FRACHTENBERG] ALSEA TEXTS AND MYTHS 115 



acted thus. He knew very well (what) such a thmg (meant) when the 

 elements acted thus. Indeed, he knew eveiythmg as soon as it began 

 to thunder hard all over. And for that reason all the people were 

 simply afraid. "It will not be long (before) it will commence to rain. 

 The water will come ashore from the ocean. Thus I was told constantly. 

 For that reason you shall take good care of yourselves, when it will com- 

 mence to rain hard all over, (for) at that time the water will come 

 ashore from inside the ocean." Thereupon ever}^ year was counted, 

 and (that man) contmually spoke to all the people: "Do you take 

 good care of yourselves! It will not be long (before) the water will 

 begin to overflow from the ocean. At that time the earth will be 

 washed (clean)." In fear all had their mmds upon themselves when 

 that person was heard (to say) this. And verily, when the season 

 changed once more, the people were acting thus. All the people had 

 their minds upon themselves in fear because just all the people 

 believed in their mmds (m) what that man had dreamed (about). 

 Verily, they believed (that it was true) when his dream spoke to 

 him thus. (So) whenever he was smging all the people would gather 

 around him (listening carefuUy) whenever he would announce that 

 not long (afterward) the water would overflow. For that reason all 

 the people would assemble around him whenever he was heard (tell) 

 that it would not be long (before) the water of the ocean would come 

 ashore. For that reason such were the actions of the people. 



Fuially one year (went by), and then surely not long (afterward) 

 the water of the ocean was going to come ashore. And then, verily, 

 thus it happened all over. The water of the ocean came ashore 

 everywhere. No matter how high some 'mountains (there were), 

 nevertheless the water would cover them all up when it finally began 

 to come ashore. ... 



