank into the ground +and who had power to pass through earth with the +same ease as through air or water (Algonquin Legends, +<abbr title="page">p.</abbr> 342). It would be hardly permissible to draw a parallel +between the ancient Norsemen and the northern Indians +on this account, as the case Leland cites is that +of a conjurer who disappeared into the ground head +downwards, when he was stabbed at by a foe. It should +be noticed that in the following tale, my Passamaquoddy +authority did not see the actual feat, but only the +deep tracks of the wizard where he had sunk into the +earth “the night before.”</p> + +<p>The anecdote of a cannibalistic feast is highly interesting. +The wizards here eat their murdered comrade, +evidently with the idea of absorbing into themselves +some or all of his power. The cannibalistic orgies of +the South Sea Islanders should be compared with this +practice. For example, the Fijis and the New Zealand +Maoris ate their enemies with the same object in view, +<abbr title="namely">viz.</abbr>, to become as brave as the fallen foe had been. All +authorities tend to show, however, that cannibalism +was extremely rare among the American races, and was +only resorted to in isolated cases like the one here +noted.</p> + +<p>In the Delaware tale given below, a similar instance +of cannibalism is cited; only in this case, the wizard, +who is evidently a being similar in nature to the Passamaquoddy +<i>Kiwaʿkw</i> or the Micmac <i>Chînu</i>, desires to +devour a very old, worn-out man. I can only look upon +this feature as a highly interesting relic from very primitive +times, when it was probably not unusual to devour +the aged, perhaps for a double purpose: both to get +rid of them, as was the case until recently among the +islanders of Tierra del Fuego, and also, perhaps, to +absorb sacramentally into the living members of the +family the essence of the dead parent, whose soul is thus +prevented from becoming entirely extinct. The fact +that a giant ghoul desires to eat the Delaware old man +is, however, a distinctly Algonkin feature, quite in accord +with the ideas prevalent among the Passamaquoddies, +Penobscots and Micmacs regarding the <i>Kiwaʿkw-Chînu</i>.</p> + +<p>The Passamaquoddy tale given below of the <i>Kiwaʿkw</i> +or snow demon is one of a great number. The Algonkin +Indian believed in many spirits, some benevolent +like the <i>Wʾnagʾmeswuk</i> or “little people,” who were +wont to warn the tribesmen of impending danger; some +neutral, like the wandering <i>Kiwaʿkw</i> in this tale, or the +<i>Chibelaʿkwe</i>, the tree sprite who sits in the crotch of +the large branches; and some again distinctly malevolent, +like the <i>Appodumken</i> or spirit of the deep water, +who lurks in the lakes to drag down the unwary swimmer. +The <i>Kiwaʿkw</i>, however, as remarked above, was +often an evil being. Compare also Leland’s wonderful +tales of the <i>Chînu</i> (Algonquin Legends, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 233 <abbr title="and the following pages">ff</abbr>).</p> + +<p>The reader’s attention should be called at this point +to the remarkable ideas prevalent among the Wabanaki +regarding the cohabitation of women and serpents (see +below, and also Leland, <i>op. cit.</i>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 268 <abbr title="and the following pages">ff</abbr>). These may +seem strange coming from a land where there are no +ophidians large enough to warrant such a superstition. +It is not impossible, however, that in these hideous +tales we have some relic of far distant prehistoric days +when huge serpents were not unknown. It should be +added, moreover, that in every case of such sexual relations +between snakes and man among the Wabanaki +the serpent was always a wizard (<i>Mʾdeolin</i>) in disguise, +a fact which shows that in the later superstition at least +the unusual character of such monstrous serpents was +fully appreciated.</p> + +<p>The following points should be noted with regard to +the pronunciation of the Indian words herein given. The +vowels have the Italian values, except that <i>ö</i> = German +<i>ö</i> in <i>schön</i>. The apostrophe ʾ is a very short <i>u</i>-vowel. +The consonants are equivalent to the same consonants +in English, except that <i>ñ</i> represents the French nasal +<i>n</i> in <i>mon</i>, and the final combination <i>kw</i> or final <i>q</i> must +be uttered as a <i>k</i> followed by <i>w</i> accompanied by a +gentle indeterminate short vowel. The inverted apostrophe +ʿ has the value of a softly breathed <i>h</i>. Thus +<i>kiwâʿkw</i> must be pronounced <i>kee-wah-kwᵘ</i>.</p> + +<p>As explained the name of the culture-hero is spelled +<i>Kulóskap</i> for the sake of uniformity, but so far as possible, +the Indian expressions used in the different stories +have been kept in harmony with the original languages. +The reason for this discrepancy lies in the fact that +some of the Passamaquoddy and Micmac tales were +related by Penobscots, who frequently inadvertently used +their own forms. For the same reason, in some stories +labelled as Micmac, Passamaquoddy words will occasionally +be found. In every such case the Micmac tales +came through a Passamaquoddy medium, who, whenever +he was ignorant of the proper Micmac word, used +the corresponding Passamaquoddy expression, but elsewhere +employed Micmac words. The Indian headings to +the stories are nearly all in Passamaquoddy because the +<i lang="fr">raconteurs</i> generally began in this dialect, even when +they broke into Micmac or Penobscot in continuing the +tale in question. The Glossary explains every Indian +word occurring in the midst of the English text.</p> + +<p>We present these selections from the still vast storehouse +of Wabanaki lore, not to prove any preconceived +theory as to their origin, or as to the origin of the +eastern coast tribes themselves. No man can ever know +now whence the Algonkin races came. Whether they with +other peoples were emigrants from palaeolithic Europe, +crossing by way of some long since vanished land-bridge, +or whether they wandered into their present habitat +from the western part of our own continent, having had +their origin in pre-historic Asia, it is impossible to say +and, in view of the absolute darkness in which we grope, +all theories are futile. I cannot see a meaning in the +word <i>Wabanaki</i>, “land of the dawn or east,” which +points to any period further back than the time of these +peoples’ first tribal centralization on the present eastern +coast of North America.</p> + +<p>Let then our labor in this work suffice merely to present +to the English-speaking public a few interesting and +characteristic specimens of the traditions of a rapidly +perishing race—a race which fifty years from now will +have hardly a single living representative.</p> + +<p class="right"> + JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE. +</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_5_5" href="#FNanchor_5_5" class="label">[5]</a> <abbr title="compare">Cf.</abbr> J. W. Tims, “Grammar and Dictionary of the Blackfoot Language,” +London, 1889.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_6_6" href="#FNanchor_6_6" class="label">[6]</a> <abbr title="compare">Cf.</abbr> Horden, “Grammar of the Cree Language,” London, 1881; +Wilson, “The Ojebway Language,” Toronto, 1874.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_7_7" href="#FNanchor_7_7" class="label">[7]</a> <abbr title="compare">Cf.</abbr> Prince, in <cite lang="it"><abbr title="Miscellanea">Misc.</abbr> Linguistica Ascoliana</cite>, Turin, 1901, <abbr title="page">p.</abbr> +344.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_8_8" href="#FNanchor_8_8" class="label">[8]</a> See Prince, Annals <abbr title="New York">N. Y.</abbr> Academy of Sciences, <abbr title="Eleven, Number">XI., No.</abbr> 15, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 370–374.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_9_9" href="#FNanchor_9_9" class="label">[9]</a> See Prince, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, +<abbr title="Thirty-Six">XXXVI.</abbr>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 479 <abbr title="and the following pages">ff.</abbr></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_10_10" href="#FNanchor_10_10" class="label">[10]</a> See Prince, American Anthropologist, <abbr title="Four, Number">IV., No.</abbr> 1.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_11_11" href="#FNanchor_11_11" class="label">[11]</a> See Prince, American Journal of Philology, <abbr title="Twenty-One">XXI.</abbr>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 295, 296.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_12_12" href="#FNanchor_12_12" class="label">[12]</a> See also Prince, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, +<abbr title="Thirty-Eight">XXXVIII.</abbr>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 181–189.</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> +<p class="center larger" id="PART_FIRST"> +PART FIRST</p> +<hr class="r25"> +<p class="center muchlarger"><strong>The Epic of Kulóskap</strong> +</p> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Canto_First"> + Canto First + </h2> + <p class="center larger"> + CREATION LEGENDS + </p> + + <h3 id="I_1_I"> + I + </h3> + <h4> + THE BIRTH OF KULÓSKAP, THE LORD OF + BEASTS AND MEN, AND THE DEATH + OF MALSUM THE WOLF + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Yut nit nʾkani akʾnodʾmâgon</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Uch Kulóskap elaknotmot +its piche.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_13_13" href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_043" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_043.jpg" alt="Sketch illustrating the letter W. The interior arch of the W is formed by a wigwam. The profile of a wolf, facing left, is superimposed over the bottom half of the letter and wigwam. On each side of the letter is a sketch of a papoose cradle board. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> +<div class="verse indent0">Wonderful traditions</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the olden time;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very old indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere the world began:</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The great lord Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who in after days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was worshipped everywhere</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the Wabanaki</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or Children of the Dawn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was as yet unborn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Living as a twin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With another named</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Malsumsis—the Wolf.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wolf, the lesser one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As his brother was good</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So was this one bad;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One, the Lord of Light,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One, of Darkness dire.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now ere they were born,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The two a council held</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they might decide</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How they would be born.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Kulóskap said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I shall be content</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If I may come to life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as others come.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Malsum, the Wolf,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “Just as you will;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But I am too great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’er to see the light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As common creatures do;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I will burst to light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rending everything</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’en through death to life.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap, the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came in peace to light;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Malsum kept his word,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the mother died.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So the two grew up,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till one day the Wolf,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who knew that both were given</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Strange mysterious lives</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Charmed ’gainst everything</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save one concealèd death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asked of the elder what</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His hidden bane might be?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the wise Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thought how when he was born</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Malsumsis in his pride</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had slain his mother;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he said: “If Wolf knew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The secret of my life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That life would soon be o’er.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And therefore he agreed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To tell Malsum the Wolf</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The secret of his death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If he the younger born</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would tell him in return</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The secret of his own.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore the elder said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To test his brother’s truth:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“The feather of an owl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is the one thing on earth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which e’er can end my life.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In sooth, this was a lie</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Although no evil one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet from uttering it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap got his name</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which means the Liar, or,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As Indians mean the word:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wise and crafty man.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That in the after-days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kwâbîtsis the son</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Great Beaver, or</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As others tell the tale</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Miʿko the squirrel, or else</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The very devil himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who dwelt within his heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tempted Malsum to slay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His brother Kulóskap;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For in those early days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All men were wicked—all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lived but in evil deeds.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So Malsum took his bow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, stealing through the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into his dark retreat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shot Koʿkoʿkhas, the owl,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And with his feathers struck</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap while asleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Up leaped the Lord enraged,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet even in his wrath</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He spoke right craftily:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Thou ever evil One!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou murderer of all!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Know that no feather can</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’er take my life. ’Tis by</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A pine-root and a blow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I am doomed to die,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By that, and that alone.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So on another day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When both together went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A-hunting in the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap laid him down</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To sleep upon the leaves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where all was very still;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Malsum, ever bent</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On evil and on death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a great pine-tree root</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Smote with his giant strength</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His brother on the head.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up leapt the Lord again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unharmèd as before,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drove the Wolf away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away in bitter scorn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away into the woods.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then sitting by a brook</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He saw the flowering rush,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or cat-tail, in the stream⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all the plants on earth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The weakest, softest thing⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And said unto himself,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Although he spoke aloud:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What soul would ever dream</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That in that plant abides</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The secret of my death?”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Beaver who lay hid</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep down among the reeds.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heard what the Lord had said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And hastening to Malsumsis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Told him the whole. For this</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Malsum had freely sworn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To give the Beaver aught</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or all that he might wish.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But when the Beaver asked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For wings, that he might fly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as pigeons do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Malsum replied in scorn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And laughing from his heart:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Thou with a sorry tail</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like any rugged rasp,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What need hast <i>thou</i> of wings!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mud-scraper! Get thee gone!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In a bitter rage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forth the Beaver ran,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ran by night and day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he found the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap the Wise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto whom he told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All that he had done,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sorrowing that he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had so evil been,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sorrowing that he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had ever heard and told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The secret of his life.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then in sorrow too,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet in anger grim,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up the Lord arose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rose all in his might,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And plucking up a fern,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sought in the deep dark wood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For Malsumsis the Wolf:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And having found him there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Smote him a single blow;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down fell the demon dead.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kulóskap sang a song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lamenting for the dead;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though ever unto him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had so evil been,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as a bitter foe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had sought to end his life;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sung over him a song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then homewards went his way.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_13_13" href="#FNanchor_13_13" class="label">[13]</a> This is an ancient story of Kulóskap which they told long ago.</p></div> +</div> + +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h3 id="I_1_II"> + <abbr title="Two">II</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE CREATION OF MAN AND THE ANIMALS + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy and Micmac</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kulóskap nitamk naga nit kʾchi pechies</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Yut kilun kʾmʾt-kinansnok.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_14_14" href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap was first,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">First and greatest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To come into our land⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into Nova Scotia, Canada,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into Maine, into Wabanaki,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The land of sunrise, or light.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There were no Indians like us,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Here in those early days;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Only far in the West</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lived red men strange and wild.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">First born were the Miʿkumwessuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fairies of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Wʾnâgʾmeswuk, elves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The little men, dwellers in rocks.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus it was Kulóskap the Great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Made man: He took his arrows</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And shot at a tree—the ash,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Known as the basket-tree.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_050" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_050.jpg" alt="Sketch of a mature tree, fully leafed out. Its root system covers the width of the ground from which it grows. Below the branches, the shaft of an arrow penetrates the right side trunk of the tree."> + <figcaption> + <strong>The Creation of Man</strong> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">From the hole made by the arrow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came forth new forms, and these</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were the first of human kind.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so the Lord gave them a name</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Meaning “those born from trees.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap the Lord of Light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Made all the animals.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">First, he created</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of giant size;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such was the beginning.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he said to Teâm, the Moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was tall as the Kiwaʿkw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The colossal giant of the mountain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The awful king of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The lord of the roaring river:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What wouldst thou do, Teâm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shouldst thou see man a-coming?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Answered the monstrous Teâm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I would tear the trees down on him.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Lord Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saw that the Moose was too strong;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he made him smaller and weaker</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that the Indians could kill him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Even so with the Squirrel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was as large in those days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the great wolf in our time;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What would you do, Sâkskadu?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asked the Lord of Beasts and Men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“If you should meet an Indian?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I would scratch up trees by their roots</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they might fall upon him.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Answered the Squirrel undaunted.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Thou also art far too strong,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Replied the mighty Master;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he smoothed him down in his hands,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, as he was smoothed, the Squirrel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew ever smaller and smaller,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he was as we see him now.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he asked the Great White Bear:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And thou, Kʾchî Mūʾūin!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What wouldst thou do if ever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A man should come in thy way?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Bear replied: “I would eat him.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master bade him go</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And live among rocks and ice,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very far away in the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he would see no Indians.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there he is ever in snow.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So Kulóskap the Great,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lord of all things that are,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Did question all the beasts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Changing their size or strength,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or measuring out their lives,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">According to their answers.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He took the Loon for his hunter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To serve him as a dog;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Loon was often absent,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not to be found when wanted;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he took in his place two Wolves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One black, the other white;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And these wild dogs are his messengers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who bear to him tidings of all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Many years ago,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet still within our time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very far to the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An Indian in his canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was about to cross a bay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a distant place;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When, just before he launched,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There came in haste a stranger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Followed by two great dogs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who asked to be taken over.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“You may come,” replied the Indian,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Come over the bay and welcome,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But what will you do with your dogs?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For we cannot take them with us!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The stranger replied, “They may go</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Around by land and meet us.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“That cannot be,” said the other,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“No dogs could run such a distance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not even in weeks of running.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as there was no answer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He paddled, saying nothing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the bay to the landing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there the dogs were waiting!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when he turned his head</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He found the stranger had vanished,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then he said to himself:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Now have I seen Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of Beasts and Men.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet at a later day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At a place afar in the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There were many Indians assembled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When there came a strange commotion.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ground was heaving and rumbling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The rocks were shaking and falling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And even the boldest among them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Felt faint at heart with terror;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When lo, they saw before them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of all, Kulóskap!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he said to them: “Lo, I am here,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when you feel the ground</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Trembling again as to-day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then know that I have returned.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So it is that man will know</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the last great war shall be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The war of the Final Day!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For then Kulóskap the Lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will make the plain and the mountains</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shake with an awful noise.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Beaver had been the foe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Lord in the beginning;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hence it came that Kulóskap slew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Full many of the tribe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away up in the Tobaic</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are two salt water rocks⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, they stand by the ocean</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Near a fresh water stream⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A spot which to the Beaver</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had ever been forbidden.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But one day when far away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So far that none could see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had not the magic vision,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap saw the Beaver</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Defying his injunction,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drinking from the stream.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then with his might, in anger,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The god tore up a rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And hurled it at the Beaver.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was many leagues away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Beaver deftly dodged it⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Few beasts are so quick at dodging⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when another boulder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came after the first one, Kwâbît</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ran deep into a mountain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From which he came forth no more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the rocks which the Master threw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the mountain and the fountain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are shown unto this day;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Indians say in reverence;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Kulóskap once was here!”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_14_14" href="#FNanchor_14_14" class="label">[14]</a> Kulóskap was the greatest one who ever came into our land.</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_1_III"> + <abbr title="Three">III</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE ORIGIN OF THE RATTLESNAKES</h4> + <p class="center"> + [<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Ntʾladwewâgʾnuk aʿtosis yut the snake.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_15_15" href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">You know Aʿtosis, the Snake?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Truly all snakes are evil,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But worst among them all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is the Rattlesnake their master.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well! In the olden time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Rattlesnakes were Indians,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they were very saucy:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Men said they were all face,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never could be frozen;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They could not be put down by much,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they rose for very little.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the Great Flood was coming,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap the awful prophet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gave them full warning of it.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They answered, “They did not care.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He told them that the water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would rise o’er the heads of all;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They said, “Should this come to pass,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We shall all be very wet.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He bade them be good and quiet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And pray to escape from drowning;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They whooped and hurrahed to mock him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said, “The Great Flood is coming!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They gave three cheers for the Flood.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he added, “’Twill drown you all!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indians whooped again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And got out all their rattles,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which were made of turtle shell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Containing little pebbles,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And rattled with all their might</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In a daring dance to the Flood.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, ’twas a rattling dance!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The rain began to fall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Indians danced on.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The thunder roared, and they answered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With rattles and with war-cries</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indians danced on.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the flash and crash of lightning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Amid the rising waters</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indians danced on!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kulóskap was angry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet in the rising flood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He did not drown a soul,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But for their arrogance</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Changed all to serpent form⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That of the Rattlesnake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which crawls about the rocks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so unto this day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whene’er they see a man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They lift their heads and hiss;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And move them up and down⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is the way snakes dance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shaking their rattles, too,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As we do when we dance.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How do you like the sound?<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp51" id="i_058" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_058.jpg" alt="Sketch of a man, facing left, at the base of a hill. Behind him, a tree extends up the right side of the image to the top. The man has his right foot and right hand extended forward. Six rattlesnakes curled in various positions are on the ground at is feet and on the side of the hill."> + <figcaption> + <strong>The Origin of the Rattlesnakes</strong> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_15_15" href="#FNanchor_15_15" class="label">[15]</a> In my language <i>aʿtosis</i> is the snake.</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_1_IV"> + IV + </h3> + <h4>HOW KULÓSKAP NAMED THE ANIMALS, + AND DISCOVERED THAT MAN WAS + THE LORD OF THEM ALL + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Wut ktagʾnodʾmul uch Kulóskap.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_16_16" href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This is an ancient tale of the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Told ’mid the tales of the spirit time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How the Master of Beasts and Men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was born in the Sunrise land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The land of the Wabanaki;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though other traditions tell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he came from across the ocean</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In a great stone canoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A barque which was all of granite,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Covered with trees for masts.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the great Lord of All,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Chief of Beasts and Men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Descended from this ark,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He went into the land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Wabanaki,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The children of the Light;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And calling all the Beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gave unto each a name:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the Bear, Mūūin;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he gave it, asked:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Oh Bear, what would’st thou do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If thou should’st meet a man?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To which Mūūin replied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Simply and honestly:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I fear him and should run.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Well spoken,” said the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Man should be feared by all.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now at that time, Miʿko,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Squirrel, was as great,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or, some say, far more great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than even the Northern Bear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the Lord Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took Miʿko ’neath his hands,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And softly smoothed him down;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he felt the touch</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Miʿko grew less and less,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And dwindled until he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was what we see him now.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Howbeit in later days,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Miʿko was Kulóskap’s dog,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, when the Master willed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He oft grew large again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Touched by the Master’s hand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And slew his fiercest foes.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, being asked what he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would do if chased by Man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Miʿko at once exclaimed:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I would climb up a tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As fast as legs could run.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Well answered,” said the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And therefore, I ordain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That from this day henceforth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou and thy kind at large</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall ever dwell in trees.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Moose was standing by,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Intently looking on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With great, soft, staring eyes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Attending to it all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With deepest interest.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Calling then Kchi Mūs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Big Moose, the Master said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But say what would’st thou do</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If thou should’st meet with Man?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“In faith,” replied Kchi Mūs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I’d canter through the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fast as my legs would fly.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Well spoken,” said the god,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“So shalt thou ever live</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In shade and forests wild.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Beaver being asked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What he would do, replied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he would seek a stream</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere he would face mankind.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the great Lord perceived</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That of all creatures born</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who walked upon the earth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The first and best was Man.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_16_16" href="#FNanchor_16_16" class="label">[16]</a> This I will tell you about Kulóskap.</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Canto_Second"> + Canto Second + </h2> + <p class="center larger">THE MASTER’S KINDNESS TO MAN + </p> +</div> + + <h3 id="I_2_I"> + <abbr title="One">I</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>WHAT KULÓSKAP DID FOR THE INDIANS + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piche mesogw Kulóskap nemiquosikw.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_17_17" href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_062" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_062.jpg" alt="Black and white half-tone sketch in which a large letter I overlaps the right side of a box. Inside the box is a three-quarter rear view of an Indian. He faces the letter I and stands in grass above his ankles. He wears two feathers in his hair and carries a bow in his right hand. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In the very olden time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before Kulóskap the Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of Beasts and Men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had come into the world,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or man was by him instructed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All lived in wonderful darkness;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Men could not even see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To slay their enemies;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Lord brought light unto them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The daybreak and the dawn.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore, for this his people</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are known as the Wabanaki,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Men of the Early Dawn.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And many a thing he taught them:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The noble art of hunting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How to build huts and canoes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And weirs to catch the fishes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And how to trap the beaver,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And net the shad and salmon.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before he came they knew not</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How to make nets or weapons;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he, the Mighty Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Showed them the hidden virtues</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of plants and roots and blossoms,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the herbs which Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could use for any purpose;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And also every creature,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beasts, birds, and all the fishes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All things which could be eaten</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or serve for joy to man.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, pointing to the heaven,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He taught the names of the stars,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With all the wonderful stories,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The very old traditions,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all that the planets had been.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He greatly loved mankind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And wherever he might be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though afar in the wilderness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He never was far away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away from his Indian children.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He dwelt in a lonely land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But whoever went to seek him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master ever found.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_17_17" href="#FNanchor_17_17" class="label">[17]</a> Long ago before Kulóskap was seen.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_2_II"> + <abbr title="Two">II</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW KULÓSKAP GRANTED GIFTS AND FAVORS TO MANY INDIANS + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac and Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Long ere Kulóskap the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had left the land and his people,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And before he had ceased to wander</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the ways of man, he called</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The loons his faithful servants,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bade them make it known</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That for many years to come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He would still remain on earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that whoever would seek him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Might have one wish full granted,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whatever that wish might be.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Although the journey was long</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the trials were terrible</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which all must endure who would find</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of Men and Beasts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There were many who ventured on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wonderful pilgrimage.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now you may hear what happened</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To several of these seekers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as I heard the tales</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From a Passamaquoddy <i>Sénap</i>.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When all the land had heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the Master would grant a wish</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To any who would seek him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Three Indians resolved</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they would try this thing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One was a Milicete</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who came from near St. John,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the other two were Penobscots</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From Oldtown, that is in Maine.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they went upon the journey</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And found that the path was long,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the way was very hard;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their sufferings were great,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was well nigh seven years</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before they saw the Lord.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But while it was yet three months</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere they came unto his dwelling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They heard the bark of his dogs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, as day by day they drew nearer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sound grew louder and louder,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till after many trials</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Led by the bay of the hounds</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They found the mighty one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of Men and Beasts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he made them very welcome</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And entertained them all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then in due time he asked them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What was it they desired.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the first replied—An</div> + <div class="verse indent0">honest simple man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was of but little account</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among the Indian people</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because he hunted badly⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He prayed that he might excel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In killing or catching game;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master gave him a flute,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or the magic pipe which pleases</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ear of everyone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And has the power to bring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By wonderful fascination</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All animals to that piper</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who plays it in their haunts.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He thanked the Lord and left.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the second of the three,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A reckless amorous youth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet who never could succeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In winning women’s love,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When asked what he would have</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “I would win my way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To many maidens’ hearts!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And being questioned, “How many?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Replied, “I would know no limit.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let there be only enough,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And more than enough beside.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thereat the Master frowned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, smiling anew, he gave him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A bag which was tightly tied,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And said to him, “Do not open</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till you shall have reached your home.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he thanked the Lord and left.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp54" id="i_067" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_067.jpg" alt="This is a half-tone black and white sketch. An Indian man stands on the left side facing right. He has two feathers in his hair and a robe draped over his left shoulder. Both hands are extended, holding a flat package. The background is indistinct, with a hilside in the distance."> + <figcaption> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>But, smiling anew, he gave him</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>A bag which was tightly tied.</strong></div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the third who had come with these</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was a gay and handsome youth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet very foolish withal</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since he cared for nothing whatever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save to make the Indians laugh,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And to cut a figure with jests</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At every gathering.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He, being asked what he sought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Replied that he fain would have</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The power to make a sound</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which when uttered would startle all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And make them laugh indeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As they never had laughed before.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This was a wondrous cry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which the sorcerers of yore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Uttered to gladden hearts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But now that the art is lost.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is indeed the cause</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That our times are so sorrowful,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since that magic, merry cry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is heard no more in the land.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And unto him likewise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master was truly kind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sending Marten into the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To seek for a certain root</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which, when eaten by any one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Conferred the mystic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of making the wondrous sound.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when it was bestowed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was warned not to touch</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The root till he reached his home.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It had taken them seven years</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To reach the Master’s lodge,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But seven days were enough</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To tread the path to their huts⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, for him who got there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For indeed there was only one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that was the hunter, who</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With his marvellous pipe in his pocket,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never a care in his heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Trudged on well satisfied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To think that all his life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He never should want a joint</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of venison in his cabin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or a bear-skin to lie upon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As indeed he never did.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the one who so loved women</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never had won a wife,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was wild with wistfulness</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And great anxiety.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore he could not wait,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he had not gone very far</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the woods, ere he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sat down and opened the bag.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was a whirr as of wings</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they came flying forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By hundreds round his head</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like beautiful white doves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swarming all about⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wonderful lovely girls</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With large black burning eyes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And torrents of flowing hair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wild with passion the witches</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Threw their fair arms around him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And kissed him as he responded</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To their ardent, fond embraces.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ever more and more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They came, more glowing with love,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he bade them give way for a space,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he bade them let him be;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But they only pressed the more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, panting, crying for breath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And smothered in love, he died,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And those who came that way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Found him a silent corpse,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But what became of the witches</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap only can tell!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the third went merrily on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tramping along through the woods,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When it flashed upon his mind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In an instant, that Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had bestowed on him a gift;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, without the slightest heed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To what the Master had said</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of waiting till he got home,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He took out the magic root</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ate it, then and there;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When all at once he found</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He could utter the magic cry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which startles all who hear it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Inspiring them to joy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And making them laugh aloud;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, as it rang afar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O’er many a forest dale</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waking the ringing echo</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the far-distant hill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until it was answered by</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A solemn snowy owl,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He felt that he had won</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wondrous power indeed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he walked gayly on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O’er many a hill and dale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whistling or trumpeting</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As happy as a bird.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But he ere long began</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To weary of himself,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When, seeing in a glade</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A deer, he bent his bow;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When, just as he would shoot,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wild unearthly sound</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Broke out, despite himself,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even like a demon warble,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The deer took flight and fled;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the young man cursed aloud!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he reached the town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Half dead with hunger, he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Indeed was little worth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To make the others laugh,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though for a time he did,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which somewhat cheered his heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, as the days went on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They wearied of the sound,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, when they saw him come,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turned off another way;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which vexed him to the heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that one day he went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Alone into the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there he slew himself.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The dark and evil demon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sprite of the night-air,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pʾmûla named by some,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From whom the gift had come,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swooped down from clouds on high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bore his soul away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the dwelling place of darkness</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And men heard of him no more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now ’tis a thing well known</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To all the Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who keep the holy faith</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the good olden time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That there are wondrous dwellers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep in the silent woods,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such as the elves and fairies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who are called by different names;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In Micmac Wigŭladŭmūchŭk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But by the Passamaquoddy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wʾnâgʾméswuk. They</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can work strange deeds and sing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such songs of magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As charm the wildest beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tame the wolf and bear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And soothe the wolverine.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From them and them alone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are brought the magic pipes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or flutes, which sometimes pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To sorcerers or great braves.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When these are played upon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Women who hear the tone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are all bewitched with love,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the moose and caribou</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Follow the winning sound,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, even to their death;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the forest elves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are pleased with anyone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They make of him an elf</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’en like unto themselves.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Back in the olden time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was an Indian town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In which dwelt two young men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kekwâjû the Badger,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the other Kâktugwââsis,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Little Thunder. They</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Chanced to hear that Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would give to anyone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whatever he desired:</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so they went their way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the long pilgrimage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For many years, until</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They reached the wondrous isle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the great Master dwelt,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where first they met Dame Bear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Marten, and at last</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mighty Lord himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who welcomed them with grace.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then all sat down to a meal,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But all that was placed before them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was one small dish of meat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very tiny morsel.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the elder of the pilgrims,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A reckless jolly fellow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thinking it was a joke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that he was mocked for sport,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cut off nearly all the meat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ate it. Then what was left</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew at once to its former size;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So it went on, and all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ate all that they desired,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And found the food of the best,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the meal was over</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The dish was as full as before.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now of these two, the Badger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had set his heart on becoming</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wigʾladʾmûch or fairy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which would give him magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the other wished to win</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very beautiful girl,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The daughter of a chief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A most powerful Sagamore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who set such cruel tasks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To all who came to woo her</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That all who had made the trial</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus far had come to their deaths.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master took the Badger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who sought initiation</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the occult art,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And by a wondrous trick</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Covered him all with filth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And put him to utter shame</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then led him down to the river</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he washed him clean, and gave him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A beautiful change of clothing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, combing his hair, placed on it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A fillet of wondrous virtue;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For when he had bound it on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He became a wigʾladʾmûch</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A fairy and enchanter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No longer a common mortal,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But one of the elfin world.⁠<a id="FNanchor_18_18" href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he wished to excel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In magic song and music,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master gave him a flute,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which would charm all living beings;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, singing, he bade him join</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the air, and as he did so,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He found he knew all the art;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And from that day, thereafter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had a wondrous voice.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now to seek the beautiful girl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was needful that the lover</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should sail far over the sea;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And during this adventure</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Būʾūin or magician</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was charged to take all care</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Kâktugwââs, the Thunder;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And therefore he begged the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To lend him his canoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To which Kulóskap answered,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I will gladly lend it to thee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If thou’lt honestly return it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When thou needest it no more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For I tell thee in very truth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I never yet did intrust it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To any mortal man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But what in the end I had to</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Go after it myself.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Badger solemnly swore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That, as he was an honest Indian,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He would, when the need was over,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Indeed return the canoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For never in all his life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had he stolen any <i>Kwédŭn</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">(Canoe) nor borrowed anything</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Without returning it promptly.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But when they came to the bay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was no canoe to be seen,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But not very far away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There arose a little island</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of granite which was covered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With pine-trees, tall and waving.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“See—that is my canoe!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master said to them smiling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he took them on it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They found that it was indeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A great and large canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With lofty masts, and sails⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the two went forth rejoicing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they sailed on and came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a large and beautiful island</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where they carefully hid the canoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere long they came to a village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That of the Sagamore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The father of the girl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For whom many had lost their lives.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, having come to his wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They entered and were welcomed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And placed on the seat of honor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sat at the evening meal.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now ’tis of old the custom</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When an Indian seeks a wife,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Be it from her father or friends,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He makes small ado about it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And only utters two words</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which mean in the Micmac language:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I am tired of living alone.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Sagamore hearing this,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Consented that Little Thunder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should marry her whom he sought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But on several conditions⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The first that he should slay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bring to him the head</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a certain horrible monster,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like to a wingless dragon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The dreadful and horned Chipíchkâm.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So this was agreed upon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the strangers went to their cabin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the world to sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All save the wise Būʾūin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who soon arose from his bed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And went alone and afar,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he came to the den of the monster</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In a gaping gulf in the ground.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the hole he laid</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A mighty log, and began</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The magic dance round the den;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the serpent or great Chipíchkâm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hearing the call, came forth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Putting out his head from the hole,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And weaving it about</div> + <div class="verse indent0">After the manner of snakes.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While he was doing this,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He rested his head for an instant</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the over-arching log,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When, with a blow of his hatchet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian severed the neck;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, taking the head by one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of its shining yellow horns,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He bore it to his friend</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who gave it in the morning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the chief, who said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This time I fear indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I must lose my child,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet thou hast more to do.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">More indeed, for the chief</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said, “Look at yonder hill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I fain would see my son</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Coast down it on a sled.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the hill was indeed a mountain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Its sides were very steep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ragged with rocks and holes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And terrible with trees</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And rough with snow and ice.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they brought out two toboggans,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One for the strangers. This</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Badger should direct;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While on the other sat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Two great and powerful men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And these were Būʾūinuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or sorcerers who were skilled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In sledding, and they hoped</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see the others soon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fall out upon the ground,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then to run over them.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And at the word they went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flying at fearful speed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adown the mountain side,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever faster still</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if to headlong death.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon he who sought the girl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went whirling from his sled,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the two sorcerers howled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In triumph an hurrah!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For they knew not that this was done</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By their enemy that he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Might get them before his sledge.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he put forth his arm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And seizing the younger man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turned for a pace aside,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then again shot on.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the sorcerers stopped,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thinking that those before</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were checked and at an end;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When lo! their enemy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In his sled shot over their heads,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And over a mighty wall</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of ice, as a bird might fly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">High above all in the air;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, touching the ground once more,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ran with tremendous speed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">First down into the vale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then up, and ever up</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the opposite hill</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the village stood, till it struck</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wigwam of the chief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ripping it all in two.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again the Sagamore said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This time I fear indeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I must lose my child:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet thou hast more to do!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, and far more to do:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For then the Sagamore said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I have a runner here,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A man so fleet of foot</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That never in his life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has he been overcome,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thou must strive with him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gain the victory</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere thou canst win thy wife.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So then the race was set,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Thunder should compete,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But at the time his friend</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lent him the magic pipe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which gave him wondrous power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over all dark sorcery</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such as Būʾūinuk use</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And witches dark and vile.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when the pair had met</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The youth said: “Who art thou?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the sorcerer replied:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I am the Wegaduskʾ;”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which means the Northern Lights,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But tell me who art thou?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I am Wosogwoesk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Chain-lightning is my name,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Thunder answering said.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, as the race was run</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All in the early morn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then in an instant both</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No longer were in sight.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were far, far away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beyond the distant hills;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, waiting, all sat still,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till long before the noon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Chain-lightning came again;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He showed no weariness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor was he out of breath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet had gone through the world.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then all sat still again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till evening, when they saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Northern Light return</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Completely, sadly tired;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He quivered and he shook</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As beaten by fatigue,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet for all that the Light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had not been through the world,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For, coming to the south,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The heat had sent him home.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again the Sagamore said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This time I fear again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I must lose my child,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet thou hast more to do.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Sagamore had a man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom none could overcome</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In swimming of all kinds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or diving in the sea;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With him the youth must strive.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when they met, the Badger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asked him, “What is thy name?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he replied, “I am</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ukchigʾmûech (Sea Duck),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But tell me who art thou?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He answerèd “The Kwîmû,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, “the Loon,” and then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They dived from a high rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep down into the sea.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere long the Sea Duck rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again to get his breath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But long the Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waited and watched until</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They saw the Loon again.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An hour passed, and then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another hour, before</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He rose from the deep sea.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when at last he came,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Sagamore sadly said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This is the end of all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our weary work, for now,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have truly lost my child!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet it was not the end</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all the curious deeds</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which they beheld, before</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The strangers took their leave.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For, when the wedding came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the evening of that day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was a general dance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wild festivity,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At which the wizard bold</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Astonished every one;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For as he danced around</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the hard beaten floor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They saw his feet sink in</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deeper at every step,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever deeper still</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the strange dance went on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still ploughing up the ground</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In ridges rough and high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forming a trench, until</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His head and nothing more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could from without be seen.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That ended all the dance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since no one after him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save wizards or a witch</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could dance on such a floor.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The bridegroom and the bride,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With them the wizard bold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then entered the canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sailed away toward home;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet they had more to meet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And trials to endure,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though of no dangerous kind;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis said they were but jests</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Played by the Master’s skill.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For they had not gone far,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When right before their path</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They saw an awful storm</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Coming to meet them. He</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had the elfin power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew that it had been raised</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By sorcery, because</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The tempests which are due</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hidden magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are ever worst of all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So without fear he rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sang the sorcerer’s song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, filling lungs and cheeks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With air, he blew against</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The rising hurricane,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wind against wind until</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He blew the wind away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then all the mighty flood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was smooth as smooth could be:</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So they sailed ever on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over a sunlit sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet it was not long</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere the elf-gifted one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saw rising ’mid the waves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A dark and curious form,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That of a monstrous beast</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fast-coming as a foe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then they knew it was</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Giant Beaver, called</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kwâbît, in fearful rage;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when the mighty one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saw this, he sailed direct</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even at the monster’s jaws,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, coming to him, said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Lo, I am the great foe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all thy race and called</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Beaver-Hunter; I,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Am he who butchers them;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Full many a one ere now</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has perished by my hand.”⁠<a id="FNanchor_19_19" href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kwâbît had placed himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Under the water, with</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His tail upraised above</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The level of the waves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he might sink the barque</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With one tremendous blow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As is the Beaver’s way;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he of magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With well directed stroke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the <i>tumîhîgʾn</i>, or</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His tomahawk, then cut</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The body from the tail,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaving the Beaver dead;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then blithely sailed away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet had they not gone far</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When coming round a point</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They saw another beast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Also of giant size,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting to be their death;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Abúkchelû the Skunk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A thing which many dread</div> + <div class="verse indent0">More than a raging wolf;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he, too, had his tail</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Uplifted in the air;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, ere the brute could make</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His hideous attack,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wary gifted one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Caught up his hunting spear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, hurling it with haste,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So pierced Abúkchelû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That father of the skunks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That down he fell and died.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thrice did he kick in pain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before he passed away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So then the gifted one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stepping upon the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took up a long dead pine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which lay upon the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, as he stuck its point</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into Abúkchelû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lifted him high in air,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, fastening the tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Firmly into the ground,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Left him, and said with scorn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as he turned away;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Just show your tail now, there!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever they sailed on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the silver sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O’er blue and dancing waves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till home they came with joy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And at the landing place</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They saw the Master stand;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And his first words were, “Well!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I see, my friends, that you</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have brought me my canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All safely back again.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they replied, “We have.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gayly he inquired</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Has all gone well with you?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he thus had said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He laughed and let them know</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas he in all their trials</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And triumphs who had worked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And brought it all to pass.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then to the gifted one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said, “Now go in peace</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy way with these thy friends;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lead ever happy lives</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There in the elfin world</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep in the forest-shades,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far in the silent land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of flowers and mystery.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But of this thing be sure,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If any care should come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto you, think of me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I will give you aid.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They rose and went their way.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_18_18" href="#FNanchor_18_18" class="label">[18]</a> All of this corresponds accurately to the ancient Greek and Roman +initiation to the Mysteries, in which the hair-string or fillet played a +prominent part.<span class="righttext">L.</span></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_19_19" href="#FNanchor_19_19" class="label">[19]</a> This is oddly like the declaration of the Beaver Killer in The Hunting +of the Snark, in fact, it is almost identical with it. But the Rand +<abbr title="manuscript">MS.</abbr> in which it occurs was written many years before the latter work +appeared.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_2_III"> + <abbr title="Three">III</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND THE FOOL + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kes saak: Nigumaach ut</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Agunudumâkun Klûskâbel.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_20_20" href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Of the old times the tale is,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A story of Kulóskap,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto whom there went full many</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they heard that all could have</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whatever they desired;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And truly he gave them all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whate’er it was they asked for,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But whether they got their wish</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Depended on the wisdom</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which they showed when it was won.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the Master liked it not</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If, when he had plainly told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What it was that one must do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That man should double on him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or quibble, or disobey.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So then it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That a certain fool of the kind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who never can do aught</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Without a twist or a turn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In his own peculiar way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went a long journey to ask</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A favor of the Lord.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His trials were many and sore;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He came unto a chain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of mountains exceeding high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In a dark and lonely land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherein no sound was heard;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the ascent was hard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As climbing a slippery pole.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the going down</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or descent on the other side</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was more ungrateful still,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For ’twas all a precipice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With broken, crumbly edge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which overhung a gulf;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet it was worse beyond.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For there the road led on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Between the hideous heads</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of two great serpents, which</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Did almost touch their lips,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And darted terrible tongues</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At those who went between.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet again ’twas worse</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the way passed under a wall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The awful Wall of Death</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which hung like a dreadful cloud</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over a dismal plain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rising and falling at times;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet when, no one could know.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So those who were beneath</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When it fell and struck the ground</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were ever crushed to death.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet he escaped all this</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And came to the Master’s home</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he was well received,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And dwelt for many days;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the Master asked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What ’twas that he would have?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He answered, “If my Lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will give me a medicine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which will cure me of every ill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shall be well content.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he asked for nothing more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master gave to him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A little package, and said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Herein is that which thou seek’st</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But I charge thee solemnly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That thou lettest not thine eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Behold what is therein,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till thou shalt have reached thy home.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he thanked the Lord, and left.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet he was not far away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere he longed to open the gift,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And test the medicine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And still more the Master’s truth.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so he said to himself:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“If this be all deceit,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was very shrewdly planned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To bid me not open it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until I should be at home.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tush! If the medicine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is really what I required</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It cannot lose its power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In truth I will test it now.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he opened it—when lo!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All that which was therein</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fell to the ground and spread</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As water, everywhere,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then like a summer mist</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As quickly melted away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So when he returned to his home</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was mocked by one and all.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_20_20" href="#FNanchor_20_20" class="label">[20]</a> This is a story about Kulóskap of long ago.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_2_IV"> + <abbr title="Four">IV</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE THREE BROTHERS WHO BECAME TREES + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy and Micmac</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nequt nikt nsapihioak udelabasinia unachihonamihánia</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kelhosilichil naga omsnamnia eli-bawatmotit uch negum.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_21_21" href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There were three brothers, who</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had made the pilgrimage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To seek the Lord of Life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And win their wishes. One</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was wondrous great and tall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The tallest in the land;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of this he was right proud,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he was one of those</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who slyly put soft clay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into their moccasins</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they may be admired</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By folk of lesser size,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And win the love of squaws.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And his hair was plastered up</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To stand on high, and on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The summit of it was</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very long turkey tail;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But what this man desired</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was to be taller still.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The second brother asked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he might ever live</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he might behold the land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the beauty of it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And do naught else save rest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In peace forever more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the third one asked to live</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto a great old age,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever be in health</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he should pass away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when they came to the isle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They found three lodges there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And in two of them were men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who are not spoken of</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In any of the tales</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which I have ever heard:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In one dwelt Kulpujot⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wondrous one indeed!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For there is not a bone in him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet every spring and autumn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He is “rolled over with hand-spikes”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By order of the Lord;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And this is what his name</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Means in the Micmac tongue.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the autumn he is turned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over towards the West,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But in spring towards the East;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the meaning of it all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is the seasons of the year</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As they follow in their course.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He with his breath alone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can sweep all armies forth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And with his looks alone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Perform most wondrous things;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This means what weather can do</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With sunshine, frost and ice,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which are felt in everything.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And in the other dwelt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kuhkw, which in Micmac means,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Earthquake. This great man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can pass beneath the ground,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And make the mountains shake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tremble by his power.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when the Lord had heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What it was that they desired,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He bade the Earthquake come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And put them with their feet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fast planted in the ground.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when ’twas done, the three</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At once were turned to trees;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To pines, as one tale tells,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or cedars, as some say;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In either case each man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Received what he required.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus, he who would be tall</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Became exceeding great,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For his head rose o’er the wood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as a giant pine;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor was the top-feather forgotten;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It waves in the wind to this hour.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And on a summer day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who listens in a pine wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May hear the trees a murmuring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the soft Indian tongue</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the olden time:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(“<i>Î nĭl etuchi nek mʾkilaskîtap</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Î nĭl etuchi nek mʾkiluskíjin</i>”)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Oh, I’m such a great man!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh, I’m such a big Indian!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the second brother, who wished</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To remain in peace in the land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So stays, for while his roots</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are in the ground he <i>must</i> do so;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the third, who fain would live</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the end in perfect health,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unless they’ve cut him down</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is standing as of yore.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_097" style="max-width: 97.875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_097.jpg" alt="This is a black and white half-tone sketch of a section of pond or lake. A log extends out of water from the left side and a beaver hut is in the water on the right side. In the distance is a shoreline with trees. The log, the hut, and the trees are all reflected in the still water."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_21_21" href="#FNanchor_21_21" class="label">[21]</a> Once there were three brothers who went to see the Lord of Life and +get their wishes from him.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_2_V"> + <abbr title="Five">V</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND THE WISE WISHERS + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kes saak; kes saak.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_22_22" href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the olden time.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when ’twas noised abroad</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That whoever sought the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could obtain the wish of his heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There were three men who said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Let us seek the Lord and see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If this be truly so.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So they left their home in the spring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the bluebird began his song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And walked till the autumn frosts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then into the winter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever steadily onward</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the next midsummer came;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And being in a forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They found a winding path</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which they followed till they came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a very beautiful river</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which led to a great fair lake;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And still they kept to the path,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet where it failed, the trees</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were blazed, or the bark removed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the side of the trunk, but ever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Opposite to the place</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the wigwam or village lies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Towards which the pathway leads,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the mark can aye be seen</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the traveller goes to the goal,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But not while leaving it.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then after a time they came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a long point of land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which ran into the lake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where, having climbed a hill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They saw in the distance smoke;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Guided by this they came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a large and beautiful hut;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And entering it they found,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seated upon the right,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A handsome stately man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like a chief of middle age,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And on the left a woman,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So old and so decrepit</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That it seemed as if a century</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or more had made her life;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And opposite the door</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was a mat which seemed to show</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That some other had there a place.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Master made them welcome</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And spoke as if he were</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well pleased to see them there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But asked not whence they came,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or whither they were going,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As others are wont to do.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere long they heard the sound</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As of a paddle outside,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the noise of a canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When it is drawn ashore.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then in there came a youth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of beautiful form and features,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well clad and bearing weapons</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if returned from the chase;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who addressed the woman <cite>Kejû!</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is in the Micmac, “Mother;”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And told her he had game.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So then, with sore ado,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For she was very weak,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The old dame tottered out</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And brought in one by one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Four beavers; but she had</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such trouble to cut them up,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the elder of the pilgrims</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said to the youngest, “<cite>Nchígŭnŭm!</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0">My brother—do thou the work.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so they supped on beaver,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then they stayed for a week,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Resting themselves in comfort,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all were sadly worn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And also utterly ragged;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But then there came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wonderful thing which showed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they were in fairy land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the master said to the youth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Go wash the mother’s face!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He did so—when all her wrinkles</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Vanished, and she became</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very young and fair:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The travellers had never</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In all their lives beheld</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A maid so beautiful:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her hair, once white and scanty,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now hung to her very feet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was as dark and glossy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As any blackbird’s breast;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, clad in fine array,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She showed a tall lithe form,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Graceful, in all points perfect.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the travellers said to themselves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Truly this Sagamore is</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very great magician.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With him they all walked forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see the place where he dwelt,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They never had felt the sunshine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So soft and so sweetly tempered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By a cooling gentle breeze;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all in that land was fair,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And day by day grew fairer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To all who dwelt therein:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tall trees, with richest leafage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And many fragrant flowers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew everywhere in groves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Without any lower limbs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And clear of underbrush,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wide as a forest; yet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The eye could pierce the distance</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In any or every way.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when for the first time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They felt that they had come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into another life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An ever-enchanted land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master gently questioned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And asked them whence they came,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And what it was they sought;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They said they sought Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he answered, “I am he!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they were awed by his presence,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For now a wondrous glory</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And majesty showed in him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For as the woman had changed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he, and he seemed divine.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the elder pilgrim said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Lo, I am a wicked man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Accursed with furious moods,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Given to wrath and reviling;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet I would fain be gentle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pious and meek and good.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the second said: “I am poor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My life is very hard,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, though I toil unceasing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I can barely make a living,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I would fain be rich.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the third replied, “Though proud,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I am of low estate,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Being despised and scorned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While I long to be respected</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And loved by every one.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And to all of these the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Made answer, “So shall it be!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, taking from his belt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His powerful <i>upsinai</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is his medicine-bag,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He gave unto each Indian</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A little box and bade him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Keep it well closed, nor heed it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he should reach his home.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he led them to the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gave them all new garments,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Exceedingly rich apparel,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The like of which the pilgrims</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had never seen before.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, when it was time to depart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since they knew not the way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto their home, he rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And went with them for a distance.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A year had they been in coming,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But having put on his belt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He led them and they followed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till, ere the afternoon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He took them to the top</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a lofty mountain, from which</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Afar off they beheld</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another, whose outline blue</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rose lofty o’er the plain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet it seemed so far away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They thought ’twould be a week</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere they should gain its top,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Master led them on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And in the afternoon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the day when they first beheld it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lo, they were on the summit!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And looking from this afar,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All seemed familiar to them:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The plains and hills and river,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And wood and dale and valley⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was their native land!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And there,” said the Master to them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“There lies your village home.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So he left them on the mountain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they went on their way.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before the sun had set</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were among their people,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each by his wigwam fire;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At first sight no one knew them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because of a wondrous change;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The like of their fair attire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had never in those days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Been seen by any man.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when they made themselves known,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All gathered round to behold them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In wonder or silent awe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or to listen to their adventures,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And truly all were amazed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then each man opened his box,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And found therein an unguent</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Exceedingly rich and fragrant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With which they rubbed themselves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From head to foot completely.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And always from that day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The three smelt so divinely</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That all who could draw near them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were ever in delight;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And happy were the Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who could get a single whiff</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of that celestial fragrance</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Spread by them all around!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now he who had been despised</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For his deformity,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leanness, weakness, and meanness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Became as grand and stately,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As beautiful and graceful,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the fairest pine of the forest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was in all the land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No man so much admired,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And his people were proud of him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He who desired abundance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had it in fullest measure,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wild deer came to his arrows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fish leaped into his nets;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he gave freely to all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All gave as freely to him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And he who had been wicked,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hasty and wild and cruel,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Became as meek and gentle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Calm and ever forbearing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Making others like himself;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had ever a blessing on him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As there ever is upon those</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who make their wishes with wisdom,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For such folk shall be happy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the end of their days.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_22_22" href="#FNanchor_22_22" class="label">[22]</a> Long ago; long ago.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_2_VI"> + <abbr title="Six">VI</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW KULÓSKAP WAS CONQUERED BY THE BABE + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Penobscot</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Yut nit nekani agnodʾmâgon uch Kulóskap</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Elakʾnotmotits piʾche.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_23_23" href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the olden time.</div> + <div class="verse indent20">They tell this tale</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of great Kulóskap. He had conquered all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of his worst enemies, even the Kiwaʾkw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who were ice-giant ghouls, and over them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mʾdeolinʾwak or sorcerers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Pʾmûla the night air’s evil spirit,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And every manner of uncanny ghosts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grim witches, devils, goblins, cannibals,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the dark demons of the forest shade.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And now he paused, and, thinking o’er his deeds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Long wondered if his work was at an end.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This thought unto a certain wife he told⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A clever woman with a ready tongue⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And she replied: “O Master—not so fast!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For One there still remains whom no man yet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has ever overcome in any strife</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or got the better of in any way;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And who will ever, as I oft have heard,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Remain unconquered to the end of time.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And who is he?” inquired the Lord, amazed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“It is the mighty Waʾsis,” she replied:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And there he sits before you on the floor!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And mark my words—if you do trouble him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He’ll cause you greater trouble in the end!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now Waʾsis was the Baby. And he sat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the floor, in baby peace profound</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sucking a piece of maple sugar sweet;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Greatly content and troubling nobody.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now as the mighty Lord of Men and Beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had never married, nor had had a child,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The art of nursing or of managing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such little ones was all unknown to him;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And therefore he was sure, as all such folk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Invariably are, be they or maids</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or blooming bachelors, that he at least</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew all about it and would have his way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And make the young obey him. So the Lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turned to the babe with a bewitching smile,</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><a id="Page_108"></a>And bade the little creature come to him;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Back smiled the baby, but it did not budge.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the Master spoke in sweeter tone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Making his voice like that of summer birds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all to no avail; for Waʾsis sat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, sucking at his sugar silently,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Looked at Kulóskap with untroubled eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So then the Lord as in great anger frowned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ordered Waʾsis in an awful voice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To crawl to him at once. And baby burst</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into wild tears, and high he raised his voice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto a squall tremendous—yet for all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Did never move an inch from where he sat.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, since he could do only one thing more,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master had recourse to sorcery</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And used the awful spells, and sang the songs</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which raise the dead and scare the devils wild</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And send the witches howling to their graves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And make the forest pines bend low to earth.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Waʾsis looked at him admiringly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And seemed to find it interesting, quite;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet, peacefully as ever kept his place.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So, in despair, Kulóskap gave it up,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Waʾsis, ever sitting on the floor</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the warm sunshine, went “Goo! goo!” and crowed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That was his infant crow of victory.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now to this very day, whene’er you see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A baby well contented, crying “Goo!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or crowing in this style, know that it is</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because he then remembers in great joy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How he in strife, all in the olden time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Did overcome the Master, conqueror</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all the world. For that, of creatures all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or beings which on earth have ever been</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since the beginning, Baby is alone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The never yielding and invincible.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_23_23" href="#FNanchor_23_23" class="label">[23]</a> This is an old story of Kulóskap. They told it long ago.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Canto_Third"> + Canto Third + </h2> + <p class="center larger">THE MASTER AND THE ANIMALS + </p> +</div> + + <h3 id="I_3_I"> + <abbr title="One">I</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND THE LOONS + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac and Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kulóskap umimat netinniaspʾnil</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Winpeul kʾchi mteolinul.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_24_24" href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0">While the Master was pursuing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Winpe the giant magician,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One day at Uktukâmkw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He saw afar in the distance</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the silent water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far away in the sunset,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kwîmûŭk (the Loons) a-flying.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thence did their chief in a circle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lead them around the lake;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet ever drawing nearer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the Home of Beasts and Men;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he came, the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “What is thy will, O Kwîmû?”</div> + </div> +</div> +<br> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_110" style="max-width: 97.9375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_110.jpg" alt="This is a black and white sketch of Kulóskap standing in the front of a canoe on the water. His left hand is extended upwards, and he holds a canoe paddle in his right hand. An indistinct shoreline crosses the image midway. In the sky are four curled V's representing loons."> + <figcaption> + <strong>Kulóskap and the Loons</strong> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">To whom the Loon replied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I fain would be thy servant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy servant and thy friend.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master taught them a cry,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A strange long cry like the howl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a dog when he calls to the moon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or when, far away in the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He seeks to find his master;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And told them when they required him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To utter this long strange cry.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now it came to pass long after</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master in Uktâkŭmkûk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(The which is Newfoundland)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came to an Indian village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all who dwelt therein</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were Kwîmûŭk, who had been</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Loons in the time before;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And now they were very glad</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As men to see once more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master who had blessed them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they were only birds;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore he made them his huntsmen,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Also his messengers;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hence comes that in all the stories</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which are told of the mighty Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Loons are ever his friends;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Indians when they hear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The cry of the Loons, exclaim:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<cite>Kwîmû elkomtûejul</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Kulóskapŭl</cite>,” “The Loon is calling</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap,” the Master.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_24_24" href="#FNanchor_24_24" class="label">[24]</a> Kulóskap used to fight with Winpe the great wizard.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_3_II"> + <abbr title="Two">II</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND THE BEAVER + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kulóskap naga Kwâbît.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_25_25" href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Over all the land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Wabanaki,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Land of the Break of Day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There is never a place</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the hand of Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Made not a mark.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is seen on hills and rivers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the great roads through mountains,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As well as on mighty rocks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which once were living monsters.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Such is the wonderful highway</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Running along the river</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Called Herbert—the road which is named</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By white men the Boar’s Back,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By Indians Onwokun,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is their word for Causeway.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The tale is told of Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That, once while travelling</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To visit Partridge Island</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then Cape Blomidon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His friends were tired of rowing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tired of travel by water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And wished to cross by land;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, while they all were resting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master, raising his magic</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto a mighty deed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be spoken of forever,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went away for a little time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And cast up a giant ridge,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wide and beautiful level</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over great bogs and streams,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And across this they travelled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rejoicing, to await him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet again the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Did a very wondrous deed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For it came to pass in those days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the beavers had built a dam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From Âûkogegéchk or Blomidon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even unto the opposite shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thereby made a pond</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which filled up all the valley.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now in those times the beavers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were beasts of monstrous size,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Master, though kind of heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seems to have had indeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But little love for them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since the day when young Kwâbîtsis,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The son of the Great Beaver,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tempted Malsum to slay his brother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the very early time.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now to this very day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They find the bones of these beavers;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There are many on Unamagik,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their teeth are six inches wide,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There are no such beavers to-day!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And these are indeed the bones</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the beavers who built the dam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Across at Cape Blomidon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And crossed the Annapolis Valley.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the Master would fain go hunting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thereby do a deed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which should equal the great whale-fishing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Kitpûsiigʾnâû.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So he cut the great dam near the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he bade the boy Marten watch;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he said, “I greatly suspect</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That there is a little beaver</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who is hiding hereabouts.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the dam was cut</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From where it joined the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was a mighty rush,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the roar of many waters,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that the beaver dam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was made of giant trees</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deftly fastened together,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swung full around to the westward;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet it did not break</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away from the other shore.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore the end of it lodged</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a great split therein</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the flood had found a passage;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the whole may be seen there still,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To this very day, even,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As it is seen by all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of those who pass up the bay;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And still this point, Cape Split,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is called by the Micmacs Plîgun</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which means the opening</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or cleft of a beaver dam.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then to frighten the Beaver</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master threw at it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Several handfuls of earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which falling to eastward</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of what is called Partridge Island,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Became the Five Islands, and</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The pond which was left behind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Became the Basin of Minas.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet another tradition tells</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That after cutting the dam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master sat and watched,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet no Beaver came forth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For Kwâbît had escaped by a hole</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which led back to the other side;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap then tore up</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A rock and he threw it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very far indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One hundred and fifty miles,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To frighten the Beaver back;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But over the Grand Falls</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kwâbît had gone in haste</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so for the time escaped;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet the stone remaineth there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As a wonder to this day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">However, others declare</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That by this rock the Beaver</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was killed while swimming away;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For thus the tale was told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By a Penobscot woman</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As she sat weaving a basket,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A basket or <i>abaznoda</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of that sweet-scented grass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which Indians dearly love.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap gave the names</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To everything on earth;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He first made man and woman</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bestowing on them life;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He also made the winds</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To make the waters move;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Turtle was his uncle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tiakēūch the Mink</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was his adopted son,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While Mūnŭmkwech, the Woodchuck⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She was his grandmother.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Beaver built a dam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The greatest ever seen.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp51" id="i_116" style="max-width: 98.375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_116.jpg" alt="This is a black and white sketch of Kulóskap. He is standing on a small hill, facing left, both arms extended, and his left foot in front of his right. Among the indistict undergrowth in front of him is a beaver running away. In the air above Kulóskap's right hand is a large rock that he has just thrown."> + <figcaption> + <strong>Kulóskap and the Beaver</strong> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap turned it away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And killed the Beaver, too;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At Mûschik he killed a moose;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The bones are there e’en now,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At Bar Harbor, turned to stone.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The entrails of the moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Across the bay he cast</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto his dogs, and they,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which were also turned to stone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To this day may be seen there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As I have seen them myself;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there, too, in the rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are the prints of his arrow and bow.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_25_25" href="#FNanchor_25_25" class="label">[25]</a> Kulóskap and the Beaver.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_3_III"> + <abbr title="Three">III</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE SABLE AND THE SERPENT + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kulóskap wtiwaspʾnil nequt</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Otloketmul nʾmokswesul.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_26_26" href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the olden time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All in a year it befell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That Kulóskap had a foe:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very evil man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very sinful beast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very vile magician,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who after he had tried</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A hundred tricks in vain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took on the form of a snake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A serpent of awful size,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In hope to kill the Lord.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the Master had a boy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His faithful servitor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nʾmokswes or the Sable;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A boy of elfin kind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who played the magic flute</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherewith he could entice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All birds and animals</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To come to him, when they</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Once heard its wondrous sound.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It happened on a time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When Kulóskap was afar,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Sable broke his flute,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, deeply crushed with grief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would not return again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But wandered far away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the wilderness.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all of this the Lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew well—for by his art</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He knew when aught went wrong</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pertaining to himself.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, when returned, he asked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The old, old grandmother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where Sable was? but she</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could only weep. And then,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master said: “I’ll roam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forever if I must,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But I will find the boy.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So he went forth, resolved,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Following Sable’s trail,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tracked him through the snow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Three days and nights, and then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heard some one sing afar;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was the magic song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which sorcerers only sing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When in the direst need,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And death is drawing near.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, circling round the place,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap looked adown,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And saw a lodge, and heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The voice distinctly sound,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he grew nearer; it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was Sable’s wondrous voice;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then heard him sing a curse</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Against all serpent kind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he was wandering</div> + <div class="verse indent0">About the place to seek</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A stick, extremely straight.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master understood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What this all meant: how that</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sable had been enticed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the wilderness</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By Atoʾsis the Snake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that the Serpent-chief</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was in the lodge, and he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had sent the Sable forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To seek a long straight rod</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For evil magic deeds.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, softly singing, he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bade Sable disobey,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And get a crooked stick,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As twisted as could be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And told him carefully</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What more he was to do.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Sable found in fact</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very rugged rod,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As twisted as a worm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When it is wounded; then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he came in, the Snake</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cried out, amazed and wroth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“How hast thou dared to bring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To me a stick like that?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Sable, answering,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Replied, “It is not straight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But what is crookedest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May be the straightest made,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I do know a charm</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whereby this may be done;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I will but heat this stick</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A little in the fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sing the proper spell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then it shall be straight.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now Atoʾsis the Snake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like all the crafty folk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was very curious</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so looked closely on.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Sable, when the stick</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was burning, or red hot,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thrust it into his eyes;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(It had a forked end)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Utterly blinding him;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then headlong rushed away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The serpent followed him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, even as he left</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wigwam, there he met</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master, who forthwith</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Struck him a mighty blow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And slew him out of hand;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of old times this befell⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thus my story ends.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_122" style="max-width: 97.625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_122.jpg" alt="This is a black and white sketch. On the right side, a lad stands on the grass, facing left. On the left side, a sinuous snake extends upwards from the grass to the level of the lad's head. The lad holds a forked stick with both hands and rams the fork into the mouth and head of the snake."> + <figcaption> + <strong>The Sable and the Serpent</strong> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_26_26" href="#FNanchor_26_26" class="label">[26]</a> Kulóskap had a servant once who was a Sable.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp86" id="i_123" style="max-width: 97.3125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_123.jpg" alt="Black and white half-tone sketch of a turtle. Grass and flowers line the bottom of the sketch. The turtle sits on top of a pile of twigs in the center. Flames and clouds emminate outwards from the turtle."> +</figure> + + <h3 id="I_3_IV">IV</h3> + +<h4>KULÓSKAP AND THE TURTLE</h4> + +<p class="center">[<i>Micmac and Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nekke meiawet nektuk Piliomeskasik ktakʾmigw otlian Pikto.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_27_27" href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When the Master left <i>Uktâkumkûk</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Called by the English Néwfoundlánd,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He went to Piktook or Pictou,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which means “the rising of bubbles,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because at that place the water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is ever strangely moving.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There he found an Indian village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And in the village a man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom he loved through all his life.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet it was not because this man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose name in Micmac is Mikchik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And in our Passamaquoddy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Chikwenóchk “the Turtle,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was great or well favored or rich;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was truly none of these,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Being very poor and lazy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No longer young or lively,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor in any way clever or wise.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is said he was the uncle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Kulóskap, but many declare</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was only by adoption.⁠<a id="FNanchor_28_28" href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">However, he always bore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His trials with such good nature,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His wants with such merry patience,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the Master took strangely to him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With most unwonted affection,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if he had determined</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To make of the idler a man;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which verily came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quite soon, and very quaintly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As you shall presently hear.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he came to Piktook,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A town of a hundred wigwams,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap being a handsome</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And very stately warrior</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the air of a great chief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was greatly admired by all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Especially the women;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that every one felt honored</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose wigwam he deigned to enter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet he saw the folk very seldom,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And dwelt with old uncle Mikchik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Delighting in his fancies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quaint ways and old time stories,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very old songs of the fathers;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such things were the joy of his heart.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now ’twas the time for holding</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The great and yearly feast</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With dancing and merry games;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Kulóskap cared not to go</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As guest or as performer.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">However, he asked his uncle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Wilt thou not go to the feast?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the fair girls of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the beautiful matrons,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the bewitching widows</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From far and wide will be there;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why hast thou never married?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There are many nice women a-waiting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis evil living alone.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus answered Uncle Turtle:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I am poor and old and homely,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With no garments fit for a feast;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore ’tis better for me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To smoke my pipe at home.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Well, if that be the only hindrance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Uncle,” replied the Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I can turn tailor I trow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fit you to a turn⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fit you as if by magic,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or in fact by magic itself;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore have thou no care</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As to your face or outside,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For to him who hath the art</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis as easy to make a man over</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As any suit of clothes.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“That may be true, my nephew,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quoth Turtle, “but what say you,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As to the making over</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The <i>inside</i> of a mortal?”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“By Kwâbît the immortal Beaver!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Replied the Master, laughing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“That is something harder to do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Else I were not at work</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So long in this world of ours.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet, ere I leave this town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For you I will do that also.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As for this present sport,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do but put on this belt.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he wore the girdle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mikchik became so young</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so bewitchingly handsome</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That never a man or woman</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the land had seen the like;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as the Master arrayed him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In garments of great splendor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He also gave him his word</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That, as a man, he ever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should be of men the comeliest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as animal, hardest to kill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Most vital and enduring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As it truly came to pass.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So Mikchik went to the feast.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the chieftain of the Piktook</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had three very beautiful daughters,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And of the three, the youngest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was the loveliest in the land.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On her the old-young turtle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cast his experienced eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a boy-like, innocent look,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And said, “I think that damsel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would exactly suit my complaint,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And therefore I think I will take her!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now all the young men in Piktook</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were of just the same opinion,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all were firmly resolved</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To kill the one who should win her.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So the next day the Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Taking a bunch of <i>wâbab</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, of the finest wampum,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went to the chief of the Piktook</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Proposing that his uncle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should marry the youngest daughter.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And truly the chief was willing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the mother at once cried, “Yes!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To such a grand proposal;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, without loss of time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The maiden swept out a wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And made a bed of sprays,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or of leaves, upon the floor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Spreading out a great white bear skin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As a cover over all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then with Mikchik and the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They had dried meat for supper,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so the pair were wed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the Turtle seemed very lazy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And for days after they were married</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While other men were hunting</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He lounged about at home</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Smoking over the fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till one frosty, sunny morning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His wife said to him, “Mikchik,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If this goes on much longer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We two must certainly starve.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he put on his snow-shoes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Taking his bow and arrows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And she followed silently after</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see what he would do.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But in truth he did very little,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he had not gone far forward</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere he tripped and fell rolling over.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the wife, returning disgusted,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said in a rage to her mother:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“He is not in the least a hunter.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He can’t even walk on snow-shoes.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the mother said: “Be patient,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There is more in him than you dream.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">One day it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the Master said to Mikchik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“To-morrow will be held</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The very great yearly ball-play</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And you must share in the game.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It will be sore for you,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A game of life and death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all the young men who live here</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are your enemies, and will seek</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To slay you in the rush</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By crowding close together,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And trampling you under foot.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when they do this, ’twill be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Close by the Sagamore’s lodge,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that you may escape them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I give you, Uncle, the power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To jump twice over the roof;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But if they chance to bring it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a third attempt, ’twill be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very terrible thing for you,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet it <i>must</i> come to pass;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">‘No honey without a sting;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No chase, no venison.’”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And all of it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the Master had foretold;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the young men of the village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All joined to kill the Turtle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And to escape them, Mikchik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Jumped, when beset, so high</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the Sagamore’s lodge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he looked like an eagle flying.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when for a third time he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Attempted another leap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His scalp-lock caught on a pole,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there he hung a-dangling</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the smoke which rose from below.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kulóskap, who was sitting</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On a skin in the tent beneath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “Uncle the hour is come,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now will I make thee Sagem,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grand Sagamore of the Tortoise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chief of the Lenni Lenâbe;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou shalt bear up a great nation</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which shall rest upon thy shell!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he smoked Mikchik so long</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That his skin became a shell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very hard round shell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the marks of the smoke from the pipe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May be seen thereon to-day.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And of all his entrails he left</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But <i>one</i> which was very short,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then indeed Mikchik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeing himself so reduced</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cried out, “Beloved nephew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You will kill me certainly!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Lord replied, “Far from it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I am giving you longer life⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A longer life than is given</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To any other on earth;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From this time forth, my uncle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You may pass through a glowing fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never feel its breath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You may live on land or in water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nay, though your head be cut off</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It will live for nine days after,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And even so long shall beat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Your heart when cut from your body.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whereat Mikchik rejoiced.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And this came, indeed, betimes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And not before it was needed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For on the very next day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the men went hunting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Master warned the Turtle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they would attempt his life.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the men all went before,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the Turtle toiled slowly behind them;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when they saw him no more,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He made a magic flight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far over their heads, and deep</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the forest he slew a moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He drew it upon the track</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which he knew that they soon must take;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when his foes came up,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There he sat on the moose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Smoking, and waiting for them.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now Kulóskap the Wise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had unto them foretold</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That on that day they would see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some one come out as first</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who they thought would be last of all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when this came to pass,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were more enraged than before,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so they planned again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To kill Mikchik, but his nephew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was on the point of leaving</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The village and all therein,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Told him how it would be.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“First of all, my uncle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They will build a mighty fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And throw you into the flame,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But endure it, and with joy;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For by my magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I will see that it does no harm.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Only beg as a dying favor</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not to be cast into water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the water to drown,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beg and implore and entreat them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To spare thee that terrible torture,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, fight to the bitter end;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So will they certainly do it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so it shall come to pass.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he bade farewell to the Turtle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they built up a blazing fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And threw him at once into it;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherein, being very lazy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He turned over and went to sleep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the fire burned low</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He called for more wood to rebuild it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because it was bitterly cold.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they all called out, “Let us drown him!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But hearing this, as in terror</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He implored them not to do it.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Cut me to pieces,” he said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Burn me again, or stab me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But do not, I beg you, throw me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the water to drown!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore they swore they would drown him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And dragged him down to the shore;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He screamed like a mad magician,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fought like a wolverine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tearing up trees and roots,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rending the rocks like a tempest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet at length they overpowered him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And took him in a canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the middle of the lake</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And throwing him in they watched him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Watched him as he was sinking</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he vanished far down below;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thinking him surely dead</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Returned to their homes rejoicing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now on the next day at noon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was a glowing sunshine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And something was seen basking</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon a great flat rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">About a mile from the shore.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So two of the younger men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took a canoe and went forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see what this might be.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when they came to the rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Just hanging over the water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom should they see but Mikchik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A-dozing in the sunlight!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, seeing them coming to take him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He only said “Good-bye!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And rolled over into the lake</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherein it is said he is living</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto this very day.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So in memory of this thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All turtles in swamps or rivers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they see a man a-coming</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tip-tilt them into the water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a <i>plump!</i> which means “Good-bye!”⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or which sounds like it in Indian⁠<a id="FNanchor_29_29" href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a>⁠⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As their ancestor did of yore.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Turtle lived with his wife</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Happily, long and contented.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then it happened in after years</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That Kulóskap came one day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To visit his uncle, and saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A babe which uttered a word.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As ’twere in a childish cry:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Knowest thou what he is saying?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Inquired the Master smiling.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Truly not I,” said Mikchik,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“For I deem it is in the language</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is spoken by the demons</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or spirits of the air,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which ’tis said no mortal knoweth.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Well, I think,” replied Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“That he is talking of eggs</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he cries ‘<i>Huwâh, Huwâh</i>’</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if he were trying to say</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Wâhwun</i>—which means an egg</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the Passamaquoddy tongue.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But where are eggs to be found?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Inquired the uncle amazed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Seek in the sand,” said the Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he sought and found full many</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And greatly he marvelled at them.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In memory of which and the Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the female turtles</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lay eggs to this very day.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_27_27" href="#FNanchor_27_27" class="label">[27]</a> When the Master left Newfoundland he came to Pictou.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_28_28" href="#FNanchor_28_28" class="label">[28]</a> It is usual to give as a mere matter of politeness terms of consanguinity +to persons in conversation. Mikchik the Turtle appears in all +the legends as a perfect Panurge or Falstaff, a worthless old scamp, who +is nevertheless liked by everybody and privileged.<span class="ss" style="width:3em"> P.</span></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_29_29" href="#FNanchor_29_29" class="label">[29]</a> It is curious that in Italy a stone thrown into water is supposed by +the sound which it makes to answer Yes or No to questions.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_3_V"> + <abbr title="Five">V</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> HOW MIKCHIK THE TURTLE WAS FALSE TO THE MASTER + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kulóskap meiawet.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_30_30" href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was lord of beasts and men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even the one as the other</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He ruled them one and all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great indeed was his army</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His tribe indeed was the whole.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In it the Golden Eagle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was a leading chief who married</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A female Caribou;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Turtle, Kulóskap’s uncle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Married the only daughter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Eagle and Caribou.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of these things are many traditions,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Many and very long,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which are told by the fire in winter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Old people knew these stories,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The younger now forget them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the wisdom in them all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It is said that Mikchik the Turtle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was ever loved by his nephew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While another tradition tells</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he was false to the Master:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I know not how it may be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I can only tell the story</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As it was told to me.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When the Turtle married,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master bade him make</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A splendid feast, and for this</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He gave him wonderful power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he bade him go down to a point</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of very great rocks by the sea</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where whales were always found,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And told him to bring a whale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gave him the might to do so.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he set an appointed mark</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or space, and said that he must not</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Go even an inch beyond it:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the Turtle went down to the sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And caught a monstrous whale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bore it up to the camp;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It all seemed very easy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he quite forgot that the power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was given him by the Master;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he took it all as his own.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Like all men of his kind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was very vain and curious.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So to see what would come of it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He went beyond the mark</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While carrying the whale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And doing this he lost</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The strength on him bestowed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sank beneath his burden</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Crushed by the mighty whale.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then many ran to the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saying that Turtle was dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he answered “Cut up the whale</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the dead will soon revive.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So they cut it up and cooked it;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the feast was ready,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Turtle came yawning on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And stretching out his leg</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cried out: “How tired I am!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Truly, I think I must</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have overslept myself!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then all men feared the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For now they knew him a spirit,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A spirit of terrible power.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">However it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the Turtle grew mightily</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All in his own conceit,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thought he could take the place</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Master and reign in his stead;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he called together a council</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all the beasts, to find</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How Kulóskap might be slain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Greatly the Great One laughed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he had learned all this</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And little did he care.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And knowing all that passed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In their evil hearts, he went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Disguised as an agèd squaw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the Council Lodge.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There were two witches there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Porcupine and Toad,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bearing the human form;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of them he humbly asked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How the Master was to die,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And to him the Toad replied,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Well! What is that to thee?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And what hast thou to do</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With such a thing as this?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Truly I meant no harm,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was all the Master said.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then he softly touched</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The tip of either’s nose.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And rising, went his way.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when the witches looked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At one another—both</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Screamed out in dire dismay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For neither had a nose!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their faces were smooth and flat;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So it came that the Porcupine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Toad, are to this day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Noseless among the beasts.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the Council came to an end.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_30_30" href="#FNanchor_30_30" class="label">[30]</a> Kulóskap the Master.</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp86" id="i_140" style="max-width: 97.125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_140.jpg" alt="Black and white half-tone sketch of a large frog on a lily pad. The frog's mouth and eyes are wide open as he faces the viewer. A small frog in the lower left looks at the large frog."> +</figure> + +<h3 id="I_3_VI"> +VI</h3> +<h4>HOW KULÓSKAP CONQUERED AKLIBIMO, THE GREAT BULLFROG</h4> +<p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piʾchce uskichinwi otenesis</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Pakichiotote pemtanikek.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_31_31" href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Long, long ago,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far, far away in the mountains</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An Indian village stood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Little known to other men;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All lived therein at their ease,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The men did well in their hunting</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The women worked at home,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all went well—save in <i>one</i> thing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that one thing was this:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the town lay by a brook</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And except in the stream there was not</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A single drop of water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In all the country round</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save in the puddles of rain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No one of all these Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had ever found a spring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet they all were very fond</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a drink of good, clear water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that in their brook was good.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So over it they grew dainty</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And were very proud of it.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But after a time they saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the brook was running low,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not only in summer time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But in autumn after the rains;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as the water fell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their spirits, too, sank low;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But day by day it grew less,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until its bed was as dry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As a dead bone is, which lies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the ashes of a fire.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now they had sometime heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That, far away in the hills</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where none of them had been,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was another village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon this very stream;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But what kind of people dwelt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therein, no one could say;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, thinking that these folk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew something about the drought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They sent a man to look</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the thing. Three days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Onward and upward he went,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till on the third he came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the village where</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He found a solid dam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Built over the rivulet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that no water could pass,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But all was kept in a pond.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, asking the village folk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why they had done this evil,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since ’twas of no use to them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They said: “Go ask our chief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was he who ordered it.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the messenger came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see the Sagamore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Behold, there lay before him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lazily in the mud,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A creature who was more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of monster than of man⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though truly in human form⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he was immense in size,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In measure like a giant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fat, bloated, at all points</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Most brutal to behold;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His great, round, yellow eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stuck from his head as knots</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or knobsticks from a pine.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His mouth with stringy lips</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went well from ear to ear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His feet were broad and flat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With toes immensely long⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was marvellous to behold!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And unto him the man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Set forth his just complaint,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To which the brute at first</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Made no reply beyond</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A most uncivil grunt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And a croak, but he said at last</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In a loud, bellowing voice,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such as we sometimes hear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At night from pond or pool:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Do as you choose,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Do as you choose,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Do as you choose!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“What do I care?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“What do I care?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“What do I care?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“If you want water,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“If you want water,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“If you want water,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Go somewhere else.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the messenger told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How his people were pining</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Near dead of their thirst,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which seemed hugely to please</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The monster, who grinned for joy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till at last he rose to his feet.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, making a single spring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of many rods to the dam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took an arrow and bored a hole</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that a little water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Just trickled out, and then cried:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Up and begone,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Up and begone,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Up and begone!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the messenger returned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In sorrow to his people,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bringing them little joy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And for a very few days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was a little water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then it stopped and they suffered again.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now these good Indians, who</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were the honestest fellows alive,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Best natured in all the world,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never harmed any one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Except their enemies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were in a pickle indeed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For sad it is to have</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nothing but water to drink;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But to want even that</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When one is raging with thirst</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is worse than waiting for dinner</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When we have no dinner to wait for.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now this the Lord Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was merciful in heart</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And knew all that was passing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the hearts of his Indian children,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Observed, and pitying them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came to them all at once;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he ever came as the wind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And no man e’er wist how.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now, just before he came,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These honest Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had in a council resolved</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To send their boldest man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though ’twere to certain death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even unto the village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where dwelt the evil chief</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who built the cursèd dam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which kept the water with which</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They slaked their thirst when they</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could get it—that is to say,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whenever the water was running.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he got there, the brave</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was either to obtain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the water-dam be cut,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or, failing, do something desperate⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They knew not exactly what;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But it was expected by all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That if he were refused</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He would paint the village with care</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a deep vermilion hue,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaving on every lodge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Blood, and in this intent,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should, armed at every point,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Go with his tomahawk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His axe and scalping-knife</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Singing his death-song, too,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he went on his way;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they were all agog.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the Master was greatly pleased</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he observed all this,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For nothing delighted him more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than plucky, desperate deeds;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he resolved that he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would see to this thing himself.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore he came to them⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The people of the town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was then so high and dry⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Looking so terribly fierce</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That in all the land there was none</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was half so horrible;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he seemed to be ten feet high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a hundred wonderful plumes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Feathers of red and black,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From his scalp-lock uprising;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His face fresh-painted like blood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Green rings around his eyes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While a very large clam-shell hung</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From either ear, and behind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A great spread eagle, which</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was awful to behold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flapped wings at every step;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that the hearts of all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beat as he entered the village,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For as simple Indians, they</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Accounted that this must be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Either Lox, the Wolverine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or Michihant the Devil</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Himself in person, who</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had turned to Indian form.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the squaws declared that they</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had ne’er seen aught so fine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such a lovely, lovable man!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master having heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The whole of their terrible tale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bade them cheer up, for he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would soon set all to rights.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So without delay he went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Straight up the bed of the brook,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And coming to the town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sat down, and bade a boy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bring him some water to drink;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To which the boy replied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That not a drop could be had</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In that town unless ’twere given</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Out by the chief himself.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Then go to your Sagamore,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said the Master, “and bid him hurry,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or verily I will know</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The reason why I wait.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the boy had gone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was no reply before</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An hour, when the boy returned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">During which time the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sat on a log and smoked.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then at last the messenger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came with a little cup</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was only just half full</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of water, extremely foul.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master rose and said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Now I will go to your chief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I think that he soon will give</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far better water than this!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And having come to the chief</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said, “Now give me to drink</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that of the best, at once,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou villainous Thing of Mud!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Sagamore in a rage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bellowed: “Begone and find</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy water where thou canst;”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When Kulóskap thrust his spear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At once into the beast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into his belly, lo!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gushed forth a mighty stream,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For it was all the water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which should have run in the brook⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had taken it all to himself!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master, rising high</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As any giant pine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Caught the monster in his hand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And crumpled in his back</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a mighty grip—and lo!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was the Bull-Frog! Then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He hurled him with contempt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the stream to follow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The current ever on.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever since that time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Bull-Frog’s back has borne</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Those crumpled wrinkles which</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are in the lower part:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These are the print-marks made</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the Master’s awful squeeze.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap then returned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the town, but there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Found not a living soul,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For a marvellous thing had come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To pass while he was gone;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A thing which shall be heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In every Indian’s speech</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through all the ages, as</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis told by all to-day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For as these people were,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As I said, good simple folk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They had talked together, just</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As boys do at their play,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they are hungry, thus:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What would you like to have?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When another will reply:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Truly, I’d like to eat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A good hot venison steak,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With maple sugar and bear’s oil;”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Nay, give me for my part</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some succotash and honey.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even so these villagers said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Suppose you really had</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the cold sparkling water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There is in the world, what then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would you do with it?” One replied,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I would live in the soft smooth mud,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And always be wet and cool.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">To which another said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he would plunge from the rocks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And dive in the deep cold stream,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Aye drinking as he dived.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the third said: “I would be washed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up and down with the rippling waves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Living at will on land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or in the water;” Then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fourth said: “None of you</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Know how to wish, and I</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will teach you how. I’d live</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In water all the time.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And forever swim in it!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now it chanced that these things were said</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the hour when, while it passes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the world, all the wishes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which are uttered by men are granted.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so it was with these Indians;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the first became a leech,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The second a spotted frog,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The third a crab which is washed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up and down with the tide,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the fourth a fish which swims</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A-drinking ever more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere this, there had been in the world</div> + <div class="verse indent0">None of the creatures which dwell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the water, but now they were there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of every kind. And the river</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came rushing and roaring on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they all went headlong down</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the endless ocean,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be washed into many lands,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And places all over the world,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forever and ever more.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_31_31" href="#FNanchor_31_31" class="label">[31]</a> Long ago, an Indian village stood far back in the mountains.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_3_VII"> + <abbr title="Seven">VII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW KULÓSKAP WENT WHALE-FISHING + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piche Kulóskap pechian</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Machieswi menikok.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_32_32" href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the olden time!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master Kulóskap came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Pulowechē Munígû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is to Partridge Island.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And on the isle he met</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With Kitpûsâgunâû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose mother had been slain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By a fearful cannibal giant:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore, like Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He warred through all his life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the monstrous race;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From which it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they were loving friends,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which did not hinder them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From a hearty, merry strife</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In which they barely missed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Taking each other’s lives</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the most good-natured way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As ye shall hear anon.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now being on the isle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of Men and Beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was entertained as guest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By Kitpûsâgunâû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Born after his mother’s death.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, as the night came on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The host said to the Lord.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Let us go forth to sea</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In my canoe, and catch</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some whales by torch light.” So</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap, nothing loath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Consented, for he was</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A mighty fisherman,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like all the Wabanaki</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who live along the shore.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when they came to the beach</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There were many mighty rocks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lying scattered here and there.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kitpûsâgunâû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lifting the largest of them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Put it upon his head,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And it became a canoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then picking up another</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It turned to a paddle; next</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A long and narrow piece</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which he split away from a rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was changed to a fishing spear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then Kulóskap asked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Who shall sit in the stern</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And paddle; and who shall take</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The spear?” The other said</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“That will I do.” And so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master paddled; ere long</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The canoe passed o’er a whale.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A monster of a fish;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was not his like in the sea.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he who held the spear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sent it down into the waves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if ’twere a thunderbolt;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as the handle rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He snatched it up, and so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mighty fish was caught;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as Kitpûsâgunâû</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whirled it on high, the whale</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Loud roaring touched the clouds;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then taking it from the spear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He tossed it into the barque</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if it had been a trout.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And both the giants laughed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the sound of their laugh was heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All over the land afar,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Wabanaki land.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So, being at home, the host</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took up a knife of stone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Splitting the whale in two,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And threw one half to his guest.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they roasted each his piece,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the fire and ate it.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_154" style="max-width: 96.5625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_154.jpg" alt="Black and white sketch of Kulóskap standing in a canoe on the sea. In his left hand he holds up a spear with a fish on the end of it."> + <figcaption> + <strong>How Kulóskap Went Whale-Fishing</strong> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the Master, having marked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The light which was in the heaven</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Long after the sun went down,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said, “The sky is red, and the night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I think will be bitter cold.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the other understood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That by his magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord would bring a frost</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And make it cold indeed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he made the Marten bring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the wood that lay without,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the fresh oil of a porpoise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which he multiplied ten times</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By sorcery; and then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They sat them down and smoked,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sang old songs and told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tales of the early time.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ever the cold came on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And at midnight, when the fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fuel were all burnt out,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Marten froze to death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the grandmother.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But still the giants smoked on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And laughed and talked as before.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the rocks all round without</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Split with the awful cold.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The great trees in the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were rent with frost, and the sound</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was like thunder above, but still</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master and “He who was born</div> + <div class="verse indent0">After his mother’s death.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kitpûsâgunâû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Laughed on, and so they sat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until the sun arose.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then Kulóskap said</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the grandmother:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<cite>Nugumích, nemchaase!</cite>”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“O grandmother, arise.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then unto the boy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<cite>Abistaneûch, nemchaase!</cite>”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Marten, arise!” and both</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Awoke to life once more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then as the day was fair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They went into the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To seek for game, yet found</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Full little. All they got</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was one small beaver, so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master said: “My friend,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You may keep all of that.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kitpûsâgunâû</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fastened it to his knee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where it dangled like a mouse.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as the giant went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On through the woods, and on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The beaver ever grew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Larger and larger still,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till ’twas of monstrous size;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he who bore it, took</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A mighty sapling. This</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He twisted to a withe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And with it, to his waist</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He tied the beaver fast;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But still it grew apace</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till, trailing after him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It tore down all the trees,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that the giant left</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A clean fair road behind.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then when the night came on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They fished for whales again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And feasted as before</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And had the cold again;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, even as before,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The grandmother lay dead</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of cold, with Marten, too.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kitpûsâgunâû</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yielded unto the spell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Kulóskap sat alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Alone as conqueror.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when the sun arose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He brought them back to life;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, laughing heartily,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said merrily, “Good-bye!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Kitpûsâgunâû.⁠<a id="FNanchor_33_33" href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a>⁠<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_32_32" href="#FNanchor_32_32" class="label">[32]</a> Long ago Kulóskap came to Partridge Island.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_33_33" href="#FNanchor_33_33" class="label">[33]</a> The last nine lines of this poem were added by me conjecturally.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_3_VIII"> + <abbr title="Eight">VIII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND WUCHOʿSEN, THE WIND-EAGLE + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>]</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Wuchoʿsen nit kininagwʾsit</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kʾchî plakʾn potowatak pemlamsuk.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_34_34" href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Wuchoʿsen the Giant Eagle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Bird-Who-Blows-the-Winds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lives far away in the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever sitting on a rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is at the end of the sky;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because when he flaps his wings</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wind blows over the earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Men gave him the name of old.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When Kulóskap lived among men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He often in his canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went forth to kill the wild-fowl,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ducks or swans or brant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which swim upon the sea.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One day the tempest roared,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The waves were as high as hillocks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even Kulóskap the Lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cared not to face the storm;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So then he said to himself:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Wuchoʿsen has made this mischief</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all to show his power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So now he shall feel mine!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He turned him to the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was long ere he came to the end;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There on a moss-grown rock</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He found a great White Bird,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Eagle of the Wind.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Grandfather!” said the God,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Thou takest no compassion</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon us Kosesak⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, ’thy suffering children’⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For thou hast raised this storm.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is too terrible!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Be easier with thy wings!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Giant Bird replied:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Even from the earliest time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And from the earliest days,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere aught beside on earth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had ever uttered word,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I moved my wings and spoke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In Wind unto the World;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For mine was the first Voice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’er heard in life or time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore I’ll ever speak,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever move my wings,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At freedom, as I will.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kulóskap the God,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Arose in all his might,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tremendous—for he rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up to the clouds above⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And took the Giant Bird</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if he were a duck,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, tying fast his wings,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cast him afar, adown</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into a deep dark cleft</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Between the splintered rocks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And left him lying there.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then all the Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could go in their canoes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As freely as they chose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For many days and months.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But then as time went by,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They noted day by day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That all the waters grew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So stagnant and so foul</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That even the Master found</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He could not row his bark;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All was so thick and dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And rottenness and slime</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Crept into all the world.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then he thought upon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Giant Bird, and went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To find him, far away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he had left him, so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He found him, for the Bird,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Spirit of Air,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can never truly die.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so he picked him up,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then with care untied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One single wing, but left</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The other tightly bound.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And since that time the Wind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has never been so wild</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As ’t ever was of yore.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp64" id="i_161" style="max-width: 68.0625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_161.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white water color of an eagle, wings spread, alighting on the top of a rocky peak."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_34_34" href="#FNanchor_34_34" class="label">[34]</a> Wuchoʿsen, that is the great eagle which blows the winds.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Canto_Fourth"> + Canto Fourth + </h2> + <p class="center larger"> + THE MASTER AND THE SORCERERS + </p> +</div> + +<h3 id="I_4_I"> + <abbr title="One">I</abbr></h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND WINPE; OR, THE MASTER’S FIRST VICTORY</h4> +<p class="center">[<i>Micmac</i>]</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piʾche ktagudimol.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_35_35" href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All in the olden time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or in the first of all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all things here on earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Men were as animals</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And animals as men.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But how this mystery was,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No one can understand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though some explain it thus:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As Man was made the first,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All creatures first were men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as they gave themselves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To this or that desire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like that of animals,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all their souls to it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So were they changed to brutes.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet ere this came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was a middle time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they could change their forms</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To beasts or men at will;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet more and more and more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as men, they showed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In all, the Animal.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kulóskap the Great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lived on a wooded isle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With many Indians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose names and natures, too,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were all of beasts and birds.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">These men, and most of all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The one called Pulowech,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Partridge, had attained</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To certain magic power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These, as they found him great,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew jealous of the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He who was ever Man;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so they all resolved</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To leave him in the isle.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But with them take away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His grandmother, likewise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Marten, the boy, who served</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master in his lodge.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In Micmac Marten’s name</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is Abistanēūch; he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was of the Elfin kind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One who could change his form</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To what he pleased. For all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Relating to the Lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was wonderful and strange.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This Marten ever ate</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From a small dish of bark</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Called Witchkwîdlakunchich.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whene’er he left this plate</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap always knew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The place where it was laid,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And by a glance thereat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could tell whate’er had happed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto his family.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap had, beside,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wondrous magic belt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which gave him endless strength</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And untold mystic power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet to increase his might,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even he, the Lord of Men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Must often all alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dwell in the wilderness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fast and pray and dream,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until by penance strong</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He gained once more his power.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Among his enemies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who dwelt upon the isle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was one named Winpe, who</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all was terrible;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he and all the rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With Marten as a slave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Likewise the grandmother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One day when Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was hunting in the North</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Got into their canoes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With all their worldly gear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sailed, far, far away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when the Lord returned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And saw that all were gone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He sought and found the dish</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which Marten had concealed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And on it read the truth:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How he had been deceived</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And whither all had fled.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now, it is said, the Lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To gain tremendous power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or such grand mastery</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As man had never won,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went to the wilderness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there for seven years</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So trained his mighty mind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By penance into will,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That when the time was o’er</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He knew that he had won,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that no thing on earth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No sorcerer nor fiend,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Giant nor devil grim,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could now resist his power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So when the time had come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He called his dogs, and went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down to the shore and looked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far o’er the rolling sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sang the magic song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which all the Whales obey.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon in the distance rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A small dark spot, which grew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In size as it drew near.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas but a little whale;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It came unto the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he was now a giant;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He stepped upon the whale.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It sank beneath his feet;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He laughed and said, “Begone!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou art too small for me!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He sang again the song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But now with all his power;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then there came the Queen</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all the whales, and she</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was as a giantess</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even among her kind;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She bore him easily</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto Kespūgitk, then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She paused and said, “O Lord!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I dare not further go,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For I shall run ashore.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And this he wished because</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He would not wet his feet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so he lied and said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“The land is far away.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So she went boldly on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till she beheld below,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The bottom of the sea</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With many shells on it;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then she said in fear:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“The land, does it not seem</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To thee like a bow-string?” “No!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He answered, “Land is far.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The water grew so shoal</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That soon she heard the song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of many Clams, who lay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep shelled below the sand.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were the enemies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Kulóskap the Man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their only enemy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so they sang to her:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Hasten and throw him off,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drown him in the sea.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But great Putúp the whale</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who did not know their tongue,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asked what the words might mean?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he replied in song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“They tell you to make haste;</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nenagimk</i>, ’to hurry’;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hurry, to hurry along,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away—as fast as you can.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The whale like lightning flew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until she found herself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">High up upon the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then she, too, cried in woe:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Alas, alas! Nujich!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My grandchild, you have been</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My death at last—for now</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I cannot leave the land;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shall swim in the sea no more!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But Kulóskap answered her:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Nʾgumi, have no fear!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You shall not suffer, for</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You shall swim in the sea once more.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then with a push of his bow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Against her head, he sent</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The whale into the sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the deep once more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the whale rejoiced,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ere she went she said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“O darling grandson mine!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O Master! Hast thou not</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tobacco in thy pouch,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therewith a pipe to spare?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he replied, “Ah yes!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I see you want a smoke,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have what you require.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He gave the whale a pipe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tobacco and a light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so she sailed away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rejoicing as she went,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A-smoking as she swam;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While Kulóskap, the Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaning upon his bow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beheld the long low cloud</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which trailed behind her, till</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She vanished far away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So to this very day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indians, when they see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A whale who blows, cry out:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Behold, it smokes a pipe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The pipe of Kulóskap.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so the Lord went on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Meeting at every step</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adventures wild and strange;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Witches and sorcerers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sought to delay his steps,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until at last he came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Uktâkumkuk, or</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Néwfoundland, where his foes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had been, then fled away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Again he sang his song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And once again a whale</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Carried him far away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away unto the North;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And now he found indeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he had gained his end,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since by the shore he saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wigwam, and therein</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His sorrowing grandmother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Marten well-nigh dead;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Winpe the sorcerer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had treated them full ill.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Greatly did they rejoice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see their Lord once more;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then Kulóskap said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“When Winpe shall return</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do all that’s in your power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To irritate the man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To make him mad with wrath;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So shall he lose his power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For anger weakeneth will.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They did what he required</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When Winpe came again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till in a roaring rage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He sought to take their lives;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When lo! before their eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master stood and gazed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In aspect terrible,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon his angry foe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Winpe fell back a pace</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To gain once more his power;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It came and it was great.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With all his evil will</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sorcerer raised his strength</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as it came he grew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In giant stature, till</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His head was o’er the pines;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And truly in those days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The pines were higher far</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than those we have to-day:</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp51" id="i_170" style="max-width: 98.0em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_170.jpg" alt="Black and white line drawing of Kulóskap standing on a gentle hillside. He holds a bow in his left hand. A small figure of Winpe is falling to the ground below the bow."> + <figcaption> + <strong>Kulóskap and Winpe</strong> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But Kulóskap the Great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of Men and Beasts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Laughed as the thunder roars.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And grew until his head</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was far above the clouds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until he reached the stars,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever higher still,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till Winpe seemed to be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A child beneath his feet.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, holding him in scorn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap the great lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Smote Winpe with his bow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As one might strike a dog;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down fell the sorcerer dead!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_35_35" href="#FNanchor_35_35" class="label">[35]</a> I will tell you of long ago.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_II"> + <abbr title="Two">II</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW A WITCH SOUGHT TO CAJOLE THE MASTER + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kes saak.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_36_36" href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This is a story of the olden time.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It chanced that great Kulóskap met a witch,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An evil being who had made herself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Look like a fair young girl, and that so well</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By all the deepest art of sorcery,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That she was sure the Lord could never see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through her disguise—wherein she was a fool,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because he read her at a single glance.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She bade him take her out in his canoe;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So forth they sailed over a summer sea</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a sweet breeze. The witch upon the way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sought to beguile the Lord with loving words</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To which he made no answer, knowing well</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What kind of passenger he had on board.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so she played all her cajoleries,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While he remained as grim as any bear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Replying with a growl to loving words;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till in a rage she changed her melody</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the curse which raises up the storm</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if to show defiance of his power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And it was terrible when the wind howled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the waves which madly rose and fell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like great white wolves a-jumping while they run;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the red lightnings flashed, while the great sea</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew dark as if to show their fire the more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the Master was enraged indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That a vile witch should dare to play such tricks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With him, the mighty Lord of Beasts and Men;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, driving the canoe unto the beach,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He leaped ashore, and giving it a push</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He sent it headlong out to sea again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And cried: “Sail with the devil if you will,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ne’er on earth again in human form!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then she in terror cried: “What must I be?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh, Master, say what shape shall I assume?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he replied: “Whatever form you please⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That grace alone I give thee.” In despair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She plunged into the deep and there became</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The <i>wĕbĕtumekw</i>, a ferocious shark</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which has upon its back a mighty fin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like a great sail when swimming in the sea.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So the canoe and witch were changed as one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the great evil fish, and to this day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indians when they see it, ever cry:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Behold the girl, who in the olden time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was punished by the Master.” That is all!<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_36_36" href="#FNanchor_36_36" class="label">[36]</a> Of old time.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_III"> + <abbr title="Three">III</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW KULÓSKAP FOUGHT THE GIANT SORCERERS AT SACO + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Yut nʾkani aknodʾmâgon uch Kulóskap.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_37_37" href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This is a tale of Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An old one. There was a father</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had three sons and a daughter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all were Mteolinwuk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, they were magicians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of terrible power, and giants;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They ate men, women, and children;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yea, they did everything</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That was wicked and horrible;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the land grew tired of them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And of all their abominations.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet when this family</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was young, Kulóskap had been</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever and truly their friend;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had made their father his father,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The brothers his brothers, the sister</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His sister by adoption,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As Indians often do.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But, as they all grew older,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Master began to hear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On every side of their sins.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said: “I will go among them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And find if this be true;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If it be so, they shall die⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I will not spare one of those</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who oppress and devour mankind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I care not who he may be.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This evil family dwelt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Near the place that now is Saco,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the sandy field</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is in the Intervale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or the summer bed of the river,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among the White Mountains, which lie</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Between Kèzitwâzuch,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or Mount Kearsarge the mighty,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Kchibenabesk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The towering rock, and near</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wʾnâgʾmeswuk Wigît</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Home of the Water Elves.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the old man, the father</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all these evil sorcerers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had only one eye, and he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was half gray like a stony mountain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master made himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like to the hoary old fellow;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was not between them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The difference of a hair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So having taken this form</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He entered into the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sat by the agèd man.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the murdering brothers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who never spared a soul,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hearing that some one was talking,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Peeped slyly in, and seeing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A stranger so like their father</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they knew not which was which,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “This is a great magician,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he shall be tried ere he goes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that right bitterly.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the giantess sister took</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The tail of a whale, and cooked it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gave it to the stranger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he might eat it, when</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Just as it lay before him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the platter, and on his knees,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The elder brother entered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And saying: “This is too good</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For a beggar like you,” took it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away to his own wigwam.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the Master said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“That which was given to me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is mine—so I take it again.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sitting still he <i>willed</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or wished for it to return.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And lo! the dish came flying</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again into his lap!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he ate from it, undisturbed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the brothers said: “This truly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is a very great magician,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he shall be tried ere he goes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that right bitterly!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When he had eaten, they brought</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A mighty bone; the jaw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a whale, and the elder brother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With great ado, and using</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Both arms and all his strength,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bent it a little, and proudly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He held it to the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who with the thumb and finger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of his right hand alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Snapped it like a green twig,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And crumbled it to powder.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the brothers said again:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This is truly a great magician,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he shall be tried ere he goes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that right bitterly.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp42" id="i_178" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_178.jpg" alt="Two half-tone black and white sketches. The top sketch shows a wigwam in a woods at night. Wisps of smoke waft upwards from the top of the wigwam and the lower entrance. The lower sketch is of an Indian peace pipe. The end opposite the bowl is wrapped decoratively with two feathers."> + <figcaption> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>Then they brought an enormous pipe</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>Full of the strongest tobacco;</strong></div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they brought an enormous pipe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Full of the strongest tobacco;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No man, not even a sorcerer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could have smoked such fearful stuff.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as it was passed around</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of them smoked. The brothers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Blew the smoke through their nostrils</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if it were light as air.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Master filled it full</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, lighting it, burned all</div> +<div class="verse indent0">The tobacco into ashes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At one puff, with a single pull!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Blowing all the smoke through his nose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as they had done.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they said and now in anger:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This is truly a great magician;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he shall be tried ere he goes”⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They never said it again!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet still they tried to smoke.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They shut the door of the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hoping to smother him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he puffed and puffed away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if he had been on the top</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a mountain in a breeze,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till one said: “This is idle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let us go and play at ball!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The place where they were to play</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was the sandy stony plain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which lies on the bend of the river.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so the game began.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap discovered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the ball with which they played</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was a hideous human skull,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A living thing which snapped at</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His heels. Had the Master been</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As other men, the monster</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would have bitten a foot away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he laughed aloud, and said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“So this is your style of foot-ball!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well and good! But let us all play</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With our own balls.” He stepped</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up to a tree by the river,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And broke off a hole or knot</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And it turned to a living skull,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But one which was ten times greater,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ten times more terrible</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than that which the sorcerers used.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the three brothers ran</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before it as it chased them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As rabbits are chased by a lynx;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were entirely beaten.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Kulóskap stamped in the sand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the waters rose and came rushing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fearfully from the mountains</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adown the river bed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The whole land rang with their roar.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master sang the song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The magic song which changes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All creatures to other forms,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which changed the Three and their father</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the Chinames,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A fish which is long and broad</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As a man, and they all went headlong</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down in the flood to the ocean</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where they must dwell forever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And are caught unto this day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">These three magicians wore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each one a collar of wampum</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of purple beads and white,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherefore the Chinames</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has exactly round its neck</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or below its head, the same,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Distinctly marked and clear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were mighty men in their day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And great Mteolinwuk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But were tried before they went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that most bitterly.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes indeed, Nsîwes, my brother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This story is really true,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For Kulóskap was very great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In his day—and a day will come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When I myself shall go to him.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_37_37" href="#FNanchor_37_37" class="label">[37]</a> This is an old story about Kulóskap.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_IV"> + <abbr title="Four">IV</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW THE MASTER SHOWED HIMSELF A GREAT SMOKER + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piʿche Kulóskap kʾchî skitap.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_38_38" href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap the Great,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lord of Beasts and Men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was ever a boon companion</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And a right valiant smoker.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In all the world was no man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who loved a well-filled pipe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of good and fragrant tobacco</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So heartily as he did.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now in that happy time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sun shone warmer and brighter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The summers were far longer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the land of the Wabanaki</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than they truly are to-day.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Indians raised <i>tomáwe</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is to say, tobacco,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far better than the best</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which ever is seen to-day.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they found a mighty solace</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In burning the gold-brown leaves.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There came one day to the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A great and evil magician</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who sought to take his life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the Master at once perceived;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he read the thoughts of men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As though they were strings of wampum⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeing deep into every heart.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now this evil magician thought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By first amazing the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through some wonderful trick, to weaken</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The will which gave him strength;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As they say a fish is frightened</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he sees that his foe swims faster,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And is too much alarmed to fight.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So the sorcerer sat to smoke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a pipe whose bowl was bigger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than the head of any man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a stem full ten feet long;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ever that of Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew to the size of a pumpkin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then like the ten-foot boulder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which lies on the beach at Rye;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the smoke which rose from his puffing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was like that of a forest fire.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the sorcerer filled his pipe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Afresh with strong tobacco,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such as would kill if they breathed it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A porcupine or a toad.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And at one pull he burned it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaving no spark behind;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And at one whiff he sent it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Out in one great round ball;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then sat and looked at the Master.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the Lord Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose pipe was many times greater,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Also sent his tobacco</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Out in a puff as round⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Out in a mighty ball</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As hard as any flint,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, blowing it on the ground</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was of granite rock,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Split it asunder, so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That a valley yawned between them.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they both sat in silence</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until the Master said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Do that—and then take my life.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the wizard could do no more,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And returned in shame and anger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the evil ones who had sent him.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_38_38" href="#FNanchor_38_38" class="label">[38]</a> Long ago Kulóskap was a great man.</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp70" id="i_185" style="max-width: 97.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_185.jpg" alt=" White line drawing on a black background. Vines intertwine through the image. At the right side, two vines end with heads of birds."> +</figure> + + <h3 id="I_4_V"> + <abbr title="Five">V</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND THE WITCH + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy and Micmac</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nequt Kulóskap meiaoet</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Pechian kʾtakʾmikomnok. Nit kʾmʾtkinansnok</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Neke bʾsʾnboek kʾchî Kiwaʿkwik.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_39_39" href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When Kulóskap the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came into this world of ours,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or the Land of the Wabanaki,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was full of giants and monsters,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sorcerers, dwarfs and demons,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mighty beasts and men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fiends and the Indian devils,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, worst of all, the witches,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And worst among them Pûjinskwes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A word which means “The Pitcher.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She could be fair when she would,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fair as a rosy sky</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With stars still beaming in it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In very early dawn;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or terrible as a storm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When it howls among the mountains,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And lightens in the midnight.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now while the Master was young,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And had not gained the power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which he won in riper age,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûjinskwes sought his love.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he knew that she was evil,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he fled away from her wooing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the wild-cat witch pursued him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was a dreadful flight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since to make their steps the longer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Both took the giant form,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took it by magic power.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It was an awful storm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A terrible storm in winter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the wind is chasing the clouds;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was like a frightful tempest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In summer when the lightning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Chases after the thunder.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep lay the snow on the earth;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therefore they both wore snow-shoes;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, when they came to the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap leaped from the mainland</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the sea between</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the island of Grand Manan;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so he escaped from the sorceress;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the shoes which the Master wore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were round and out of the common;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While those of the witch were long,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Long it is said and pointed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the marks of the two are still</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be seen deep pressed in the rocks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the shore to this very day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But for days and years thereafter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûjinskwes sought to slay him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And she had terrible power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The might of the Evil Witches</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which came from the early time.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now ’tis the greater part</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Indian art of magic</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To know what our foes are planning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Planning and plotting against us,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all their tricks and devices</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which they scheme in the darkened paths,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The darkened paths of Evil.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In knowing this, Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was the greatest and the first,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, knowing new arts of magic,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went far beyond them all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For before his time all sorcerers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went every one his way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unheeding the ways of others,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even in wickedness.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Kulóskap first of all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Threw out his soul unto others</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To find what others knew.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When the Lord was on the warpath</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeking the sorcerer Winpe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had carried away his household,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He came to Ogomkeok</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he found a great birch wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, in the wigwam seated</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bending over a fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A strange old woman—a horror</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all old hags and ugliest⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Trembling in every limb,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if death stood at her elbow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dirty, ragged and loathsome,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He never had seen the like.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then looking up at the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With bleared and pitiful stare,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She begged him to bring some fire-wood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which he did indeed, while knowing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who it was who was so disguised,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he knew it was Pûjinskwes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he laughed at her in his heart.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then she said to him, “O stranger,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As thou art a man of mercy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pray free me from the <i>waagûkw</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the monstrous terrible vermin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which madden me by their bites!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now all the <i>waagûkw</i> were devils,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The spirits of every poison,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which she thought had such a power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As must even kill the Master.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But he foreseeing this</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had taken as he came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cranberries from a swamp,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bidding her bend over,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He took the imps from her hair,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And every one as he took it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turned into a porcupine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or else a terrible toad.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When she asked him, “Have you found one?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, “I have,” replied the Master;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, “Crush it,” was her answer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So then he crushed a berry,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Pûjinskwes, hearing the sound,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thought to herself: “The poison</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is now upon his fingers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will soon be in his heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And death will follow after.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But Kulóskap put the devils</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One by one as he found them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Under a wooden platter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was lying close beside him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he did this he chanted</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A song which put her to sleep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A song of wonderful power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So she slept until the morrow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when she awoke, the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was far away, and her devils,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Porcupines, toads and all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were swarming over the floor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For they had upset the platter.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then she was filled with fury</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To think he despised her so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he had not even cared</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To kill her while a-sleeping.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then she burst forth in madness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wild as the Indian devil</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forth in her own true figure</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As beautiful as sin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wild as the wolverine;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gathering up her imps,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And summoning all her power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of magic by fiercer will,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went forth to meet the Master.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Onward he went to the North</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he came to a pass in the hills.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was a great ravine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherein two monstrous beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waylaid all travellers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tore them limb from limb.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Straight at his dogs they flew;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He did but touch the dogs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And speak a word of power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When up they grew to size</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stupendous, so they seized</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The beasts e’en as the wolf</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seizes a rabbit. Then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fight was at an end.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These dogs had been so trained</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That when called off they fought</div> + <div class="verse indent0">More fiercely than before,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when told not to bite</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They ever bit the more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon he came to the top</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a high hill, and looking</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Afar o’er all the land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beheld, away in the distance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wigwam, and knew in his heart</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That an enemy dwelt therein;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And coming to it he found</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An old woman with two fair daughters.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he knew at a glance that the mother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was a witch among the witches,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the one who sought his life.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The girls came to him greeting</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With fond and pleasing glances,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asking if he was hungry,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And offering him a dainty:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The entrails of a bear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which, when turned and smoked and seasoned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are deemed by all delicious.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They are a common gift</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Indian girls to their lovers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For, when cast around the neck</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As a necklace, it means “I love you.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But these had been enchanted,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Poisoned by magic spells;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had the Master taken them then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He would have lost his power.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Little they knew of the magic,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The new and wonderful magic</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of reading the thoughts of men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which the Lord had brought into the land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unknown to the witches of yore;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So as they came wooing round him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With smiles and wanton glances,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He smiled, as if all he wanted</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of them, was to be won!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he took the gift which they offered,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, instead of putting it on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cried out to his dogs, “<i>Cuss! cuss!</i>”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which in Micmac means “Stop, stop!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But which they had been trained to believe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was, “Hie at them!” They flew at the witches</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When both flashed up like fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the terrible form of devils,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As flaming female fiends.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then came an awful tumult</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such as never before was seen</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the land of the Wabanâki;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the earth and rocks around</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were rent in the dreadful tumult</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the while the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cried merrily to his dogs:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Stop, stop! These are my sisters,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let them alone! Be quiet!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the more he bade them be peaceful</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The more they attacked the witches</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drove them at last away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master entered the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where Pûjinskwes sat waiting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting for him as dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting for him as food.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he said to her while smiling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Grandmother, are you hungry?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do you love the links of a bear?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then here are some.” He threw them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Around her neck and she died,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Died and became a devil.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet the sorcerers when devils</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever rise to life again;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever rise to work men mischief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For evil can never die.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master kept on his way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he met the giant Winpe⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The evil sorcerer Winpe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom he slew in terrible battle.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is the song of the Micmacs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Master’s earlier deeds.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_39_39" href="#FNanchor_39_39" class="label">[39]</a> When Kulóskap the Lord came into our land the country was full +of great giants.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_VI"> + <abbr title="Six">VI</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>KULÓSKAP AND THE WITCH CALLED “THE PITCHER” + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Uskijinwi otenesis.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_40_40" href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There was an Indian village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherein dwelt many people,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who were all of the Pogumʾk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or of the Black Cat totem;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And wisest and bravest among them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was Kulóskap the chief;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he went forth a-hunting</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the <i>tumʾhîgʾn</i> (tomahawk),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The knife and bow and arrow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He slew the moose and the bear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he gave meat to the poor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he fed all the tribe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet, though he was chief of the Black Cats,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was by his mother a Bear.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûjinskwes the witch and devil</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was also one of the Black Cats;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She was woman or man as she listed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But in those days she lived as a man;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, because she hated the chieftain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She thought how she might kill him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And take his place in the tribe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One day when all the people</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were packing to travel away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To another place for summer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûjinskwes asked the chief</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To go with him (or <i>her</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As you may choose to take it),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adown to the water side</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To seek for the eggs of the gull.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then both in a canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went far away, and still farther,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till they came to a lonely island.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And while Kulóskap was seeking</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For eggs along the seaside</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She stole away in silence,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away in the <i>agwedʾn</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, in the birch-canoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as she paddled away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She sang in the Indian tongue:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>Nikedha pogumʾk mʾneʿnuk</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Petesinel sagʾmawiw!</i>”⁠<a id="FNanchor_41_41" href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I have left the Black Cat on an island,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shall be the chieftain now.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So she returned to the village;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Next day they all departed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was not one of them left,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save the one who was worth them all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then at night they camped, and expected</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chief who w’ould come to them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the evil Pitcher</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ruled them as Sagamore.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now for thirty days Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had well-nigh lost his power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of magic, as all magicians</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are often all exhausted,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Remembered that his friend</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Fox was mteolin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With all the strength of sorcery.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And still the mighty Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could sing the wonderful song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is heard to any distance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away over forests and mountains,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the rolling rivers.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he sang and the Fox soon heard it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he travelled by night and day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until he came to the ocean,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And swam to the lonely isle.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Now swim with me to the mainland,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said the Fox unto the Master.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Brother, I cannot do it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all my power is gone.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Hold to my tail” said the Fox,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Be of good faith, my brother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We soon shall gain the shore.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“But remember,” said the Fox,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“While we are in the water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou must keep thine eyes fast shut.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All depends upon that,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On that alone and thy faith.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So all went well for a time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But anon the chief grew weary,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And opening one eye a little</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It seemed to him that truly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were not ten feet from the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And being of little faith</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He thought—for he spoke not aloud:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“We shall never get to land:”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Fox who read his thought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Replied, “Do not believe it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I <i>will</i> that we reach the shore.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But the journey lasted long,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For what seemed unto the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be ten feet, was really</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ten miles—and the wind was high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the waves were wild and beat them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the witch had raised a storm;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And it was late in the evening</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before they reached the land.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“And now my elder brother,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said the Fox, “you may go your way.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He went and came to the camp</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he had left his people.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There all was silent and sad,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ashes were cold on the hearths,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the deserted homes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the lonely, silent wigwams;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he followed the tracks of the Indians,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And in a day came near them.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The first whom he overtook</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was his mother bearing his brother;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nʾmokswes, that is the Sable,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or as others say the Marten.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She bore him on her back,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The child’s back lay against her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that, while she looked forward,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He could only look behind.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As Kulóskap peered from a thicket,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Smiling to see the boy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Sable cried: “Oh, my brother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is coming to us at last!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And she turned her head, yet saw nothing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the Master hid his head</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quickly behind a tree.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the infant cried again:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Indeed and truly, mother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I saw my brother there!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And this time glancing quickly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She caught a sight of the Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they all laughed for joy.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the mother threw Nʾmokswes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like a stick down into the leaves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Master bade him rise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And run to the camp with speed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And when you are there,” he said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Build up a mighty fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A fire of hemlock bark,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And take the Pitcher’s babe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom she so dearly loves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And has given to you to tend,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And throw it into the fire;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then run to me for your life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For verily thou wilt be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In direst need to do it.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he had commanded</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was done. When the fire was hot</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nʾmokswes threw the imp,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The child of an evil mother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the roaring flames,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And it was burned to death.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the sorceress who was maddened,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As you may well believe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With rage, pursued the Sable,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as a starving wolf</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Chases a rabbit in winter:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nʾmokswes in great fear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cried, “Oh my elder brother!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the sorceress yelled: “Call out!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Call loudly as you can!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For to save your life you must run</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As far as the distant island</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where I left him long ago.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But at the word the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stepped forward, and as he faced her</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “He need not run so far.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, seeing him, fear came o’er her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But laughing aloud to hide it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She said: “I only chased him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In sport, for I truly love him.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Master answered grimly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I know thee and thy love,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And also all thy tricks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou who art truly a devil.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then feeling that his power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of magic was returning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He used his mighty will,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the will awoke to might,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And before his breath the sorceress</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was driven backward lightly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like a leaf before the wind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till her back was against a tree;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he said to her, “Remain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever attached to the bark,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so indeed she remained,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though not as the Master meant.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master and his brother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Together went to the camp;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great was the joy when he came.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Pitcher had a hatchet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so with much ado</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She cut herself (or himself),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In time away from the tree.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Black Cats heard her chopping,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pounding and chopping all night;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And wondered what it might be.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She came to them in the morning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But a fragment from the tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever adhered to her back:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So they laughed at her in scorn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sang together these words:</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2">“He who made the chief</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Stay on a distant island,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is now stuck by the chief</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Fast with his back to a tree.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It is said she turned to a toad</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which bears to this day on its back</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A hump, or the piece of wood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was carried away from the tree.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though another legend has it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That, as during all her life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She had tormented men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With her insatiate longing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She was changed to a mosquito</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which preys on them in the night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The blood-thirsty stinging Tʾsiso</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever a-stinging and singing:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Give me thy life and blood.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is said it was at Fresh-Water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">After she left Bar Harbor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That she changed into the insect</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which ever will bear her name.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûjinskwes had many children</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose fathers were giants and monsters,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sorcerers and demons,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, as they all were hideous,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She stole from the Indian women</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their fairest babes, and pretended</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they were all her own.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among these was a comely youth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he grew older he wondered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That most of his brothers and sisters</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were dark and like the devils</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While he, and a few, were fair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So one day he asked Pûjinskwes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why it was? She answered laughing:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“The dark were born in the darkness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But thou, my son, by day.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_40_40" href="#FNanchor_40_40" class="label">[40]</a> There was an Indian village.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_41_41" href="#FNanchor_41_41" class="label">[41]</a> This couplet indicates the metre into which most of the original +can be resolved.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_VII"> + <abbr title="Seven">VII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW KULÓSKAP SAILED THROUGH THE CAVERN OF DARKNESS + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Micmac</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nʾkani bʾmaoinnoak itmok niktuk iloiknuk wesisek</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kulóskap honichan uch negum</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Naga honosokoan nihit Piliomeskasik ktakʾmigw.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_42_42" href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It is told in old traditions,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And even in them with a difference,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">According to the nations</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In which these songs are sung,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That “in these olden times,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap’s seven neighbors,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, seven beasts of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stole his family from him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that he long pursued them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even to Néwfoundlánd.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When he came there it was night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, finding Marten alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He took him into the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bidding him seek for game,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Putting his belt on the boy;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which gave him such magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he killed both moose and bear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And brought all gayly home.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now it came to pass in the morning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That old Dame Kâkâgûch,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The meddling and spying Crow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Observed that meat was drying</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the smoke of the Master’s wigwam.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This news she spread abroad,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adding that trouble was coming,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the Master must have returned.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then a great fear came upon them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They sat every man in his wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting for death in silence</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For they knew the Master had come.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when he had slain Winpe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And saw them sitting in silence,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Frightened like so many rabbits</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before a hungry wild-cat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He laughed aloud and forgave them;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he was noble and generous,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And cared for no small foe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as they were very hungry,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he had come in a time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When all of them were starving.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He fed them all with venison;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So sorrow left the wigwams.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as they had left him of old,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He left them in turn and departed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere they had known his power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They had left him alone to die;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now that they knew his power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They feared they should die without him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he left them to go their path</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And turned his steps toward others.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, having made a canoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Master and his mother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dame Bear, and Marten, his brother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went forth on a mighty river</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was in its beginning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Both broad and beautiful.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So they sailed away down the stream</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till they came to mighty cliffs</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which ever grew higher and closer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till they met in an arch overhead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the river ran on beneath them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever far underground,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep into earth and deeper,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till it dashed into roaring rapids</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among rocks and wild ravines;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then under cataracts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So horrible that death</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seemed to come and go as they darted</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With every plunge and motion</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Headlong in their canoe.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp56" id="i_205" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_205.jpg" alt="Black and white half-tone sketch of a dark cavern. Near the bottom, an Indian in a canoe negotiates swirling water inside the entrance to the cavern."> + <figcaption> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>But the Master with silent soul</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>Ever sang the songs of magic.</strong></div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Narrower grew the water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">More dreadful still the current,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fear came over the mother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then on the brother Marten,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till of that fear they died.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Master with silent soul</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever sang the songs of magic,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The awful incantations,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he had passed the darkness</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And came again into sunlight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The bright and beautiful day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He found upon the bank</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A lonely deserted wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Therein he carried the dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, laying them down, he said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>Nemchaase!</i>” that is, “Arise!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And behold they both arose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thought they had only slept.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Master found by this trial</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had gained his greatest power.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_42_42" href="#FNanchor_42_42" class="label">[42]</a> The old people say that seven beasts stole Kulóskap’s family from +him and that he followed them to Newfoundland.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_VIII"> + <abbr title="Eight">VIII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW THE MASTER FOUND THE SUMMER + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piche pamaosoinnoak wiwikitopʾnik</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Mequatoekak ospassio.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_43_43" href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_208" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_208.jpg" alt="Black and white half-tone sketch abuts the letter I, on the right. The trunk of a tree extends the length on the right side. Branches extend to the left, on one of which is a songbird. In the background is water and a distant shoreline. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In the long time ago,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When people ever lived</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the red morning light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or ever the day of man had come;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before the sun had risen</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ere the Eastern land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was peopled as to-day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap, the great lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went far into the North</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where all was snow and ice.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He came to a great lodge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherein he found a giant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Truly a wondrous one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The greatest of his race,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he was Winter. When</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian god came in,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He sat in silence down;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then gave as welcoming</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A pipe unto his guest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as they smoked, the host</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Told stories to the chief⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tales of the olden time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the old giant tongue.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A charm was in the words,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The enchantment of the frost,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so the giant talked on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Freezing with every word,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until Kulóskap fell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into a sleep like death.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Six months he silent lay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as the bear or toad</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lies quietly till spring:</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, when the charm was gone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian god awoke,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Woke with his might renewed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Homeward he turned his way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the glowing South.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At every step his foot</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Met with the growing grass,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Warm breezes greeted him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And many a forest flower</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rose up and talked in song.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He came into a dell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep in the greenwood shade,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where many little fays,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fair little sun-ray elves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were dancing in their joy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And their sweet fairy queen,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bright Summer, led the round⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Summer most beautiful</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of beings ever born.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He caught fair Summer up,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, by a crafty trick,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He kept her as his own;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For, as he fled away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as the elves pursued,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He let behind him trail</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A long and slender cord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cut from a moose-hide. All</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pulled gayly at the end;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as he ran, he let</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The cord run out, and they</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were ever left behind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because by magic power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The moose-cord had no end!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even so the Lord escaped</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Fairies of the Light,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Ladies of the Dawn!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Again as he returned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He came unto the lodge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where grim old Winter lay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who gayly welcomed him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hoping to freeze the god</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again into sleep, and hold</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Him very sternly there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forever in his power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But hidden in his breast</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap held the charm</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a great victory,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he had Summer there;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as now to you</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I sing the summer song!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They sat them down and smoked.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This time the Master told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tales of the ancient time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the old giant tongue</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Once spoken by the gods⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Magic and wonder tales.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This time he had the power;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His spell was mightiest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And his strange wizardry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The stronger of the two.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere long the hut grew warm</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then down Winter’s cheeks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His cheeks of hard gray stone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The melting ice-drops ran,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he and all his home</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fell down, and in a flood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As water rushed away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adown between the rocks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the roaring sea!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then everything awoke.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The seeds and wildflowers grew.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The snow in rivers ran</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bearing away the leaves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Left from the Fall before;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fairies all came out</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then Kulóskap turned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again unto the South,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaving his captive there;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Summer was in the land.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_43_43" href="#FNanchor_43_43" class="label">[43]</a> Long ago people used to live in the red light of morning.</p></div> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_IX"> + <abbr title="Nine">IX</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>HOW KULÓSKAP LEFT THE WORLD + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy and Micmac</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Yut negum tan Kulóskap</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Udelinaktamnes uskitkamigw.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_44_44" href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_213" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_213.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch with a W extending across the right border. Inside the border are waves crashing into a rocky hillside and two dophins riding the waves. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When the great Kulóskap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of Beasts and Men,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By power, for all his people</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And for the world, had subdued</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the evil things</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which cursed the early time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Giants and sorcerers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Witches and devils dire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fiends and every horror,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All were silenced then.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ice-hearted Kiwakʿw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wandered no longer free</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the green wilderness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the mighty bird Kullû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great as a hundred eagles,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No longer scared the Indian</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As it spread its mighty wings</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like a cloud ’twixt earth and the sun.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Evil beasts, devils and serpents</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were found no more in the land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the world at last knew peace;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the Master had taught to man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All that should make him happy;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But all were in turn ungrateful,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, while they feared the Master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew every day more wicked,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forgetting him in their hearts;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sin roared in the land.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now when the ways of men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And of beasts became so evil,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So false, proud and ferocious,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap as their lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was angered at their sin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet bore it as a god</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till all his love was gone;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As oil spreads over the sea</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till all is thinned away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he sent messengers forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Inviting all to a feast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The richest ever known</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the great Lake Minas shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the silver water’s edge;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the beasts of the wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fathers of all the tribes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came to the feast in state,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came at the call, to revel;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Lord had little to say.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Solemn and grim was the banquet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All knew that the chief was going,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And knew, too, why he would leave them.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the feast was over,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kulóskap, the Lord of all living,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Entered his great canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sailed away over the water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The shining waves of Minas;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they looked in silence at him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until they could see him no more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet, after they ceased to behold him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They still heard his voice in song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wonderful voice of the Master!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the sounds grew fainter and fainter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And softer in the distance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till at last they died away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then over them all was silence,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till a wonder came to pass;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all the beasts, who, before</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had spoken but one common language,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now talked in different tongues;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each with a tongue of his own</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Understood the others no more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So they parted from one another</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fled to the sea or the forest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, since that day of the parting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They never have met in council,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never again will meet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the day when all sins and sorrows</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will be in full forgiven,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forgiven and forgotten,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And their Lord the great Kulóskap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall return to restore to his children</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The age of sunshine and plenty;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When all shall dwell together</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In peace and joy forever;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till then the world will mourn.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And ’tis said that, when the Master</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had left Acadia,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The bird who most had loved him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The great white Snowy Owl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went far into the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the deep dark forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where to this day his children</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sing to the night “<i>Kūkuʿskūūs!</i>”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which means in Indian,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I am sorry, oh, I am sorry!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the loons who had been his huntsmen,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Go up and down by the waters,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the snow-topped mountains,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Across the rushing rivers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through dale and wood and valley,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeking in vain for their master,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lord whom they cannot meet;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever wailing, wailing sadly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because they find him not.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_44_44" href="#FNanchor_44_44" class="label">[44]</a> This is how Kulóskap left the world.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="I_4_X"> + <abbr title="Ten">X</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE MASTER AND THE FINAL DAY + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kulóskap mech pʾmaoso?</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_45_45" href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Is Kulóskap living yet?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, far away, but no one knoweth where⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beyond the mountains or above the skies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where in the autumn’s lengthening twilight shades,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He smokes his <i>tūmʾhîgʾnpowâgon</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His ancient tomahawk-pipe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Making the brown air</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the pleasant Indian summer.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some say that he sailed away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In his marvellous stone canoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Afar beyond the sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the country of the East;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some that he went to the West;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ’tis said that in days of old</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There were men who knew where he dwelt,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, making a pilgrimage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could get from him what they sought.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they say that, even now,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If you travel ever on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Travel in perfect faith,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You’ll find at last the Kchi Sagem,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is the great Sagamore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The greatest of all lords.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Is Kulóskap living yet?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, he lives in a very great wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wigwam very long⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is, a council lodge⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he always is making arrows;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all one side of the lodge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is full of arrows now,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All closely packed together,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as your fingers lie.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When all the lodge shall be full</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The god will come forth to battle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And till then no mortal being</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May ever enter the wigwam.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“On whom will war be made?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He will make it on all mankind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He will end all life that endures,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the world will pass away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When that battle shall come to an end.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I know not when it will be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To-morrow it may come</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or hundreds of years away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Are any to be saved</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By any one, in that hour?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is beyond my ken,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All I have heard is this:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the world will pass away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In roaring fire and flame,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While all the sea will rise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hot boiling into mist,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that the good with it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will rise on high to heaven;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It may perhaps be so;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ve only heard it told,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Just heard it—and no more.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp58" id="i_219" style="max-width: 64.6875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_219.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of an Indian seated in front of a wigwam. Indistinct clouds and air surround the wigwam and Indian."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_45_45" href="#FNanchor_45_45" class="label">[45]</a> Is Kulóskap alive yet?</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> + <p class="center larger" id="PART_SECOND"> + PART SECOND</p> + <hr class="r25"> + <p class="center muchlarger"><strong>Witchcraft Lore</strong></p> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="WITCHCRAFT_LORE"> + WITCHCRAFT LORE + </h2> +</div> + + <h3 id="II_I"> + <abbr title="One">I</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE WIZARD’S CHANT + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nil nolbin naga ntetlitemen pekholagon.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_46_46" href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_223" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_223.jpg" alt="Halftone black and white sketch of a tree trunk on the left, indistinct trees in the center, and the letter I on the right. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And by its mystic sound I call the beasts.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From mountain lair and forest nook they throng;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’en mighty storms obey the dreadful sound.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The storm and thunder answer when it calls.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Aplasemwesit, mighty whirlwind, stops</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hearken to the mystic sound I make.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Chibelaʿkwe, night-air spirit, flies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hearken to the mystic sound I make;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And old Wuʾchoʿsen, storm-bird of the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rests his great pinions, causing calm to reign,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hearken to the mystic sound I make.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Lumpeguin, who dwells beneath the wave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Arises to the surface struck with awe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hearken to the mystic sound I make.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’en Atwuskniges, armed with axe of stone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will cease his endless chopping, and be still</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hearken to the mystic sound I make.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I sit and beat the wizard’s magic drum;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Appodumken, with his long, red hair,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ariseth from the depths, and draweth near</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hearken to the mystic sound I make.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The lightning, thunder, storm and forest sprite,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The whirlwind, gale, and spirit of the deep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Chibelaʿkwe, loathly night-air ghost,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All come together, and with reverent mien</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will hearken to the mystic sound I make.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_46_46" href="#FNanchor_46_46" class="label">[46]</a> I sit and beat the magic drum.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_II"> + <abbr title="Two">II</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE WOMAN AND THE SERPENT + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piʿchedog Laʿtogwesnuk.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_47_47" href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Far away, very far in the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There dwelt by a great fair lake</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An Indian and his wife,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very beautiful woman</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Given to strange wild dreams;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Passion was in her blood.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The lake was frozen over</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For many months in the year;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One day, when she cut away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ice, she saw in the water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A pair of wonderful eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Steadily gazing at her;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bright eyes which charmed her so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That she could not move a hand;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then she saw a handsome face</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And a graceful slender young man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who rose from the glittering water,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he himself, like it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Glittered from head to foot;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On his breast were <i>nʾskemanul</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or shining silvery plates.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He said, “I am Aʿtosis,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The King of all the Serpents”;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Little she cared for his nature,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She talked with him of love,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She returned his fond embraces;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Every day she came to meet him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And often in the night.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Her husband noticed that often</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She strayed away from home,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And asked her, why she wandered?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She answered, “To get fresh air.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The weather grew ever warmer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ice from the lake had melted,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grass, flowers and leaves were growing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The woman patiently waited</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till her husband was asleep;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then she stole away in silence</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the one whom she kissed no more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto her serpent lover</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom she kissed with all her heart.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The husband greatly suspecting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Resolved to watch her wandering.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so, to avert suspicion,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said, “Stay here in the wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For I shall be gone three days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hunt the deer in the forest.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But at the end of the second</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He came again to the wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And found that she was absent.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he sat, re-kindling the fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She entered. He saw upon her</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bright shining silver scales;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He asked her what ’twas that glittered?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She answered, “My silver brooches.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He said. “I must go again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be absent hunting to-morrow.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He went to the top of a hill</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Overlooking the lake, where he watched her.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She went and sat by the shore;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then rose afar in the water</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What seemed to his sight to be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A shining flake of ice,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when it came to the shore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas a tall and slender man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All clad, as it seemed, in silver.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The woman leapt up and embraced him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gave him many kisses.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The husband in awe and anger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went forth to other people,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And left his wife forever;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But soon her father and mother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came to her home to see her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And dwelt with her many days.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And every day, when returning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From an absence they knew not whither,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She brought them furs and venison,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With fish and fowl in plenty.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They asked her whence she had it?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She answered, “I have another,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A husband who suits me better</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than him whom first I married.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This one can give me all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He is a better hunter.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She sent them away with presents,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With many silver bracelets,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With many ear-rings and brooches</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And said: “Do not return</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the ice is here in winter.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When they returned they found her</div> + <div class="verse indent0">White as a silver lily:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her Indian hue had faded;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And soon she gave birth to offspring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But her children all were serpents.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the parents went away;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But even as they left her</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She said: “When you come again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You will see me but never know me!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Years after three Indian hunters</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had heard this wondrous story</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sought by the lake for the wigwam.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was standing still, but empty,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But all the wood about it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was full of great black serpents</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which from the grass uprising</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would look them in the face</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then glide away in silence.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_47_47" href="#FNanchor_47_47" class="label">[47]</a> Far away in the north.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_III"> + <abbr title="Three">III</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE WIZARD SNAKE + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Abenaki</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Noñwat nizwak noñkskwesizak.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_48_48" href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Long years ago, two lovely Indian girls</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were wont to leave their people every week,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Embarking secretly in birch canoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their tribe knew neither why nor where they went.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One summer’s noon a hunter chanced to stray</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Close to a well-hid pond in forest deep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where, puzzled by the sound of plashing spray,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He stole behind the alders for a peep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There swam the damsels in abandoned glee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their hair all streaming with a loathly snake.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then when they felt the hunter’s look of awe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Straightway they dived beneath the surface foul.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In horror, back the hunter made his way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And told the Indians what his eyes had seen.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, all together left the happy town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And struggling through the brush and tangled wood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went straightway to that fearsome pool to save</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The damsels from a fate too dread to tell.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ah, when they drew near, they heard them sing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All sad and woful in a wailing chant:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“No more, no more may we turn back again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For mortal eye hath seen us in our sin.”<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp86" id="i_230" style="max-width: 87.0em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_230.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a snake curled in the grass with its head raised."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_48_48" href="#FNanchor_48_48" class="label">[48]</a> Long ago there were two maidens.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_IV"> + <abbr title="Four">IV</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE MEASURING WORM + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Abenaki</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Noñwat alnoñbak liwʾlalmoñldamōk</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Ali mʾdaulinʾwak aïdit.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_49_49" href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Long, long ago the Indians believed in witches’ power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One day a man was hunting far from human sights and sounds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep in the wildest forest glades, nor thought of magic wiles,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When suddenly he heard a voice which said to him: “Depart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And come again to this same spot at earliest streak of dawn.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Awestruck, the hunter at the hour appointed sought once more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hear the mystic tones which came to him he knew not whence.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So at the morrow’s dawn he trod again the darksome glade;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And once again he heard the voice command him in this wise:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Begone from here and seek the spot where yawns a precipice.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There on the earth thine eyes shall see a liver freshly cut</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This eat and then depart; but come again, I’ll give thee strength.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then on the following day, he brought his bow and arrows sharp</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And heard the voice command him: “Do thou shoot at yonder tree,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He shot, and saw his arrow pass straight through the doomèd tree.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Astonished beyond measure then, he bade his mother look.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>O kini nikʾn</i>,” “mother, see,” he cried in wonder great.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His mother saw and straightway feared; began to watch the lad,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And marked that when he lay at night no sleep would come to him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But always after little time he’d rise and steal away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till daylight dawned and then he would come creeping back to bed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At last, all tortured by her pain and harrowed by her fears,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She questioned him and said: “My son, where hast thou been all night?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quoth he: “My friend and I have played together in the wood.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She asked once more: “My son, pray tell what is it that you do.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“We have been killing serpents vile and eating them,” said he;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“A serpent’s liver eaten giveth magic gifts to man.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I am not as I was before, but have the power to move</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And climb from ledge to ledge as doth a worm, upon my head.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My friend hath taught me how to pass through ways impassable</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To all save us.” “Who is thy friend?” His mother asked of him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“His name is Tatebákwunowat, which means ‘a Measuring Worm.’</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of sport like this I never dreamed;” and yet the mother feared,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And told her agèd husband that their son was lost to them;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he’d become <i>mʾdaulin</i> and endowed with secret might.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then spake the father: “This shall cease; I know a way to save</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The foolish lad.” So when the evening came, he locked him in</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And would not let him forth to roam in spite of all his prayers.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then came the sound of some one walking heavily and hard,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The old man looked and saw a Thing of horror at his door,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Large eyes, short arms, short body and long legs of insect shape.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Set free thy son thou foolish one,” the loathsome wizard cried.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Not I,” replied the father, and at once let fall the flap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before his wigwam door. The lad grew very ill and begged,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Entreated and implored that he might be allowed to roam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he had done before, but only got the answer “No.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet once again when morning’s light shone whitely on the trees,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another wizard slowly came before the wigwam door.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At his approach the leaves and shrubs all rustled as from wind.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Why dost thou seek to keep thy son from getting magic power?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He hath the magic gift to be the greatest of the great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among us men who practise arts unknown to thee and thine.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So spoke the wizard scornfully; the father stern replied:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I have no wish that son of mine should be like thee and thine.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then quoth the wizard: “Thou shalt see thy son die here to-night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For we have taken him too far to let him back to thee.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I care not if he die or no,” the father answering said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And moaning with an angry moan the wizard drew away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And soon was lost to sight amid the waving forest leaves.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In awful agony the boy lay stretched upon the earth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Retching and crying out as one who soon must breathe his last.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till suddenly he vomited a mass of serpent skins,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then at last cast up the magic liver from his mouth.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This was the end of all his woe, for when that loathsome thing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had left his body he arose all strong and purged and clean</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never more was known to seek to practise magic arts.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> +<br> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp58" id="i_235" style="max-width: 66.0em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_235.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a caterpillar on a branch."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_49_49" href="#FNanchor_49_49" class="label">[49]</a> Long ago the Indians believed there were wizards.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_V"> + <abbr title="Five">V</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE PʾMULA OR AIR-DEMON + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Abenaki</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Noñwat agua ni alnoñbak pʾmigowak kʾpiwi.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_50_50" href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_236" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_236.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of an Indian drum and drum stick above a war mask with horns, painted face and long hair. Running the length of the right side of the sketch is the letter I. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In days of yore some Indians were camping in the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And one of them when near a stream heard a strange sound o’erhead.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At once he looked and lo he saw a sprite of upper air,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Called by the Indians, Pʾmûla, alighting on a ledge.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The demon took a piece of yellow metal from his lips</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bent himself to drink and then, restoring to his mouth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The metal, spread his spacious wings and, rising, soared away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The man perceived that power to fly lay hidden in this charm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so at once decided he would steal the thing away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was not long before he heard again the rush of wings.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This time, though, when the demon had alighted, he ran forth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, snatching up the yellow charm, said, laughingly: “Ha, ha,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My friend, do thou lie there a while, and I will fly about!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Pʾmûla told the man: “If thou wilt let me go,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ll give to thee another charm which aye will bring thee luck.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian at once believed the demon’s given word</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gave him back the yellow charm which brings the power of flight.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soaring aloft the Pʾmûla at once was lost to view</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But after a brief period returned and gave the man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The two great eye-rings of a snake, and once again was gone.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No sooner had the hapless wight these eye-rings in his hands,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than every kind of snake and beast that roam the northern woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Surrounded him, till, terrified, he rushed to his canoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’en there a giant serpent’s head confronted him agape.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, quite beside himself with fear, he fled to thickest wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when at length all out of breath and weary with the chase</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had to pause, he saw that still a host of snakes was there.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then suddenly he thought: “This dread comes from the magic rings.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So, raising up a heavy stone, he laid them safe beneath.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there they lie unto this day all full of mystic power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian then ran away and saw no more strange sights,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ever on his hunts abroad he killed sufficient food,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all the forest creatures had no fear of him who once</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had had the serpent’s eye-rings from the demon of the air.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp86" id="i_238" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_238.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of an Indian man seated in a canoe. He holds a rock over his head in his left hand. His right hand holds a spear just behind the spear point, and it is aimed at the throat of a serpent whose head appears at the prow of the canoe."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_50_50" href="#FNanchor_50_50" class="label">[50]</a> Long ago some Indians camped in the woods.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h3 id="II_VI"> + <abbr title="Six">VI</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE LITTLE BOY KIDNAPPED BY THE BEAR + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Penobscot</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nâwad agua eleʿkza niʿkwop kʾdado kéowun.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_51_51" href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I am going to tell you now what happened long ago.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some Indians were camping with their children near a lake</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And one fair morning started off to hunt the wary moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The children left alone in camp, as is the Indian way.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On that same day a little lad who scarce could walk unhelped,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tottered and crawled away from camp until he lost the path</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And passed the cold and bitter night afar out in the bush.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When morning dawned he thought he saw his mother drawing near</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, rushing to her side, he held her fast in firm embrace.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This was a she-bear, shaggy, great and strong as oxen twain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She seized the lad and bore him off and fed him in her den.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the old folk returned to camp they sought the boy in vain.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp52" id="i_240" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_240.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a bear holding in its mouth an Indian papoose cradle with a baby's head visible in the cradle. The bear walks along the ridge of a hillside. At the bottom left of the sketch is a wigwam. Several trees extend up the right side of the sketch."> + <figcaption> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>This was a she-bear, shaggy, great and strong as oxen twain,</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>She seized the lad and bore him off.</strong></div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For ten full days, all day and night, they sought the boy in vain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At last they broke up camp and, sorrowing, went back unto their town.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All winter long the baby lay warmed by the sleeping bear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drawing nourishment at need forth from her milky teats⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wonder this, and quite unlike the usual way of bears.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But this one was a wizard bear who wished to keep the lad.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When spring-time came, the wizard of the little Indian town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took twenty men and started off to seek the long-lost lad.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had found out by secret arts the way to his abode.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they arrived, the furious bear rushed forth in anger dire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But met her death by magic shot, and thus the boy was saved;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He ran away, but soon was caught and to his kind restored,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But during many years that lad was wild as any bear.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_51_51" href="#FNanchor_51_51" class="label">[51]</a> I am going to tell you of what happened long ago.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_VII"> + <abbr title="Seven">VII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE WIZARD AND THE CHRISTIAN PRIEST + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Abenaki</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Askua ali wigiidit waʿkasimigʾzowak</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Salaʾki agua ni wijiganun kigamʾwinno.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_52_52" href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">A priest of God came to an Indian town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And settled there to teach the people truth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which some received and others spurned with scorn.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some hostile Mohawks fell upon that town,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Killing the folk, all save the Priest and one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An Indian of many magic gifts.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Late in the afternoon of that same day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Mohawks reached their village with these two:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The holy Priest and Wizard skilled in craft.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Mohawks held a council by the fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Discussing how to torture best the twain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So as to see their frenzy, and enjoy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With gloating satisfaction every pain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They all agreed to heat two earthen pots</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On fiery coals unto the whitest heat;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then place these pots upon the head of each</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And watch them dance about till life was spent.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">With merry whoop they started up the fires;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Began at once to heat the torture pots.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon, when they thought the glow was great enough,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They first of all laid hands upon the Priest.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he who had been taken with the Priest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At once brought all his magic arts to bear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And burst his bonds asunder with a yell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That curdled every heart among the foe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Wizard cried in Indian tongue: “<i>Nda</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Awâni niûna ndelima—</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Magahôûnana</cite>,” which means: “My friends,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We shall not torture any one (to-day).”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then he leapt upon the fiery coals</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And danced and danced, until his feet did fry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sizzle hot like bacon in a pan.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then all the Indians were full of fear.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when to crown the horror of the whole</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They saw the wizard put the glowing pot</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On his own head and leap about in glee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They all took flight in terror to the woods.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then spake the Wizard: “Father, now escape.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When they had reached all safe and sound their home,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Priest said to the Wizard: “O my son,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou shouldst repent and turn thee from thine art</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto God’s ways and ever keep the Faith.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then quoth the Wizard laughing: “Father mine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had I repented and mine art eschewed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then were we both of us dead men this day.”⁠<a id="FNanchor_53_53" href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a>⁠<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_52_52" href="#FNanchor_52_52" class="label">[52]</a> A priest came to where some families were camping.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_53_53" href="#FNanchor_53_53" class="label">[53]</a> This song is very interesting, as indicating a survival of the old +Indian faith in their magicians as superior to Christian power. It is +quite like the many indications in Italian tales, relating to witches, in +which the sorcerer conquers the priest.—C. G. L.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_VIII"> + <abbr title="Eight">VIII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>WIZARD WARFARE + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Abenaki</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Noñwat nd-odananok</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Mʾsalok mdaulinʾwak.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_54_54" href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Long, long years ago</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When wizards were not few</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There happened near our town</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A war of which I’ll tell.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One day a wizard wise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sought counsel from the gods,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And entered in the hut</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They knew as <i>petegwîgun</i>⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A round-house made of bark,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With opening above;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No door nor window there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save only at the top</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through which the wizard climbed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, lying there in trance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saw all the foemen’s wiles.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, singing magic songs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forth from that hut he came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ordered all the tribe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To rise and meet the foe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The cruel Mohawk foe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Encamped not far away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So all the Indian braves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Embarked in their canoes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went down one stream, then up</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another, paddling soft,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Avoiding any sound.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At last they saw a smoke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Arising far away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then spake the wizard thus:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Do ye all wait me here</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I will go and spy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The numbers of the foe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Taking with me but one;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another Indian brave</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who hath the magic gift.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These wizards then withdrew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into a thicket’s shade,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whence suddenly emerged</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In beaver’s guise the one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In muskrat form his friend.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they drew very near</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The island where the foe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The cruel Iroquois,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were feasting on a moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The beaver and the rat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dived deep beneath the stream,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Causing that sudden plash</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which even to this day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Makes many a hunter jump.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among the Iroquois</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another wizard sat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he heard the plash</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quoth he: “The foe is there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fierce Abenakis.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, grasping in his hand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The legbone of a moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He flung it straight and far</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To where the muskrat swam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And struck him on the head.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The beaver seized his friend</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drew him ’neath the stream</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And held him till he drowned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In order that his pains</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And struggle for his life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should not alarm the foe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Iroquois then rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And danced around the fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thinking in hideous glee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of how when morrow came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They’d torture all their foes.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp57" id="i_246" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_246.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a muskrat and beaver in the water. Three arrows rain down on them from above. An indistinct shoreline is at the top of the sketch."> + <figcaption> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>The beaver seized his friend</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>And drew him ’neath the stream.</strong></div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They then lay down to sleep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At once the beaver swam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To shore to their canoes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gnawed with his sharp teeth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great holes in the birch bark</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of which these craft were made.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wizard beaver then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swam back to his own folk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To whom he said: “Arise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Come, quickly hunt them out.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fierce Abenakis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came stealthily and still</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And landed on the isle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where lay the Iroquois.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, whooping with the cry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of war which chills the soul,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fierce Abenakis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Awoke the Iroquois</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who, paralyzed with fright,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rushed straight to their canoes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which sank in mid-stream all⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The work of wizard teeth.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the Abenakis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swooped down with horrid cries</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then slew all their foes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save only two. I’ll tell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What ’twas they did to them.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all their slaughtered foes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They first cut off the heads</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And stuck them up on stakes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All over that fair isle.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then to their prisoners</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom they had saved alive,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They gave a little thought.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So first they bound them fast</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then pried with cruel sticks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their mouths till open wide;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cut off their lower lips,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Showing the grinning teeth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then severing half their ears</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And half their noses too,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They said to them in scorn:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<cite>Kdihleba nda mina</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Ni nojimigahakw</cite>:”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“We warn you now, my friends,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do not attempt again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To come against us here.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This was the way they marked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The prisoners in old days.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they gave them food</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Enough to give them life</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the journey home,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In order that these maimed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And harshly usèd foes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should tell the Iroquois</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In northern forest far</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the Abenakis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were mightier than they.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">That island to this day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is called the Place of Skulls,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wdupsek in our tongue.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_54_54" href="#FNanchor_54_54" class="label">[54]</a> Long ago there were many wizards in our town.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_IX"> + <abbr title="Nine">IX</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>THE WIZARD’S HUNTING + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Abenaki</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Noñwat mʾzi mʾdaulinowak nadialoldowak.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_55_55" href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In ancient days when wizard power was great</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There were two mighty men who knew these arts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And understood full well unholy skill.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Once on a time it chanced that these great twain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Did quarrel for a certain hunting ground.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The one had set up deadfalls in the paths</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where run the timid deer, all ignorant</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of man, and man’s desire to slaughter them.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The other wizard straightway came along</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, ruthless, snapped these deadfalls every one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To irritate his fellow wizard’s heart.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Twice did the mischief-maker do this deed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till, finally, the injured man bethought</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Him that he must consult the secret powers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How he should catch and punish well the foe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So crawling into <i>petegwîgun′s</i> shade⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This was the magic round-house where the gods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Give wisdom unto man—he lay in trance</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until he saw a cruel wolverine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which he at once knew well to be the foe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, leaping from the house of magic arts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He followed fast the trail of Wolverine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was the evil-hearted enemy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This mischief-making wizard straightway knew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he was being followed, so he changed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Himself into a hooting, snowy owl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That wakes the echoes of the forest night.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus he escaped and forthwith went again</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And full of glee the other’s deadfalls broke.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At last the injured wizard in despair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went to consult his uncle in the glade</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where hang the alders drooping by the stream.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“O Uncle, aid me in my direst need</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And find for me this rascal foe,” he cried,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Who changes into every living thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thus escapes my burning righteous wrath.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His uncle was a wizard full of power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he at once departed for a time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then, returning, said: “I’ve found thy foe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He lives within thy shanty in the woods,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He’s taken his abode within the cracks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where thou hast sewn the bark upon thy roof.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“How then shall I be able to outwit</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A foe so wily and so full of skill?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The nephew asked. The uncle told him all.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the injured wizard went his way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto his barken shanty in the woods.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When he was sitting by the fire that night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An evil bat of monstrous size flew forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From underneath the shanty’s sloping roof.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Straightway the wizard seized and held the bat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So close unto the glowing fiery coals</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That all his filthy, vermin-reeking hair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was clean consumed—then let him fly away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Feeling that vengeance had been wreaked full well.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No more thereafter was there mischief wrought</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all his hunting met with fortune fair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then later in the year the wizard came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Home to the village laden down with spoils</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And trophies of the chase, and there he saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A man he knew with skin all scarred and burned.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quoth this one to the wizard: “O my friend</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have been duly punished for my sin.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do thou now heal me quickly and forgive</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I have caused thee trouble in the chase.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wizard then took pity on his foe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And healed his burns and made him whole again.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_55_55" href="#FNanchor_55_55" class="label">[55]</a> Long ago all the wizards used to hunt.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="II_X"> + <abbr title="Ten">X</abbr> + </h3> + <h4>SIX SHORT TALES OF WITCHCRAFT + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kʾchi Joe Benoit mʾdeaulin</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kʾchi kʾnokwchil pohégunul.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_56_56" href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +<br> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0">Old Joe Benoit, a friend of mine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was full of all unholy skill and power.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He quarrelled with a man who like himself,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was wizard and a guileful, crafty foe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A giant turtle’s form Joe Benoit took;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The other changed himself into a snake;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The twain then met and fought in combat dire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Within the waters of a little lake</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which since that time has ever borne the name</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Neʿseyik, which means “the muddy lake,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because their strife had stirred up all the soil</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And weeds, and roiled the waters of that pool.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Joe Benoit slew his foe, the giant snake.</div> + +<div class="poemdivider"><hr class="r25"></div> + + <div class="verse indent0">Old Lacote was a wizard made a trap,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A deadfall trap for bear off in the woods.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he had set the trap all fast and firm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He crawled within to test the prop-stick stout.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But by the magic arts of wizard foe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through old Sabatis’ guile who owed him hate,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The prop-stick fell and let the great bear-trap</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Drop full upon old Lacote’s head and back.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His son was there and dragged the old man forth.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Lacote knew to whom he owed ill-luck.</div> + +<div class="poemdivider"><hr class="r25"></div> + + <div class="verse indent0">When I was fifteen years I saw a man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had become a demon of the wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A Miʿkumwess with power to change his size</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And art to sink into the rocky soil</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up to his ankle-joints or knees as though ’twere sand.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I saw myself the tracks where he had sunk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into a soil all full of rocks and roots.</div> + +<div class="poemdivider"><hr class="r25"></div> + + <div class="verse indent0">My father was a wizard and had power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To call unto his partner miles away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ve often heard him singing in the night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All low and weird, and when the morning dawned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He’d tell me what his partner’s luck had been.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I never knew his magic skill to fail.</div> + +<div class="poemdivider"><hr class="r25"></div> + + <div class="verse indent0">My brother told me, many years ago,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Some wizards had a quarrel, and they slew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One of their number, took his corpse away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ate it on the isle of Grand Manan,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sitting upon a ledge above the sea.</div> + +<div class="poemdivider"><hr class="r25"></div> + + <div class="verse indent0">Two men were hunting on an inland lake</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When suddenly they heard a fearful whoop</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As of a man in agony, who ran</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adown the lake along the farther shore.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They went out in their barque and there they saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Him come right up to where their shanty lay.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Returning to the shore they begged him then:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Pray stay and eat,” but he, with accents wild,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cried: “Nay, I may not stop in this warm place.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I must away, away unto the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where ice and snow shall cool my bounding blood.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This man was a Kiwaʿkw, a demon ghoul,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ice-giant—of that race which loves to prey</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the tender flesh of man and babe.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp58" id="i_255" style="max-width: 68.75em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_255.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of the head of an Indian wearing a ferocious mask. The lips are heavily painted and the mouth is open displaying long, crooked teeth. The eyes are wide open with circles around them. The eyebrows are heavily formed. The mask has long hair, blown to the sides at the top, and hanging over the shoulders toward the bottom."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_56_56" href="#FNanchor_56_56" class="label">[56]</a> Old Joe Benoit the wizard changed himself to a great turtle.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="XI"> + <abbr title="Eleven">XI</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + A DELAWARE YOUTH AND HIS UNCLE + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Delaware</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Weekwaum lawee kohpee</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Weekena withkeelno wauk wʾsheetha.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_57_57" href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Afar in the midst of the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dwelt a youth and his uncle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His uncle of many summers.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Once on a time the old man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was sick unto death with an illness</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose cause was unknown to himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And his nephew, his fond loving nephew.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, thinking the light of his being</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was soon to go out, the old uncle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Called to his bedside the young man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To hear his last words of affection.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The loving nephew grievèd,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grieved in the depths of his heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then thought to himself: “My dear uncle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At least shall not die on bare earth.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ll make for him now a great basket</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And line it with soft, downy feathers.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So shall he die in all comfort.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He worked all the night at the basket</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then, when the morrow dawned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Presented his work to his uncle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who wept tears of gladness and said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Dear nephew—how great is thy kindness!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The old man then lay in the basket</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And to him came a vision of dread;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He stretched forth his hand to his nephew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A gesture to draw his attention,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then told the youth of his vision.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quoth: “Some one is coming at midnight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From whom thou shalt shrink with great trembling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But fear not, take courage, my nephew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Although he shall come to our wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At midnight when all things are sleeping.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">That night, long after their supper,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The youth sat him down by the fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the further side of the fire,⁠<a id="FNanchor_58_58" href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">And waited to see what was coming.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then all of a sudden a creature</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Too awful to tell of was with him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wizard of hideous presence</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who dropped through the smoke-hole a-shrieking:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Give up to me, youth, thine old uncle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I wish to devour his lean flesh.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The youth gave not way to his terror</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But leapt to his feet and said boldly:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Foul being, mine uncle remains here</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ne’er shall be eaten by thee.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Howled the wizard, the cannibal wizard:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“When I come here once more have him ready,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rash lad, or thou dearly shalt rue it.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thought the youth in his heart: “He is awful.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It must be that my uncle shall leave me.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I will journey afar toward the sunset</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If perchance I may find there some people</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who shall aid me in this my dire need.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the young man took leave of his uncle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And said to him: “Fear not, beloved,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I go to seek aid for thy sickness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon I’ll return to thy side.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">After journeying days through the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He passed a small curious wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From which came a lad who addressed him:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Hail, stranger, how fareth thine uncle?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The youth was amazed beyond measure</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That one who appeared but an infant</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should know all about his affairs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he passed on in silence and wonder.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon after he came to a wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Near which stood a great, kindly wizard,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who saw from the face of the traveller</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That he was in fear for his uncle.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then when he heard how the nephew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had met with the terrible being,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said: “This in truth is Muttóntoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Muttóntoe, the spirit of evil,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who yearns for the flesh of thy kinsman.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But fear not, my lad, I will aid thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ll tell thee the way to o’ercome him.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When the nephew had heard all the wisdom</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And learned how to conquer Muttóntoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He went back at once to his uncle.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then after they’d eaten that evening,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He swept up the dirt from the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And placed in his own bed the uncle.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then <i>he</i> lay himself in the basket,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where he felt himself filled full of magic</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And power to conquer Muttóntoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At the dead hour of midnight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Once more in the midst of the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The monster dropped down through the smoke-hole.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Awake, lad,” quoth he, “I’m Muttóntoe.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bring forth thine old uncle, I want him.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then out from the basket the nephew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stept boldly, all covered with feathers.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A terrible sight to Muttóntoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who leapt with a shriek through the smoke-hole</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never returned to that wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the youth and his uncle, still living,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dwell happily in the dark forest.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_57_57" href="#FNanchor_57_57" class="label">[57]</a> In a wigwam in the forest dwelt a youth and his uncle.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_58_58" href="#FNanchor_58_58" class="label">[58]</a> The fire is in the middle of the wigwam.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="XII"> + <abbr title="Twelve">XII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE DANCE OF OLD AGE + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piʾche uskichinwi utenesizek.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_59_59" href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All in the early time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In an inland village</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Many Indians lived,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of two of them I’ll tell:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One was a handsome man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Young, brave, a great hunter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The other, a beautiful girl.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What might be her name?⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Malikakusquess?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or Kaliwahdasi?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I do not remember</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which of the two it was.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But she was very proud,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fierce as she was fair,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And through and through revengeful.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, what was worst of all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She was an awful witch,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seven witches in one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like seven devils united</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But this she hid from all;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Only the Wʾnagʾmeswuk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The singular silent spirits,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who are ever flitting around us,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew of this terrible secret.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She wanted the youth to wed her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he at that time was busy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very busy in getting ready</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To go on his autumn hunt,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which would last far into the winter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he had no time for wooing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he very plainly told her.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Truly he must have spoken</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very plainly indeed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For her heart shrunk up in anger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until ’twas hard as a flint</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With sharply cutting edges,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thus she cut in reply:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“You may go afar to the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You may go if you like on your hunt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But you never will return</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The same as when you departed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Remember me when the change</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Comes over you in the forest.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He gave no heed to her words,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He cared not for her, nor feared her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he went away with his brother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And for many days together</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They hunted in the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hunted the deer and moose;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The girl was all forgotten.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But one day when deep in the woods,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And very far in the North,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the mid winter gloom,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The youth went raging mad,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the witch had struck him sore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though far and far away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Struck him with sorcery.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The elder brother with him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was a brave among the braves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A fierce and terrible man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had no dream of fear:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he could do naught else</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He did the most desperate deed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which the wildest of the warriors</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among the Wabanaki</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has ever dared to do;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he went down to the river</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At midnight and alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sang the terrible song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which calls the Wîwilmekw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Demon of the Worm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even to devils a terror.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Nil nʾwikwima Wîwilmekw</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Nil nʾwikwima chipinaʿkwsit</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Nit besq weshʾmʾwit</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Nil npechikinapin nekmomeswelas</cite></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“I call on the Wîwilmekw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I call on the Terrible One,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the One with the Horns,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I dare him to appear!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It came in all its horrors,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Its eyes were like deep red fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Its horns rose sharp and high.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It asked him, what he would have?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He answered that his brother</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had lost himself in madness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he fain would cure the youth.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“I will give you what you want,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Answered the Wîwilmekw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“If you are not afraid.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“I have no fear at all,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian replied,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Of anything that lives.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Hast thou no fear of me?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Demon Worm inquired.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“No more of thee than I</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have of the Michihant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who is the Devil of all.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“If you dare take me by</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My horns,” the fiend replied,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And scrape them with your knife,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And lay the scrapings by,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then you may have your wish.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In truth this Indian was</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As savage, wild and brave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As was the Devil himself;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had great need indeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be all that he was;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the Wîwilmekw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Most terrible to see,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew fiercer than before,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet the man drew out his knife</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And boldly scraped away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until the Demon said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Now hold! You have enough.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“And now go seek your camp,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Put half the scrapings then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into a cup half full</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of water from the spring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bid your brother drink!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And with the other half?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian inquired.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Keep that till you return,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then give it to the girl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who made the trouble—she</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Needs medicine as well.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So the man returned to camp</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And made his brother well.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the hunt was o’er</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They turned them to their home.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There they arrived at night;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A great festivity</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was stirring all the town,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Torches were everywhere,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And everywhere the scent</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of <i>mskîkwul wʾli-mhaskil</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which is the perfumed grass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Burning intensely sweet.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The dance was going on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, many were athirst.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And this the hunter knew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The younger of the pair;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he had made a drink</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cool, and with honey sweet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fragrant with pleasant herbs⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A dainty drink indeed⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, mingled with it all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There lurked a subtle life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The powder from the horn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Wîwilmekw.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So thirsty was the witch</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As she from dancing came,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So warm that, when the youth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Held out to her the cup,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She seized and drank it dry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All without giving heed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As to what hand had held</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The cool, refreshing draught;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then turning to the one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was her partner, she</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went on into the dance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then a wondrous thing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was seen by all therein:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For lo! at every turn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The maiden older grew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One year for every round;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beginning as a girl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In all her freshest youth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She at the lodge’s end,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seemed fifty years of age,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And still, as she danced on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Added unto her age,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till just as she returned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the very place</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whence she had come, she fell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All dead upon the floor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A little dried-up thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wrinkled, wizened squaw,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A thing of the last old age</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or of a hundred years.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp48" id="i_266" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_266.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white image of the head and torso of an Indian woman. She has three feathers in her hair. She looks to the left and holds a bowl with both hands. Her neck, arms and chest are decorated with beadwork."> + <figcaption> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>She seized and drank it dry</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>All without giving heed</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>As to what hand had held</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>The cool, refreshing draught.</strong></div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>There is another Passamaquoddy version of this +poem which is hardly less striking in its ending. The +brother, having obtained the scrapings of the horn, +merely touches with them a large green beech tree which +becomes dead in an instant and then falls to the ground, +actually rotten as if it were a century old. And, when +the same powder is given to the witch,</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She grew older in an instant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She became very old indeed:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A pale color rippled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All over her face. She fell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Looking a hundred years,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dead upon the floor.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shrivelled and dried as she fell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then dropped to powder—“She</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will trouble you no more.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then said the conjurer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Her dance is over now.”<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_268" style="max-width: 94.375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_268.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a full moon partially risen over a hillside."> +</figure> + + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_59_59" href="#FNanchor_59_59" class="label">[59]</a> Long ago in an Indian village.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="XIII"> + <abbr title="Thirteen">XIII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + A TALE OF THE RIVER-ELVES + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Abenaki</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Noñwat Manoñuamasak</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Udainoñ kwaʿliwi kd-odana-na.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_60_60" href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Long ago some River-elves were living near our town.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These Elves would always work at night along the river shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fashion little wheels of clay and leave them on the bank.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When these small cakes of clay were fresh some Indians there were</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who learned to eat them and to take great pleasure in their taste.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In ancient times—this is the tale which oft was told to me⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An Indian and squaw were out afar in bark canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When in the current’s swirling waves they right before them saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wee canoe in which there sat two children, as they thought.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now these were hideous River-elves, and when they had beheld</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indians, they called to them: “O ye of fairer face</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And better looks go back,” and then tipped over their canoe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which, as it rolled, the Indians perceived to be of stone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And nevermore thereafter did they see the River-elves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who when the loud-voiced Whites had settled all the country-side,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Withdrew far up the rushing stream where no canoe may pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save only stone ones. Nor again did ever Indian find</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Those wheels of clay which he of old so dearly loved to eat.⁠<a id="FNanchor_61_61" href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a>⁠<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> +<br> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp75" id="i_270" style="max-width: 64.125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_270.jpg" alt="Circular half-tone black and white sketch. In the center, a winged river elf, wearing a cap with small horns, straddles a low bridge. A second winged river elf is to the side of the bridge. In the background is indistinct vegetation, reflected in the waters below the bridge."> +</figure> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_60_60" href="#FNanchor_60_60" class="label">[60]</a> Long ago the River-elves were around our town.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_61_61" href="#FNanchor_61_61" class="label">[61]</a> This song clearly indicates “earth-eating” among the Indians. It +still exists among negroes in the United States.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> + <p class="center larger" id="PART_THIRD"> + PART THIRD</p> +<hr class="r25"> + <p class="center muchlarger"> + <strong>Lyrics and Miscellany</strong> + </p> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <p class="center larger" id="LYRICS_AND_MISCELLANY"> + LYRICS AND MISCELLANY + </p> + <h3 id="III_I"> + <abbr title="One">I</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE SONG OF LAPPILATWAN, THE SINGER + IN THE DUSK + </h4> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piʿche Lappilatwan mechimiu-olamto</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Wʾtagwsiu-ut msiu sipsis.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_62_62" href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan, fair tree-fungus,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From days of old,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ever good-natured,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all the birds cousin.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dwelt on the birch-tree;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the birds of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even the little insects,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even the little worms,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Crawled up the great birch</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see their good friend.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus always at sunset</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They heard him singing:</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Lappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Wappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Wechkutonébit</cite>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Fair tree-fungus,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fair tree-fungus,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sits with mouth open,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The signal song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto all wood birds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Worms and insects,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To go to sleep;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that all the birds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Little worms, little insects,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Lappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Wappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew he was silent</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all the night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There where he hung</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the cold birch tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cold, rough and damp,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All night, all day!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All through the year.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when the day dawns</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His song rings again;</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Lappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Wechkutonébit</cite>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Fair tree-fungus</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fair tree-fungus</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sits with mouth open.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then every bird</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Every small insect,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All creeping things</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who heard his song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew there was coming</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A beautiful day:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Let us arise!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The daylight is breaking!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They rose at his call.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">One bright fresh morning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lively Sexkâtû</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The flying squirrel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Climbed the great birch-tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there he found</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From a branch hanging,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he thus spoke;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Tell me how long</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have you dwelt here?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I have lived in this tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since your great grandfather</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kʾchî Kʾmûsums</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was born on that cedar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From which you came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Early this morning.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“But tell me truly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How long will you</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dwell in this birch-tree?”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“While the birch-tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sends forth its leaves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While its trunk stands,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I will dwell in its branches.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sexkâtû the squirrel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wanted that birch-tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For his own home:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He would be nesting</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In that same place.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus he then answered:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“You have been here</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Long—and far <em>too</em> long.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is time for you</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To yield to another:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let me come here!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Answered him quietly:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>Noses</i>, ‘my grandchild:’</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I cannot go hence.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If I should do so</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Birds and the insects</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could not hear me call.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could not hear my songs</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From another tree;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You, who are so clever,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far quicker than I am.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You can make your home</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All over the forest.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“You must go!” said Sexkâtû,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then he gnawed at the branch;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was the nest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Hamw[´ĕ]sŭk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the stinging wasps,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who came swarming out</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From their little wigwam;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">More than a hundred,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flew at Sexkâtû</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Clung to his back</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Madly they stung him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till stunned with their stinging</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saucy Sexkâtû</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fell to the ground.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well nigh a-dyin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With stings and with bruises.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere long the news spread,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon all the squirrels</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “<cite>Sexkâtûwuk</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Kʾputwusin</cite>,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Let us take council.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Red squirrels, gray squirrels,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Striped squirrels, flying ones,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came running together,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they cried out:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Lappilatwan</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Must leave his tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And if it may be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Be put to death!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All in a band</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They went to the birch-tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then they observed that</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In one way only</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could they approach</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Straight up the trunk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not many together.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp86" id="i_278" style="max-width: 96.75em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_278.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of many bees, each with an arrow pointing in the direction they are flying."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The news spread afar,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon there came flying</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wasps and the hornets,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The bees and the black flies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The angry mosquitoes:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even the midges,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The little Chessúyek</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came to the rescue</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Lappilatwan.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chief of the squirrels</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gave out the order:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Let the battle begin!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The squirrels rushed onward</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They rushed to the birch-tree:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet only a few</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At once together</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could climb up the trunk:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Musesaaqua, the horse-fly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was brave in that battle.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mosquitoes and midges</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like gallant warriors</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rushed on the squirrels,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With their sharp spears.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere the first squirrel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was half-way up the birch-tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He and his followers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fell to the ground</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wounded and dying.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan</div> + <div class="verse indent0">High up on the birch-tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saw the battle rage,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But was ever silent,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Silent till sunset;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then his loud song</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rang through the forest:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<cite>Lappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Wechkûtonébit</cite>.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Fair tree-fungus</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sits with mouth open.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon as they heard it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the warriors,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Squirrels and insects</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Valiant mosquitoes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Humble hornets,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bold bumble-bees,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wild whizzing wasps,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gallant merry midges</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went to their wigwams.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had faith in his warriors:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Truly he trusted</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they could defend him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When in the morning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They heard the signal,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The song of awaking,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ring from the birch-tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mighty armies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again assembled;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chiefs held council;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus spoke Sexkâtû</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While all were silent:</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Listen, oh squirrels!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Last night in dreaming</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This was revealed to me:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If in the battle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One of your warriors</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can touch for an instant</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lappilatwan</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever so lightly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before he sings us</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The summons to sleep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then we shall conquer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Failing to touch him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere we hear ringing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">‘<cite>Lappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Wappilatwan</cite>’</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We are defeated.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now you have heard me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On to the birch-tree!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The angry flies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sharpen their spears;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dip them in poison;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Loud was their buzz!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">As they went to battle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Terrible slaughter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Followed their onrush;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Desperate squirrels</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heedless of death</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Clung to the birch-tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wingèd warriors</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By many thousands</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swarmed on the foe;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Many a horse-fly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beheld no more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His wife and children;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Many a hornet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sat no more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the fire of his wigwam;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The dying bumble-bee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Chanted his death song.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Dire was the slaughter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Full thrice greater</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than on the first day;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still they rushed onward,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fiercer for battle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Giving no heed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the day was ending;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never observing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sun down-sinking,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When over the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rang loud the summons:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<cite>Lappilatwan</cite></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><cite>Wappilatwan</cite>.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All was over.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">High on the birch-tree</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Untouched by a foeman⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sat the watchman⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The flies were victorious!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>This poem is like Homer’s Batrachomyomachia, the +battle of the frogs and mice, as sung by some Icelandic +bard. The humor is as Greek as the form is Norse.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_62_62" href="#FNanchor_62_62" class="label">[62]</a> Long ago, Lappilatwan, always good-natured, was cousin of all the +birds. These lines indicate the measure to which the whole was sung; +<i>i.e.</i>, they are a “staff-rhyme.”</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="III_II"> + <abbr title="Two">II</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE STORY OF NIPON THE SUMMER + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piʿche weligit ēpit</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Liwiha Nipon</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Metchimiû wikos</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kwihio kizosek.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_63_63" href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In the far old time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lived near the sun</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A beautiful woman,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nipon her name.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Green were her garments</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of fresh leaves.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And with green leaves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And beautiful flowers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She covered her wigwam.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She had a grandmother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kʾmēwun, the rain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who dwelt far away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when she came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To visit her grandchild</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One thing she ever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said ere she left her:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“One thing I bid thee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With hardest warning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To one thing I bind thee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a strong will:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Look that thou never</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seek in thy wandering</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Laʿtogwesnuk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The land of the North:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For there dwells Pûn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûn, the winter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A deadly foe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou wilt surely find him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should thy feet fall</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the Laʿtogwesnuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy beauty will leave thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy green dress fade,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hair turning gray</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy strength become weakness.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Little heed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And scant attention</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gave Nipon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Kʾmēwun, the rain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One fair morning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She sat by her wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the bright sunshine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And looking afar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At the Laʿtogwesnuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All that she saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seemed strangely lovely</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if enchanted.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No human being</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was in the Northland,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But o’er it all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was beautiful sunshine;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There she beheld</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At a long distance</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wonderful land:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Broad shining lakes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">High blue mountains,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bright rolling rivers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All strange and sweet.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Something came over her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She knew not what;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A dream or a voice;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There was no help,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She must rise and go.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Must go to the land</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Laʿtogwesnuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the Northland.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Up rose Nipon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the North</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wending her way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When she heard a voice,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The voice of the Rain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(Though she could not see her),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kʾmēwun, a-wailing:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Bide, my daughter!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If thou goest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the Northland</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûn the winter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will surely kill thee!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She heard nothing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of all the warning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She could not stay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For a spell was on her;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever onward</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She went to the North.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For many days,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For many moons,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still the sun shone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still she saw</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The beautiful country</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of mountains and rivers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until one day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nipon noted</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That as she followed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The land went onward,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as she travelled,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It travelled before her.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All around her</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was nothing but sunshine.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stopping a little</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To think of the wonder,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She heard a whisper,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The voice of the Rain:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Stay, my daughter!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It made her wilful,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She still went onward;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On to the North.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp74" id="i_287" style="max-width: 81.75em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_287.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of an Indian maiden walking through the woods at night. She has three feathers in her hair. White swirls on the page indicate the wind blowing around her. The lower half of her body is hidden by indistinct undergrowth."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Still the far country</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went on before her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And something she never</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had known came o’er her⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She felt the cold!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An unseen power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now drove her onward;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will had departed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still the mountains</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went on before her;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The green leaves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of her beautiful garment</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew yellow and faded,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And were blown away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the grim wind;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her long hair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turned gray and white;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sun grew dim</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then shone no more;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She was very weak;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The beautiful mountains</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were heaps of snow;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The beautiful rivers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And lakes were of ice⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All in the North.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Kʾmēwun, the Rain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was sad in her soul.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She looked afar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No smoke was rising</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From Nipon’s wigwam:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“She has not returned,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said the Rain-mother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So in her fear</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She went to the wigwam.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All was silent,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The boughs and the flowers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which covered the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were yellow and faded:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“My child!—my child!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou art caught at last</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the icy Pûn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the wicked winter!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Afar in the North.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Straight she called for</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her bravest warriors.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ever-unseen.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These were their names:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saunésen the south wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wchîpi the east wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With Sĕnusóktun</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The warming breeze.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quickly she cried:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Hasten away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the Laʿtogwésnuk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fight like heroes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Use all your power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To rescue Nĭpon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From Pûn, the winter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fly to the North!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The wind warriors,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The unseen by man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flew like lightning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On their long journey.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As they entered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Laʿtogwesnuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pûn the winter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Felt ill at ease;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He called his chieftains:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great Laʿtogwĕsin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The terrible north wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the wild north-wester,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chill north-east wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With all the frosts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sleet-spirits, snow-spirits,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And every child</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the killing cold</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who dwell in the North.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Fly!” he cried,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“For our foes are coming!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up from the Southland,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The home of Summer!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as he spoke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sweat dropped from him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His face grew thin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His feet seemed smaller:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I feel them coming!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fly to the battle!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The mighty wind-giants</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flew to the fight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great snow-flakes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And heavy hail-stones</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Met and melted</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the great rain-drops;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Winds were loud roaring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thunder pealing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tempest fighting tempest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Storm against storm;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The drops of sweat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew ever bigger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On Pûn’s cheeks;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On Nipon’s head</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The hair grew whiter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Louder and louder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The winds were blowing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Snow was falling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thicker and thicker,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the driving rain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the mild south winds</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were ever warmer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bigger the drops</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew on Pûn’s face;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His strength had left him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down he fell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And in his falling</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A leg was broken:</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Lo, I must perish</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If this lasts longer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Set Nipon free!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She it is</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who has brought this trouble</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And made this battle.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By my own prisoner</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have been conquered.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Set Nipon free!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">At the word spoken,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even in the instant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The winds were silent.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Snow and rain ceased.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turning her back</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the Laʿtogwesnuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Pûn the winter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Weary Nipon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Set out on her journey.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Old she was, old</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As she bore from the North</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In her white hair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The hue of its snows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In her tottering weakness</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Its chilling frosts.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Many moons passed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still she travelled;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sun grew warmer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Days and shadows</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were ever longer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The air was softer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Greener and greener</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grew the mountains;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Freer from ice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rivers were rushing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lakes were shining</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the sunlight;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flowers were unfolding</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the warm breezes.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Weary Nipon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was weary no longer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her heart grew lighter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her hair grew darker,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her face was fairer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Brighter and younger,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus becoming</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All she had been</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In her early beauty.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the butterflies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Knew her again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And fluttered round her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the flowers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Greeted with perfume</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In scent-voices</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As she went past.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">On she went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the grandmother’s wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To old Kʾmēwun.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As she drew near</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The clouds grew thicker;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rain-winds were blowing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rain-drops falling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Showers pelting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Torrents pouring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thunder roaring round:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still she went on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her path lit</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By wild lightning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till in the midst</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the clouds were darkest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She found the wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And entered the door.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There as if dying</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lay Kʾmēwun</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The ancient Rain-mother,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Weaker and older,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And worn and weary.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Thou, my daughter!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She said to Nipon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Hast well-nigh killed me!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By disobedience</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou hast brought suffering</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On me and all things.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But for my battle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With Pûn the winter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All life had perished:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never again though,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While life is in me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can I venture</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On such a struggle!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Be this thy warning!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Else will Pûn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The cruel winter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Conquer all things</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ice and snow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For ever and ever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cover the world.”<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_63_63" href="#FNanchor_63_63" class="label">[63]</a> Long ago a fair woman named Nipon always lived near the sun.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="III_III"> + <abbr title="Three">III</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE SCARLET TANAGER AND THE LEAF + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Piche yut kʾchî wachok nit wigit welitasit mipis.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_64_64" href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_295" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_295.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a vine with two leaves interwined with a branch. A scarlet tanager sits on the branch. To the right is a large letter I. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> +In the earliest time on the greatest mountain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lived merry Mĭpis, the Little Leaf;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When spring is coming and sunlight is shining</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He climbs a tree, and there, all summer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dressed in green he rocks in the branches,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Listens all day to the birds and the breezes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And goes to sleep to the song of the owl.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When fall is coming and days are shorter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mĭpis dresses himself in scarlet;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Glad and gay in the Indian Summer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as the nights grow cold and longer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He puts on a coat of brown or yellow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Curls himself up like a bear for winter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lets go his hold and falls to the ground;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There he sleeps, all under the snow-drift</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he hears in the spring the blue-bird calling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the stream fighting its enemy ice⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Carrying proudly in pieces as prisoners</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The foe which kept it a frozen captive,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the winter under its wigwam.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then little Mĭpis, the Leaf, awaking,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dresses in green and climbs in the sunshine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up through a tree, and upon the branches,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lives as he did the summer before.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Merry Mĭpis on a bright May morning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was stretching himself in the warm sunshine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he heard afar a wonderful music,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A sound like a flute and the voice of a maiden,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rippling melodies melting in one.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never before had he heard such singing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then looking up he beheld before him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A beautiful merry little bird-girl,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dressed in garments of brilliant scarlet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Just like his own in the Indian Summer.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“O fairest of small birds!” said merry Mĭpis;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Who are you, and what is your name?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus she answered: “I am Squʿtes:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Little Fire. When I fly in the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And meet in my way a bar of sunshine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I look as I enter and leave the shadow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like a red flame which leaps up in darkness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then falls asleep in the night again.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have lived in the deep green forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as you have, for many ages,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Singing my songs to Kʾmûsomsʾn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto our Father the mighty mountain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And because he well loved my music,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For a reward he sent me hither</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To seek a youth whose name is Mĭpis,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whom he wills that I should wed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as I think, and hope as I think it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You are truly the one whom I seek.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Little Leaf listened in silence</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Being by nature very cunning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Trained to suspicion from his childhood;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus his grandmother ever taught him:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“My child—beware of all living creatures,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even the very smallest insect</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May eat your life out. A worm so little</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That it can pass through the prick of a needle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as a rabbit runs through a valley,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or as a fish swims free up a river,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May cut your stem or blight your beauty;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anything living may be your death.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So to Squʿtes, Mĭpis listened,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Charmed with her beauty yet still mistrusting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Liking her look yet deeply doubting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wondering whether this lovely creature</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was truly a friend or a false-hearted foe.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Beautiful Squʿtes, never heeding</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What the Leaf thought, began to warble;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pouring out in the pleasant sunshine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her morning song. As Mĭpis listened</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the melodious trill, he melted;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the sweet tune filled all the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Every leaf on the tree was listening,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Branches were waving in keeping cadence,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even the busy ants stopped running,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The butterfly sat on a flower to hear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as the music grew tender and stronger,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as in one long soft note it ended,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Little Leaf said to her: “Be my own!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So in the greenwood they lived together;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Other singers often assembled,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Other birds were often about them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Coming to see the beautiful stranger,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Longing to try with hers their voices,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But at every trial the Little Fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flew in her melody far above them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as she went beyond them in beauty.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One morning Squʿtes sang to the Leaf:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Let us go and visit Kʾmûsomsʾn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our mighty grandfather—the Mountain:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He made us happy—let us thank him!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the little Squʿtes and Mĭpis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Went like a flame through the shades of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till they came to the cave of the grandsire.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Glad the grandfather was when he saw them!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus he spoke unto them—“<i>Nosesak!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grandchildren! Heed well what I tell you!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While you live never leave the mountain!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While you are here you are always in safety:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when away from it, ever in danger</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From one who is ever seeking to kill you:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The little Indian boy Monimques,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who, armed with a terrible bow and arrows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shoots all the little birds of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And carries them home to old Monimques,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who roasts them all in the fire and eats them.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even worse is another foeman,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A dreadful little boy who is flying</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the time over rivers and valleys,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Aplasemwesit, the Little Whirlwind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who never rests. He is always trying</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To blow the leaves away from the branches,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drives them headlong, in flocks together,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To his grandfather the terrible Tempest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The great wild Whirlwind who kills them all.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Taking the Leaf in her bill, the Red Bird</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flew through the forest among the branches</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the great tree which grew secluded</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the safest place in all the mountain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On its topmost branch they built a wigwam;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bad little Indians never came near them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hunting for birds with their bows and arrows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor the wicked whirlwind looking for leaves.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There they lived and were perfectly happy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nothing but kind words passed between them,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Only kind words and favorite songs.⁠<a id="FNanchor_65_65" href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaves like men are never contented,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When all’s for the best they never know it;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So it came to pass that Mĭpis one morning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saw far away in the pleasant sunlight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A land of beautiful lakes and mountains,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lovelier far than the place they lived in;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And felt in his heart an earnest longing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To wander away. So he said to the Red Bird:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Look, my dear, at that beautiful country!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There we are sure to be perfectly happy:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I can no longer live here on the mountain!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Taking the Leaf in her little bill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Red Bird flew over rock and river,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till she came to the beautiful country;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Again on a tree they built their wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Squʿtes sat and sang on the branches:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The little Indian boy Monimques</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never had heard such beautiful singing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never beheld such wonderful feathers;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Amazed he stood for a while and listened,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then bending his bow let fly an arrow.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down fell the Red Bird, sorely wounded,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And proud of his prey the boy ran homeward.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then another foe came rushing after,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Aplasemwesit the Little Whirlwind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeing the Red Leaf soon he seized it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Took it in triumph unto his grandsire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mighty Storm; when the chief beheld it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This,” he said, “is no common capture,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is the Leaf of the Leaves, my grandson!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He shall not die. I will keep him a prisoner:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He has come from afar. We must guard him with care.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Greatly the Storm Chief fears the Mountain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who stops the wind in its wildest flight.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That night there came a dream to Kʾmûsomsʾn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he learned that the Leaf had been taken prisoner,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By Aplasemwesit and kept as captive.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waking in anger he called to his son:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Go to the chief of the storms and tell him</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To send me the Leaf!” His son departed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when he came to the mighty Whirlwind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said: “Give me the Leaf! Else, ere the evening</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All of our tribe will be on the war path.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gladly the Whirlwind gave up his captive,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the son of the Mountain carried him home.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon the Leaf was safe in his wigwam</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the great tree. He lived in sorrow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the notes of a bird came ringing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Out of the forest, his grief was greater;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His life was gone with the Little Fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the fire of his life was all in ashes.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus it fared with the beautiful Red Bird;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the old Monimques beheld her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Long he was silent, then said: “My grandson!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is truly no common capture!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well it is that thou didst not kill it!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let the bird live in peace in our wigwam!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But take good care lest it escape!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Day after day the Red Bird grew better</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And soon her color was as bright as ever,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until one morning when least expected,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her voice broke forth like a brook into sunshine.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These were her words: “Could the Wind but hear me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I should not long be kept a captive,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon he would carry the news to the Mountain!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon the Mountain would send a warrior,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon the warrior would give me freedom!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon I should be with the Leaf again!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">As the old Monimques heard her singing:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His heart at the words grew weak with fear:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Truly it was a bad beginning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That ever my grandson shot this singer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And truly, ’twould have a woful ending,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If the Mountain should learn she is here!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is madness to keep her a captive,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But certain death if we let her go free!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">While he thought it over his grandson returned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bringing a burden of birds of the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And little singers who live by the rivers:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when they were cooked, and the chief had eaten,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down by the fire he lay on a bear skin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Smoking himself into silent sleep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The door was closed, nor was there a crevice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through which the Red Bird could creep to freedom</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When all at once she thought of the opening</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through which the smoke from the fire ascended</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever upward so densely pouring</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nobody deemed she would dare to pass it.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">As the head of Monimques drooped on his shoulder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as the pipe stem dropped from his fingers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as the little Wʾnagʾmeswuk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The tiny fairies who tap the eyelids,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soothed him into deepest slumber,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Softly the Red Bird rose and taking</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A birchen bucket, filled it with water.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dipping her wing in the water she sprayed it</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Little by little upon the fire;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Little by little the fire, like Monimques</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sunk to sleep, and the bright red flame</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lay down to rest in the dull gray ashes.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Out of the smoke-hole, in careful silence</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flitted Squʿtes, and when far from the wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the fresh air and the beautiful sunshine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heard other song-birds far beneath her.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As she went flying over the forest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaving death behind, with love before her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She had never been half so happy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And what was her joy when she reached the mountain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And saw from afar on the great tree rising</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A bright Red Leaf which shone in the sunset;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Straight was her flight as that of an arrow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fast as an arrow, when she beheld him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Red Leaf leapt as if smit by an arrow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When all in an instant her arms were round him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then without an instant’s warning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All his darkness was turned to daylight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Red Wing burst into tears of rapture.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It was long ago, even in the morning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the first moons that this all happened;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Trees had not mouldered as yet in the valleys,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the cold depths of many a river</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fishes as yet had not found their way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the secret roads of the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had not been learned by the bear or woodchuck;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But even then the Squʿtes and Mĭpis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lived all the summer upon the mountain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sung in its shadows and shone in the sunshine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still as of yore they are singing and shining;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so it will be while the mountain is there.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_64_64" href="#FNanchor_64_64" class="label">[64]</a> Long ago on the big mountain lived the happy little leaf.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_65_65" href="#FNanchor_65_65" class="label">[65]</a> In the original Indian-English version this line is given as—“Only +kind words and popular songs.”</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="III_IV"> + <abbr title="Four">IV</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE BLIND BOY + </h4> + <p class="center allsmcap"> + A VERY OLD SONG + </p> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nit neke epit pʾiche nitwechi moskesits</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Poskaniknikok mechinechik etli-poskʿnot.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_66_66" href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There was a woman, long, long ago,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She came out of a pit</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In which dead people were buried;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She made her home in a tree;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She was dressed in leaves;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All long, long ago.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When she walked among the dry leaves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her feet were so covered</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they could not be seen;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She walked in the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Singing all the time:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I want company: I am lonesome!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All long, long ago!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">From afar o’er the lakes and mountains</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wild man heard her cry;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He came to her, she saw him,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Saw him and was afraid;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She tried to flee away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he was clothed with the rainbow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Color and light were his garments.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She ran and he pursued her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pursued her rapidly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto the foot of a mountain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He spoke in a strange language,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She could not understand him.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He would make her tell where she dwelt.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They married and had two children</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One of them was a boy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A boy who was blind from his birth.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he frightened his mother by his sight;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He could tell her what was coming:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What was coming from afar,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What was near he could not see.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He could see the bear and moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Far away beyond the mountains;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He could see through everything.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The father was a great being,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was a mighty hunter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His wife had magic gifts.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A boy was born to them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Alas, the boy was blind!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In time his sight returned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said that he could see.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mother did not believe it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She thought it was magic sight.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So one day she bade her husband</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Put on him certain things</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which no one could behold</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who saw them not with eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As every one could see them.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then she asked the boy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What is it that your father</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Uses to pull his sled?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Promptly the child replied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“The rainbow.” Then she said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What has he for a bow-string?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To which his answer was</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“It is Ketaksuwauʿt</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is the Spirits’ Road”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(Meaning the Milky Way).</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet once more she inquired:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What has he on his sled?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“A beaver,” he replied;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She knew that he could see.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>It would appear from collateral indications of other +songs in different tribes that this song is of very great +antiquity. The first portion of it was chanted to Mrs. +W. Wallace Brown by an old Indian woman; the remainder +was recovered from the Passamaquoddy Thomas +Josephs or Tamaquah. There appears to be in the +myth, for such it undoubtedly is, a refinement of philosophic +or theosophic speculation. This is shown in the +conception of the young magician, or poet, so gifted +though <em>blind</em> that his mother could not determine +whether he saw all things by <em>clairvoyance</em> or natural +vision.<span class="righttext">L.</span> +</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_66_66" href="#FNanchor_66_66" class="label">[66]</a> Long ago there was a woman who came out of a pit where dead +people are buried.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="III_V"> + <abbr title="Five">V</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + PASSAMAQUODDY LOVE SONG + </h4> + <p class="center allsmcap">ORIGINAL TEXT + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Boski ktabin elmi nelemwik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Elmi papkeyik; boski ktlabin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Neket mpesel etli-nemiotyikw.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Etuchi wlinakwben sebayi sibuk;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Etuchi wli baquasketen.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kʾmachtina nolithasiben.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mechinoltena keppithamʾl.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Boski ktlabin elmi nelemwik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Elmi papkeyik; boski ktlabin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Negetlo he eli-alnisukmekwben</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sibayi guspenik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Etuchi welanakwsititben wuchowek</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He eli-machip klamisken mipisel.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nittloch apch eli-alnisuknukw tan etuch apachyaie;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tan etuch boski pʾkesik mipisel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yut pemden nit kʾtlaskuyin.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Boski kʾtlabin elmi nelemwik</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Elmi papkeyik;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Boski kʾtlabin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenu!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_310" style="max-width: 89.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_310.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of an Indian girl seated in a canoe in still waters, facing the right side of the sketch. A paddle is balanced across her leg and the front of the canoe. "> +</figure> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="III_Va"> + <abbr title="Five">V</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + PASSAMAQUODDY LOVE SONG + </h4> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft these lonely days thou look’st</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On beauteous river and down shining stream.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft thou look’st and sighest deep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">With me thy lover by thy side</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How fair that stream did bubble on!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How lovely was the silver moon!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy heart now tells thee of that joy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’en unto death I think of thee.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft these lonely days thou look’st</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On beauteous river and down shining stream.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft thou look’st and sighest deep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When we in birch canoe did glide</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Together on that glistening lake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How fair the hills and how we watched</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The <i>red</i> leaves whirling in the breeze.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We’ll rove once more in bark canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And watch the <i>green</i> leaves swirl on high</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When spring smiles on the mountain tops.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft these lonely days thou look’st</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On beauteous river and down shining stream.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft thou look’st and sighest deep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Anigowanotenû!<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp92" id="i_311" style="max-width: 90.0em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_311.jpg" alt="This is a mirror image of the prior illustration of an Indian girl seated in a canoe. In this sketch, she faces left."> +</figure> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h3 id="III_VI"> + <abbr title="Six">VI</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE SONG OF THE STARS + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy text</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Nilun pesazmuk elintaquik.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ntʾlintotebin kʾpesaukhenmâgonok.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nilun sipsizuk squʿtek;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kʾpʾmitoiapon pissokiqs</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kʾpesaukhenmagon pesazum.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kʾtʾlintoanen âût niwesquok;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Otâût Kʾchî-Niwesq</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Koitchimkononnoak nohowok katonkewinoak,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nosokoat moinial</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nit mesq tepnaskwiewis</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mesq katonketitiq</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ketlapinen pemtenikek</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yot lintoakʾn pemtenikek.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_312" style="max-width: 95.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_312.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a lake at night. Stars dot the sky above hills in the background. Moonlight shines on the placid water. In the foreground, a canoe is beached at the left side."> +</figure> + + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h3 id="#III_VI"> + <abbr title="Six">VI</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE SONG OF THE STARS + </h4> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We are the stars which sing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We sing with our light.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We are the birds of fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We fly across the heaven,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our light is a star.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We make a road for Spirits,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A road for the Great Spirit.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Among us are three hunters</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who chase a bear:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There never was a time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When they were not hunting;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We look down on the mountains.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is the Song of the mountains.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L. & P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_313" style="max-width: 96.9375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_313.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a lake at night. Stars dot the sky above hills in the background. Moonlight shines on the placid water. Indistinct vegetation and part of a tree are in the lower right corner of the sketch."> +</figure> + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="III_VII"> + <abbr title="Seven">VII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + HOW THE INDIANS LOST THEIR POWER + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Penobscot</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Uskichinwi pilskwessis muiso Ktatnok</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Naya kamach okiwachitahasin.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_67_67" href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All of the olden time!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Once as an Indian girl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was gathering blue-berries,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On Mount Katahdin’s side,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She felt a strange loneliness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And said unto herself:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I would that I were wed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto some brave great man!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, seeing the great mount</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In glory rising high</div> + <div class="verse indent0">E’en as ’twere to heaven</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(White the red sunlight shone</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the very head),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She said: “A man indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like great Katahdin there!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">High rising over all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That were the man for me.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This she was heard to say</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere she went further on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up to the mountain top⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Three years then passed away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere she was seen again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then when she returned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas with a charming child,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fairest in the land;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Only one thing was strange:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His eyebrows were of stone.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She had been wed in truth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Mount Katahdin’s self;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Spirit of the Mount</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had ta’en her to himself,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when she greatly longed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see her folk again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said: “Then go in peace.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But one thing he forbade</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With terrible command:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That she should ever tell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To any mortal soul</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who ’twas had married her.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The boy had wondrous gifts;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The sages of the tribe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said he was soon to be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A mighty sorcerer;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For when he did but point</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His finger at the moose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or anything which ran,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At once it would drop dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Killed by his magic will;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, when in a canoe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He pointed at the ducks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wild fowl swam no more,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the water round</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was full of floating game</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which all might gather in,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As freely as they would.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so it came to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That through that wondrous Boy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mother and her tribe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had ever food enough.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now this is all the truth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ’twas a wondrous thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As ever yet was told.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Katahdin the great lord</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Wabanaki;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The children of the Light,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or of the Break of Day;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had wed him to the girl</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That she might have a child</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who should raise up the tribe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And make them great once more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even a mighty race,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lords of all the land.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so to her he said:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Declare unto thy folk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That they shall never ask</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of thee, who was the sire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of this brave lad, our son;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They’ll know it all right well</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If they but see his face,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thou shalt not be teased</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By questions and by talk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From fools who fain would know</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The by-ways of a god.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so she made it known</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That none should question her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gave them all their food,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bade them let her be!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And truly this was like</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The casting oil on fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And men and women all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were raging to inquire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">About the mystery,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ask the wife herself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who might her husband be?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though everybody knew</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In all the country round.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And though it had been said</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That life and death and all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hung on her telling naught.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Though what were life or death</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To any woman born,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Likewise to many a man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Compared unto the joy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of learning that which is</div> + <div class="verse indent0">None of their business⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tattling it abroad?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so they pressed her sore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still teasing her to tell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And giving her no rest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As fools are wont to do.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until one day, enraged,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She thought: “This passes strength</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I’ll bear it no more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Truly my lord was right,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These people are too vile,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Too petty and too mean,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For subjects to my son,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He ne’er shall lead them on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To glorious victory!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They are not of the kind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To make a mighty race:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With them it shall be o’er!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And as they still kept on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tormenting, teasing her.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She spoke and said: “Ye fools!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who fain would kill yourselves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By your own folly, ye</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mud-wasps who sting the hands</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which fain would pluck you forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When drowning in the pool.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why will ye trouble me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To tell you what ye know?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When ye keep asking me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">‘Who my boy’s father was?’</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can ye not plainly see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Katahdin in his brows?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now it shall be indeed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To your great woe and pain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And abject misery,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That ever ye did ask</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of what concerned you not.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So now from this day forth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye all may feed yourselves;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For now my boy no more</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will lend his help to you.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So she arose and went</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her way into the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And up the mountain side,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leading her little son;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And from that day and hour</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was seen on earth no more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And since that time our tribe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With all the Indian folk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who once might have become</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A great and glorious race,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have dwindled down into</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very little folk.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For when our minds grow small</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gossip is our god,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We must diminish too.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Truly it had been wise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For them of olden time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And for us too, indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could they have held their tongues.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_67_67" href="#FNanchor_67_67" class="label">[67]</a> Long ago an Indian girl was walking on Katahdin and she felt very +lonesome.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h3 id="III_VIII"> + <abbr title="Eight">VIII</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + THE PARTRIDGE AND THE SPRING + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry small"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Uskitap iaqu bamose kʾchikok</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Etuchi nodak metetaguak kequ pichikok.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_68_68" href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp25" id="i_320" style="max-width: 63.25em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_320.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a racoon bound and decorated with Indian beadwork. It is suspended from the crossbar of a letter A. This sketch is used as an illustrated capital letter to the beginning of the poem."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">A man was walking the woods</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he heard afar a noise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As of footsteps beating the ground.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With a cry as of merry singing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he sought to find the people;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas a week before he found them.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas a man and his wife a-dancing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">About a tree; on its summit</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There sat a great Raccoon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And by their constant treading</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They had worn a trench in the ground⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yea, in it, up to their waists.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when the stranger in wonder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asked of them, “What are you doing?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They answered that being hungry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were trying to fell the tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bring it down by dancing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The stranger said to them:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Know ye not that another,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A newer and better way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of felling trees more quickly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has come into the land?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They asked him how it might be.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, while they greatly wondered,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Taking his axe, he showed them</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How to cut down trees in a hurry;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But made it a condition</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That when the Raccoon should be taken</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They might have his meat and eat it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the pelt should be his portion.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So, when the tree had fallen,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the game became their booty,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The woman tanned the skin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was strangely large and glossy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And gave it to the Indian</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who took it and went away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then afar in a path in the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He met with another man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And was greatly amazed at the sight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Because the other was bearing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A very large birch wigwam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A dwelling with many rooms.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He never had seen the like,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And at first was in a fright,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the man, putting down the house,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Burst into a fit of laughter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And shook him by the hand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeming in faith to be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A downright honest fellow.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, while they smoked and laughed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The man of the house beheld</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The skin which the other bore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Espuns, the Raccoon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And said with curious air:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>He kekw nit?</i>” “What have you there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The skin of magic power?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the other answering told</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How he met the man and his wife</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who danced around the tree:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whereat the man of the house</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Offered to buy the skin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At any price at all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And offered the house for it.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the other looked it through</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And truly he was amazed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To find how many rooms</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were all contained in it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And what a wondrous store</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of furniture and arms</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And kettles and the like</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were stored in every room.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But oh and alack,” he cried,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I could never carry this house</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As you do, on your head.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“You can do it with ease,” replied</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Pilowî wʾskichin</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is “the stranger man;”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Just put it on your head.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He tried and found it as light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As a <i>kchi bʾsnŭd</i>, or</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A basket made of birch.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And so he went his way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bearing the magic house</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lightly upon his head,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till he came to a hard-wood ridge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In which was a bubbling spring;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And here he said: “I will live.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So searching he found a room</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In which there was a bed;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A better he ne’er had seen,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All covered with the skin</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a snow-white northern bear.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So he laid him down to sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In the morning when he awoke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What was his wonderment</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see above his head,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All hanging to the beams,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Good food of every kind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All dainties known to man.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For there were venison,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bear hams and many ducks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Buckets of maple sugar,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Others of cranberries,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And many golden ears</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of drying Indian corn.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as in his delight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He stretched out both his hands</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To grasp the tempting food,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The bear-skin, melting fast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As water ran away⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For it was but the snow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which all the winter long</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had gathered o’er his nest.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as he stretched his arms,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lo! they were changed to wings!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And up he flew to the food,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was the early buds</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the birch on which they hung.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was in truth himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A Partridge who had been</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wintering beneath the snow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And who in joy came forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To greet the pleasant spring.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_68_68" href="#FNanchor_68_68" class="label">[68]</a> A man was walking in the woods and he heard something far off.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="III_IX"> + <abbr title="Nine">IX</abbr> + </h3> + <h4> + LOX, THE INDIAN DEVIL + </h4> + <p class="center">[<i>Passamaquoddy</i>] + </p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Laks uskiehinwi Wahant</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nekŭm mechikit wesis kchikok.</i>⁠<a id="FNanchor_69_69" href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Lox the Wolverine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is of all the beasts of the forest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Crafty and most ferocious,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cunning and utterly given</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To every kind of mischief.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In all the world of the wood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There is none so utterly evil,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And therefore he is called</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By right, the Indian Devil.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now it happened on a time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That Lox, or the Wolverine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who had many a time been killed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as often rose from the dead</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By his sheer force of will⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The one great gift he had⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Found himself down in luck,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yea, very deeply down.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Crossing in bitter winter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A wide and dismal region</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Very poorly supplied</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For travel of any kind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The cold wind blew like knives,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Snow fell with sleet and frost,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And hail and pelting rain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All in bad company</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came on him all in one.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet this evil soul</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was reckless through it all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And jolly, for he had</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With every devilish vice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One virtue, as I said,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One saving gift, and that</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was, that of all the beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who in the forest dwelt,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or devils in Hʿlamkîk</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(That is the Indian hell),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had the hardest heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Toughest, as all allowed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And most unconquerable.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He was the first to fight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And last one to give in</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(Indeed, he never did</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Give in, nor meant to do),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From which it came that he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was specially admired</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By all the blackguard beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who prowled about the woods;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wherein they differed little</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From many among men.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now, as of all the rogues,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rowdies and rascal roughs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Wolves are just the worst,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You may right well believe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That ’twas with wondrous joy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lox heard, as night came on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Afar a long sad howl,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Betokening the presence</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a pack of these pleasant folk;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was music to the ears</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the Indian Devil, Lox.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So he lifted up his voice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All in the Wolfish tongue;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he was deeply learned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In many languages;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And soon was in the midst</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of a score of howling beasts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of lupine land-loafers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who danced and rolled and screamed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Biting each other for joy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At seeing him again⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil, Lox.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the eldest wolf</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Sagem or the chief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said unto him: “I hope</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou’lt camp with us to-night;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For truly it is ill</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For any gentleman</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be alone where he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Might meet with vulgar beasts!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Lox replied as if</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He did a favor, all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With condescending air;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ate their best dried meat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And took the highest place</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beside their fires, and smoked</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chief’s best <i>tomawe</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is tobacco, from</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chieftain’s choicest pipe;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While all the others grinned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At his tremendous cheek,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To see him put it on⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil, Lox.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when they laid them down</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To sleep, the Sagamore</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said to the younger wolves:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Be sure and cover up</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The stranger with your tails.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Lox, who thought it was</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A blanket made of fur,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon threw the cover off,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the chief and all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Admired the plucky guest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who seemed to have no care</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of cold, or for their care;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And little did he care⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil, Lox.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then in the early morn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he would wend his way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Sagem of the Wolves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said to the Wolverine:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Oh Uncle—thou hast yet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before thee three long days</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All in a land where there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is neither house nor hearth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thou wilt find it hard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To camp without a fire;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now by good luck I have</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An admirable spell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By which thou canst have fires,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And only three—yet they</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will serve thee to the end⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is the way ’tis done:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Build up a pile of sticks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then jump over it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even as children do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thou wilt see it blaze.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is a sacred charm</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of great antiquity</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A secret ’mong the wolves.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou art the very first,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not of our holy race,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To whom it hath been given;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No Gentile knoweth it.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so he bade farewell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the Indian Devil Lox.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So Lox went trudging on,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Away unto the West;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, as he went, he thought</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the great gift of the</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Peculiar pious race,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, wondering to himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If ’twere not all a flam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since ’twas his nature to</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Suspect all kinds of deeds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he had ne’er done one</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save to some evil end,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And being curious</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And very anxious to</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Behold some strange new thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said unto himself:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Tush! I will try it now.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So piling up some sticks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He bounded over them;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They burst into a blaze.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So all had come to pass</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the Wolf prophesied:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which greatly did amaze</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil Lox.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So having warmed himself</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He went his way with joy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But very soon observed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That it grew cold again.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wind blew sharp and shrill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The snow began to fall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Lox began to think</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How very nice ’twould be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And pleasant, to be <i>warm</i>.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now ’tis a curious truth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All very wicked men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have always <i>one</i> weak spot,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So Lox the Wolverine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Without reflection piled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">More sticks together; then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Jumped over them at once.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up leaped a jolly blaze</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As if to dance with him;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This was the second fire</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he had still three nights</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of bitter killing cold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere he could reach his home⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil Lox!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet this Wolverine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who was wise in all that’s bad,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wicked and witty in sin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had not indeed gone far</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or out-walked the afternoon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before he began to think,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he shivered and cursed the cold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of lighting another fire.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Ah—hem!” he said, “who knows</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the weather may take a turn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a thaw, and give us a night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which <em>may</em> be rather warm!</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Hum! ha!</i> Methinks by the look</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the clouds that the wind may be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">South-westerly! I think</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have heard my grandmother say:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That a color such as I see,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of red in the sky, means something⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I forget what it is—but it may be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A change for the better—or worse!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well, I’ll take the chance.” Thus saying,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He piled up the sticks again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And had a third fire—although</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The first night had not come.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he warmed himself and was happy⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil Lox!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> +<br> +<figure class="figcenter illowp48" id="i_333" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_333.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch of a wolverine in a woods. Snow covers the ground. The wolverine is jumping over a small pile of sticks in the snow."> + <figcaption> + <div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>Then gayly jumping over</strong></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><strong>Awaited the cheerful blaze.</strong></div> + </div> + </div> + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"><abbr title="poem continued"></abbr> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then as it grew dark and darker,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the coals and sticks grew blacker,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When a fire is dying away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He came to his camping place,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then it grew cold in earnest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A cold to split a flint.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">However, Lox the Believing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Said, “What is good for once</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Must surely be good for ever,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And made up a pile of sticks,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then gayly jumping over</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Awaited the cheerful blaze.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But all in vain, not a sparkle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not a hint of anything burning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not even a tiny crackle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Came from the silent wood.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But as Lox was persevering,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He hopefully kept on jumping,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till after some thirty efforts</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There arose a little smoke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which came as if it were angry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At being so frequently called,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then returned no more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Lox to himself repeating</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“All smoke has fire behind it,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kept bravely at his leaping</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until the Indian Devil</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of madness and desperation</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Awoke within his soul,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he swore by it that he ever</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would keep straight on with his jumping</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till something blazed—or burst!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He himself was almost blazing⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil Lox.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So he kept on a-leaping,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But to him there came no comfort,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not even the glow of a spark;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And being at last aweary</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He fell in a swoon on the wood-pile,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And so he froze to death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that was the last that winter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which was heard of him in the land.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet I think in time he recovered,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For since then, he very often</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has appeared among the people⁠—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lox, The Indian Devil,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Indian Devil Lox.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>L.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_69_69" href="#FNanchor_69_69" class="label">[69]</a> Lox, the Indian Devil, is the worst beast in the woods.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> + <p class="center muchlarger" id="LEnvoi"> + <strong>L’Envoi</strong> + </p> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> + <h3 id="LENVOI"> + L’ENVOI + </h3> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O happy sylvan hours and days of yore!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O quaint old speech which echoes in our ears!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From you we learn our country’s early lore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The forest people’s sorrows, joys and fears.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So pass in peace, ye simple woodland race!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We may no longer hope to bid you live.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In our mad turmoil ye can have no place,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But we have taken what ye have to give.<span class="ss" style="width:5em"> </span>P.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp65" id="i_337" style="max-width: 63.75em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_337.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch. There are trees in the foreground, two of which have fallen to the ground. Behind the trees is an open area and in the distance a hillside. The moon is rising beyond the hills."> +</figure> + + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> + <p class="center larger" id="APPENDIX"> + APPENDIX</p> + <hr class="r25"> + <p class="center muchlarger"> + <strong>The Passamaquoddy Wampum Records</strong> + </p> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<figure class="figcenter illowp86" id="i_340" style="max-width: 89.625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_340.jpg" alt="Black and white sketch. A hatchet extends horizontally, with the blade pointing downwards at the left. The shaft is decorated with feathers tied at the end. Overlaying the hatchet is a large necklace made of a string of beads and a string of teeth that curl outward from the center."> +</figure> + +<h3>APPENDIX</h3> +</div> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">The Passamaquoddy Wampum Records</span></p> + +<blockquote> +<p>[This is an emendation of the text published by me in Proceedings +of the American Philosophical Society, <abbr title="thirty-six">xxxvi.</abbr>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 479 <abbr title="and the following pages">ff.</abbr> P.]</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="p2">Mechi mieu begokni tohocioltowuk kʾchi ya wioo +wʾskitap epitjik wasisek nespi wʾsikyojik yot mechi +mipniltimkil; nit etuch alit-huswinook negmaoo tepit-hodmotit +chewi kegw layoo kegusitch eliyoek chewi layoo +tech na neksayiu. Nit etuchi mʾsioo sise pʾchittaketil +kinwetaswinoo mʾsitte elipitt wʾskichin anquotch elquiyik +sownisnook anquotch wʾchipenook ketkik snoot segdenook +ketkik kʾski yasnook. Pechiote pechiyik Wabnakik.⁠<a id="FNanchor_70_70" href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> +Kʾmach wʾsipkikmʾn yaka keswook naga wewʾchiyanya +nitta tama wejiwetit wʾtiyawa wʾskichunoo kepechip-tolnen +wʾliagnotmagʾn. Nit ettlowsittgw-ton kisipootwusoo +likislootemook. Mʾsitte tekepitt wʾskichin kinwetto +nit kʾchi lagootwagʾn kitwitasso. Mʾsioo wʾskichin +nootek aknoomagʾn mʾsioo wʾlitt-hasoo. Mʾsioo +wʾsiwatch yogonyalkatkisilet tekowmʾk maltnitin. Nit +mʾsioo kesookmik sittobjitakan opootwuswinoom. +Mʾsioo kesookmik sittopetchitakan nissoo kessena +agwamʾk opootwuswinoom natchiwitchitagwik kʾchi +lagootwagʾn kessena kʾchi mawopootwuswagʾn.</p> + +<p>Nit mʾsioo kisma wewsettil nit omache tipit-hodmʾnya +ta nʾteh wʾtelook-hʾdinya. Stepal mʾsioo siwatch +yokotit eli wʾabli pemowsittit; yokt kʾchi sogmak wʾtiyana-kʾt +kihee yot elapimʾk asittwechosyokw kʾnʾmittunen +elipegak naptwuk kenemittonenwul kesek ewablikil +yotʾl pegaknigil temʾhigʾnsisʾl to (?) naga tapyik +tepakw-yil chewi pooskenoswul oskemioo nitte mʾsioo +wʾtlkislootmʾnya wʾtlagootinya; nit otaginwipoonmʾnya +kisook etuchi pootwusitit.</p> + +<p>Nit liwettasoo chikte wigwam. Yot wʾkesekmenya +etasikiskakil katama loo-wen-kelosioo mʾsitte pootwuswin +chewitpit-hasoo tanetch wʾtitmʾn. Tan etuchi littootit +tebaskuswagʾnʾl mʾsitte wʾtipithodmʾnya tanetch +likisi-chenetasso manʾtimʾk guni chikpultowuk topemlokemkil.</p> + +<p>Apch etuchi apkw-timootit wigwam liwitassoo mʾsittakw-wen +tlewestoo nitt na guni omache pootwuswinya; +mʾsioo potwooswin wʾtoknootmʾn elipipyaks naga mech +matnuttitit mʾsioo eli wʾsikyoltotitits guenipnʾltimʾk; +nittlo alteketch tepnasko yotipit-hatosoo naga kʾtemakitt-haman +wʾtepittemowa wʾtowasismowa naga +mamatwikoltijik; mechi mieu yokli-wʾsikyaspenik tahalote +saglit-hat wʾsikap naga mʾtappeguin. Nit mʾsioo +mitte westotitit. Nit likisloomuk wʾtlitonia kʾchi lakalosnihagʾn +naga tochioo opoomʾnya epasioo kʾchi +wigwam tebagalosneoo; na wʾtlitunia ebiss oponmoonya +omittakw-sowall nit wen pelestowat nit +etuch eshemhoottam yotʾl eyilijil wʾnijanʾl tebakalusneoo. +Mʾsitte na wʾtachwiyik settswawall naga na mejimioo +wʾmʾtutwatmʾn wʾkchi squt wa wechi skanekaswenook. +Yot wechi mach-hak wababi tebaskuswagʾnʾl.</p> + +<p>Nit lagalosnihagʾnʾl etli-nʾsettwasik spemek nit +nitmame lagootwi-kislootmewagʾn mʾsitte kesigpesitt +wʾskichin newanko kesookinito kenooklo kechayami milijpesw. +Mʾsitte yokteke wʾskichinwuk wʾtachwi elyanya +naga wiginya tebagaloosneoo teketch wen kegw liwableloket +chiwisemha wʾnikikowal wʾtesemhogol; nit +ebis kisi mawettasiks nittlo tane teppo wigit tebakalosneoo +chejik sʾtʾmenal tan eyigil tebaskuswagʾnʾl kessena +essemha. Nit wigwam ettlinwasik tabakalosneoo +hidmowioo mʾsitte kesitt wʾskichin kesittakw chewi sanke +wipemowsoo. Katama apch chigawi yotoltiwun chewi +lipemowsowuk tahalo wesi westoltijik witsegesotoltijik +opeskon wenikicowa. Nittlo kʾchi squt etli wʾsittwasik +wigwamek hidmowiw mʾsitte ta wut kiswichitakw wʾskichin +nittetch ettlositit squtek wela manch skat apch +teke yiwibmes-honwal. Nittlo wenikigowal ettlin mʾsitt +woot wigwamek nit kʾchi Sagem Kanawak. Nitte lakaloshigʾn +naga hibis hidmowiw wababi tebaskuswagʾnl. +Tan woot pelsetek chewi mawe sagyawal etli nʾsettwojik +nit mʾsigekw kisittpiyak.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>Nitte apch omach elok-hʾdinya hʾnʾwʾtlitunia apsegiguil +wʾtebaskuswagʾnowal. Mʾsioo yotʾl tebaskuswagʾnʾl +chewi-littaswul wababik. Wechich kiskittasik tan teppo +elikimwittpiyak elnogak mʾsittech yo naga elimilichpegek +wapap. Yot wapap elyot sagmak naga mʾitapeguinwuk +naga nipwultimkil. Elok-hʾdimek tan etuchi +metchmete sagem naga elipuskenoot eli-mʾtakittmowatil +mʾsitte wʾskichinwuk. Wulasikowdowi wapap; wigwamkewi +wapap.</p> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<figure class="figcenter illowp86" id="i_341" style="max-width: 86.4375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_341.jpg" alt="Half-tone black and white sketch. It is a mirror image of the prior sketch of the hatchet and necklace. Here, the hatchet blade is to the right."> +</figure> + +<h3>APPENDIX</h3> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">The Wampum Records in English</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Many bloody fights had been fought, many men, women +and children had been tortured by constant and +cruel wars until some of the wise men among the Indians +began to think that something must be done, and +that whatever was to be done should be done quickly. +They accordingly sent messengers to all parts of the +country, some going to the South, others to the East, +and others to the West and Northwest. Some even +went as far as the <i>Wabanaki</i>. It was many months +before the messengers reached the farthest tribes. +When they arrived at each nation, they notified the +people that the great Indian nations of the Iroquois, +Mohawks and others had sent them to announce the +tidings of a great <i>Lagootwagon</i> or general council for +a treaty of peace. Every Indian who heard the news rejoiced, +because they were all tired of the never-ending +wars. Every tribe, therefore, sent two or more of their +cleverest men as representatives to the great council.</p> + +<p>When all the delegates were assembled they began to +deliberate concerning what was best to do, as they all +seemed tired of their evil lives. The leading Chief then +spoke as follows: “As we look back upon our bloodstained +trail, we see that many wrongs have been done +by all of our people. Our gory tomahawks, clubs, bows +and arrows must undoubtedly be buried for ever.” It +was decided, therefore, by all concerned to make a general +<i>Lagootwagon</i> or treaty of peace, and a day was +appointed when they should begin the rites.</p> + +<p>For seven days, from morning till night, a strict silence +was observed, during which each representative +deliberated on the speech he should make and tried to +discover the best means for checking the war. This +was called the “Wigwam of Silence.”</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>After this they held another wigwam called <i>mʾsittakw-wen +tlewestoo</i>, or “Wigwam of Oratory.” The ceremonies +then began. Each representative recited the history +of his nation, telling all the cruelties, tortures and +hardships they had suffered during their wars and stating +that the time had now come to think of and +take pity on their women and children, their lame and +old, all of whom had suffered equally with the strongest +and bravest warriors. When all the speeches had been +delivered, it was decided to erect an extensive fence and + +within it to build a large wigwam. In this wigwam, +they were to make a big fire and, having made a switch +or whip, to place “their father” as a guard over the +wigwam with the whip in his hand. If any of his children +did wrong he was to punish them with the whip. +Every child of his within the enclosure must therefore +obey his orders implicitly. His duty also was to keep +replenishing the fire in the wigwam so that it should not +go out. This is the origin of the Wampum laws.</p> + +<p>The fence typified a treaty of peace for all the Indian +nations who took part in the council, fourteen in number, +of which there are many tribes. All these were to +go within the fence and dwell there, and if any should +do wrong they would be liable to punishment with the +whip at the hands of “their father.” The wigwam within +the fence represented a universal house for all the +tribes, in which they might live in peace, without disputes +and quarrels, like members of one family. The +big fire (<i>ktchi squt</i>) in the wigwam denoted the warmth +of the brotherly love engendered in the Indians by their +treaty. The father ruling the wigwam was the Great +Chief who lived at Caughnawaga. The whip in his hand +was the type of the Wampum laws, disobedience to +which was punishable by consent of all the tribes mentioned +in the treaty.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>After this, they proceeded to make lesser laws, all of +which were to be recorded by means of wampum, in +order that they could be read to the Indians from time +to time. Every feast, every ceremony, therefore, has its +own ritual in the wampum; such as the burial and +mourning rites after the death of a chief, the installation +of a chief, marriage, etc. There were also salutation +and visiting wampum.</p> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center">ELOK-HʾDIMʾK TAN ETUCHI MECHMETE SAGEM</p> + +<p class="p2">Tan etuchi mechinet sagem omutlʾwaqulmʾnʾl chewi +temitaha naga nʾkikw-wakw-san. Mʾsitte tan kesiyit +wʾtowegaknul wʾtchapyil wʾtumhigen naga wʾmutewagʾn +w’skichinwnk wʾnittagitmowawal enguchi gʾdunweyin. +Tan etuchi tepnasgoyak wʾskichinwuk wikwmania pootwuswinoowo +pootwuswinia wateplomania pili sagmal +negootekmi kataina wʾkislomowyil sagnial. Nitte eli +kisi-mawekislootmootitits nit opechitakaya kinwetaswinoo +newunol kessena kaniachin begwitnol hesgun elye +Mikmakik, Kebeklo, Panwapskek Welastogok sagem teli +mechinet Pastemogatiek. Tan etuchi pechiyatit kinwettasijik +elyatit Mikmakik nitte mʾmittutil wechkiyak +eguidin metenegnahasik wʾkisin-setumenya kegw itmowio +nitte sagem wʾmoweman oskmaknesum wʾtiyan nit +wechkoyak kegw nikt kinwut wechipechijik. Nit mʾsitte +wen wasisek naga epijik wʾskittapyik mʾtappyataswook +wenachi asikwenya malemte eguayik. Nitte peskw +wʾgapetasin natuchio wʾthntowatmun nʾskawewinto-wagʾnʾl. +Nit wʾtali esui nʾskawan elamkigap wiyalit. +Malemte mechintoo nitte na yok wechiyojik peskw +littposwin omilawiyan nit na negum wʾtasitetunan +wʾsiwesul na negum wʾwuskawan.</p> + +<p>Malemte mʾsioo mechi nʾskaw-hʾtimek naga tuchioo +omach yapasinya imye-wigwamʾk wʾnaji-mawehimyanya. +Malemtech apch kisi-myawletwuk naga tuchioo lippan +tanpunote wigwamʾk. Nit m’sioo wen pejit epijik +wasisek mʾsioo wʾtlapasinya wʾnaji-wʾlasikwawa sʾsikiptinenawa +naga na opummunya mʾtewegon tesagioo +wigwamʾk etli wechiwetit nit naga tojio hchi-yawiwul +wʾskichin wutakewagʾnl.</p> + +<p>Elukemkil etchwi kisetuchil meskw kisi sepyatikw nit +amskwas welaguiwik ehʾli wulit-has soeltowegw pemgowlutwuk. +Nit apch wespasagiwik yokt mejiwejik opetchitaganya +pesgowal oskittapemwal sagma-wigwamʾk +wutiyanya sagmal opawatmunia mʾsitte wʾunemyanya +oskittapi gwandowanek. Nitte sagem wʾtakinwettuwan +oskittapemomaweman gwandowanek naga apch +wʾtaginwettuwan yohote wechi-welijihi. Nit na kisi +kusyapasitit naga tojoo omoosketunia wapapyil naga +tojoo egitoso neget elikislotmotits. Nit ettlowsit +Pestumagatiek wʾkuskatam wʾkʾchi-wʾskinosismowow; +nitlo kʾpawatmagʾnkil yot ettlowsiyan kʾnajiwichi +kehman eliat-kʾchi w’skinosismul. Malemte naga kisi +westoltitit yokt wechiwejik nit na sagem onakisinn na +wutelewestoon wʾtiyan wʾpemowsowinoom nit negum +holithodmun wenajiwi-chakekemiw wicho keman wʾsiwesul +kipnael. Nit apch yokt wechiwejik onagesin wʾteleweston +olasweltumʾn kisi-weleyet sagman eliwulmatulit +napch okisiyinya naga tojoo onestomʾnya kisookch etuchiweswesittit.</p> + +<p>Wechiyowitit nittech apch liwitasso eldagemk ekelhoochin +malemte kisachwuk weswesinya. Wechiyawitit nit +sagem wʾtokinwettuwan oskittapem nikt kʾsiwesnowook +kisachwuk weswesinya katama kiseltumwownewin toji +neksayiu omach-honya. Napch moskettaso wapap kelhodwei +naga wʾtegitmunya wʾtiyawa: nit yot etlowsit +Mikmakik epit wasis wʾskittap kʾpowatmagon kʾchenesin +apch wagisook nio nit kigwusin katagonkuthagʾn kʾmachkulit-hookowa. +Nit ittmowioo katama okiseltumwawun +omach-halin.</p> + +<p>Nit apch elok-hʾdimʾk liwitasso nʾskowhʾdin. Nit +apch sagem opechitagon oskittapem onachi-ketonkatinya +kʾchikook nit appi kʾtunkatitit nit wʾtelogwsumnia +tan eli pechputit mʾsioo weyesis nepahatijihi malem-te +mʾsioo kegw kisogwew. Nit mʾsioo macheptaso +gwandowanek nit etli kitimawemittsoltitit naga kinwetowan +nojikakolwet (<i>or</i> notgudmit) wʾtalqueminowticook +kʾwaltewall (<i>or</i> wikw-poosaltin). Nit mʾsioo +wen wʾnastowan. Elque milit nitte na wʾquaskoltinya +wasisek epitjik wʾskitapyik pemip-hatijihi waltewa mosque +weya malemte pechik sikowlutwuk gwandowanek. +Nitte mʾsioo tʾholpiyanya pemkemigek nit yokt nojitophasijik +otephemwan yayate elapesit. Yot nit elwittasik +elok-hʾdimʾk egelhodwi wikw-paltin; nit kisapeseltitit +omach yapasinya. Nitte apch neksayiu appat +aptdoowuk. Nit naga tochio hʾnskowhʾdin nit apch +yokt wechiwejik onakisin peskw wʾtlintowatmʾnhichi +eleyiks elittotits omesomsowuk peskwun kessena nisnol +elintowatkil. Nit na sagem wut wechi yot wenaskawan-na.</p> + +<p>Malemte nit mechintotimʾk nit sagem holpin eppasio +gwandowanek kelnek pegholagnesis naga epesis +nitte omache kʾtumosin omachetemun opekholagʾn +naga otlintowatmun kʾtumaswintowagʾnʾl. Nit miswen +onayinyan opemkan wʾskittapyik epitjik pechiote +wasisek nit omikmow powlʾtinya.</p> + +<p>Nit malemte mechit piye apch naga tojoo apch +otakinwipunmunia etuchi mach-hatit. Apch kisatchitit +nit apch sagem nimwul-kʾdʾminya hilelok-hʾdimkil. Anquotch +metch nichi kesspemi minwukelhak yot nit eldakewagʾn +anquotch metch nihilente kessena te peskw +kisoos etasi-welaquiwigil pemkak; nit quenni wechi yot.</p> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p class="p2 center">CEREMONIES CUSTOMARY AT THE DEATH OF +A CHIEF</p> + +<p class="p2">When the chief of a tribe died, his flag-pole was cut +down and burnt, and his war-like appurtenances, bows +and arrows, tomahawk and flag, were buried with him. +The Indians mourned for him one year, after which the +<i>Pwutwusimwuk</i> or leading men were summoned by the +tribe to elect a new chief. The members of one tribe +alone could not elect their own chief; according to the +common laws of the allied nations, he had to be chosen +by a general wigwam. Accordingly, after the council of +the leading men had assembled, four or six canoes were +dispatched to the Micmac, Penobscot and Maliseet tribes +if a Passamaquoddy chief had died.⁠<a id="FNanchor_71_71" href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> These canoes bore +each a little flag in the bow as a sign that the mission +on which the messengers came was important. On the +arrival of the messengers at their destination, the chief +of the tribe to which they came called all his people, +children, women and men, to meet the approaching +boats. The herald, springing to land, first sang his salutation +song (<i>nʾskawewintuagun</i>), walking back and +forth before the ranks of the other tribe. When he had +finished his chant the other Indians sang their welcoming +song in reply.</p> + +<p>As soon as the singing was over they marched to +some <i>imyewigwam</i> or meeting house to pray together. +The visiting Indians were then taken to a special wigwam +allotted to their use over which a flag was set. +Here they were greeted informally by the members of +the tribe with hand-shaking, etc. The evening of the +first day was spent in entertaining the visitors.</p> + +<p>On the next day the messengers sent to the chief desiring +to see all the tribe assembled in a <i>gwandowanek</i> +or dance hall. When the tribe had congregated there, +the strangers were sent for, who, producing their strings +of wampum to be read according to the law of the big +wigwam, announced the death of the chief of their tribe, +“their eldest boy” (<i>kʾchi wʾskinosismowal</i>), and asked +that the tribe should aid them to elect a new chief. The +chief of the stranger tribe then arose and formally announced +to his people the desire of the envoys, stating +his willingness to go to aid them, his fatherless brothers, +in choosing a new father. The messengers, arising +once more, thanked the chief for his kindness and appointed +a day to return to their own people.</p> + +<p>The ceremony known as <i>Kelhoochun</i> then took place. +The chief notified his men that his brothers were ready +to go, but that they should not be allowed to go so +soon. The small wampum string called <i>kellhoweyi</i> or +prolongation of the stay was produced at this point, +which read that the whole tribe, men, women and children, +were glad to see their brothers with them and +begged them to remain a day or two longer; that “our +mothers” (<i>kigwusin</i>), <i>i.e.</i>, all the tribal women, would +keep their paddles yet a little while. This meant that +the messengers were not to be allowed to depart so +soon.</p> + +<p>Here followed the ceremony called <i>Nʾskuhudin</i>. A +great hunt was ordered by the chief and the game +brought to the meeting-hall and cooked there. The +<i>noochila-kalwet</i> or herald went about the village crying +<i>wikw-poosaltin</i>, which was intelligible to all. Men, +women and children immediately came to the hall with +their birch-bark dishes and sat about the game in a +circle, while four or five men with long-handled dishes +distributed the food, of which every person had a share. +This feast was called <i>kelhootwi-wikw-poosaltin</i>. When it +was over the Indians dispersed, but returned later to +the hall when the messengers sang again their salutation +songs in honor of their forefathers, in reply to +which the chief of the tribe sang his song of greeting.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>When the singing was over, the chief seated himself in +the midst of the hall with a small drum in one hand +and a stick in the other. To the accompaniment of his +drum he sang his <i>kʾtumasoointawagunul</i> or dance +songs, which was the signal for a general dance, followed +by another feast.</p> + +<p>The envoys again appointed a day to return, but +were deterred in the same manner. As these feasts often +lasted three weeks or a month, a dance being held every +night, it was frequently a long time before they could +go back to their own tribe, because the chief would detain +them whenever they wished to return. Such was +the custom.</p> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center">ELOK-HʾDIMʾK TAN ETUCHI ELYOOT SAGEM</p> + +<p>Malemte mʾsigekw mitnaskiyi nit naga toji sankiyiw +omajahapanya malemtech nikt pechiyik elyatit wecheyawitit +nitte na omawemania opemowsowinomwa wʾteginwetowania +eli kisi-kiwkenitit eli pekwatotit wichoketwagʾn. +Miyawal te nikt na ketkik otapch-yanya +ki wʾkenitsepenik. Nit wʾchi-mach-yiw otaskowalmunia +wechiyan nachiwichi sakmakatenik. Malemte +pechiyik omʾsioo nit me (?) elok-hʾdimkil-lelan nach +sekeptin ewan nut pemkemek. Pechiyatil odenesisek +kisi-pemkatil kisi-nʾskowhʾditit.</p> + +<p>Malemte tama nisook nekiwik naga omache hel-yanya +mʾtewagemʾl nit sagem kitwi yotomʾtewagwemul. Malemte +kisachit otemepelanya hʾnit peskw sagmak +oponmowan naga wʾnasettowan omannimʾl naga na +onas-hewhotlanya pileyal elequotewagʾnʾl. Nit peskw +sagem onestomowan yohot sagmal kisiyajik wutege +kʾchi-wʾskinosismowa kʾtachwi-elokepa tan eli kisi-wu-lasweyekw +naga na kʾtachicbik sitʾwania nekemch na +elookil tan wechi miyawil wahod opemowsowinoom. +Yotʾl na echwi elokejil sagem wʾtachiwi-sagitonel mʾsioo +tan yootʾl nekachikil. Wʾtachwi-klamanel chikow +yootʾl timkil matnʾtoltimkil wʾtachwi na kig-ha +opemowsowinoom. Chikate wʾpemowsowagʾn lawutik.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>Napch omach yot asinya gwandowanek wʾnachmoyo-wagʾnya. +Napch sagem wʾkutomasin naga wisek-han +sagmal sagmaskw wisekhod pili sagmal naga kiska-mek.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>Apch wespasakiwik naga okeptinen teboloman el-wigʾnʾk +keswuk nihitanke yachihi wʾtliteboloma wataholoteh +elitebolomoot sagem. Peskw na elipemket wut +eli wisek-hot. Eli miloot oʾmanimwa aguami sagleyowal +katik sagem napch wut piliwi sagem oskowiman +naga onestomowan kesich pigak wutlokewagʾnowal miyawal +tena okisajin otewepoosan mʾtewaguem. Nittle metewagʾn-mel +osagmamwal nikt gaptinek wiwunik apwihtowatijil +ya te chikihigʾnʾl kelnajit ayat na tan teppo +yot kegus ewabligik quasijik kemenia pekusek wʾtachwi +pekiyawal. Yot nit itmowin wʾtachiwi wulankeyowwowwal +tan te quenowsiltil pemowsowagʾnawa te wʾtlipoonmʾnia. +Wʾtachwi lipoonmenia opokenoom ya hotankeyowa +tich-hi nihitanke yatgotachihi tan etuchi nesa +naguak pechyamkotit. Chewi noteyik gaptinek woot +sagem kislomot kitama kiseltumwawun wichipnusin +ansa teppo wʾtankeyowa opemowsowinoom naga wʾnote +genekmen tan gekw-nesanaguak pechiyak. Nit woot +sagem naga otelitepsowinoom okisitpesotinia.</p> + +<p>Nit apch ketkil elok-hʾdimkil malemte nit welaguiwik +nit yaka opemkanya tegio te apch echeguak enitespatek +wʾtenkamhedoltinia. Enowdoltowuk epeskum-hʾdinya +wʾkisik-apwelanya metewagwemel. Nit mʾsioo +tan elitowtoltitit ek-hodasik tan woot neglo-wechik niktech +wikw-nekik niltelkisek hodasikil. Nit elok-hʾdimʾk +anquoch queneket nihi sente kessena te pes-kisoos.</p> +</div> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p class="p2 center">THE CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION</p> + +<p class="p2">When they reached home, however, and the embassies +from the other <i>Wabanaki</i> tribes had also returned, the +people of the bereaved tribe were summoned to assemble +before the messengers, who informed them of the +success of their mission. When the delegates from the +other tribes, who had been appointed to elect the chief, +had arrived and the salutation and welcome ceremonies +had been performed, an assembly was called to elect +the chief.</p> + +<p>This took place about the second day after the arrival +of the other <i>Wabanaki</i> representatives. A suitable +person, a member of the bereaved tribe, was chosen by +acclamation for the office of chief. If there was no objection +to him, a new flag-pole was made and prepared +for raising, and a chief from one of the kindred tribes +put a medal of wampum on the chief-elect, who was always +clothed in new garments. The installing chief then +addressed the people, telling them that another “eldest +boy” had been chosen, to whom they owed implicit +obedience. Turning to the new chief, he informed him +that he must act in accordance with the wishes of his +people. The main duties of a chief were to act as arbiter +in all matters of dispute, and to act as commander-in-chief +in case of war, being ready to sacrifice himself +for the people’s good if need were.</p> + +<p>After this ceremony they marched to the hall, where +another dance took place, the new chief singing and +beating the drum. A wife of one of the other chiefs +then placed a new deer-skin or bear-skin on the shoulders +of the new chief as a symbol of his authority, after +which the dance continued the whole night.</p> + +<p>The officers of the new chief (<i>geptins</i>) were still to be +chosen. These were seven in number and were appointed +in the same manner and with the same ceremonies as +the chief. Their duties, which were much more severe, +were told them by the installing chief. The flag-pole, +which was the symbol of the chief, was first raised. The +<i>geptins</i> stood around it, each with a brush in his hand, +with which they were instructed to brush off any particle +of dust that might come upon it. This signified +that it was their duty to defend and guard their chief +and that they should be obliged to spill their blood for +him, in case of need and in defence of the tribe. All +the women and children and disabled persons in the +tribe were under the care of the <i>geptins</i>. The chief +himself was not allowed to go into battle, but was expected +to stay with his people and to give orders in +time of danger.</p> + +<p>After the tribal officers had been appointed, the greatest +festivities were carried on; during the day they had +canoe races, foot races and ball-playing, and during the +night, feasting and dancing. The Indians would bet on +the various sports, hanging the prizes for each game on +a pole. It was understood that the winner of the game +was entitled to all the valuables hung on this pole. The +festivities often lasted an entire month.</p> +</div> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center">NIBOWE ELDAKEWAGʾN NʾKANSOSWEI</p> + +<p class="p2">Tan etuchi wʾskinoos pewatek oniswitijil en wʾtakin-wetowan +wʾnikigo naga tan yotʾl pawatgil nika nio +nitaskowtitiesil netch woot kʾtakw-hemoos wʾtakinwetuwan +wʾtelnapem nit skawen waplithodmuk nittech +tekw-chetunia. Nit woot kʾtakw-kʾmoosimilan kelwasilipil +pileyal mowinewiyul kessena odook kessena quabitewiyul. +Nutch woot oskinoos omachep-hon odeneksonel +yot nackskw wikowak netch nitponan woot neksonel +nowtek wigwamek; yote ebonel nisnol naga nowtek +naga kʾsoshone. Nit elichpi milipitasik elawigwam nit +kisekelat wʾdoneksonel. Woot loo nackskw omitakwsel +otakin-wetuwan otelnapem malemte kisi-mowemat +wʾnestowan eliwisilit wʾskinosel pechipowat matonijanel +wʾniswinya. Nit skawen wablitthodmuk nittech woot +kitakw-pʾmoos wʾtelkiman wʾtusel nowtek pemekpit +eneksone nittech nit kisit piye nipwoltin nitan elikwusitasik +wigopaltin mawemitsoltin ayot pemkamik neskow +hʾdimʾk. Anquotch quenatkʾt pemlokemkil.</p> +</div> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p class="p2 center">THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY</p> + +<p class="center"><i>The Ancient Rite</i></p> + +<p class="p2">It was the duty of the young Indian man who wished +to marry to inform his parents of his desire, stating the +name of the maiden. The young man’s father then notified +all the relatives and friends of the family that his +son wished to marry such and such a girl. If the friends +and relations were willing, the son was permitted to +offer his suit. The father of the youth prepared a clean +skin of the bear, beaver or deer, which he presented to +his son. Provided with this, the suitor went to the wigwam +of his prospective bride’s father and placed the hide +at the back of the wigwam or <i>nowteh</i>. The girl’s father +then notified his relations and friends, and if there was +no objection, he ordered his daughter to seat herself on +the skin, as a sign that the young man’s suit was acceptable. +The usual wedding ceremonies were then held, +<abbr title="namely">viz.</abbr>, a public feast, followed by dancing and singing, +which always lasted at least a week.</p> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center">NIBOWE ELDAKEWAGʾN YOT PILIOO YOT KISI MAWETASIK</p> +</div> + +<p class="p2">Tan etuchi wʾskinoos ketwakatek wʾtachwich na kinwettwa +wʾnikiko wʾnestowan nackskwyil powatkil. Netch +woot kʾtakw-hemoos omaweman wʾtelnapemwa nit skatwen +waplit-hodmuk. Nitch wʾdakinwettowania nojikelol +welijil nitch omacheptunia nequotatkeyi wapap nittech +nit milatit woot nackwesk omitakw-sel naga tan te kisikesitit +kesosejihi najichik lutkig wapap egitasik nibowei. +Liwitasso kʾlelwewei yotech wʿtetlegitmʾn elgitnuwik +wʾnestowalch na eli-wisilit oskinosel nit pawatek nitʾl +nackskwuyil oniswinya. Nittech nit metewestakw nittech +weswi yapasinia yot wʾskinoos wigek. Nittech-et-laskowasooltitit +tegio asittemoot. Nittech na woot +nackskw omitakw-sel omaweman otelnapemwʾl nittech +skatwen wablithamagw nitʾl pechi kelolwelijil nittlowen +kegw kʾchi chitwat ewabligik wʾmestomʾnch. Nittech +sagesso kʿtinipwooltimkepn. Nittlo mʾsioo li wulit-hodmotit +nit etepkisitpiye. Nit neke oskichinwuk kisi +papatmotit nitch patlias onipwik-han.</p> + +<p>Nittech nittʾl nibowe eldakewagʾnʾl elok-hʾdim. Wutech +wʾskinoos omilwan pileyal elquootewagʾnʾl nit kissewett +woot pilkatek netch omach-yapasinia oniswitijil wigwek +netch wʾnatlasikwan wʿniswitijil wenachi sekeptinenan +wʾniswitijil naga kesosejihi. Yot nit eliwittasik eldakewagʾn +wulisakowdawagʾn. Nit weswesit wikwak nutch +nut holpiyanya yohot na pechi kesosejihi quesquesoos +naga pilskwessis naga gana wʾskittapyik. Wutech na +wʾskinoos na onagʾnl makeslasikasijihi nittech omach-yapasinia +wʾnachi-sekeptinenya. Malemtech metlasikowdoltin. +Nittech uletonya kʾchi mawepoltimek wutech +nackskw towipootpoonek liwitass natpoonan oskittapyik +epijik pechi te wasisek. Wutech na wʾskinoos soksagw +kotch meketch tlagw-te mijwagʾn malemch kisakwtek. +Nit wikopaltinya netch wʾgagalwaltinya kʾwaltewall. +Mʾsitte wen wʾnestem nit.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>Nit omache-guaskoltinia natchi teppam wan wikopalan. +Mechte nibowattimek meskw metekto. Nitte +otlas-hewhodlusooltinya naga omach-yapasinia gwandowanek. +Malemte pachaswook gwandowanek pechi kesosejihi. +Nitte kes yapasitit nitte pesgowat peskutenil ech-wechi +kʾchich yot lusoweskw eliyit kis gwandowanek. +Nit ne oskinoo-lusoo. Ena negum omach-yapasinia +kesooswechihi malemte petapaswuk kesyapasittit nit +apch peskw-tay peskowat. Nitte gaptin omachep-han +omachi-ostook kegania oniswitijil.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>Malemte epasitpokak en-onatpoon-hʾdinya kiste wulaquipwagʾn. +Nitt etli-mikomoot yokt kisiniswijik nit +yotʾl lusowesquiwil omache-kesoosanya kʾchi epitjik. +Otasohonel na onespiptonial.</p> + +<p class="p2 center"> +METEGUT. +</p> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p class="p2 center">THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY IN LATER DAYS.</p> + +<p class="p2">After the adoption of the wampum laws the marriage +ceremony was much more complicated.</p> + +<p>When the young man had informed his parents of his +desire to marry and the father had secured the consent +of the relations and friends, an Indian was appointed to +be the <i>Keloolwett</i> or marriage herald, who, taking the +string of wampum called the <i>Kelolwawei</i>, went to the +wigwam of the girl’s father, generally accompanied by +as many witnesses as cared to attend. The herald read +the marriage wampum in the presence of the girl and +her father, formally stating that such and such a +suitor sought his daughter’s hand in marriage. The +herald, accompanied by his party, then returned to +the young man’s wigwam to await the reply. After the +girl’s father had notified his relatives and friends and +they had given their consent, the wedding was permitted +to go on.</p> + +<p>The usual ceremonies then followed. The young man +first presented the bride-elect with a new dress. She, +after putting it on, went to her suitor’s wigwam with +her female friends, where she and her company formally +saluted him by shaking hands. This was called <i>wulisakowdowagon</i> +or salutation. She then returned to her +father’s house, where she seated herself with her following +of old women and girls. The groom then assembled +a company of his friends, old and young men, and +went with them to the bride’s wigwam to salute her in +the same manner. When these salutations were over a +great feast was prepared by the bride, enough for all +the people, men, women and children. The bridegroom +also prepared a similar feast. Both of these dinners +were cooked in the open air and when the food was +ready they cried out <i>kʾwaltewall</i>, “your dishes.” Every +one understood this, which was the signal for the merrymakers +to approach and fall to.</p> + +<p>The marriage ceremonies, however, were not over yet. +The wedding party arrayed themselves in their best attire +and formed two processions, that of the bride entering +the assembly wigwam first. In later times it was +customary to fire a gun at this point as a signal that +the bride was in the hall, whereupon the groom’s procession +entered the hall in the same manner, when a +second gun was fired. The <i>geptins</i> of the tribe and one +of the friends of the bride then conducted the girl to +the bridegroom to dance with him. At midnight, after +the dancing, a supper was served, to which the bride and +groom went together and where she ate with him for +the first time. The couple were then addressed by an +aged man (<i>nojimikokemit</i>) on the duties of marriage.</p> + +<p>Finally, a number of old women accompanied the +newly made wife to her husband’s wigwam, carrying +with them her bed-clothes. This final ceremony was +called <i>natboonan</i>, taking or carrying the bed.<span class="righttext">P.</span></p> + + +<p class="p2 center"> +THE END. +</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_70_70" href="#FNanchor_70_70" class="label">[70]</a> According to Indian tradition, six Iroquoian tribes united in a confederation +in the interests of peace. This was the famous league of the +six nations: Onondagas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Senecas, Cayugas and +Tuscaroras. The first five of these completed their league as early as +the middle of the fifteenth century under the Onondaga chief Hiawatha. +The object of the federation was to abolish war altogether (see Brinton, +“The American Race,” <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 82, 83). It is evident that the Passamaquoddy +tradition embodied in this part of the Wampum Records refers +to these proposals made by their Iroquois neighbors.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_71_71" href="#FNanchor_71_71" class="label">[71]</a> From here on the recorder mentions only the neighboring Algonkin +tribes as belonging to the federation which he has in mind. The northern +Algonkin tribes were very probably in a loose federation with the +Iroquois merely for purposes of intertribal arbitration. These Algonkin +clans themselves, however, seem to have been politically interdependent, +as one clan could not elect a chief without the consent of all the others.</p></div> +</div> + + +<div class="chapter linebox" role="presentation"> + <p class="center muchlarger" id="Glossary"> + <strong> Glossary</strong> + </p> +</div> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h3 style="display: none; visibility: hidden;">Glossary</h3> + <p class="center"><span class="muchlarger"><strong> + Glossary</strong></span>⁠<a id="FNanchor_72_72" href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a></p> + +<div class="footnote"><p class="pleft"><a id="Footnote_72_72" href="#FNanchor_72_72" class="label">[72]</a> A.=Abenaki; P.=Passamaquoddy; Pen.=Penobscot; M.=Micmac.</p></div> +</div> + +<blockquote> +<p class="p2 hanging">Âbâznōdâ, “basket” (A. and P.); cognitive of <i>abazi</i>, +“tree,” <i>i.e.</i>, something made of wood. <abbr title="compare">Cf.</abbr> P. <i>bʾsnŭd</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Âbĭstânēûch, “marten” (M.); probably cognitive with A. +<i>âpânâkĕs</i> and <i>panakos</i>, “marten.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Ãbŭkchĕlû, “skunk” (M.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> P. <i>âpîchîlû</i>. The A. word +is <i>segoñgw</i>, “skunk,” from a cognitive of which, <abbr title="namely">viz.</abbr>, +Ojibwe, [<i>=ž</i>]<i>ikág</i>, is derived the English “skunk,” and +the city-name “Chicago,” “place of skunks”!</p> + +<p class="hanging">Âklîbĭmô, “bull frog” (P.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> M. <i>ăblîgĕmû</i>, “bull-frog.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Ăgŭnōdămâkŭn, “story” (P.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> <i>kt-ăgʾnōdʾmŭl</i>, “I will +tell thee”; <i>ăgŭnôdŭmaak′</i>, “one relates.” The A. +stem <i>oñdoka</i>, “tell,” is clearly a metathesis of the same +root.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Agwē′dʾn, “birch canoe” (P.); see M. <i>kwēdŭn</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Alsigontegw = <i>Arsikantekw</i> is composed of the elements +<i>arsi</i>, “empty”; <i>kan</i>, an infix which signifies “cabin”; +and the suffix -<i>tekw</i>, which always means “river”; +<abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> <i>tego</i>, “wave.” The modern form of the word is +<i>Alsigontekw</i>, which the Indians wrongly connect with +<i>als</i>, “shell,” and translate “river where shells +abound.” <i>Als</i> appears, however, as <i>ess</i> in the older +language. See on this subject, <span class="smcap">Gill</span>, <cite lang="fr">Notes sur les +Vieux Manuscrits Abenakis</cite>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 13 <abbr title="and following pages">ff</abbr>, Montreal, 1886.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Ămwĕ′sŭk, “wasps” (P.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> M. <i>amuĕs′</i>, “a wasp.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Aplasemwesitt, “whirlwind” (P.); M. <i>pĭptōgōgwââsik</i>, A. +<i>pĕtĕgwîlômsĕn</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Appodumken, like the <i>Lumpeguin</i> (both P.), dwelt under +the water. He had long red hair and was the favorite +bugaboo used by Indian mothers to frighten the children +away from the water. <i>Appodumken</i> is identical +with A. <i>Waodumkenowat</i>, who plugs the eyes, ears, +and nostrils of drowned corpses with mud.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Aʿtosis, “snake” (P.); in M. <i>mtaaskum</i>, clearly not cognate.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Atwusknigess, a Pass. invisible being who occasionally +fells trees with a single blow of his stone axe. This +accounted for the fall of an apparently healthy tree.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Âûkōgēgĕ′chk, Blomidon; “Dogwood grove” (M.): also +called <i>utkogunchîchk</i>, “bark doubled and sewed together.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Awasos, See Mūūin.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Awesos, See Mūūin.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Bʾsnŭd, “basket” (P.); see <i>abaznoda</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Bûsîjĭk, “they sailed off” (P.); <abbr title="third person plural">3 p. pl.</abbr> participle. The +singular is <i>bûsit</i>, “one who embarks.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Bûʾûin, “a wizard” (M.) = P. <i>mʾdeolin</i> in meaning. The +English powwow is a derivative from the Mass. Narragansett +cognitive of this word; <i>powwâ</i>, “medicine +man”; <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> Roger Williams, “Key to the Indian Language,” +Providence, 1827, <abbr title="page">p.</abbr> 111.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Chessuyek, “mosquitoes” (P.). The singular is <i>chîsu</i> or +<i>tʾsîso</i>, <abbr title="quod vide"><i>q.v.</i></abbr> This has no connection with M. <i>pijegunjit</i> +and A. <i>pegues</i>, “mosquito.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Chibelaʿkwe, “night air sprite,” a monster consisting +solely of head and legs, without a body. It was +always seen sitting in the crotch of a tree.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nʾchigunum, “my younger brother” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Chikwenochk, “turtle” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Chinames, “a fish as long and broad as a man” (M.?).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Chînu, a Micmac equivalent of P. <i>Kiwaʿkw</i>, <abbr title="quod vide"><i>q.v.</i></abbr></p> + +<p class="hanging">Chipi′chkâm, “horned dragon”, really a huge wizard snake +(M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Elkomtûejul, “he is calling him,” with obviative ending +-<i>ul</i> (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Ēpīt, “woman”; pl. <i>ēpījĭk</i> (P.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> M. <i>ēbit</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Etuchi, “so,” “thus” (P.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> A. <i>adoji</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Hămwĕsŭk, See <i>Amwĕsŭk</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Hʾlâmkîk, “hell” (P.); <abbr title="literally">lit.</abbr>, “the lower land,” from <i>hʿlâm</i>, +“below,” and <i>ki</i>, “land,” + locative -<i>k</i>. <abbr title="Compare">Cp.</abbr> A. +<i>Alômki</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Î, <abbr title="exclamatory">excl.</abbr>, “oh!” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kt-iyi-pʾn, “we have” (P.). This is the <i>inclusive</i> we, <i>i.e.</i>, +thou and I. The exclusive form would be <i>nt-iyi-pʾn</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kâk′âguch, “crow” (M.). In P. <i>kâkâgos</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kâktûgwāās, “thunder” (M.); really “young thunder,” a +common proper name.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kaktugwāāsĭs, “little thunder” (M.); a further diminutive +(ending = <i>is</i>) of <i>Kâktûgwāās</i>, “little thunder.” <i>Kâktûgwāāsĭs</i> +means properly, “son of Little Thunder.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kaliwahdasi, “female proper name” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kʾchî, “big,” “large” (P.); also A. and Penobscot.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kchî-benabesk, “large rock” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kĕjû, “O mother” (M.); voc. of <i>nkĕ′ch</i>, “my mother.” +<abbr title="Compare">Cp.</abbr> A. <i>nikʾn</i>, voc. of <i>nigawes</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kĕkwâjû, “badger” (M.); cogn. with <abbr title="Ojibwe">Ojib.</abbr>, <i>missá-kak-wijis</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kekw? “what?” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>kagui?</i> M. <i>kogūē?</i> “what?”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kespugitk, “a place name.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kes saak, “long ago” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Ketaksuwâûʿt, “spirits’ road” (P.); a combination of +<i>ketākw</i>, “spirit,” and <i>âûʿt</i>, “road.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kezitwâzuch, “Kearsarge” (Pen.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kitpusâgʾnâû, Pass. proper name (?). A mythical being.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kiwaʿkw, “giant ghoul” or “ice-giant” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. +<i>kiwaʿkwa</i>, a mythical being, similar in form to a man, +who inhabited the snows of the far north.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kʾmewun, “rain” (P.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> P. <i>kʾmēĭn</i>, “it is raining.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Koʿkoʿkhas, “owl” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> M. <i>kûkûgwĕs</i>, A. <i>kokokhas</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kuhkw, “earthquake” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kukuʿskûûs, “snowy owl,” a P. word, undoubtedly of +onomatapoetic origin.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kullû, “a fabulous bird of gigantic size” (M. and P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kulpujot, “one rolled over with handspikes” (M.); a fabulous +being supposed to be connected with the changes +of season.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kwâbît, “beaver” (P.); <abbr title="compare">cf.</abbr> M. <i>kobet</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kwabîtsis, “little beaver” (P.); diminutive of <i>kwâbît</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kwĕdŭn, “canoe” (M.). See Ăgwē′dŭn.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Kwîmû, “loon” (M.); <abbr title="compare">cp.</abbr> P. <i>ŭkwîn</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Lappilatwan, Pass. name of a small bird which sings from +sunset until quite dark. <i>Lappilatwan</i> properly means +a tree-fungus, but the word is applied to this bird because +it sits in the branches without moving. See +<i>Wappilatwan</i> and <i>Wechkutonébit</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Laʿtogwesnuk, “Northland” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Lenni Lenâbe, “Delawares” (P.); clearly a loan word from +Minsi, <i>Linni Linâpe</i>, “the men” (<i>par excellence</i>). <abbr title="Compare">Cp.</abbr> +Prince, <abbr title="Proceedings American Philosophical Society">“Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc.,”</abbr> 1899, <abbr title="page">p.</abbr> 186; +<abbr title="American Journal of Philology">“Amer. Journ. Philol.,”</abbr> <abbr title="page">p.</abbr> 295, <abbr title="number">n.</abbr> 1.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Lisignigen, “breastwork” (P.); M. <i>lŭtkŭdāāgŭn</i>, “hedge.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Lox, “wolverine” (P.); <abbr title="cognate">cogn.</abbr> with A. <i>alaskan</i>, “wolverine.” +Note the metathesis.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Lumpeguin, “water demon” (P.); see <i>Appodumken</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Malikakwsquess, Pass. female name.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Malsum, “wolf” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>moñlsem</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Malsumsis, “little wolf” (P.), the diminutive of the above.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Manoñgamasak, “river elves” (A.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mʾdeolin, “wizard,” “witchcraft”; pl. <i>mʾdeolinʾwuk</i>, P. +and <i>mʾdaulinōwak</i>, (A. and Pen.). <abbr title="compare">Cf.</abbr> Ojibwe, <i>medewin</i>, +“witchcraft.” It probably means originally +“one who drums.” <abbr title="Compare">Cp.</abbr> Old Delaware, <i>meteú</i>, “a medicine +doctor”; also a turkey cock, from the drumming +of its wings.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Michihant, “devil” (P.); a combination of <i>michi</i>, “bad” += A. <i>maji</i> + <i>hant</i>, the same stem seen in A. <i>Madahoñdo</i>, +“demon.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mikchik, “turtle” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> M. <i>mikchikch</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Miʿko, “squirrel” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>miʿkowa</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Miʿkumwess, “wood devil”; pl. <i>miʿkumwessuk</i>; a small +spirit normally, which has the power, however, of increasing +its stature at will.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mĭpis, “little leaf” (Pass. diminutive); <abbr title="plural">pl.</abbr> <i>mĭpyĭl</i>. <abbr title="Compare">Cp.</abbr> +M. <i>nebe</i>, “leaf.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mʿskikwul wuli-mʾhaskil, “perfumed grass” (P.). <abbr title="Compare">Cp.</abbr> +M. <i>Mskegûl</i>, “grass,” and <i>welemaak</i>, “fragrant”; A. +<i>mʾskikoal</i>, “grass.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Monimquess, “woodchuck” (P.). See M. <i>munumkwech</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Munumkwech, “woodchuck” (M.); see P. <i>monimquess</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mûs, “moose” (P.); see M. <i>Teâm</i>. The English moose is +undoubtedly a loanword from Pass. <i>mûs</i>; <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> Pen. +<i>mûñs</i>; A. <i>moñz</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mūschik, “place name” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mūsesaaqua, “horse fly” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> M. <i>msusók</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">K-musums, “thy grandfather”; <i>k-musomsʾn</i>, “our grandfather” +(P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>nʾmahom</i>, “my grandfather.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Mūūin, “bear” (M.) and P. In A. and Pen. we find +<i>awasos</i> and <i>awesos</i> respectively.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Naga, “and” (P.); M. <i>ak</i>; A. <i>ta</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nʾgŭmĭch, “my grandmother” (M.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>nōkĕmĕs</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nekmʾkila, “I am big” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nemchaase, “arise” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nenagimk, “hurry up!” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Neʿs[´ē]yik, Pass, place-name = “the muddy lake.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nikʾn, “O mother” (A.); dim. voc. of <i>nigawes</i>, “my +mother.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nĭl, “I” (P. and M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nipon, “summer” (P.); also <i>niben</i> in Abenaki.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nit, “that” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nʾmokkswess, “sable” (P.); see M. <i>abistaneuch</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Noñwat, “long ago” (A.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> Pen. <i>nâwad</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nowut Kemaganek, a Pass. place-name.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nsk[´ē]manul, “silver plates” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nŭgŭmĭch, “my grandmother” (M.). See <i>Nʾgŭmĭch</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nujich, “my grandchild” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nulūks, “my nephew” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Ogomkeok, place-name (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Onwokun, place-name (M.); “a causeway”; <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>ondawahanik</i>, +“a divide.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">N-osesak, “my children” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Piʿche, “long ago” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Piliomeskasik kʾtakʾmigw, “Newfoundland” (P.). This +is a literal translation of the English name. See <i>Uktâkŭmkûk</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Pilowi, “strange” (A. Pen. Pass.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Piktuk, place-name (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Plîgun, “Cape Split” (P.); M. plekteok, “large handspikes +for breaking open a beaver dam.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Pʾmûla, “night-air demon” (A.). This word occurs also +in Passamaquoddy and Penobscot as the name of a +flying malevolent sprite.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Pogumʾk, “black-cat” (P.); an animal of the mink tribe, +sometimes called “fisher.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Pûjinskwess, “pitcher.” Pass. word denoting an evil +witch; <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> M. <i>Pikchimskwesû</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Pulowech, “partridge” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Puloweche munigu, “Partridge Island” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Pûn, “winter” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>pon</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Putup, “whale” (P.); M. bûtŭp.</p> + +<p class="hanging">K-putwusin, “let us take council” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>podawazina</i>, +both <abbr title="first person plural">1 p. pl.</abbr> inclusive.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Saak; see <i>kes</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Sagem, “chief” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>Soñgmoñ</i>. English sagamore +is a loanword from this.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Sâkskâdu, “squirrel” (M. and P.). See <i>Sexkâtu</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Saŭnesen, “south wind” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>soñwanaki</i>, “the +southland.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Sĕnap, “man” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>sanoñba</i>; Pen. <i>sĕnōbē</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Senusoktun, “warming breeze” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Sexkâtu, “squirrel”; see <i>sâkskâdu</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Nsiwes, “my brother” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Skitap, “man” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> old Pass. <i>wusketomp</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Squʿtes, “little fire” (P.); <abbr title="diminuative">dim.</abbr> of <i>squt</i>, “fire”; <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. +<i>skweda</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Teâm, “moose” (M.); See <i>Mûs</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Tiakēûch, “mink” (M.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> P. <i>chiâkes</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Tomâwē, “tobacco” (P. and M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Tsîso, “mosquito”; see <i>chessuyek</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Tumʾhîgen, “axe” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>tamahigan</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Tumʾhîgenpowâgon, “tomahawk-pipe” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Ukchigʾmuech, “sea duck” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Uktâkŭmkûk, “Newfoundland” (M.); <abbr title="literally">lit.</abbr>, “the mainland.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Uktukâmkw, “Newfoundland” (P.); the usual form is +<i>piliomeskasik kʾtakʾmigw</i>, <abbr title="quod vide"><i>q.v.</i></abbr></p> + +<p class="hanging">Unamagik, “otters” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>unegigw</i>, “otter.” A +place name.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Upsinai, “medicine-bag” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging"> + Uskichin } “Indian” (P.).</p> +<p class="unindent pneg">Uskijin } +</p> + +<p class="hanging">Waaguʿkw, “lice” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wâbab, “wampum” (P.); <abbr title="literally">lit.</abbr>, “something white,” from +the color of the shells. In A. <i>skwōñzo</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wabanaki, “the land of the dawn, or east” (P. and Pen.); +in A. <i>Woñbanaki</i>, from <i>woñban</i>, “dawn” (<abbr title="literally">lit.</abbr>, “whitening”) ++ <i>aki</i>, “land.” This also means “an Eastlander.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wahwun, “egg” (P.); M. <i>wâû</i>; A. <i>woñwan</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wappilatwan, “toadstool” (P.); punningly applied as an +epithet to <i>Lappilatwan</i>, <abbr title="quod vide"><i>q.v.</i></abbr> See <i>wechkutonébit</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Waʿsis, “child” (P.); <abbr title="Compare">cp.</abbr> A. <i>awoñsis</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wʾchipi, “East wind” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Webetumekw, “shark” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wechkutonébit, “he sits with his mouth open” (P.); +<abbr title="participle third person">parti., 3 p.</abbr>, singular. See <i>Lappilatwan</i> and <i>Wappilatwan</i>.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wegadusk, “northern lights” (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wʾnagʾmeswuk, “fairies” (P.); small beings in human +form of a benevolent character.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wichkwîdlakunchich, “small dish of bark” (P.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wîgît, “he, they live or lives” (P.); <abbr title="participle third person singular">parti., 3 p., sing.</abbr> and +plural. The stem <i>wig</i>, “dwell, live,” is common to +all the Algic idioms. <abbr title="Compare">Cp.</abbr> <i>wigwâm</i>, “a house.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wiguladumuch, “elves”; pl. -<i>uk</i> (M.).</p> + +<p class="hanging">Winpe, a Pass. evil spirit, perhaps <abbr title="cognate">cogn.</abbr> with M. <i>Winsit</i>, +“devil.”</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wîwĭlmekw, a Pass. horned monster, living in the water.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wuchoʿsen, “north wind” (P.). This word denotes a +fabulous eagle which causes the wind by the motion +of his wings.</p> + +<p class="hanging">Wut, “that” (P.).</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> +<p class="p2">Owing to lack of space, this Glossary contains only the most important +Indian words which appear in the English text. No attempt has +been made to explain the Indian headings grammatically, nor the text +of quoted poems.<span class="righttext">P.</span></p> +</blockquote> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center"> +OTHER WORKS BY<br><br> +<span class="larger">CHARLES GODFREY LELAND</span> +</p> +</div> + +<ul> + <li>The Poetry and Mystery of Dreams, 1850</li> + + <li>Hans Breitmann’s Ballads, 1868</li> + + <li>The English Gypsies and Their Language, 1872</li> + + <li>English Gypsey Ballads, 1873</li> + + <li>Life of Abraham Lincoln, 1881</li> + + <li>The Minor Arts, 1881</li> + + <li>The Gypsies, 1883</li> + + <li>The Algonquin Legends of New England, 1884 (<abbr title="second">2d</abbr> edition 1885)</li> + + <li>Dictionary of Jargon and Slang (in collaboration with <abbr title="Professor">Prof.</abbr> Barrère), 1891</li> + + <li>Gypsey Sorcery, 1891</li> + + <li>Legends of Florence, <abbr title="second">2d</abbr> series, 1895–6</li> + + <li>Hans Breitmann in Tyrol, 1895</li> + + <li>Songs of the Sea and Lays of the Land, 1895</li> + + <li>Mending and Repairing, 1896</li> + + <li>One Hundred Profitable Arts (issued as a series of handbooks)</li> + + <li>Legends of Virgil, 1899</li> + + <li>The Gothic Mother Goose (in preparation)</li> + + <li>Flaxius (in preparation)</li> +</ul> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center"> +OTHER WORKS BY<br> +<br> +<span class="larger">JOHN DYNELEY PRINCE</span> +</p> +</div> + + +<ul> + <li>Notes on the Language of the Eastern Algonkin Tribes, in the American Journal of Philology, <abbr title="nine">ix.</abbr> <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 310–316, 1888</li> + + <li>Archæology in Turkey, in the New York Independent, <abbr title="December">Dec.</abbr> 6, 1888</li> + + <li>The Linguistic Position of the Osmanli Turkish, in Johns Hopkins University Circular, April, 1891</li> + + <li>MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN, an historical study of the Fifth Chapter of Daniel, with translation of the Cyrus Cylinder and the Annals of Nabonidus, Baltimore, 1893</li> + + <li>The Syntax of the Assyrian Preposition Ina, in the Proceedings of the American Oriental Society, April, 1895, <abbr title="pages 218 –226">pp. ccxviii-ccxxvi</abbr></li> + + <li>The Book of Psalms, English Translation of Wellhausen’s Notes, in the Polychrome Edition of the Old Testament, Leipzig, 1895</li> + + <li>Brasluniau o Bagdad, in the Drych (Welsh Newspaper), March 5, 1896</li> + + <li>The Passamaquoddy Wampum Records, in the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 479–495, 1897</li> + + <li>Old Testament Notes, in the Journal of Biblical Literature, <abbr title="sixteen, pages">xvi. pp.</abbr> 175–6, 1897</li> + + <li>The Syntax of the Assyrian Preposition Ana, in Journal of the American Oriental Society, <abbr title="eighteen, pages">xviii. pp.</abbr> 355–6, 1897</li> + + <li>Some Passamaquoddy Documents in the Annals of the New York Academy of Science, <abbr title="eleven, number">xi. nr.</abbr> 15, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 369–377, 1898</li> + + <li>On Daniel <abbr title="eight">viii.</abbr> 11–12, in Journal of Biblical Literature, <abbr title="seventeen, pages">xvii. pp.</abbr> 203 <abbr title="and the following pages">ff.</abbr> 1898</li> + + <li>Assyrian Prepositional Usage, Journal of the American Oriental Society, <abbr title="twenty, pages">xx. pp.</abbr> 1–11, 1899</li> + + <li>A CRITICAL COMMENTARY on the Book of Daniel, Leipzig, 1899</li> + + <li>On Psalm ii. 12, in Journal of Biblical Literature, <abbr title="nineteen, pages">xix. pp.</abbr> 1–4, 1900</li> + + <li>Forgotten Indian Place-Names in the Adirondacks, Journal American Folklore, 1900, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 123–128</li> + + <li>Some Passamaquoddy Witchcraft Tales, in Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, <abbr title="thirty-eight, pages">xxxviii. pp.</abbr> 181–189, 1900</li> + + <li>The Unilingual Inscriptions K. 138 and K. 3232 translated from the Sumerian, Journal of the American Oriental Society, <abbr title="twenty-one, pages">xxi. pp.</abbr> 1–22, 1900</li> + + <li>Notes on Passamaquoddy Literature, in Annals of the New York Academy of Science, <abbr title="thirteen, pages">xiii. pp.</abbr> 381–386, 1901</li> + + <li>Notes on the Modern Minsi Delaware Dialect, American Journal of Philology, <abbr title="twenty-one, pages">xxi. pp.</abbr> 295–302, 1901</li> + + <li>The Modern Dialect of the Canadian Abenakis, in <span lang="la">Miscellanea Linguistica</span> in <span lang="it">Onore di Graziodio Ascoli</span>, <abbr title="pages">pp.</abbr> 343–362, 1901</li> +</ul> +<hr aria-hidden="true" class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center"> +<span class="larger">FLAXIUS,</span><br> +<br> +OR LEAVES FROM THE LIFE OF AN IMMORTAL<br> +<br> +<span class="allsmcap">BY</span><br> +<span class="smcap">Charles Godfrey Leland</span>, <abbr title="Honorary Fellow Royal Society of Literature">F.R.S.L.</abbr>,<br> +A.M. (Harvard) &c.<br> +<br> +Published by <span class="smcap">P. Wellby, London</span>. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="p2">“It is not so much the spirit of Breitmann which animates these pages +as that of Pantagruel. From the President of the United States, Roosevelt, +he goes to Hamlet and resolves to visit Hades. The tale of Flaxius +and the Were-wolf is a brilliant narrative.... Flaxius breaks a lance +for Jezebel and also for Herodias with graceful impartiality. The +chapter on the Bookseller is among the most charming in the work.... +It is quite certain that many readers will welcome Flaxius as a philosopher +seeking <i lang="fr">la vraie verité</i>, a philosopher whose sympathy is very human, +and who has in spite of all his erudition ... something of the +naïve spontaneous pen of his Teutonic rival, Hans Breitmann.”</p> + +<p>Condensed from a review of 150 lines in the <cite>London Academy</cite>.</p> + +<p>“The prose which is nearly all the book is a continued delight and +surprise in its humorous ideas, as well as in its more pitiful and thoughtful +moods.” “The whole is a literary entertainment of a rare and +delicate kind. Truly it is one of the daintiest, quaintest, most frolicsome, +and at the same time most spiritual of <i lang="fr">jeux d’esprit</i>.”—The (London) +<cite>Free Lance</cite>.</p> + +<p>“An extremely pleasant and agreeable book.... No one who cares +for curious customs presented in a quaint and entrancing manner will +miss ‘Flaxius: Leaves from the Life of an Immortal.’”—<cite>Pall Mall +Gazette.</cite></p> + + +<div class="chapter transnote"> + <h3 id="Transcribers_Note"> + Transcriber’s Note: + </h3> +<p> Letters that have both an accent and macron are shown within +brackets, like this: [´ē]. Words may have inconsistent hyphenation +and use of diacriticals.</p> + +<p>Footnotes were renumbered sequentially; except for the Glossary, +footnotes were moved to the end of the chapter. Partially printed +punctuation and diacriticals were completed. Misspelled words were +not corrected. The word ‘a’ was added to ‘in a pickle.’ In the +Appendix, the English translation was moved to follow the related +section of Native language.</p> +</div> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78673 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/78673-h/images/colophon.jpg b/78673-h/images/colophon.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ace75e3 --- /dev/null +++ b/78673-h/images/colophon.jpg diff --git a/78673-h/images/cover.jpg b/78673-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e6f73ef --- /dev/null +++ b/78673-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/78673-h/images/frontispiece.jpg b/78673-h/images/frontispiece.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f867a52 --- /dev/null +++ b/78673-h/images/frontispiece.jpg diff --git a/78673-h/images/i_043.jpg b/78673-h/images/i_043.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a571f54 --- /dev/null +++ b/78673-h/images/i_043.jpg diff --git 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