io6 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. IV. 



hawkan's prayer. 



"Here I am again with your people this day. Your lodge is up 

 and it is in order; may we therefore pray aright at your sacred altar, 

 because your people in years past have done this. It is your word 

 that this be a reminder of the first man, and we ask you to teach us 

 the right way and guide us through this whole ceremony to the last. 



"My Grandfather, Light-of-the-Earth, look down on us, poor in 

 spirit and thought! Help us to do these things aright, and let this 

 people, with me, bow before you and our Gods in holy thoughts, that 

 we may receive blessings for our kindred (the sods), and for our visi- 

 tors! We have searched for the best ground, and now one of your' 

 servants will cut the two sods for us all, just as your children did in 

 past years; let it now seem good to you! 



"We ask you, Old-Woman-Night, to help us and make this time 

 good. We request for our children your protection at night, during 

 our rest. Let your light shine brightly upon us, and whatever you 

 control in the sky, may it be a help during this ceremony! May there 

 be peace at night and continual praise and good prayers! 



"Listen to me, please, Four-Old-Men! You are the people to 

 whom we look for daily protection and seek for good breath of life. 

 We ask of you to be near to us upon this occasion. Oh, give us 

 gentle breezes and cleanse us from impurities! We are obliged to call 

 upon you for help, in order that we may obtain good paint and stand 

 by your teaching. If we shall make any mistake, have pity upon us, 

 for we are yet children! May our road be straight, and give us peace 

 of mind! Please help me, for the burden is heavy ! Make it light, and 

 cause the people to rejoice with thanksgiving! If there is any evil in 

 the camp, take it away from the sick one! Have mercy upon us, you 

 Four-Old-Men ! Be good to us and put our steps on good, hard 

 ground, toward the level road, a road that is not soft! Let us follow your 

 ways, for we want to be old! Protect this sacred ceremony, and cause 

 these children to remember the routine work of the lodge ! 



"Please give your ears, our Mother, Morning-Star! Look upon 

 your servants who will cut the sods, and guide them straight! We 

 have with us your servant, the Peace-Keeper. Give her steady 

 thought, so that we may do things pleasing to you and our Gods! 

 May we arrive safely with your sods, and may they be cleansing power 

 upon the tribe! 



"Our Father, your birds, which we imitate, are white and have 

 power for long flight, and drink the sweet-water (snow) ; may we 

 accordingly! We ask these things with pure hearts." " 



