Sign talk

by Ernest Thompson Seton

Before. See Ahead.

Before, that is, Future. Sign for Time, but hold left hand near breast and swing right forward, up and over. Or sign After, Many Sleeps.

Fr. avant; Ger. ehe.

Beg (To ask alms). Hold out the flat right hand, palm up, as a beggar does. Swing it forward and upward, then draw it toward self, slightly curving the fingers.

Fr. mendier; Ger. betteln.

Beg, I beg of you, Ask, I pray you. Lay the flat hands together, palms touching, fingers pointing up (or clasp them) and hold them toward the person. A white sign now understood by the Indians. Compare Pray.

Fr. supplier; Ger. bitten.

Begin, Commence, Must, Push, Try, Go ahead (Start in a race). With elbow at sides and arms level, push fists forward two or three inches, right a little behind. Or use Go. See Strong.

Fr. commencer; Ger. anfangen, beginnen.