332 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE [eth.axn.3T 



Then the second invited guest enters. He utters the same sounds 

 as his predecessors and makes the circuit of the lodge. When he 

 reaches the place from which he started he stops and addresses the 

 host as follows : 



"Councilor, you who obtain life, relatives who are seated here, I 

 greet you all, and your seats do I greet likewise. You that are 

 seated in the first place, I greet you, too. All you children of the 

 night-blest spirits who are in this lodge, I greet you. It is good that 

 you wish me to live ; that I am here. I am not a child of a night-blest 

 one, that this invitation should have been extended to me, but you 

 probably knew the nature of my life and that is why, I suppose, you 

 extended this honor to me. My relatives are even greater weaklings 

 in the properties and goods of life than I am. That happens to be 

 our manner of life. It is good. Henceforth we shall be stronger as 

 we journey tlu'ough life. Our men, women, and children shall all 

 live in peace. As many of us as are living to-day, that many shall 

 continue to live (on account of my participation in this ceremony). 

 I am thankful. 



"Of all the spirits that exist, these truly are in control of most life. 

 So it is said of the Night Spirits. This is a great thing. These 

 spirits have given us the occasion for a great counciling. Many of us 

 are not able to take part in it, especially the one now speaking. The 

 songs that have been used by our fathers we will not be able to sing, 

 but whatever we say I know will be acceptable to you, children of the 

 night-blest spirits. I send forth greetings to you all." 



Then he sang an entrance song, and after he had made the circuit 

 of the lodge, he sang another one. Then he went around the lodge 

 again making his strange utterances, until he came in front of the 

 host. Here he made a circle (with his hand) and stopped. Then he 

 greeted the liost as follows: 



"A great day has come upon us, both upon me and upon all of my 

 relatives. We all have tasted thereof so that we might live thereby. 

 We have all brought you a pipeful of tobacco, just as we were told. 

 It is said that we would thus strengthen one another, and that is why 

 we have done it. I greet you all." 



Then he went to his seat, the second one in the lodge, and sat down. 

 Then all the member^ of his band sat down, each sending forth a 

 greeting as they took their seats. When they were all seated the 

 third man invited prepared to enter. 



The third one invited now entered, uttering strange sounds, and 

 made the circuit of the lodge, when he paused and addressed the host 

 as follows : 



"Councilors, life-obtainers, relatives who are seated in your respec- 

 tive seats, I greet you all. Here I have been blessed, although I am 

 not worthy of it. My grandfather, and my father, too, once said to 



