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THE ARROW-MAKER
A Drama in Three Acts
BY
MARY AUSTIN
_Revised Edition_
AMS PRESS
NEW YORK
Reprinted from the edition of 1915, Boston
First AMS EDITION published 1969
Manufactured in the United States of America
Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number: 70-90082
AMS PRESS, INC.
New York, N. Y. 10003
DEDICATED
IN GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO
H. C. H.
AS ONE WHO AMONG MANY PROTESTANTS
"MADE GOOD"
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
The greatest difficulty to be met in the writing of an Indian play is
the extensive misinformation about Indians. Any real aboriginal of my
acquaintance resembles his prototype in the public mind about as much
as he does the high-nosed, wooden sign of a tobacco store, the fact
being that, among the fifty-eight linguistic groups of American
aboriginals, customs, traits, and beliefs differ as greatly as among
Slavs and Sicilians. Their very speech appears not to be derived from
any common stock. All that they really have of likeness is an average
condition of primitiveness: they have traveled just so far toward an
understanding of the world they live in, and no farther. It is this
general limitation of knowledge which makes, in spite of the
multiplication of tribal customs, a common attitude of mind which
alone affords a basis of interpretation.
But before attempting to realize the working of Indian psychology,
you must first rid yourself of the notion that there is any real
difference between the tribes of men except the explanations. What
determines man's behavior in the presence of fever, thunder, and the
separations of death, is the nature of his guess at the causes of
these things. The issues of life do not vary so much with the
conditions of civilization as is popularly supposed.
Chiefest among the misconceptions of primitive life, which make
difficult any dramatic presentation of it, is the notion that all
human contacts are accompanied by the degree of emotional stress that
obtains only in the most complex social organizations. We are always
hearing, from the people farthest removed from them, of "great
primitive passions," when in fact what distinguishes the passions of
the tribesmen from our own is their greater liability to the pacific
influences of nature, and their greater freedom from the stimulus of
imagination. What among us makes for the immensity of emotion, is the
great weight of accumulated emotional tradition stored up in
literature and art, almost entirely wanting in the camps of the
aboriginals. There the two greatest themes of modern drama, love and
ambition, are modified, the one by the more or less communal nature
of tribal labor, the other by the plain fact that in the simple,
open-air life of the Indian the physical stress of sex is actually
much less than in conditions called civilized.
When the critics are heard talking of "drama of great primitive
passions," what they mean is great barbaric passions, passions far
enough along in the process of socialization to be subject to the
interactions of wealth, caste, and established religion, and still
free from the obligation of politeness. But the life of the American
Indian provides no such conditions, and, moreover, in the factor
which makes conspicuously for the degree of complication called Plot,
is notably wanting,--I mean in the factor of Privacy. Where all the
functions of living are carried on in the presence of the community,
or at the best behind the thin-walled, leafy huts, human relations
become simplified to a degree difficult for our complexer habit to
comprehend. The only really great passions--great, I mean, in the
sense of being dramatically possible--are communal, and find their
expression in the dance which is the normal vehicle of emotional
stress.
In _The Arrow-Maker_ the author, without dwelling too much on tribal
peculiarities, has attempted the explication of this primitive
attitude toward a human type common to all conditions of society. The
particular mould in which the story is cast takes shape from the
manner of aboriginal life in the Southwest, anywhere between the
Klamath River and the Painted Desert; but it has been written in vain
if the situation has not also worked itself out in terms of your own
environment.
The Chisera is simply the Genius, one of those singular and powerful
characters whom we are still, with all our learning, unable to
account for without falling back on the primitive conception of gift
as arising from direct communication with the gods. That she becomes
a Medicine Woman is due to the circumstance of being born into a time
which fails to discriminate very clearly as to just which of the
inexplicable things lie within the control of her particular gift.
That she accepts the interpretation of her preeminence which common
opinion provides for her, does not alter the fact that she is no more
or less than just the gifted woman, too much occupied with the use of
her gift to look well after herself, and more or less at the mercy of
the tribe. What chiefly influences their attitude toward her is
worthy of note, being no less than the universal, unreasoned
conviction that great gift belongs, not to the possessor of it, but
to society at large. The whole question then becomes one of how the
tribe shall work the Chisera to their best advantage.
How they did this, with what damage and success is to be read, but if
to be read profitably, with its application in mind to the present
social awakening to the waste, the enormous and stupid waste, of the
gifts of women. To one fresh from the consideration of the roots of
life as they lie close to the surface of primitive society, this
obsession of the recent centuries, that the community can only be
served by a gift for architecture, for administration, for healing,
when it occurs in the person of a male, is only a trifle less
ridiculous than that other social stupidity, namely, that a gift of
mothering must not be exercised except in the event of a particular
man being able, under certain restrictions, to afford the
opportunity. There is perhaps no social movement going on at present
so deep-rooted and dramatic as this struggle of Femininity to
recapture its right to serve, and still to serve with whatever powers
and possessions it finds itself endowed. But a dramatic presentation
of it is hardly possible outside of primitive conditions where no
tradition intervenes to prevent society from accepting the logic of
events.
Whatever more there may be in _The Arrow-Maker_, besides its Indian
color, should lie in the discovery by the Chisera, to which the
author subscribes, that it is also in conjunction with her normal
relation for loving and bearing that the possessor of gifts finds the
greatest increment of power. To such of these as have not discovered
it for themselves, _The Arrow-Maker_ is hopefully recommended.
NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION
_The Arrow-Maker_ was first published as produced at The New Theatre,
New York, in the spring of 1911. In that edition certain concessions
were made to what was thought to be the demand for a drama of Indian
life which should present the Indian more nearly as he is popularly
conceived.
After four years the success of the published play as an authentic
note on aboriginal life as well as a drama suitable for production in
schools and colleges, seems to warrant its publication in the
original form. As it now stands, the book not only conforms to the
author's original conception of the drama, but to the conditions of
the life it presents.
With the addition of notes and glossary it is hoped the present
edition will meet every demand that can be made on an honest attempt
to render in dramatic form a neglected phase of American life.
M. A.
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA
In the order of their appearance
CHOCO }
PAMAQUASH } _Fighting men_
TAVWOTS }
YAVI _A youth_
SEEGOOCHE _The Chief's wife_
TIAWA _A very old woman_
WACOBA _Wife to Pamaquash_
THE CHISERA _Medicine Woman of the Paiutes_
BRIGHT WATER _The Chief's daughter_
WHITE FLOWER }
TUIYO } _Friends of Bright Water_
PIOKE }
SIMWA _The Arrow-Maker_
PADAHOON _Rival to Simwa for leadership_
RAIN WIND _Chief of the Paiutes_
HAIWAI _A young matron_
THE ARROW-MAKER
ACT FIRST
THE ARROW-MAKER
ACT FIRST
SCENE.--_The hut of the_ CHISERA, _in the foot-hills of the Sierras.
It stands at the mouth of a steep, dark canyon, 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 canyon, 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 canyon 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,
O Much Desired!!
Dost thou not hear afar what my blood whispers,
Betraying my heart as the whir
Of the night-moth's wings betray the lilies?
(_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 pinyon 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 pinyon 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