82 THE OSAGE TRIBE 



[ETH. ANN. 43 



251. Even among the gods 



252. There is not one who has power to cross my path. 



253. When the httle ones make of me their bodies, 



254. Even among the gods 



255. There is not one who shall be able to cross their path. 



256. Even among the gods 



257. What one is there who can stand in my way to prevent my 



going? 



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



259. Even among the gods 



260. There is not one who shall be able to stand in their way to 



prevent their going. 



261. I am not the only god, 



262. Take heed and make further search. 



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



264. The Chief Messenger 



265. Hastened to 



266. The side of the heavens 



267. Where lay Sho'"-ge, the Dog (Sirius), as though suspended in 



the sky, 



268. And returned with him to the people. 



269. They spake to him, saying: O grandfather, 



270. The little ones have nothing of which to make their bodies. 



271. Then, at that very time, 



272. The Dog repHed: The little ones shall make of me their bodies. 



273. Behold my toes, that are gathered closely together, 



274. I have not folded them together without a purpose. 



275. I have made them to be a sign of old age. 



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



277. When they become aged men, 



278. In their toes, closely folded together, 



279. They shall see the sign of old age. 



280. Behold the folds of skin on my ankle. 



281. I have not put them there without a purpose. 



282. I have made them to be a sign of old age. 



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



284. When they become aged men, 



285. In the skin of their ankles, gathered in folds, 



286. They shall see the sign of old age. 



287. Behold the flaccid muscles of my thigh. 



288. They have not become flaccid without a purpose. 



289. I have made them to be a sign of old age. 



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



