86 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Our words are straight — 



Only these can we speak unto you, 



Oh you 'from whom we are descended, 



Oh you who dwell in the sky ! 



You look down upon us and know that we are all children. 



Now we petition you as we burn this sacred tobacco! 



Now we commence our invocation, 



Now we speak of all that you have created. 



Now [in the beginning] you did think that men-beings should in- 

 herit the blessings of your creations, 



For you did say, " Earth was my birthplace ! " 



Now we have spoken in this incense [throws tobacco upon the 

 flames]. 



Oh now inhale the smoke, so listen to our words. 



Now we commence, we are all that remain upon the earth. 



You behold the places that once were filled but now are empty; 



We were unable to change it for you made the law. 



Now you think that there should be two conditions of temperature 

 upon the earth ; 



One you thought should be cold and one should be warm 



And when the warm season came that Diohe"ko, our substance, 

 should spring from the bosom of Earth, our mother. 



Now we have harvested the Diohe"ko from whence our living is 



For the warm season has gone and we have here assembled. 



Now we have made inquiries among all the people and they remem- 

 ber their promises, 



For they promised you that they should assemble again at Gaiwan- 

 os'kwa gowa' 



On the fifth sun of the moon Niskowuk'ni. 



So all fulfilled the plan and gathered together in the moon Nis'a, 

 even those here present, 



Oh you who were born of Earth, yet dwell in the sky ! 



Now all have fulfilled the law, for you did plan that the rites should 

 be perpetuated even forever. 



Now we are commencing, Oh you who were born of Earth ! 



Upon the first day the Great Feather dance went through the 

 village for your pleasure. 



The honon'diont and their cousins did their full duty. 



Now on the next day Ganeo' was celebrated; at midday they went 

 through the village, 



