3Harken! The Leader and his men
Turned then toward home. Their Vict'ry song
Proclaimed them near; the village rose,
Looked toward the hill, where on the top
Stood the brave men, singing their song,
Heralding thus the favor of the gods
By which they had surpassed all former deeds,—
Made new their claim to be accounted men.
4Harken! And whence, think ye, was borne
Unto these men, courage to dare,
Strength to endure hardship and war?
Mark well my words, as I reveal
How the gods help man's feebleness.
The Leader of these warriors was a man
Given to prayer. Oft he went forth
Seeking a place no one could find.
There would he stand and lift his voice
Fraught with desire, that he might be
Invincible, a bulwark 'gainst all foes
Threat'ning his tribe, causing them fear.
Night-time and day this cry sped on,
Traveling far, seeking to reach—
Harken! Those places far above,
Harken! Within the circle vast
Where sit the gods, watching o'er men.
5Harken! This poor man's prayer went on,
Speeding afar into the blue
Heavens above, reached there the place—
Harken! Where dwell the lesser gods,
Harken! And great Ti-ra′-wa, mightier than all!
6Harken! It was because a god
Received this prayer, considered it,
Favored its plea, and passed it on
To him whose place was next, in that grand ring,
Who, in his turn received the prayer,
Considered it, and sent it on—
Harken! Around that circle vast,
Harken! Where sit the gods above.
Page:American Anthropologist NS vol. 1.djvu/114
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Fletcher]
A PAWNEE RITUAL
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