Fletcher] A PA WNEE RITUAL 95

3 Harken ! 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.

��4 Harken ! 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.

5 Harken ! 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 !

6 Harken ! 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.

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