Take the following additional example, of a death song. These stanzas have all been actually sung on warlike occasions, and repeated in my hearing. They have been gleaned from the traditionary songs of the Chippewas of the north, whose villages extend through the region of lake Superior, and to the utmost sources of the Mississippi. Those bands are the hereditary foes of their western neighbours, the Dacotahs or Sioux, who are generally called by them, by way of distinction, Na do wä´ sees, that is to say, OUR ENEMIES. The allusions in the songs are exclusively to them. In writing the original, I omit the chorus, as it is not susceptible of translation, and would increase considerably the space occupied.
DEATH SONG.
1. In opening this song the warrior is to be contemplated as lying wounded on the field of battle.
| A´ be tuh ge´ zhig, | (Under the centre of the sky,) |
| Ne bá baim wä´ wä. | (I utter my baim wä wä.) |
Baimwäwä, is the sound of passing thunders, which will convey a just idea of the violence of this figure.
2. His thoughts revert to the star of his destiny.
| Ain dah´ so gezhig | (Every day, thou star!) |
| Ke gá gun o wá bom in. | (I gaze at you.) |
It is the morning star that is here alluded to.
3. He sees the birds of carnage hovering over the field.