222 THE OSAGE TRIBE [kih. ann. 36 



55. It is impossible for the little ones to dwell upon the surface of the 



water. 



56. Let us cause search to be made. 



57. The Sho'-ka, who stood near, 



58. Even as these words were spoken, 



59. Hastened to the Black-bean-like (the Water-beetle, the whirligig) 



(fig. 11), 



60. And quickly returned with him. 



61. The people spake to the Water-beetle, saying: O, grandfather, 



62. It is not possible for the little ones to dwell upon the surface of 



the water. 



63. We ask of you to make search for a way out of our difficulty. 



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



65. The Water-beetle replied : O, my grandchildren, 



66. You say it is not possible for the little ones to dwell upon the 



surface of the water. 



67. You ask me to search for a way out of your 

 difficulty. 



68. I shall make search for a way. 



69. Thereupon he pushed forth, even against 

 the current. 



70. Running swiftly upon the surface of the 

 water, 



71. He came to a bend of the water, 



72. Then spake, saying: It is impossible for 

 me to give you help, O, my grandchildren. 



. _ . Although it is not possible for me to hch> 



Fio. 11.— The water beetle. or i 



you, 



74. I will say to you : My walk of life is upon the surface of the water. 



75. The little ones shall make of me their bodies. 



76. Wlien the little ones make of me their bodies, 



77. They shall be free from all causes of death as they travel the 



path of life. 



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



79. They shall cause themselves to be difficult to overcome by death. 



80. What said they? It has been said, in this house, 



81. They spake to the Spider-like (Water-spider) (fig. 12), it has been 



said, in this house, 



82. Saying: O, grandfather, 



83. It is not possible for the little ones to dwell upon the surface of 



the water. 



84. You are asked to search for a way out of the diihculty. 



85. It is the people who ask this of you, O, grandfather. 



86. The Water-spider spake, saying: O, my grandchildren, 



87. You say it is not possible for the little ones to dwell upon the 



surface of the water. 



