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The Arrow-Maker: A Drama in Three Acts, a play by Mary Hunter Austin |
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Act 1 |
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_ Act First [SCENE.--_The hut of the_ CHISERA, _in the foot-hills of the Sierras. It stands at the mouth of a steep, dark cañon, opening toward the valley of Sagharawite. At the back rise high and barren cliffs where eagles nest; at the foot of the cliffs runs a stream, hidden by willow and buckthorn and toyon. The wickiup is built in the usual Paiute fashion, of long willows set about a circular pit, bent over to form a dome, thatched with reeds and grass. About the hut lie baskets and blankets, a stone metate, other household articles, all of the best quality; in front is a clear space overflowing with knee-deep many-colored bloom of the California spring. A little bank that runs from the wickiup to the toyon bushes is covered with white forget-me-nots. The hearth-fire between two stones is quite out, but the deerskin that screens the opening of the hut is caught up at one side, a sign that the owner is not far from home, or expects to return soon._] [_At first glance the scene appears devoid of life, but suddenly the call of a jay bird is heard faintly and far up the trail that leads to the right among the rocks. It is repeated nearer at hand, perfectly imitated but with a nuance that advises of human origin, and two or three half-naked Indians are seen to be making their way toward the bottom of the cañon, their movements so cunningly harmonized with the lines of the landscape as to render them nearly invisible._ CHOCO _and_ PAMAQUASH _with two others come together at the end of the bank farthest from the_ CHISERA'S _hut._] CHOCO Who called? PAMAQUASH It came from farther up. CHOCO Yavi, I think. PAMAQUASH He must have seen something. CHOCO By the Bear, if the Castacs have crossed our boundaries, there are some of them shall not recross it! PAMAQUASH Hush--the Chisera--she will hear you! CHOCO She is not in the hut. She went out toward the hills early this morning, and has not yet returned. Besides, if the Castacs have crossed, we cannot keep it from the women much longer. PAMAQUASH (_Who has moved up to a better post of observation._) There is some one on the trail. (_The jay's call is heard and answered softly by_ PAMAQUASH.) CHOCO Yavi. But Tavwots is not with him. (YAVI _comes dropping from the cliffs._) What have you seen? YAVI Smoke rising--by Deer Leap. Two long puffs and a short one. (_The news is received with sharp, excited murmurs._) PAMAQUASH More than a score--and with all our youths we cannot count so many. CHOCO And this business of war leader still unsettled--The Council must sit at once. Go, one of you, and tell Chief Rain Wind that Tavwots has signaled from Deer Leap that more than a score of Castacs are out against us. PAMAQUASH And tell the women to prepare a gift hastily for the Chisera. Who knows how soon we shall have need of her medicine. (_One of the Indians departs on this errand._) CHOCO Never so much need of it as when we have neglected our own part of the affair! Even before the Castacs began to fill up our springs and drive our deer, we knew that the Chief is too old for war; and now that the enemy has crossed our borders we are still leaderless. PAMAQUASH So we should not be if we had followed the tribal use and given the leadership to years and experience. It is you young men who have unsettled judgment, with the to-do you have made about the Arrow-Maker. CHOCO I have nothing against years and experience, but when one has the gods as plainly on his side as Simwa-- YAVI Never have I seen a man so increase in power and fortune-- PAMAQUASH Huh--huh! I too have watched the growth of this Simwa. Also I have seen a gourd swelling with the rains, and I have not laid it to the gods in either case. But the Council must sit upon it. We must bring it to the Council. YAVI (_Hotly._) Why should you credit the gods with Simwa's good fortune since he himself does not so claim it? For my part, I think with the Arrow-Maker, that it is better for a man to thrive by his own wits, rather than by the making of medicine or the wisdom of the elders. PAMAQUASH (_From above._) Tst--st, Tavwots! (TAVWOTS _comes down the cañon panting with speed. He drops exhausted on the bank, and_ YAVI _gives him water between his palms from the creek._) CHOCO Have they crossed? TAVWOTS Between Deer Leap and Standing Rock--more than a score, though I think some of them were boys--but they had no women. CHOCO They mean fighting, then! YAVI Well, they can have it. TAVWOTS But they should not be let fatten on our deer before they come to it. Winnemucca, whom I left at Deer Leap, will bring us word where they camp to-night. In the mean time there is much to do. (_Rising._) CHOCO Much. No doubt Simwa will have something to suggest. TAVWOTS The Arrow-Maker is not yet war leader, my friend. I go to the Chief and the Council. (_He goes._) CHOCO And yet, I think the Chief favors Simwa, else why should he prefer to put the election to lot rather than keep to the custom of the fathers? YAVI (_Going._) There might be reasons to that, not touching the merits of the Arrow-Maker. PAMAQUASH Tavwots has met the women! (_Sounds of the grief of the women in the direction of the camp._) CHOCO They are coming to the Chisera. We should not have let them find us here; they will neglect their business with her to beset us with questions. (_To them enter three women of the campody of Sagharawite, carrying perfect-patterned, bowl-shaped baskets, with gifts of food for the_ CHISERA. SEEGOOCHE, _the Chiefs wife, is old and full of dignity._ TIAWA _is old and sharp, but_ WACOBA _is a comfortable, comely matron, who wears a blanket modestly yet to conceal charms not past their prime._ SEEGOOCHE _and_ TIAWA _wear basket caps, but_ WACOBA _has a bandeau of bright beads about her hair. They show signs of agitation, instantly subdued at sight of the men_.) SEEGOOCHE Is this true what Tavwots has told us, that the Castacs are upon us? CHOCO No nearer than Pahrump. Not so near by the time we have done with them. What gifts have you? TIAWA The best the camp affords. Think you we would stint when the smoke of the Castacs goes up within our borders? WACOBA Where is she? CHOCO Abroad in the hills gathering roots and herbs for to-night's medicine. Wait for her.--We must go look to our fighting gear. (_He goes out in the direction of the campody._) PAMAQUASH (_To_ WACOBA.) My bow case, is it finished? WACOBA And the bow inside it. See that you come not back to me nor to your young son until the bowstring is frayed asunder. PAMAQUASH If you do your work with the Chisera as well as we with Castac, you shall not need to question our bowstrings. (_Going._) SEEGOOCHE Leave us to deal--though if she cannot help us in this matter, I do not know where we shall turn. TIAWA Never have I asked help of her, and been disappointed. WACOBA (_Gathering flowers._) Aye, but that was mere women's matters, weevil in the pine nuts, a love-charm or a colicky child. _This is war!_ SEEGOOCHE (_Still peering about._) As if that were not a woman's affair also! TIAWA You may well say that! It was in our last quarrel with Castac I lost the only man-child I ever had, dead before he was born. When the women showed me his face, it was all puckered with the bitterness of that defeat. You may well say a woman's matter! SEEGOOCHE That was the year my husband was first made Chief, and we covered defeat with victory, as we shall again. It was Tinnemaha, the father of the Chisera, went before the gods for us, I remember. TIAWA Well for us that he taught her his strong medicine. Not a fighting man from Tecuya to Tehachappi but trusts in her. (_Goes to the creek and dips up water to drink in her basket cap._) WACOBA (_Tentatively._) It is believed by some that she makes medicine for Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, and that is why his arrows are so well feathered and fly so swiftly to the mark. SEEGOOCHE Simwa! Why, he scoffs at charms and speaks lightly even of the gods. TIAWA (_Giving the others to drink from her cap._) Aye; Simwa puts not faith in anybody but Simwa. SEEGOOCHE And with good reason, for he is the most skillful of the tribesmen. He has made all the arrows for the fighting men. Do you think they will make him war leader? WACOBA (_Ornamenting the basket she has brought with a wreath of flowers, which she plucks._) Padahoon will never agree to it. TIAWA But if Simwa is the better man? WACOBA The Sparrow Hawk is older, and has the greater experience. SEEGOOCHE Prutt! If age and experience were all, my husband would not ask that a new leader be chosen. Young men are keenest-eyed and quickest afoot. (_She moves up the trail looking for signs of the_ CHISERA.) TIAWA (_Going over to_ WACOBA, _aside from_ SEEGOOCHE.) So the Chief favors Simwa? I would not have thought it. WACOBA (_Significantly._) Seegooche's daughter is not married, and the Arrow-Maker has many blankets. TIAWA Ugh, huh! So the scent lies up that trail? Well, why not? WACOBA Why not? The Chief's daughter and the war leader? A good match. TIAWA (_Going across to the hut._) Aye, a good match!... Do you know, I have never been in the Chisera's house. It is said she has a great store of baskets and many beads. Let us look. SEEGOOCHE No, no; do not go near it. WACOBA (_Alarmed._) _Kima!_ Tiawa, she may be watching you. TIAWA (_By the hut, but not daring to enter it._) What harm to visit a neighbor's house when the door is open. Besides, she makes no bad medicine. SEEGOOCHE We know that she does not, but not that she could not if she would. TIAWA (_Returning reluctantly._) Why should we hold the Chisera so apart from the campody? Why should she not have a husband and children as other women? How can she go before the gods for us until she knows what we are thinking in our hearts? WACOBA (_Jumping up._) I have seen something stirring in the alder bushes. I think the Chisera comes! SEEGOOCHE Do not be seen too near the hut. Come away, Tiawa. TIAWA Have you the presents ready? (_The women take up their baskets hastily._) Hide your basket, Seegooche. It is not well to let all your gifts appear on the first showing, for if she is not persuaded at first, we shall have something of more worth. (_The_ CHISERA _comes out of the trail by the almond bushes, young and tall and comely, but of dignified, almost forbidding, carriage. She is dressed chiefly in skins; her hair is very long, braided with beads. She carries a small burden basket on her back, supported by a band about her forehead. She removes this, and drops it at the hut, coming forward._) THE CHISERA Friends, what have we to do with one another? Seegooche, has your meal fermented? Or has your baby the colic again, Wacoba? SEEGOOCHE We have a gift for you, Chisera. (_The women draw near timidly, each, as she speaks, placing her basket at the_ CHISERA'S _feet, and retire._) THE CHISERA (_Looking at the gifts, without touching them._) The venison is fat and tender; Seegooche, there is no one grinds meal so smoothly as you. The honey is indeed acceptable. (_After a pause, during which the medicine woman looks keenly at them._) TIAWA We do not come for ourselves, Chisera, but from the tribeswomen. SEEGOOCHE From every one who has a husband or son able to join battle. THE CHISERA (_Eagerly._) Is there battle? SEEGOOCHE Even as we came, there was word that the Castacs are camped at Pahrump, and before night our men must meet them. THE CHISERA And you ask me--? SEEGOOCHE (_Approaching appealingly and sinking to the ground in the stress of anxiety._) A charm, Chisera! TIAWA (_Approaching with_ WACOBA.) A most potent medicine, O friend of the gods! WACOBA That our men may have strength and discretion. That their hearts may not turn to water and their knees quake under them-- TIAWA (_Urgently._) May the bows of Castac be broken, and their arrows turned aside-- SEEGOOCHE For the lords of our bodies and the sons of our bodies, a blessing, Chisera! WACOBA That our hearths may be kept alight and our children know their fathers-- TIAWA When the noise of battle is joined and the buzzards come, may they feed on our foes, Chisera-- SEEGOOCHE O friend of the gods, befriend us! (_The women cast dust on their hair and rock to and fro while the_ CHISERA _speaks, lifting up their arms in an agony of entreating._) THE CHISERA Am I not also a tribeswoman? Would not I do so much for my people? But your gifts and your prayers will be acceptable to the gods, for of myself I can do nothing. (_She stoops to the gifts, but hesitates._) Who is this that comes? (_The young girls steal up noiselessly through the bushes, led by the Chief's daughter._ BRIGHT WATER _is lovely and young; her hair, flowing loosely over her shoulders and breast, is mingled with strings of beads and bright berries. Her dress of fringed buckskin is heavily beaded, her arms are weighted with armlets of silver and carved beads of turquoise; about her neck hangs a disk of glittering shell. She walks proudly, a little in advance of the others, who bunch up timidly like quail on the trail, behind her. The women, catching sight of the girls, spring up, frightened, and stand half protectingly between them and the_ CHISERA.) TIAWA It is the Chief's daughter. SEEGOOCHE What do you here? You have neither sons nor husbands that you should ask spells and charms. BRIGHT WATER How, then, shall we have husbands or sons, if the battle goes against us? THE CHISERA Well answered, Chief's daughter. BRIGHT WATER (_Surprised._) You know me? THE CHISERA I have heard that the loveliest maiden of Sagharawite is called Bright Water, daughter of Rain Wind, Chief of the Paiutes. SEEGOOCHE (_Going over to_ BRIGHT WATER.) You should have stayed in the wickiup, my daughter; you are too young to go seeking magic medicine. BRIGHT WATER The more need because we are young, mother. If the loss of battle come to you, at least you have had the love of a man and the lips of children at the breast. But we, if the battle goes against us, what have we? THE CHISERA Ay, truly, Seegooche, there are no joys so hard to do without as those we have not had. BRIGHT WATER Therefore, we ask a charm, Chisera, for our sweethearts; and, in the mean time, may this remind you-- (_She drops a bracelet in the_ CHISERA'S _basket._) WHITE FLOWER (_Going forward._) The scarlet beads from me, Chisera. I am to be married in the time of tasseling corn. TUIYO The shells from me, Chisera. Good medicine! PIOKE Strong Bow is my lover, Chisera. Bring him safe home again. (_The girls retire after dropping their gifts in the_ CHISERA'S _basket._) THE CHISERA (_A little stiffly._) You have no need of gifts. Am I not young, even as you? Should _you_ pray for your lover any more or less for the sake of a few beads? SEEGOOCHE (_Anxiously._) Be not angry, Chisera. They would repay you for the dancing and the singing. (_The_ CHISERA _gathers up the gifts that the older women have brought and goes into the hut. The girls take up their gifts, puzzled._) SEEGOOCHE I am afraid you have vexed her with your foolish quest. BRIGHT WATER Has the Chisera a lover also, that she speak so? SEEGOOCHE It is not possible and we not know of it, for since her father's death if any sought her hand in marriage, he must come to my husband in the matter of dowry. WACOBA No fear that any will come while she is still the Chisera. BRIGHT WATER She is the wisest of us all. TIAWA Wisdom is good as a guest, but it wears out its welcome when it sits by the hearth-stone. BRIGHT WATER She has great power with the gods. WACOBA So much so that if she had a husband, he dare not beat her lest she run and tattle to them. SEEGOOCHE She is our Chisera, and there is not another like her between Tehachappi and Tecuya. If she were wearied with stooping and sweating, if she were anxious with bearing and rearing, how could she go before the gods for us? TIAWA Aye, that is the talk in the wickiups, that we must hold her apart from us to give her room for her great offices, but I have always said--but I am old and nobody minds me--I have always said that if she had loved as we love and had borne as we have borne, she would be the more fitted to entreat the gods that we may not lose. SEEGOOCHE (_As the_ CHISERA _comes out of the hut._) If you are angry, Chisera, turn it against our enemies of Castac. THE CHISERA You know that I cannot curse. TIAWA Is it true, Chisera, that you make no bad medicine? THE CHISERA Many kinds of sickness I can cure, and give easy childbirth. I can bring rain, and give fortune in the hunt, but of the making of evil spells I know nothing. SEEGOOCHE But your father, the medicine man--he was the dread and wonder of the tribes. THE CHISERA Aye, my father could kill by a spell, and make a wasting sickness with a frown, but he thought such powers not proper to women: therefore he taught me none. WACOBA But you will bring a blessing on the battle? Oh, Chisera, they do not tell us women, but we hear it whispered about the camp that the men of Castac are five and twenty, and even with the youths who go to their first battle we cannot make a score of ours. It is the Friend of the Soul of Man must make good our numbers. THE CHISERA Even now I go to prepare strong medicine. WACOBA Come away, then, and leave the Chisera to her work. (_Going._) SEEGOOCHE May the gods befriend you. If we have your blessing, we care little for another's curse. (_Going._) THE CHISERA Stay. After all, we are but women together, and if a woman may give counsel, women may hear it. TIAWA Would we might hear yours to-day! THE CHISERA When the smoke of the medicine fire arises, so as to be seen from the spring, do you come up along the creek as far as the black rock. WOMEN Yes, yes! THE CHISERA When you hear the medicine rattles, stand off by the toyon. WOMEN By the toyon--yes! THE CHISERA But when the rattles are stopped, and the singing falls off, come up very softly, not to disturb the Council, and hear what the gods have said. If the men speak against it, I will stand for you. SEEGOOCHE Our thanks to you, Chisera, for this kindness. TIAWA And though you are a Chisera, and have strange intercourse with the gods, I know you a woman, by this token. THE CHISERA Doubt it not, but go. SEEGOOCHE Come away, girls. (_They go out, the girls with them. But_ BRIGHT WATER _lingers, and comes back to the_ CHISERA.) BRIGHT WATER Chisera-- THE CHISERA Chief's daughter? BRIGHT WATER Call me by my name. THE CHISERA Bright Water, what would you have of me? BRIGHT WATER Can you--will you make a charm for one going out to battle whose name is not spoken? THE CHISERA How shall the gods find him out, if he is not to be named? BRIGHT WATER (_Earnestly._) Oh, he is handsome and strong in the shoulders; the muscles of his back are laced like thongs. He is the bravest-- THE CHISERA (_Laughing._) Chief's daughter, whenever I have made love charms, they have been for men handsome and strong in the back. BRIGHT WATER (_Abashed._) I know not how to describe him. THE CHISERA (_Still smiling._) And his name is not to be spoken? (BRIGHT WATER _continues to look down at her moccasin._) If I had something of his: something he had shaped with his hands or worn upon his person, that I could make medicine upon-- BRIGHT WATER Like this? (_Takes amulet from her neck and holds it out._) THE CHISERA (_Taking it._) Did he give you this? BRIGHT WATER He made it. THE CHISERA (_Examining it._) It is skillfully fashioned. BRIGHT WATER Will it answer? THE CHISERA To make a spell upon? Yes, if you can spare it. BRIGHT WATER Shall I have it again? THE CHISERA When the time is past for which the spell is made. BRIGHT WATER Make it, then; a powerful medicine against ill fortune in battle. And this for your pains, Chisera. (_Holds out bracelet._) THE CHISERA (_Proudly._) I want no gifts. Keep your bracelet. BRIGHT WATER (_With equal pride._) The Chief's daughter asks no favors. THE CHISERA But if a Chisera choose to confer them? (_With sudden feeling._) What question is there between us of Chief's daughter and Chisera? We are two women, and young. BRIGHT WATER (_Uncertainly._) The Chisera is the friend of the gods. THE CHISERA And therefore not the friend of any tribeswoman? (_Passionately._) Oh, I am weary of the friendship of the gods! If I have walked in the midnight and heard what the great ones have said, is that any reason I should not know what a man says to a maid in the dusk--or do a kindness to my own kind--or love, and be beloved? BRIGHT WATER (_Moved._) Therefore take it (_offering bracelet again_) as one woman from another--and you shall make a charm for me for love. THE CHISERA (_Taking the gift._) I shall make it as though I loved him myself. BRIGHT WATER (_Startled._) Oh, I did not say I loved him. THE CHISERA (_Smiling._) No? BRIGHT WATER (_Studying the pattern of her moccasin._) Is it true, Chisera, that you have been called to the Council that decides upon the war leader who is to be chosen in my father's place? THE CHISERA I am to inquire of the gods concerning it. BRIGHT WATER (_Diffidently._) Chisera, I have heard--my father thinks--Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, is well spoken of. (_The first note of the love call is heard far up the cliffs. The_ CHISERA _starts and controls herself._) THE CHISERA (_Coldly, in dismissal._) Simwa needs the good word of no man. It shall be as the gods determine. (_Goes over to hut. The love call sounds nearer._) BRIGHT WATER (_After a moment's hesitation._) Farewell, Chisera. (_She goes._) THE CHISERA (_Looking up the trail._) Ah, Simwa, Simwa, what bond there is between us, when, if I but pronounce thy name in my heart, thy voice answers. (_The love call is repeated far up the cliffs above her hut, and she answers it, singing:_) Over-long are thy feet on the trails, (_As she sings_, SIMWA, _in full war dress, comes dropping down, hand over hand, from the rocks, until he stands beside her._) SIMWA Did you not hear me when first I called? THE CHISERA I heard you, Most Desired. When do I not? Even when I sleep, my heart wakes to hear you. The women have been with me. SIMWA You know, then? THE CHISERA That this very night a war party of ours must go out to meet the Castacs. SIMWA And before that there will be a Council to choose a war leader? Has the Chief told you? THE CHISERA Not since this latest word, but yesterday he bid me prepare a strong medicine, for he thought the election would be made by lot. But I did not tell him, O Much Desired, that I had already made medicine a night and a day to let the choice fall on you. A day and a night by Deer Leap on Toorape, where never foot but mine had been, I made medicine, and the answer is sure. SIMWA That I shall get the leadership? THE CHISERA When have the gods denied me anything that I asked for your sake, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite? SIMWA The Padahoon hunts on a cold trail, and there is nothing for me to do? (_He sits on the bank and the_ CHISERA _sits below him._) THE CHISERA Beloved, there is much to do, for before the shadow which lies between my feet has grown tall again, I must make medicine for the sake of this war; and I have spent so much on you, the power goes from me. Now, you must put your hand upon my heart, and nurse it warm, so that the people lack nothing of their Chisera. SIMWA Is that good, Chisera? (_Puts his arm about her._) THE CHISERA Very good, Friend of my heart. (_She leans upon his arm._) SIMWA (_Quickened by the caress._) Chisera, what did you do before I came? THE CHISERA Oh, then I lived in the dream of you. When I ran in the trails, my heart expected you at every turn, and in the dark of the hut the sense of you brooded on my sleep. But I thought it was all for the gods. SIMWA (_Fatuously._) Until I came. THE CHISERA Did I tell you, Simwa, that day when first you found me dancing in the sun--you had been gathering eagle's feathers for your arrows, do you remember?--I thought that day that you were of the gods yourself, for I was sick with longing, and the spring was in my blood. SIMWA And when I came again, what did you think? THE CHISERA That you were the man most deserving their favor, and that all the medicine I had learned until then was merely that I might persuade them for your sake. SIMWA (_Sitting up._) Chisera, when you go up to the Friend of the Soul of Man, you cannot be always asking for the tribespeople. Do you not sometimes ask for yourself? THE CHISERA What should I ask for when I have your love? SIMWA For friends, perhaps, who are to be rewarded, or those who have done you injuries? (_Watching her._) THE CHISERA (_Laughing._) Once, Simwa, before I was sure of you, I made a singing medicine to draw you from the camp. And you came, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite, you came. (_Laying her hands on his bosom._) Did you not feel me draw you? SIMWA Often and often, as it were a tie-rope in my bosom between us. (_Letting go her hands and stretching himself preparatory to rising._) But I did not think it was your medicine. THE CHISERA What then? SIMWA (_Rising and walking about._) Your beauty and the wonder of your dancing. THE CHISERA Tell me, Simwa, in the beginning I know you did not believe; but now you understand the power I have from the Friend of the Soul of Man? SIMWA Surely; now that I am about to be made war leader by means of it. THE CHISERA (_Rising and going back to the feathering of the prayer-stick._) But I have heard the women gossiping at the spring-- SIMWA What did they say? THE CHISERA That Simwa does not believe in charms and scoffs at the gods. SIMWA That was true (_recovering_)--once. But now that I am become the most notable arrow-maker in Sagharawite-- THE CHISERA Now--now you do not scoff at the Chisera? SIMWA (_Embarrassed._) But it is not always well for a man to say what he thinks. If I were to tell in the campody whence my good fortune is, would not Padahoon do me some mischief for it? THE CHISERA But, Simwa, am I never to come to you as other women to the wickiups of their husbands? SIMWA What need, Chisera, when I come so often to yours? THE CHISERA The need of women to serve openly where they love. SIMWA But what service could you do me when you had lost the respect of the tribesmen? You know the tribal custom. It is not for the friend of the gods to dig roots and dress venison. (_Throws himself on the bank beside her._) THE CHISERA I have not found the gods any the less friendly since I have loved, Arrow-Maker; and I know not why it should seem strange to others that I should know love as--as we have known it. Only to-day the girls of the village came to me to buy a charm to keep their lovers safe in war. There was not one but dared to ask, even though she would not speak her lover's name for bashfulness. See, one of them gave me this to make medicine upon. SIMWA (_Taking it._) Bright Water gave you this? THE CHISERA (_Surprised._) How did you know? SIMWA I thought you said--that is, I have seen her wear it. Did she tell you from whom she had it? THE CHISERA Not by his name, but by the way he looked to her. SIMWA How was that? THE CHISERA As every lover looks to every maid--tall and strong and straight of back. Even as you look to me, Beloved. SIMWA (_Relieved, giving back the amulet._) May your medicine preserve him. And, as for me, Chisera, I wish I could persuade the tribesmen to look as favorably on me as you do. THE CHISERA But you have no enemies. SIMWA The Sparrow Hawk, without doubt. Could you give me a curse for him? THE CHISERA (_Rising._) Ah, you should not have asked me that. Never since my father died have I thought to regret that he did not teach me the making of evil medicine. Would I had all the curses in the world! (_Turning piteously to him._) But you do not love me any the less because I have not one little, little curse to give you? SIMWA No, it is nothing. No curse can reach me past your blessing. But I would not have thought the old man would leave you wholly unprotected. Why, even I could wrong you, and, without a curse (_trying to speak lightly_) you could not punish me for it. THE CHISERA If no one does me no more wrong than you, Simwa, I need no cursing. But, in truth, my father did give me--Ah, now I have thought of another gift for you, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite! Before he died, the medicine man, my father--did I not tell you? (_she rummages eagerly in her medicine bag_)--gave me this magic arrow against my evil hour. (_Drawing it out._) See how heavy it is, and how the blood drain is cut in a medicine writing round and round the shaft. SIMWA What magic has it? THE CHISERA That however far and feebly it is shot, it flies straight to the mark, over hills and high mountains, in the dark or light, and death rides upon its shaft. (_Laughing._) Why, you could kill even me with this arrow. See, I have tied it in your quiver, so that you may not mistake it and shoot it away on any slight occasion. It is my latest gift to you, Beloved. SIMWA Thanks for the gift, Chisera. Now give me the quiver. I must join the others before the Council. The fighting men were painting their faces when I came. (_A war-whoop is heard at a distance._) THE CHISERA I hear shouting. SIMWA I must go quickly. I would not have Padahoon find me here. THE CHISERA Yes, he would brood upon it like a sage hen, until he had hatched mischief. Oh, Simwa, though I have prayed the gods until they and I are weary, to keep you safe in this war, yet my heart shakes to see you go. There is a beating in my breast as of the wings of vultures after battle. SIMWA You have wearied yourself too much making medicine. If you have no more faith in the gods, have a little in me. If I can go out of Sagharawite as war leader, I shall come back with the spoil of Castac. (_Shouts are heard nearer than before._) Now I go quickly! (_He turns carelessly from her lingering caress and crosses to the toyon, starting back at the sight of_ PADAHOON, _moving noiselessly through the chaparral, blanketed and watchful._) What! Has the Sparrow Hawk eaten _when-o-nabe_ that he must visit the Chisera on the eve of Council? PADAHOON I come from the Chief--but I had not expected to find Simwa, the scoffer, before me. SIMWA (_Uneasily._) I have been gathering eagles' feathers for my arrows under Toorape. PADAHOON Quite so--and are not the first hunter to find the shortest way past the house of the Medicine Woman. But it is well known that Simwa seeks no charms for himself. The Chief has been asking for you. (_He passes on to the_ CHISERA, _standing stiffly with strained attention by her hut._ SIMWA _hesitates, recovers himself, and passes out with the appearance of indifference._) Chisera, Rain Wind, Chief of Sagharawite, greets you, and bids me say that at the moth-hour he will be here with the fighting men to invite the favor of the gods in this war with Castac. THE CHISERA And before that--? PADAHOON There will be a Council-- THE CHISERA To choose a war leader. PADAHOON So the Chief has said. THE CHISERA And it is the purpose of the Council to put this election to the gods? PADAHOON It may come to that--(_A pause._) Chief Rain Wind is a dotard. What should a woman know of these matters? THE CHISERA All that the gods are thinking in their hearts. PADAHOON The gods, aye! But what word have the gods of the affairs of Sagharawite except as you carry it? Now between us--Chisera-- THE CHISERA What is there between us, Padahoon, that our talk should be otherwise than appears at the Council? PADAHOON There should be a matter of two doeskins, tanned white and fine (_he produces them from under his blanket_) if the gods are friendly. Look, Chisera! (_He spreads them out before the_ CHISERA, _who is seated by the hut, feathering a prayer-stick._) PADAHOON (_Dropping the doeskins negligently._) Oh, the man can make an arrow. THE CHISERA But not lead a war party? PADAHOON A war leader, Chisera, should be neither old and timid, nor young and overbold, but of middle years and discretion; not so hot in his heart that his head cannot reason with it, nor so reasonable that it cools his heart. (_As he stands again, his hands are folded inside his arms; he is not so sure of his errand_.) THE CHISERA Like ... Padahoon. PADAHOON (_Wheedling._) What will the gods think of a blanket of the Navajoes (_he spreads it out before her_)--thick and fine--and four strings of shells--and a cake of mesquite meal--? THE CHISERA Are the gods a-cold, Padahoon, that you bring them a blanket? Is there hunger in their camp, think you? PADAHOON Let the things stay in yours, Chisera; they will remind you to speak well of me when you go before the Friend of the Soul of Man. THE CHISERA Put up your pack, Padahoon! PADAHOON It is a little matter, Chisera; a handful of sticks thrown on the ground. What should the gods care for a handful of sticks? And the blanket is very thick. Shall I leave it a little while, that you may admire it? THE CHISERA Put up your pack, Padahoon, and learn not to think so lightly of the gods, lest they visit it upon you! PADAHOON (_Reluctantly putting up the bribe; after a pause, revolving new measures._) Chisera, this is a man's business which comes before you in the Council. Will you hear man-talk from me? THE CHISERA Is it possible the Sparrow Hawk does so much credit to my understanding? PADAHOON Chisera, we have had peace now at Sagharawite so many summers that scarcely a man of us besides myself has seen battle; also we are a little outnumbered. Have you thought, Chisera, what will come to Sagharawite if we go out under an untried leader? THE CHISERA What will come will be as the gods determine. What reason have you to think they will favor you more than Simwa? PADAHOON It is my experience, Chisera, that the gods are inclined to the better man. And, look you, Chisera, this is perhaps my last chance to serve my people. Comes another war, if there are enough of us left after this to make another war possible, I shall be too old for leadership. And I have that in me which I would prove before I die. This is man-talk, Chisera. Do you understand it? THE CHISERA I understand that you want greatly this election, but I can do nothing except as the gods declare. Put up your pack, Padahoon, I have work to do. (_Rising._) PADAHOON (_Putting up his pack._) How much did Simwa give you? THE CHISERA (_Startled._) Simwa! (_Recovering herself._) The Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite leaves all higher matters where they belong. PADAHOON Simwa put trust in the gods! Simwa believe that by singing and dancing and waving of arms, with a rag of buckskin and a hair of your head and three leaves of a seldom-flowering plant, you can turn the fortunes of war? This will be news for the fighting men, Chisera. THE CHISERA (_Quivering, but controlling herself._) Padahoon, now by this I am minded to prove what the gods can do against tale-bearers and snakes in the grass! (_Balancing her medicine stick for a moment, she seems on the point of invoking the gods against him, but thinks better of it._) Nay, but the gods have greater affairs. (_Sound of the drums in the direction of the camp._) Now I go to prepare strong medicine so that you shall know, Padahoon, how the gods choose between you and the Arrow-Maker. (_She goes into the hut and lets fall the curtain._) (_Enter_ PAMAQUASH, YAVI, _and other youths to prepare for the Council._) PAMAQUASH Is the Chisera advised of the Council? PADAHOON Even now she prepares herself in the wickiup. Where is the Chief? PAMAQUASH He stays only until the fighting men are gathered together. PADAHOON I will join them. See that the Chisera is not disturbed before her time. (_He goes out._) PAMAQUASH Over there in front of the wickiup, one of you light the medicine fire, but do not light it until the Chisera comes. (YAVI _and another prepare the fire._) YAVI How is it that the Chisera will discover the will of the gods? PAMAQUASH Spread a blanket there, where the Chief and the Chisera will sit--(_To_ YAVI.) By the casting of the seven sacred sticks. As the gods will they make the sticks to fall in a sign that she can read. YAVI Is it so that the Medicine Worker sometimes fails? PAMAQUASH Medicine men have died at it before now--and better so, for otherwise they should have died by the law. YAVI Is that the law? PAMAQUASH Surely, surely. For of what use is an advocate with the gods if he cannot get to them. It would be so with the Chisera. (_As the preparations have gone forward, the sound of the drums and rattles, with an occasional subdued whoop, has drawn nearer, and the Fighting Men, led by the_ CHIEF, _in full fighting gear, arrive in single file marching to the drums. The procession halts in the open space before the_ CHISERA'S _hut._) CHIEF Let the Council sit. (_Eleven of the elders seat themselves in a circle about the fire, turning toward the_ CHIEF. _The others stand or sit attentively in the background. The_ CHIEF _at the fire hands the ceremonial pipe to_ YAVI _who lights it._ RAIN WIND _blows a puff of smoke to all the gods, returning to his place in the Council; the pipe passes from hand to hand; when it has passed all about, each tribesman blowing smoke and saluting, the_ CHIEF _rises and stands before the_ CHISERA'S _hut_.) Chisera, Chisera, come to Council! THE CHISERA (_Advancing to his side._) Rain Wind, Chief of Sagharawite, what will you have of me? (PAMAQUASH _lights the medicine fire._) CHIEF To carry a matter too hard for us before the Friend of the Soul of Man. THE CHISERA Nothing that men contrive in their hearts is too hard for the gods. Speak, then! (_Goes and sits beside the_ CHIEF.) CHIEF (_Rising._) Tribesmen, for as many years as a fir tree needs to bear cones, I have been Chief in Sagharawite. Now I am old, and, like a badger, see only my own trail (_grunts of dissent_), and my legs carry me no farther than my eyes see. Therefore, since there is war with Castac concerning the piñon trees which are ours (_grunts and exclamations_), it is right you have a younger man to lead you. But, since it has never happened that there must be a war leader chosen while there is a chief alive and sitting in Council, I think it well to inquire how the gods stand toward us. Tribesmen, what do you say? (_Sits with great dignity._) CHOCO (_Rising and saluting the_ CHIEF _with lifted hand. Speaking with great deliberation and winning sober approval._) Chief Rain Wind has said. The occasion is strange and the candidates of such diverse but equal merit that it is impossible for a just man to choose between them. Let the Chisera carry it to the gods. CHIEF This is truth which Choco says--whom the gods will favor they favor. They are not greatly bound to the choice of men. THE COUNCIL Good counsel! good counsel! (_Assent from the bystanders._) TAVWOTS (_Continuing, with earnestness._) Tribesmen, I am not myself of two minds in this business. I speak freely for Padahoon according to our custom which is, without discredit to the Arrow-Maker, for the leadership of the elder. But at least let us remember that the gods have high affairs; they are not always listening to the gossip of the camp-fire and hut. What word have they of Sagharawite except as the Chisera carries it? If we put the choice to them, let her know what we are thinking in our hearts. Let Simwa and Sparrow Hawk declare it so that we and the gods shall know how they stand toward the conduct of this war. I have said. (_Seats himself amid general approval._) OLD MEN Good counsel! Good counsel! TRIBESMEN Simwa! Padahoon! The Arrow-Maker! Padahoon! CHIEF Padahoon, you have the more years; say what you will do. And do you, Chisera, bear it well in your heart as you go up before the Friend of the Soul of Man. THE CHISERA The trail of the gods is hard and none may walk therein save those that walk sincerely. Speak, then! PADAHOON (_Rising._) Chief and tribesmen, you know me. What I think in my heart, I say; and what I say I do. The piñon trees are ours, since the time of our father's fathers (_general assent_), and this is a vain fight for the men of Castac. Inasmuch as they have crossed our borders, they do evilly, but they are also Paiutes, as we are, and sons of the Bear. Aforetime when the Tecuyas came against us, they were as our brothers. Now, were I war leader, I should leave them at Pahrump and, going up behind the ridge of Toorape, strike at their villages. When we have their women and children and their stores, we can make terms with our brothers of Castac. So shall we save our honor and our allies. INDIANS Good counsel! Ugh! Huh! Padahoon! Good counsel! CHIEF Speak, Simwa! SIMWA (_Rising._) Shall I call a thief my brother, and is a poacher my fellow that I should respect him? Sons of the Bear are the men of Castac? Aye, bastard sons, and the coyote is their mother. (_Grunts and cries of approval._) The Castacs have filled up our springs and driven our deer. They have stalked our hunters in the hills. (_Grunts._) Aye, but we have given the stalkers arrows of ours to keep. (_Grunts of satisfaction._) Shall we go after our arrows, men of Sagharawite, or shall we wait until our “brothers” of Castac come and stroke us? I am not so old as Padahoon, nor so wise, but, by the Bear that fathered us, were I war leader for the space of one moon, there would be no more men of Castac to trouble our harvest. YOUNG MEN Simwa! Simwa! The Arrow-Maker! OLD MEN Padahoon! Padahoon! CHIEF Tribesmen, the wisdom of Padahoon is sound, and such as every man has in his own head; but the speech of Simwa is a water of mirage about our understanding. Shall we try what the gods will do? (_Nods and grunts of approval._) OLD MEN The gods--the Chisera--the Chisera! CHIEF The best of the spoil of Castac is yours, Chisera, if the choice be fortunate. THE CHISERA (_Rising to begin._) I want no spoil; this is also my quarrel. How will you have the venture tried? INDIANS The sticks! The sacred sticks! (_The_ CHISERA _produces the sticks from her medicine bag, and hands them to one of the Old Men. To each of the others who will dance with her (two or three) she gives a fetish from her bag. They have already put on appropriate headdresses and are prepared for dancing. She motions the rattles to begin. Behind her are the Old Men, with the drums and rattles; on each side, the Fighting Men seated on the ground. The dance begins, the_ CHISERA _singing. The Old Men keep up a crooning accompaniment; from time to time the Fighting Men join the singing and exhibit a growing excitement as the dance progresses. At intervals, one and another of them, leaps to his feet and joins the dance. At the last, the_ CHISERA, _whirling rapidly, falls to the ground. Instantly the rattles are stopped, and the people wait in suspense the word of the gods. The women are seen to steal up through the toyon bushes. The_ CHISERA _lifts herself slowly on one elbow, as if waking from a drugged sleep. She stretches out her hand for the sacred sticks. She drops them with a quick turn of the wrist, gathers them up and drops them again, seeking for an augury. She throws up the arm with the medicine stick and begins to chant_.) THE CHISERA The bows of Castac shall be broken. (_Excitement and confusion._) INDIANS The omen, the omen! the war leader! THE CHISERA (_Chanting_) The Maker of Arrows shall lead you.
Simwa! (_The Indians break into a great shout for_ SIMWA. RAIN WIND _puts a collar of bears' claws about_ SIMWA'S _neck, lifts his war-bonnet and places it on his head._ SIMWA _raises his war-club with a great shout, dancing about the half-prostrate form of the_ CHISERA, _the Fighting Men one by one falling into the dance with wild exultant movements, chanting_.) The bows of Castac shall be broken! (_As they pass out on the war trail shouting, the women are seen to come to the help of the_ CHISERA.) [CURTAIN] _ |
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