LA FLESCHE] TRIBAL RITES FREE TRANSLATION 77 



84. The people spake to one another, saying: There is also the great 



white swan, 



85. Of which the little ones, O, younger brothers, shall make their 



bodies. 



86. Then spake the swan, saying: When the little ones make of me 



their boiUos, 



87. Let them know that of all living creatures 



88. None are my equal in strength of wings. 



89. Wlien I make my flight, even before half of the day has passed, 



90. I am on the farther side of the great lake, 



91. Swinging up and down upon the waves of its waters. 



92. When the little ones make of me their bodies, 



93. Their arms shall become strong as are my wings as they travel 



the path of life. 



94. To the four great divisions of the days (stages of lifej 



95. They shall succeed in bringing themselves as they travel the path 



of life. 



96. They shall enable themselves to live to see old age. 



97. When the little ones make of me the means of reaching old age, 



98. Then they shall live to see old age as they travel the path of life. 



After a short pause the Xo'-ka recites the next wi'-gi-e, which 

 relates to the actions of the female Black Bear when about to hyber- 

 nate and to her awakening after her long sleep when she appeals to 

 the god of day for long life for her little ones born during the long 

 period of rest. This wi'-gi-e is also entitled Ki'-no° Wi'-gi-e, The 

 Painting Wi'-gi-e, and it is introductory to the next part, which is 

 recited when the Xo'-ka paints himself preparatory to making his 

 ceremonial approach to the house of meeting. 



PART II 



(Osage version, p. 307; literal translation, p. 466) 



1. Verily, at that time and place, it has been said, in this house, 



2. The Black Bear that is without a blemish, 



3. When the moon of the mating of the deer was still young 



(October), 



4. Was seized with a sudden desire to rest her body. • 



5. Being perplexed b}- this sudden desire, 



6. She ran to each of the four winds, 



7. Returning again and again to the starting point. 



8. After a time she paused and stood, 



9. Then quickly went forth, with hurried footsteps, 



10. And came to a patch of bunch grass. 



11. Verily, at that time and place, 



