168 THE OSAGE TRIBE. [bth. Ann. 39 



435. When th3 little ones go toward the setting sun against their 



enemies, 



436. They shall use this young willow for counting their o-do"'. 



437. When they use the young willow for counting their o-do"', as 



they travel the path of life, 



438. Then shall they count their o-do"' with ease (accuracy)," it has 



been said, in this house. 



439. They said, it has been said, in tliis house, 



440. The male beaver 



441. Moved to the strong current of the stream. 



442. Verily, he went up the river against its current, 



443. Rippling the surface of the water as he pushed forward, 



444. To the second bend of the river, 



445. Where he paused and stood. 



446. By the water's edge there stood a young willow, 



447. Which he quickly cut to the ground, 



448. And hastily dragged it toward liis home. 



449. Within the left side of the door of his house 



450. He dragged the young willow, then laid it down, 



451. And he spake, saying: " It is not without a purpose that I have 



brought home this young willow. 



452. I have brought it home for the little ones to use in counting 



their o-do°'. 



453. When the little ones use the young willow for counting their 



o-do°', as they travel the path of life, 



454. They shall be free from all causes of death," it has been said, in 



this house. 



455. They said, it has been said, in this house, 



456. The male beaver 



457. Moved to the strong ciurent of the stream. 



458. Verily, he went up the river against its current, 



459. Rippling the surface of the water as he pushed forward, 



460. To the third bend of the river, 



461. Where, by the water's edge stood a young willow, 



462. Which he quickly cut to the ground, 



463. And hastily dragged it toward his home. 



464. Within the left side of the door of his house 



465. He dragged the young willow, then laid it down, 



466. And he spake, saying: " It is not without a pm-pose that I have 



brought home this young willow. 



467. I have brought it home for the little ones to use in counting 



their o-do°', as they travel the path of life," it has been said, 

 in this house. 



