338 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE [eth. ann. 37 



They then rise and make four circuits of the lodge, first stopping 

 at the first seat, then at the second, then at the third, and lastly at 

 the fourth. When they get back to their starting place they sing 

 dancing songs, first stopping at the west end of the lodge and then 

 at the entrance. This they repeat. By this time all the songs they 

 had intended using have been sung, so they make four circuits of 

 the lodge and then, taking the drum, gourd, etc., place it in front of 

 the north band. When the dancers are all seated the leader of the 

 north band rises, and greeting everyone speaks as follows: 



"I was not pitied because I was a child of the night-blest ones, 

 my father told me. Yet if I performed my duties aright I would be 

 able to make the proper speeches when called upon, I was told. 

 That I have been pitied now is due to the fact that these people here 

 wished to have me obtain life. Certainly my invitation to this 

 ceremony has made me think of life, as my father used to tell me. 

 I do not for a moment imagine that they invited me because I was a 

 great man. Nevertheless my father told me to say that it was good; 

 and that if I really meant all that I said, my life would certainly be 

 strengthened thereby. My father knew how to perform this cere- 

 mony correctly, but I am not able to do so. Although I was told 

 it was a good thing, nevertheless I was not able to pour tobacco. 

 Those whom we call the Ones-with-the-rounded-wood are in charge 

 of very much life and they are holy. This affair is not a thing to be 

 trifled with, my father told me. Yet in spite of this we will sing 

 some songs, even though we know that we will not be able to sing 

 them as they have been sung heretofore. Perhaps, however, you 

 will be kind enough to be satisfied with whatever we do. Children 

 of the night-blessed ones, I greet you." 



Then he sang the starting song, and when he was finished he rose 

 again and, greeting all, spoke as follows: 



"When Those-with-the-rounded-wood start to walk their sisters 

 are placed in front of them. Our sisters we will now place in front 

 of us, so that thereby they may be blest with life and hold the princi- 

 pal sticks and staffs. We will use the toys so that we may be 

 strengthened thereby, we think, and that is why I greet you." 



Then they permit the women to lead the procession. These 

 women walk in front, side by side, and are followed by the ones 

 carrying the gourds, who dance with their backs toward them. Then 

 come the drummers and the feast-givers, and after these, all those 

 who desire to join in. They walk around the lodge making strange 

 utterances. Four times do they make the circuit of the lodge and 

 then they come and stop at the east end, where they sing. When 

 they are through here they start around the lodge again and stop 

 at the west end and sing. Then they start again, making the same 

 strange utterances as before, until they come to the east end of the 



