PART ONE

INDIAN LOVE LYRICS AND OTHER VERSE SELECTED FROM THE SONGS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS

MY BARK CANOE (_Ojibwa_)

In the still night, the long night through, I guide my bark canoe, My love, to you. While the stars shine, and falls the dew, I seek my love in bark canoe— I seek for you. It is I, love, your lover true, Who glides the stream in bark canoe. It glides to you, My love, to you.

HER SHADOW (_Ojibwa_)

Out on the lake my canoe is gliding, Paddle dipping soft lest she should take alarm; Ah, hey-ah hey-ah ho, hey-ah hey-ah ho, thus I go! Somewhere along shore she is hiding, She is shy to yield to love’s alluring charm; Ah, hey-ah hey-ah ho, hey-ah hey-ah, love will win, I know. There is a shadow swiftly stealing! Should it be her own, soon I will win the race; Ah hey-ah hey-ah ho, hey-ah hey-ah ho, I think it is! Will she but turn, herself revealing, I will shout aloud when-e’er I see her face. Ah! hey-ah hey-ah ho, hey-ah hey-ah ho, There she is!

LOVER’S WOOING or BLANKET SONG (_Zuñi_)

I

O what happiness! How delightful, When together we ’Neath one blanket walk. We together ’Neath one blanket walk, We together ’Neath one blanket walk, We walk. O! What happiness! How delightful, When together we ’Neath one blanket walk. We together, ’Neath one blanket walk, We together, ’Neath one blanket walk, We walk.

II

Can it be that My young maiden fair Sits awaiting, All alone tonight? Is she waiting For me only? Is she waiting For me only?

III

May I hope it is My young maiden Sitting all alone And awaiting me; Will she come then? Will she walk with me? ’Neath one blanket We together be, We—we two, we two, We two, we two— Will she come?

PAPAGO LOVE SONG (_Papago_)

Early I rose In the blue morning; My love was up before me, It came running to me from the doorways of the Dawn.

On Papago Mountain The dying quarry Looked at me with my love’s eyes.

LOVE SONG (_Dakota_)

Many are the youths, many youths: Thou alone art he who pleaseth me. Over all I love thee. Long shall be the years of parting!

THE BRIDE’S SONG (_Algonquin_)

There are many men in the world, But only one is dear to me. He is good and brave and strong. He swore to love none but me; He has forgotten me. It was an evil spirit that changed him, But I will love none but him.

LONELY (_Ojibwa_)

Fear not, he sayeth, Though far away, Thy lover strayeth At break of day. “Go not, my sweetheart,” Vainly I cry, “To yon far island,” Yearning I sigh. Thither must I go, Sadly I moan; Heavy my woe, Left here alone.

WAR SONG (_Dakota_)

Friend, whatever hardships threaten, If thou call me, I’ll befriend thee; All enduring fearlessly, I’ll befriend thee.

ONONDAGA HYMN (_Iroquois_)

Woe! Woe! Hearken ye! We are diminished! Woe! Woe! The cleared land has become a thicket.

Woe! Woe! The cleared places are deserted.

Woe! They are in their graves— They who established it— Woe! The great League. Yet they declared It should endure— The great League. Woe! Their work has grown old. Woe! Thus we are become miserable.

LAMENT OF A MAN FOR HIS SON (_Paiute_)

Son, my son! I will go up to the mountain And there I will light a fire To the feet of my son’s spirit, And there will I lament him; Saying, O my son, What is my life to me, now you are departed!

Son, my son, In the deep earth We softly laid thee In a Chief’s robe, In a warrior’s gear. Surely there, In the spirit land Thy deeds attend thee! Surely, The corn comes to the ear again! But I, here, I am the stalk that the seed-gatherers Descrying empty, afar, left standing. Son, my son! What is my life to me, now you are departed?

DEATH OF TALUTA (_Siouan_)

Ah, spirit, thy flight is mysterious! While the clouds are stirred by our wailing, And our tears fall faster in sorrow—

While the cold sweat of night benumbs us, Thou goest alone on thy journey— In the midst of the shining star people!

Thou goest alone on thy journey— Thy memory shall be our portion; Until death we shall watch for the spirit.

WIND SONG (_Kiowa_)

O you warriors, you have loved ones Longing for you, longing for you; Rich are ye. O you lovers, you have maidens Longing for you; none have I. Wherefore droop ye in silence, so downcast? Cheer your hearts with song, ho!

BLUEBIRD SONG (_Pima_)

_Hai-ya, hai-ya,—hai-ya, hai-ya_— All my song is lost and gone. Sad at heart is the bluebird, All my song is lost and gone, Woe is me, alas! alas! All my song is lost and gone!

SONG OF THE UNHAPPY WIFE (_Dakota_)

Sorely I am distressed; Sorely I am distressed; Sorely I am distressed. The earth alone continues long; I speak as one not expecting to live, Sorely I am distressed; The earth alone continues long.

THE SONG OF UKIABI (_Cegiha_)

I am walking to and fro! I can find nothing which can heal my sorrow.

A LOVER’S LAMENT (_Tewa_)

My little breath, under the willows by the water-side we used to sit, And there the yellow cottonwood bird came and sang. That I remember and therefore I weep. Under the growing corn we used to sit, And there the little leaf bird came and sang. That I remember and therefore I weep. There on the meadow of yellow flowers we used to walk. Oh, my little breath! Oh, my little heart! There on the meadow of blue flowers we used to walk. Alas! how long ago that we two walked in that pleasant way. Then everything was happy, but, alas! how long ago. There on the meadow of crimson flowers we used to walk. Oh, my little breath, now I go there alone in sorrow.

MY HOME OVER THERE (_Tewa_)

My home over there, my home over there, My home over there, now I remember it! And when I see that mountain far away, Why, then I weep. Alas! what can I do? What can I do? Alas! What can I do? My home over there, now I remember it!

HUNTING-SONG (_Navaho_)

Comes the deer to my singing, Comes the deer to my song, Comes the deer to my singing.

He, the blackbird, he am I, Bird beloved of the wild deer. Comes the deer to my singing.

From the Mountain Black, From the summit, Down the trail, coming, coming now, Comes the deer to my singing.

Through the blossoms, Through the flowers, coming, coming now Comes the deer to my singing.

Through the flower dew-drops, Coming, coming now, Comes the deer to my singing.

Through the pollen, flower pollen, Coming, coming now, Comes the deer to my singing.

Starting with his left fore-foot, Stamping, turns the frightened deer. Comes the deer to my singing.

Quarry mine, blessed am I In the luck of the chase. Comes the deer to my singing.

Comes the deer to my singing, Comes the deer to my song, Comes the deer to my singing.

A SONG OF THE DEER CEREMONY (_San Carlos Apache_)

At the east, Where the jet ridges of the earth lie....

At the south, Where the white shell ridges of the earth lie, Where all kinds of fruit are ripe, We two will meet.

From there where the coral ridges of the earth lie, We two will meet. Where the ripe fruits are fragrant, We two will meet.

MOUNT KOONAK: A SONG OF ARSUT (_Eskimaun_)

I look toward the south, to great Mount Koonak, To great Mount Koonak, there to the south; I watch the clouds that gather round him; I contemplate their shining brightness; They spread abroad upon great Koonak; They climb up his seaward flanks; See how they shift and change; Watch them there to the south; How one makes beautiful the other; How they mount his southern slopes, Hiding him from the stormy sea, Each lending beauty to the other.

THE COYOTE AND THE LOCUST (_Zuñi_)

Locust, locust, playing a flute, Locust, locust, playing a flute! Away up on the pine-tree bough, Closely clinging, Playing a flute, Playing a flute!

KA-NI-GA SONG

The poor little bee That lives in the tree, The poor little bee That lives in the tree Has only one arrow In his quiver.

CORN-GRINDING SONG II (_Laguna_)

Butterflies, butterflies, Now fly away to the blossoms, Fly, blue-wing, Fly, yellow-wing, Now fly away to the blossoms, Fly, red-wing, Fly white-wing, Now fly away to the blossoms, Butterflies, away! Butterflies, butterflies, Now fly away to the blossoms, Butterflies, away!

SONG TO THE TREES AND STREAMS (_Pawnee_)

I

Dark against the sky, yonder distant line Lies before us. Trees we see, long the line of trees, Bending, swaying in the breeze.

II

Bright with flashing light yonder distant line Runs before us, swiftly runs, swift the river runs, Winding, flowing over the land.

III

Hark! O hark! A sound, yonder distant sound Comes to greet us, singing comes, soft the river’s song, Rippling gently beneath the trees.

SONG TO THE MOUNTAINS (_Pawnee_)

I

Mountains loom upon the path we take; Yonder peak now rises sharp and clear; Behold! It stands with its head uplifted, Thither we go, since our way lies there.

II

Mountains loom upon the path we take; Yonder peak now rises sharp and clear; Behold! We climb, drawing near its summit; Steeper grows the way and slow our steps.

III

Mountains loom upon the path we take; Yonder peak that rises sharp and clear, Behold us now on its head uplifted; Planting there our feet, we stand secure.

IV

Mountains loom upon the path we take; Yonder peak that rose so sharp and clear, Behold us now on its head uplifted; Resting there at last we sing our song.

RITUAL SONG (_Pawnee_)

I

Over the prairie flits, in ever widening circles, the shadow of a bird about me as I walk; Upward turn my eyes, _Kawas_ looks upon me, she turns with flapping wings, and far away she flies.

II

Round about a tree, in ever widening circles, an eagle flies, alertly watching over his nest; Loudly whistles he, a challenge sending far; over the country wide it echoes, there defying foes.

WIND SONG (_Pima_)

Far on the desert ridges Stands the cactus; Lo, the blossoms swaying To and fro, the blossoms swaying, swaying.

A SONG OF SPRING (_Chippewa_)

As my eyes search the prairie, I feel the summer in the spring.

THE DARKNESS SONG FROM THE INVITATION RITE (_Iroquois_)

(The chief of the Invitation Rite requests all the night folk of the forest to protect his people on their journey to the morning.)

We wait in the darkness! Come, all ye who listen, Help in our night journey: Now no sun is shining; Now no star is glowing; Come show us the pathway: The night is not friendly; She closes her eyelids; The moon has forgot us, We wait in the darkness!

THE INVITATION SONG

## Part I (_The Song of the Whip-poor-will announced by the flute._)

I

So says the whip-poor-will, Follow me, follow me! So says the chief to him, Yes I will follow thee!

II

See the night darkening; The shadows are hiding, No light to follow for, So says the waterfall, So sings the river voice!

III

Someone is nearing me, Soft he comes creeping here, Two eyes glare close to me, Lighting the forest path— Hear how his breath blows by!

IV

Fol-low me, fol-low me, So sings the whip-poor-will! Yes, I am following, So the chief answers him.

## Part II (_The Wolf and his mate are announced._)

I

Hark, the trees bending low, Something is breaking them, Not the strong north wind’s hand, Something stalks broad and swift. Snuffing and panting loud!

II

Hark! How the tangles break! Fearless the footfalls pass, Strong trees stretch far apart, Great horns dividing them. (Whip-poor-will chorus)

## Part III (_Buck and Doe with cries enter the room._)

I

How the cold shivers me! No snow is falling now, Where does the sun’s fire hide? Something comes roaring loud Swift footed, warning me!

II

Its breath blinds the night eyes, Like rainy vapor falls! Now it walks close to me, Warming and coaxing me, Where the black forest frowns. (Whip-poor-will chorus)

## Part IV (_The Bear and his mate have come._)

I

How the wind travels now, No one dares run with it. Great trees bend low to it, Rivers fight back to it, Roaring and splashing it!

II

Hear its wings flapping strong Far in the hidden skies! Swift it flies northward high, Whistling and calling loud, Hunting its running prey!

(The Hawk and its mate are announced, and all the rest of the forest folk. Finally, at dawn, the eagle is announced by the flute.)

## Part V (_The Eagle Song_)

I

Deep the dew water falls No one comes close to me! Where are you, whip-poor-will? Why I am waiting now Calling your voice again?

II

Screaming the night away, With his great wing feathers Swooping the darkness up; I hear the Eagle bird Pulling the blanket back Off from the eastern sky.

III

How swift he flies bearing the sun to the morning. See how he sits down in the trails of the eastern sky! Whip-poor-will, Whip-poor-will, no more I follow thee! When the night comes again, wilt thou say, “Follow me”?

THE PLANTING SONG (_Osage_)

I have made a footprint, a sacred one. I have made a footprint; through it the blades push upward. I have made a footprint; through it the blades radiate. I have made a footprint; over it the blades float in the wind. I have made a footprint; over it the ears lean toward one another. I have made a footprint; over it I pluck the ears. I have made a footprint; over it I bend the stalk to pluck the ears. I have made a footprint; over it the blossoms lie gray. I have made a footprint; smoke arises from my house. I have made a footprint; there is cheer in my house. I have made a footprint; I live in the light of day.

SONG OF THE RAIN CHANT (_Navaho_)

Far as man can see, Comes the rain, Comes the rain with me.

From the Rain-Mount, Rain-Mount far away, Comes the rain, Comes the rain with me.

’Mid the lightnings, ’Mid the lightning zigzag, ’Mid the lightning flashing, Comes the rain, Comes the rain with me.

’Mid the swallows, ’Mid the swallows blue Chirping glad together, Comes the rain, Comes the rain with me.

Through the pollen, Through the pollen blest, All in pollen hidden Comes the rain, Comes the rain with me.

Far as man can see, Comes the rain, Comes the rain with me.

THE VOICE THAT BEAUTIFIES THE LAND (_Navaho_)

I

The voice that beautifies the land! The voice above, The voice of the thunder, Among the dark clouds Again and again it sounds, The voice that beautifies the land.

II

The voice that beautifies the land! The voice below, The voice of the grasshopper, Among the flowers and grasses Again and again it sounds, The voice that beautifies the land.

CORN-GRINDING SONG (_Tesuque Pueblo_)

I

This way from the North Comes the cloud, Very blue, And inside the cloud is the blue corn. How beautiful the cloud Bringing corn of blue color!

II

This way from the West Comes the cloud Very yellow, And inside the cloud is the yellow corn. How beautiful the cloud Bringing corn of yellow color!

III

This way from the South Comes the cloud Very red, And inside the cloud is the red corn. How beautiful the cloud Bringing corn of red color!

IV

This way from the East Comes the cloud, Very white, And inside the cloud is the white corn. How beautiful the cloud Bringing corn of white color!

How beautiful the clouds From the North and the West From the South and the East Bringing corn of all colors!

SONG OF THE BLUE CORN DANCE (_Zuñi_)

Beautiful, lo, the summer clouds, Beautiful, lo, the summer clouds! Blossoming clouds in the sky, Like unto shimmering flowers, Blossoming clouds in the sky, Onward, lo, they come, Hither, hither bound!

CORN-GRINDING SONG (_Zuñi_)

Yonder, yonder see the fair rainbow, See the rainbow brightly decked and painted! Now the swallow bringeth glad news to your corn, Singing, “Hitherward, hitherward, hitherward, rain, Hither come!” Singing, “Hitherward, hitherward, hitherward, white cloud, Hither come!” Now we hear the corn-plants murmur, “We are growing everywhere!” Hi, yai, the world, how fair!

CORN DANCE SONG (_Zuñi_)

Who, ah ye know who— Who, ah ye know who— Who was’t that made a picture the first? It was the bright Rainbow Youth, Rainbow Youth— Ay, behold it was even thus— Clouds came, And rain came Close following— Rainbow then colored all!

KOROSTA KATZINA SONG (_Hopi_)

I

Yellow butterflies Over the blossoming virgin corn, With pollen-painted faces Chase one another in brilliant throng.

II

Blue butterflies Over the blossoming virgin beans, With pollen-painted faces Chase one another in brilliant streams.

III

Over the blossoming corn, Over the virgin corn Wild bees hum; Over the blossoming corn, Over the virgin beans Wild bees hum.

IV

Over your field of growing corn All day shall hang the thunder-cloud; Over your field of growing corn All day shall come the rushing rain.

ANGA KATZINA SONG (_Hopi_)

Rain all over the cornfields, Pretty butterfly-maidens Chasing one another when the rain is done, Hither, thither, so. How they frolic ’mid the corn, Laughing, laughing, thus: A-ha, ha-ha, O-ah, e-lo! How they frolic ’mid the corn, Singing, singing, thus: O-o, o-ho, O-he, e-lo!

HE-HEA KATZINA SONG (_Hopi_)

Corn-blossom maidens Here in the fields, Patches of beans in flower, Fields all abloom, Water shining after rain, Blue clouds looming above.

Now behold! Through bright clusters of flowers Yellow butterflies Are chasing at play, And through the blossoming beans Blue butterflies Are chasing at play.

WUWUCHIM CHANT (_Hopi_)

Thus we, thus we, The night along, With happy hearts Wish well one another.

In the chief’s kiva They, the fathers, They and Muyingwa Plant the double ear— Plant the perfect double corn-ear. So the fields shall shine With tassels white of perfect corn-ears.

Hither to them, hither come, Rain that stands and cloud that rushes!

A RAIN SONG OF THE SNAKE SOCIETY—I (_Sia_)

Priests of _tinia_, Let the white floating clouds, The clouds like the plains, The lightning, thunder, rainbow, and cloud peoples water the earth. Let the people of the white floating clouds, The people of the clouds like the plains, The lightning, thunder, rainbow, and cloud peoples Come and work for us and water the earth.

A RAIN SONG OF THE SNAKE SOCIETY—II (_Sia_)

Cloud priest who ascends through the heart of the spruce of the north, Cloud priest who ascends through the heart of the pine of the west, Cloud priest who ascends through the heart of the oak of the south, Cloud priest who ascends through the heart of the aspen of the east, Cloud priest who ascends through the heart of the cedar of the zenith, Cloud priest who ascends through the heart of the oak of the nadir, Send your people to work for us That the water of the six great springs may quicken the earth, That she may give to us the fruits of her being.

CORN SONG (_Pima_)

I

_Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ He who sees everything Sees the two stalks of corn standing; He’s my younger brother. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ He who sees everything, sees the two squashes; He’s my younger brother. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ On the summit of _Ta-atûkam_ sees the corn standing; He’s my younger brother. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ On the summit of _Ta-atûkam_ sees the squash standing; He’s my younger brother. _Hi-ilo-o woiha!_

II

_Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ Over _Ta-atûkam_ Rise the clouds with their loud thundering. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ Over _Ta-atûkam_ Rise the clouds with their loud raining. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ The Bluebird is holding In his talons the clouds that are thundering. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ Yellowbird is holding In his talons the clouds that are raining.

III

_Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ See Elder Brother Breathe out the winds that over _Ta-atûkam_ Drive the clouds with their loud thundering. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ See Elder Brother Breathe out the winds that over _Ta-atûkam_ The welcome storm clouds are suspending. _Hi-ilo-o ya-a-a!_ In the great rain clouds Let me sing my song of rejoicing.

RAIN SONGS (_Pima_)

I

_Hi-ihiya naiho-o!_ Let us begin our song, Let us begin, rejoicing. _Hitciya yahina-a._ Let us begin our song, let us begin, rejoicing, Singing of the large corn. _Hitciya yahina-a._ Singing of the small corn. _Hitciya yahina-a._

II

_Hi-ihiya naiho-o!_ The darkness of evening Falls as we sing before the sacred âmĭna. About us on all sides corn tassels are waving. _Hitciya yahina!_ The white light of day dawn Yet finds us singing, while corn tassels are waving. _Hitciya yahina-a!_ The darkness of evening Falls as we sing before the sacred âmĭna. About us on all sides corn tassels are waving. _Hitciya yahina!_ The white light of day dawn Yet finds us singing, while the squash leaves are waving.

III

_Hi-ihiya naiho-o!_ The earth is rumbling From the beating of our basket drums. The earth is rumbling from the beating Of our basket drums, everywhere humming. _Hitciya yahina-a._ Earth is rumbling, everywhere raining, _Hitciya yahina-a._

IV

_Hi-ihiya naiho-o!_ Pluck out the feathers From the wing of the Eagle and turn them Toward the east where lie the large clouds. _Hitciya yahina-a!_ Pluck out the soft down From the breast of the Eagle and turn it Toward the west where sail the small clouds. _Hitciya yahina!_ Beneath the abode Of the rain gods it is thundering; Large corn is there. _Hitciya yahina!_ Beneath the abode of the rain gods It is raining; small corn is there. _Hitciya yahina._

A METATE SONG

Is it not beautiful? Is it not, truly!

Is it not beautiful? Is it not, truly!

Is it not beautiful? Is it not, truly!

Is it not beautiful? Is it not, truly!

Is it not beautiful? Is it not, truly!

On every side They are, The Trues, the rain-commanders; Do you not hear their drum? Because of that you will see This year the vapor floating; Because of that you will see This year the drizzling rain.

Is it not beautiful? Is it not truly! In all the fields the corn upspringing, Like the young pine it comes up; Like the green aspen; In all the fields the corn upspringing, Tall like the tail of the thrush! Tall like the road-runner’s tail, In all the fields the corn upspringing!

(Refrain of three lines of vocables.)

FLUTE SONG (_Hopi_)

I

Hail, fathers, hail! Chieftain of the Gray Flute, hail! At the four world-points Ye call, ye summon clouds. From the four world-points upstarting, Shall the rain hither come.

II

Hither thunder, rain-thunder here, Hither the rain-thunder will come; Hither rain, moving-rain— Onward now, over all the fields, Moving-rain. And the wet earth, amid the corn, Everywhere, far and near, It will shine—water-shine.

THE SUNRISE CALL (_Zuñi_)

I

Rise! arise! arise! Rise! arise, arise! Wake ye! arise, life is greeting thee. Wake ye, arise, ever watchful be. Mother Life-god, she is calling thee! Mother Life-god, she is calling thee! Mother Life-god, she is greeting thee. All arise, arise, arise! Rise! arise, arise!

II

Mighty Sun-god! give thy light to us, Let it guide us, let it aid us. See it rise! See it rise! How the heart glows, how the soul delights In the music of the sunlight. Watch it rise! Watch it rise! Wake ye, arise, life is greeting thee. Wake ye, arise, ever watchful be. Mother Life-god, she is calling thee! Mother Life-god she is greeting thee. All arise, arise, arise! Rise! arise, arise!

HYMN TO THE SUN (_Zuñi_)

I

Early in the morning, We waken, we waken. When mother Sun-god rises, We welcome her with joy. She greets us with a radiant face, She meets us with a warm embrace, So sweetly, so sweetly. Merrily we sing and dance; In happy spirit we advance; Merrily we sing and dance; In happy spirit we advance. We are children of the sun, Arm in arm together run, Round a ring we steady move: Our hearts will faithful prove, As the sun comes near to us, Near to us, near to us. Listen! just listen!

II

What a wondrous shower of sounds, Countless beats in rapid rounds, Ever changing ever new, Constant strains of high and low. They are messengers of love, Spirit voices from above, Bringing light and life and joy Telling us of bliss on high, Bliss on high! Bliss on high! Listen! just listen!

III

Whence come all these distant sounds? Echoes, where the light abounds: Crystal streams in murmurs faint, Bursting forth without restraint. They are golden grains of thought, Silent whispers faintly caught, Filling us with joy content, Pathways of our souls’ ascent, Souls’ ascent, souls’ ascent. Listen! just listen!

IV

Glory to the sunlight rays, Glory to the Sun-god’s ways, Sunlight rays, Sun-god’s ways. They command us: to endure, To be silent, chaste and pure, To be faithful, true and brave, To the laws our fathers gave. O harken to the Sun-god’s voice Beckoning your soul to rise: In radiant light, the source of song, The origin of thought has sprung: As light and song in one unite, Let us forever seek the light, We seek the light, we seek the light. Listen! just listen!

SUNSET SONG (_Zuñi_)

Goodnight to thee, Fair Goddess, We thank thee for thy blessing. Goodnight to thee, Fair Goddess, We thank thee for this day. In glory we behold thee At early dawn again. We thank thee for thy blessing, To be with us this day. This day, We thank thee for this day.

INVOCATION TO THE SUN-GOD (_Zuñi_)

Grant, O Sun-god, thy protection! Guard this helpless infant sleeping. Grant, O Sun-god, thy protection! Guard this helpless infant sleeping, Resting peaceful, resting peaceful. Starry guardians forever joyful, Faithful Moon-god forever watchful. Grant, O Sun-god, thy protection! Guard this helpless infant sleeping. Spirit living, Spirit resting, Guard us, lead us, aid us, love us. Sun-god forever, Spirit living, Spirit resting, Guard us, lead us, aid us, love us, Sun-god forever.

A SONG OF GOTAL LIII (_Mescalero Apache_)

The black turkey-gobbler, under the East, the middle of his tail; toward us it is about to dawn. The black turkey-gobbler, the tips of his beautiful tail; above us the dawn whitens. The black turkey-gobbler, the tips of his beautiful tail; above us the dawn becomes yellow. The sunbeams stream forward, dawn boys, with shimmering shoes of yellow; On top of the sunbeams that stream toward us they are dancing. At the East the rainbow moves forward, dawn maidens, with shimmering shoes and shirts of yellow dance over us. Beautifully over us it is dawning. Above us among the mountains the herbs are becoming green; Above us on the tops of the mountains the herbs are becoming yellow. Above us among the mountains, with shoes of yellow I go around the fruits and herbs that shimmer. Above us among the mountains, the shimmering fruits with shoes and shirts of yellow are bent toward him. On the beautiful mountains above it is daylight.

FIRST DAYLIGHT SONG (_Navaho_)

I

The curtain of daybreak is hanging, The Daylight Boy (it is hanging), From the land of day it is hanging; Before him, as it dawns, it is hanging. Behind him, as it dawns, it is hanging. Before him, in beauty, it is hanging; Behind him, in beauty, it is hanging; From his voice, in beauty, it is hanging.

II

The Daylight Girl (it is hanging), From the land of yellow light, it is hanging; Before her, as it dawns, it is hanging; Behind her, as it dawns, it is hanging. Before her, in beauty, it is hanging; Behind her, in beauty, it is hanging; From her voice, in beauty, it is hanging.

SONG OF THE DAWN BOY (_Navaho_)

Where my kindred dwell, there I wander. Child of the White Corn am I, there I wander. The Red Rock House, there I wander. Where dark _kethawns_ are at the doorway, there I wander. At the _yuni_, the striped cotton hangs with pollen. There I wander, Going around with it. There I wander. Taking another, I depart with it. With it I wander. In the house of long life, there I wander. In the house of happiness, there I wander. Beauty before me, with it I wander. Beauty behind me, with it I wander, Beauty below me, with it I wander, Beauty above me, with it I wander. Beauty all around me, with it I wander, In old age traveling, with it I wander. On the beautiful trail I am, with it I wander.

THE MORNING STAR AND THE NEW BORN DAWN (_Pawnee_)

I

O Morning Star, for thee we watch! Dimly comes thy light from distant skies; We see thee, then lost art thou, Morning Star, thou bringest life to us.

II

O Morning Star, thy form we see! Clad in shining garments dost thou come, Thy plume touched with rosy light. Morning Star, thou now art vanishing.

III

O youthful Dawn, for thee we watch! Dimly comes thy light from distant skies; We see thee, then lost art thou. Youthful Dawn, thou bringest life to us.

IV

O youthful Dawn, we see thee come! Bright grows thy glowing light As near, nearer thou dost come. Youthful Dawn, thou now art vanishing.

DAYLIGHT (_Pawnee_)

I

Day is here! Day is here, is here! Arise, my son, lift thine eyes, Day is here! Day is here, is here! Day is here! Day is here, is here! Look up, my son, and see the day. Day is here! Day is here, is here!

II

Lo, the deer! Lo, the deer, the deer Comes from her covert of the night! Day is here! Day is here, is here! Lo, the deer! Lo, the deer, the deer! All creatures wake and see the light. Day is here! Day is here, is here! Day is here! Day is here, is here!

THE BIRTH OF DAWN (_Pawnee_)

I

Awake, O mother, from sleep! Awake! the night is far spent; The signs of dawn are now seen In east, whence cometh new life.

II

The mother wakens from sleep; She wakes, for night is far spent; The signs of dawn are now seen In east, whence cometh new life.

III

Awake, O _Kawas_, from sleep! Awake! The night is far spent; The signs of dawn are now seen In east, whence cometh new life.

IV

Now _Kawas_ wakens from sleep, Awakens for night is far spent; The signs of dawn are now seen In east, whence cometh new life.

V

Then _Kawas_ stands and speaks forth: “A child from Night is now born; _Tirá wa_, father on high, On Darkness moving, brings Dawn.”

VI

I understand now, I know A child from Night has been born; _Tirá wa_, father on high, On Darkness moving, brings Dawn.

VII

O Son, awaken from sleep Awake! the night is far spent; The signs of dawn are now seen In east, whence cometh new life.

VIII

The Son awakens from sleep; He wakes, for night is far spent; The signs of dawn are now seen In east, whence cometh new life.

SONG TO THE PLEIADES (_Pawnee_)

Look as they rise, rise Over the line where sky meets the earth; Pleiades! Lo! They ascending, come to guide us, Leading us safely, keeping us one; Pleiades, Teach us to be, like you, united.

THE SONG OF THE STARS (_Algonquin_)

We are the stars which sing, We sing with our light; We are the birds of fire, We fly over the sky. Our light is a voice; We make a road for spirits, For the spirits to pass over. 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 Stars.

THE STARS DEHN-DEK AND MAH-OH-RAH (_Wyandot_)

Dehn-dek (_to Oh-tsch-eh-stah, the mother_): She arises from the ground! In a far land Mah-oh-rah walks before us! She comes to the great city and stands before its gates! Our Grandmother looks upon her! She who fell down from heaven, ... lies upon her couch and beholds Mah-oh-rah. She goes to the Land of Little People; she goes through the old city in which our fathers were saved. Get thee down in haste and bring her again to her own people.

(_Journeys forth to the city of Our Grandmother._)

(_Enters the royal palace in the sacred city._)

Dehn-dek (_to Our Grandmother_): Give again into my arms the daughter gone to the Land of the Little People! She stood here in this hour, but is gone on the lonely way to that land. Your children mourn for her; they cut themselves for grief! Let her return with me to our own land.

Our Grandmother: Mah-oh-rah stood indeed before me! She was pale and faint from the journey! The Hooh-kehs drew her back in their power! She went out from my presence to return to her own people. Two torches she bore aloft to make clear the way.

(_Dehn-dek goes out in pursuit of his daughter._)

Our Grandmother (_watching the pursuit_): They go into the sky! From that land are we cast down forever! And another land is made for us. Let them be made stars. Now shall they be made stars to shine forever there. And their journey shall never cease!

SONG OF THE MASKED DANCERS (_Apache_)

The day broke with slender rain. The place which is called “lightning’s water stands,” The place which is called “where the dawn strikes,” Four places where it is called “it dawns with life,” I landed there. I went among the sky youths. One came to me with long life. When he talked over my body with the longest life, The voice of the thunder spoke well four times, He spoke four times to me with life. Holy sky youth spoke to me four times. When he talked to me my breath became.

A SONG OF THE MASKED DANCERS III (_Apache_)

The living sky black-spotted; The living sky blue-spotted; The living sky yellow-spotted; The living sky white-spotted; The young spruce as girls stood up for their dance in the way of life. When my songs first were, they made my songs with words of jet. Earth when it was made, Sky when it was made, Earth to the end, Sky to the end, Black gans, black thunder, when they came toward each other, The various bad things that used to be vanished; The bad wishes which were in the world vanished. The lightning of the black thunder struck four times for them. It struck four times for me.

EMERGENCE SONG (_Pima_)

Together we emerge with our rattles; Together we emerge with our rattles, Bright-hued feathers in our head-dresses. With our nyñnyirsa we went down; With our nyñnyirsa we went down, Wearing _Yoku_ feathers in our head-dresses. This is the white land; we arrive singing, Head-dresses waving in the breeze. We have come! We have come! The land trembles with our dancing and singing. On these black mountains all are singing. Head-dresses waving, head-dresses waving. We all rejoice! We all rejoice! Singing, dancing, the mountains trembling.

THE WARNING OF THE FLOOD (_Pima_)

Weep my unfortunate people! All this you will see take place. Weep my unfortunate people! For the waters will cover the land. Weep my unhappy relatives! You will learn all. Weep my unhappy relatives! You will learn all. The waters will cover the mountains.

Weep my unfortunate people! All this you will see take place. Weep my unfortunate people! For the waters will cover the land.

PROTECTION SONG (_Navaho_)

I

Now, Slayer of the Alien Gods, among men am I. Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Rubbed with the summits of the mountains, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Now upon the beautiful trail of old age, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I.

II

Now, Offspring of the Water, among men am I. Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Rubbed with the water of the summits, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Now upon the beautiful trail of old age, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I.

III

Now, Lightning of the Thunder, among men am I. Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Rubbed with the summit of the sky, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Now upon the beautiful trail of old age, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I.

IV

Now, _Altsodoniglehi_, among men am I. Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Rubbed with the summits of the earth, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I. Now upon the beautiful trail of old age, Now among the alien gods with weapons of magic am I.

SONG OF NAYENEZGANI I (_Navaho_)

I

The Slayer of the Alien Gods, That now am I. The Bearer of the Sun Arises with me, Journeys with me, Goes down with me, Abides with me; But sees me not.

II

Child of the Water That now am I. The Bearer of the Moon Arises with me, Journeys with me, Goes down with me, Abides with me; But sees me not.

SONG OF NAYENEZGANI II (_Navaho_)

I

I am the Slayer of the Alien Gods Where’er I roam Before me Forests white are strewn around. The lightning scatters; But ’tis I who cause it.

II

I am the Child of the Water. Where’er I roam Behind me Waters white are strewn around. The tempest scatters; But ’tis I who cause it.

SONG OF THE HORSE (_Navaho_)

How joyous his neigh! Lo, the Turquoise Horse of Johano-ai, How joyous his neigh! There on precious hides outspread standeth he; How joyous his neigh, There on tips of fair fresh flowers feedeth he; How joyous his neigh, There of mingled waters holy drinketh he; How joyous his neigh, There he spurneth dust of glittering grains; How joyous his neigh, There in mist of sacred pollen hidden, all hidden he; How joyous his neigh, There his offspring many grow and thrive for evermore: How joyous his neigh!

SONG OF THE HOGANS (_Navaho_)

Lo, yonder the hogan, The hogan blessed!

There beneath the sunrise Standeth the hogan, The hogan blessed.

Of _Hastyeyalti-ye_ The hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of dawn’s first light Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of fair white corn Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of broidered robes and hides Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of mixed All-Waters pure Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of holy pollen Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Evermore enduring, Happy evermore, His hogan, The hogan blessed.

Lo, yonder the hogan, The hogan blessed!

There beneath the sunset Standeth the hogan, The hogan blessed.

Of _Hastyehogan-i_ The hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of afterglow Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of yellow corn Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of gems and shining shells Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of Little-Waters Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Built of holy pollen Standeth his hogan, The hogan blessed.

Evermore enduring, Happy evermore, His hogan, The hogan blessed.

Lo, yonder the hogan, The hogan blessed!

WAR-SONG (_Navaho_)

Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

_Nayenezrani_, Lo, behold me, he am I, Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Moccasins of black flint have I; Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Leggings of black flint have I; Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Tunic of black flint have I; Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Bonnet of black flint have I; Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Clearest, purest flint the heart Living strong within me—heart of flint; Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Now the zig-zag lightnings four From me flash, Striking and returning, From me flash; Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

There where’er the lightnings strike, Into the ground they hurl the foe— Ancient folk with evil charms, One upon another, dashed to earth; Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Living evermore, Feared of all forevermore, Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

Lo, the flint youth, he am I, The flint youth.

ATSÁLĒI YEDADIGLÉS (_Navaho_)

Now the holy one paints his form. The Wind Boy, the holy one, paints his form, All over his body, he paints his form, With the dark clouds he paints his form, With the misty rain he paints his form, With the rainy bubbles he paints his form, To fingers and rattle he paints his form, To the plume on his head he paints his form.

MOUNTAIN SONGS (_Navaho_)

I

Swift and far I journey. Swift upon the rainbow. Swift and far I journey. Lo, yonder, the Holy Place! Yea, swift and far I journey. To Sisnajinni, and beyond it, Yea, swift and far I journey; The Chief of Mountains, and beyond it, Yea, swift and far I journey; To Life Unending, and beyond it, Yea, swift and far I journey.

II

Homeward now shall I journey, Homeward upon the rainbow; Homeward now shall I journey, Lo, yonder, the Holy Place! Yea, homeward now shall I journey. To _Sisnajinni_, and beyond it, Yea, homeward now shall I journey; The Chief of Mountains, and beyond it, Yea, homeward now shall I journey; To Life Unending, and beyond it, Yea, homeward now shall I journey; To Joy Unchanging, and beyond it, Yea, homeward now shall I journey.

III

Homeward behold me starting, Homeward upon the rainbow; Homeward behold me starting. Lo, yonder, the Holy Place! Yea, homeward behold me starting. To _Sisnajinni_, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me starting; The Chief of Mountains, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me starting. To Life Unending, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me starting; To Joy Unchanging, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me starting.

IV

Homeward behold me faring, Homeward upon the rainbow; Homeward behold me faring. Lo, yonder, the Holy Place! Yea, homeward behold me faring. To _Sisnajinni_, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me faring; The Chief of Mountains, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me faring; To Life Unending, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me faring; To Joy Unchanging, and beyond it, Yea, homeward behold me faring.

V

Now arrived home behold me, Now arrived on the rainbow; Now arrived home behold me, Lo, here, the Holy Place! Yea, now arrived home behold me. At _Sisnajinni_, and beyond it, Yea, now arrived home behold me; The Chief of Mountains, and beyond it, Yea, now arrived home behold me; In Life Unending, and beyond it, Yea, now arrived home behold me; In Joy Unchanging, and beyond it, Yea, now arrived home behold me.

VI

Seated at home behold me, Seated amid the rainbow; Seated at home behold me, Lo, here, the Holy Place! Yea, seated at home behold me. At _Sisnajinni_, and beyond it, Yea, seated at home behold me; The Chief of Mountains, and beyond it, Yea, seated at home behold me; In Life Unending, and beyond it, Yea, seated at home behold me; In Joy Unchanging, and beyond it, Yea, seated at home behold me.

MOUNTAIN SONG (_Navaho_)

I

In a holy place with a god I walk, In a holy place with a god I walk, On _Tsĭsnadzĭʹni_ with a god I walk, On a chief of mountains with a god I walk, In old age wandering with a god I walk. On a trail of beauty with a god I walk.

II

In a holy place with a god I walk, In a holy place with a god I walk, On _Tsótsĭl_ with a god I walk, On a chief of mountains with a god I walk, In old age wandering with a god I walk, On a trail of beauty with a god I walk.

III

In a holy place with a god I walk, In a holy place with a god I walk, On _Dokoslíd_ with a god I walk, On a chief of mountains with a god I walk, In old age wandering with a god I walk, On a trail of beauty with a god I walk.

IV

In a holy place with a god I walk, In a holy place with a god I walk, On _Depĕʹntsa_ with a god I walk, On a chief of mountains with a god I walk, In old age wandering with a god I walk, On a trail of beauty with a god I walk.

MOUNTAIN SONG (_Navaho_)

Thither go I! Chief of all mountains, Thither go I, Living forever, Thither go I, Blessings bestowing. Thither go I, Calling me “Son, my son.” Thither go I.

INVOCATION OF THE GAME (_San Ildefonso Pueblo_)

I (North)

Yonder afar By the Black Mountain In the Valley The Black Chief of the Elk is standing, And he is our quarry.

II (West)

Yonder afar By the Mountain of Deer-Trails In the Valley The Yellow Chief of the Antelope is standing, And he is our quarry.

III (South)

Yonder afar By the Mountain of Flying In the Valley The Red Chief of the Antelope is standing, And he is our quarry.

IV (East)

Yonder afar By the Mountain of Flowers In the Valley The White Chief of the Buffalo is standing, And he is our quarry.

MEDICINE SONG (_Apache_)

Stĕnátlĭhăⁿ, you are good, I pray for long life. I pray for your good looks. I pray for good breath. I pray for good speech. I pray for feet like yours to carry me through a long life. I pray for a life like yours. I walk with people; ahead of me all is well. I pray for people to smile as long as I live. I pray to live long. I pray, I say, for a long life to live with you where the good people are. I live in poverty. I wish the people there to speak of goodness and to talk to me. I wish you to divide your good things with me as a brother. Ahead of me is goodness; lead me on.

PRAYER OF THE FIRST DANCERS (_Navaho_)

From the ceremony of the Night Chant

In _Tseʿgíhigi_ (oh you who dwell!) In the house made of the dawn, In the house made of the evening twilight, In the house made of the dark cloud, In the house made of the he-rain, In the house made of the dark mist, In the house made of she-rain, In the house made of pollen, In the house made of grasshoppers, Where the dark mist curtains the doorway, The path to which is on the rainbow, Where the zigzag lightning stands high on top, Where the he-rain stands high on top, Oh, male divinity! With your moccasins of dark cloud, come to us. With your leggings of dark cloud, come to us. With your shirt of dark cloud, come to us. With your head-dress of dark cloud, come to us. With your mind enveloped in dark cloud, come to us. With the dark thunder above you, come to us soaring. With the shapen cloud at your feet, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the dark cloud over your head, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the he-rain over your head, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the dark mist over your head, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the she-rain over your head, come to us soaring. With the zigzag lightning flung out on high over your head, come to us soaring. With the rainbow hanging high over your head, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the dark cloud on the ends of your wings, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the he-rain on the ends of your wings, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the dark mist on the ends of your wings, come to us soaring. With the far darkness made of the she-rain on the ends of your wings, come to us soaring. With the zigzag lightning flung out on high on the ends of your wings, come to us soaring. With the rainbow hanging high on the ends of your wings, come to us soaring. With the near darkness made of the dark cloud, of the he-rain, of the dark mist, and of the she-rain, come to us. With the darkness on the earth, come to us. With these I wish the foam floating on the flowing water over the roots of the great corn.

I have made your sacrifice. I have prepared a smoke for you. My feet restore for me. My limbs restore for me. My body restore for me. My mind restore for me. My voice restore for me. Today, take out your spell for me. Today, take away your spell for me. Away from me you have taken it. Far off from me you have taken it. Far off you have done it. Happily I recover. Happily my interior becomes cool. Happily my eyes regain their power, Happily my head becomes cool. Happily my limbs regain their power. Happily I hear again. Happily for me (the spell) is taken off. Happily I walk. Impervious to pain, I walk. Feeling light within, I walk. With lively feelings, I walk. Happily (or in beauty) abundant dark clouds I desire. Happily abundant dark mists I desire. Happily abundant passing showers I desire. Happily an abundance of vegetation I desire. Happily an abundance of pollen I desire. Happily abundant dew I desire. Happily may fair white corn, to the ends of the earth, come with you. Happily may fair yellow corn, to the ends of the earth, come with you. Happily may fair blue corn, to the ends of the earth, come with you. Happily may fair corn of all kinds, to the ends of the earth, come with you. Happily may fair plants of all kinds, to the ends of the earth, come with you. Happily may fair goods of all kinds, to the ends of the earth, come with you. Happily may fair jewels of all kinds, to the ends of the earth, come with you. With these before you, happily may they come with you. With these behind you, happily may they come with you. With these below you, happily may they come with you. With these above you, happily may they come with you. With these all around you, happily may they come with you. Thus happily you accomplish your task. Happily the old men will regard you. Happily the old women will regard you. Happily the young men will regard you. Happily the young women will regard you. Happily the boys will regard you. Happily the girls will regard you. Happily the children will regard you. Happily the chiefs will regard you. Happily, as they scatter in different directions, they will regard you. Happily, as they approach their homes, they will regard you. Happily may their roads home be on the trail of pollen (peace). Happily may they all get back. In beauty (happily) I walk. With beauty before me, I walk. With beauty behind me, I walk. With beauty below me, I walk. With beauty above me, I walk. With beauty all around me, I walk. It is finished (again) in beauty, It is finished in beauty, It is finished in beauty, It is finished in beauty.

A PRAYER OF THE SECOND DAY OF THE NIGHT CHANT (_Navaho_)

From the base of the east, From the base of the Pelado Peak, From the house made of mirage, From the story made of mirage, From the doorway of rainbow, The path out of which is the rainbow, The rainbow passed out with me. The rainbow raised up with me. Through the middle of broad fields, The rainbow returned with me. To where my house is visible, The rainbow returned with me. To the roof of my house, The rainbow returned with me. To the entrance of my house, The rainbow returned with me. To just within my house, The rainbow returned with me. To my fireside, The rainbow returned with me. To the center of my house, The rainbow returned with me. At the fore part of my house with the dawn, The Talking God sits with me. The House God sits with me. Pollen Boy sits with me. Grasshopper Girl sits with me. In beauty _Estsánatlehi_, my mother, for her I return. Beautifully my fire to me is restored. Beautifully my possessions are to me restored. Beautifully my soft goods to me are restored. Beautifully my hard goods to me are restored. Beautifully my horses to me are restored. Beautifully my sheep to me are restored. Beautifully my old men to me are restored. Beautifully my old women to me are restored. Beautifully my young men to me are restored. Beautifully my women are restored. Beautifully my children to me are restored. Beautifully my wife to me is restored. Beautifully my chiefs to me are restored. Beautifully my country to me is restored. Beautifully my fields to me are restored. Beautifully my house to me is restored. Talking God sits with me. House God sits with me. Pollen Boy sits with me. Grasshopper Girl sits with me. Beautifully white corn to me is restored. Beautifully yellow corn to me is restored. Beautifully blue corn to me is restored. Beautifully corn of all kinds to me is restored. In beauty may I walk. All day long may I walk. Through the returning seasons may I walk. Beautifully will I possess again. On the trail marked with pollen may I walk. With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk. With dew about my feet may I walk. With beauty may I walk. With beauty before me, may I walk. With beauty behind me, may I walk. With beauty above me, may I walk. With beauty below me, may I walk. With beauty all around me, may I walk. In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk. In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk. It is finished in beauty. It is finished in beauty.

PRAYER TO DSILYI NEYÁNI (_Navaho_)

Reared Within the Mountains! Lord of the Mountains! Young Man! Chieftain! I have made your sacrifice. I have prepared a smoke for you. My feet restore thou for me. My legs restore thou for me. My body restore thou for me. My mind restore thou for me. My voice restore thou for me. Restore all for me in beauty. Make beautiful all that is before me. Make beautiful all that is behind me. Make beautiful my words. It is done in beauty. It is done in beauty. It is done in beauty. It is done in beauty.

DEDICATION OF A NEW HOUSE (_Navaho_)

Man (_scattering white cornmeal about the circumference of the room_):

May it be delightful, my house; From my head may it be delightful; To my feet may it be delightful; Where I lie may it be delightful; Above me may it be delightful; All around me may it be delightful.

(_flinging meal into the fire_)

May it be delightful and well, my fire.

(_flinging meal up the smoke-hole_)

May it be delightful, Sun, my mother’s ancestor, for this gift; May it be delightful as I walk around my house.

(_sprinkling meal out the doorway_)

May it be delightful, this road of light (the path of the Sun) my mother’s ancestor.

Woman (_making meal, offering to the fire, says quietly_):

May it be delightful, my fire; May it be delightful for my children; may all be well; May it be delightful with my food and theirs; may all be well; All my possessions well may they be made. All my flocks well may they be made. (That is, may they all be healthy and increase.)

PRAYER OF THE FOSTER-PARENT CHANT (_Teton-Sioux_)

Great Mystery, you have existed from the first; This sky and this earth you created. Wing flapper (Thunder Bird), you have existed from the first, Your nation is half soldiers and half chiefs, so they say. Lend me a good day; I borrow it. Me, the Indian race, you have uplifted. But now I am in despair; Yet this good boy will renew the life of his people. So, Great Mystery, look upon me; pity me, That the nation may live— Before the face of the North, the nation may live.

HOLY SONG (_Dakota_)

O ye people, be ye healed; Life anew I bring unto ye. O ye people, be ye healed; Life anew I bring unto ye. Through the Father over all Do I thus. Life anew I bring unto ye.

INVOKING THE VISIONS (_Pawnee_)

I

Holy visions! Hither come, we pray you, come unto us, Bringing with you joy; Come, O come to us, holy visions, Bringing with you joy.

II

Holy visions! Near are they approaching, near to us here, Bringing with them joy; Nearer still they come—holy visions— Bringing with them joy.

III

Holy visions! Lo! Before the doorway pause they, waiting, Bearing gifts of joy; Pausing there they wait—holy visions— Bearing gifts of joy.

IV

Holy visions! Now they cross the threshold, gliding softly Toward the space within; Softly gliding on—holy visions— Toward the space within.

V

Holy visions! They the lodge are filling with their presence, Fraught with hope and peace; Filling all the lodge—holy visions— Fraught with hope and peace.

VI

Holy visions! Now they touch the children, gently touch them, Giving dreams of joy; Gently touch each one—holy visions— Giving dreams of joy.

VII

Holy visions! Ended now their mission, pass they outward, Yet they leave us joy; Pass they all from us—holy visions— Yet they leave us joy.

VIII

Holy visions! They, the sky ascending, reach their dwelling; There they rest above; They their dwelling reach—holy visions— There they rest above.

RITUAL SONG (_Pawnee_)

I

I know not if the voice of man can reach to the sky; I know not if the mighty one will hear as I pray; I know not if the gifts I ask will all granted be; I know not if the word of old we truly can hear; I know not what will come to pass in our future days; I hope that only good will come, my children, to you.

II

I now know that the voice of man can reach the sky; I now know that the mighty one has heard as I prayed; I now know that the gifts I asked have all granted been. I now know that the word of old we truly have heard; I now know that _Tirá wa_ hearkens unto man’s prayer; I know that only good has come, my children, to you.

MEDICINE SONG (_Omaha_)

Ho! Aged One, _eçka_, At a time when there were gathered together seven persons, You sat in the seventh place, it is said, And of the Seven you alone possessed knowledge of all things, Aged One, _eçka_. When in their longing for protection and guidance, The people sought in their minds for a way, They beheld you sitting with assured permanency and endurance In the center where converged the paths, There, exposed to the violence of the four winds, you sat, Possessed with power to receive supplications, Aged One, _eçka_. Where is his mouth, by which there may be utterance of speech? Where is his heart, to which there may come knowledge and understanding? Where are his feet, whereby he may move from place to place? We question in wonder, Yet verily it is said you alone have power to receive supplications, Aged One, _eçka_. I have desired to go yet farther in the path of life with my little ones, Without pain, without sickness, Beyond the second, third, and fourth period of life’s pathway, Aged One, _eçka_. O hear! This is my prayer, Although uttered in words poorly put together, Aged One, _eçka_.

SONG OF THE PRIMAL ROCK (_Omaha_)

Oh! Aged One, _eçka_, Oh! thou recumbent Rock, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, To thee I shall pray, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, Oh! Aged One, _eçka_, The great water that lies impossible to traverse, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, In the midst of the waters thou came and sat, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, Thou, of whom one may think, whence camest thou? _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, From midst the waters camest thou, and sat, _eçka_. It is said that thou sittest crying: “Iⁿ! Iⁿ! _eçka_, Though I shall carry these my little ones, _eçka_, Though I shall sit and listen to their words, _eçka_, Because,” they say, you have said, _eçka_, “If one shall go astray in his speech, although here lies one on whom one’s footsteps may seem impossible to stumble, _eçka_, Upon this, the earth, very suddenly he shall stumble,” they say you have said, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, The impurities, _eçka_, Shall not enter within, _eçka_, Shall drift, like filth, as thou sittest, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_ Oh! Aged One, _eçka_, “If one of mine prays to me properly,” _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, “I shall be with him, _eçka_, Further along he shall go,” _eçka_. Aged One, _eçka_, “The fourth hill, _eçka_, The third, the fourth, _eçka_, Even in going they shall appear thereon,” they say you have said, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, Oh! Aged One, _eçka_, Thou sittest as though longing for something, _eçka_, Thou sittest like one with wrinkled loins, _eçka_, Thou sittest like one with furrowed brow, _eçka_, Thou sittest like one with flabby arms, _eçka_, “The little ones shall be as I am, whoever shall pray to me properly,” _eçka_, Oh! Aged One, _eçka_, Oh! Thou Pole of the Tent, _eçka_, Along the banks of the streams, _eçka_, With head drooping over, there thou sittest, _eçka_, Thy topmost branches, _eçka_, Dipping again and again, verily, into the water, _eçka_, Thou Pole of the Tent, _eçka_, “One of these little ones, _eçka_, I shall sit upon one, _eçka_, The impurities, eçka, All I shall wash away from them, _eçka_, To the end, without one obstacle, they shall appear thereon,” they say you have said, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_, It is said that you have commanded us to say to you, “Our Father, _eçka_, Thou Water, _eçka_, Oh! Along the bends of the stream where the waters strike, and where the waters eddy, among the water-mosses, let all the impurities that gall be drifted, _eçka_, Not entering within,” _eçka_. Aged One, _eçka_, “Whosoever touches me with face or lips, _eçka_, All the impurities, _eçka_, I shall cause to be cleansed,” it is said, you have said, _eçka_. “The four apertures of the body, _eçka_, And all within the body I shall purify,” it is said, you have said, _eçka_. “Little ones, _eçka_, Through and through shall appear, _eçka_, Against the wind, in the midst of air, they shall appear and stand,” _eçka_, It is said you have said, _eçka_, Aged One, _eçka_.

INTRODUCTION OF THE CHILD TO THE COSMOS (_Omaha_)

I

Ho! Ye Sun, Moon, Stars, all ye that move in the heavens, I bid you hear me! Into your midst has come a new life. Consent ye, I implore! Make its path smooth, that it may reach the brow of the first hill!

II

Ho! Ye Winds, Clouds, Rain, Mist, all ye that move in the air, I bid ye hear me! Into your midst has come a new life. Consent ye, I implore! Make its path smooth, that it may reach the brow of the second hill!

III

Ho! Ye Hills, Valleys, Rivers, Lakes, Trees, Grasses, all ye of the earth, I bid you hear me! Into your midst has come a new life. Consent ye, I implore! Make its path smooth, that it may reach the brow of the third hill!

IV

Ho! Ye Birds, great and small, that fly in the air, Ho! Ye Animals, great and small, that dwell in the forest, Ho! Ye Insects that creep among the grasses and burrow in the ground, I bid you hear me! Into your midst has come a new life. Consent ye, I implore! Make its path smooth, that it may reach the brow of the fourth hill!

V

Ho! All ye of the heavens, all ye of the air, all ye of the earth, I bid you all to hear me. Into your midst has come a new life. Consent ye, consent ye all, I implore! Make its path smooth—then shall it travel beyond the four hills!

SONG OF TURNING THE CHILD (_Omaha_)

I

Ye four, come hither and stand, near shall ye stand; In four groups shall ye stand; Here shall ye stand, in this place stand.

II

Turned by the winds goes the one I send yonder; Yonder he goes who is whirled by the winds; Goes, where the four hills of life and the four winds are standing; There, in the midst of the winds do I send him, Into the midst of the winds, standing there.

III

Here unto you has been spoken the truth; Because of this truth you shall stand. Here, declared is the truth. Here in this place has been shown you the truth. Therefore, arise! Go forth in its strength!

SUPPLICATION OF THE TSÍZHU WASHTÁGE (_Osage_)

Wakonda will cause the coming days to be calm and peaceful, The Tsízhu have called upon Wakonda to make the days calm and peaceful, That little ones may come to us in unbroken succession and we become a people. Wakonda will make the days beautiful. Toward the winds of the rising of the sun the days will surely be calm and peaceful. Toward the winds of the south Wakonda will make the days to be calm and peaceful. Toward the winds of the setting sun Wakonda will make the days to be calm and peaceful. Toward the winds of the land of cedars (the north) Wakonda will make the days to be calm and peaceful.

THE TRIBAL PRAYER (_Omaha_)

Father, a needy one before Thee stands. I am he!

WAWAN SONG (_Omaha_)

The clear sky, The green fruitful earth is good; But peace among men is better.

THE MORNING SONG (_Cheyenne_)

He, our Father, He hath shown His mercy unto me. In peace I walk the straight road.