And e'en the bones of game they likewise saved
And ranged in circles round, that in the days
To come, the prairies might be stocked anew.[1]
The fourth, the highest soul, when freed by death,
Went to the Sun, the Red Man's hunting ground,
Along the Milky Way—the Path of Souls."
"The thunder was to them thy voice on high,
Which bade them know corn-planting time was near.
And to the sky, thy home, when 'round the fire
In Council gathered, the first puff of smoke
Ascended with:—'Wakonda, this to thee.
"I taught them thus; but, Wakan, more than all,
I taught them, O World's Heart, to honor thee,
As the unknown 'Above,' and present in all,
All signs and symbols of an unseen power.
"With them I roamed the prairies wild, in chase
Of mild-eyed deer, or bison fierce. Their game
I sheltered from the pale and baneful moon.
To battle with their foes I led them forth:
Their hands I strengthened in the thickest fight;
I placed the eagle plume on the proud head
Of him who first laid touch on fallen foe.
"In Council grave was I, and wild in sport;
In war was followed and in peace obeyed.
And when the harvest o'er,—my huge pipe filled,
I puffed the purpling smoke from far North down,
Enwrapping all the land with mellow haze,—[2]
Their yearly feast the brave Lakotahs held,
And worshipped thee as source of every good.
"But Spirits hostile to my rule have come
Among my people and corrupted them,
23
