Seegooche
No, no, do not be harsh with her! Let me speak, we women will understand one another.
Chief
(Putting his wife aside.) Chisera. (The Chisera starts at the tone of authority, but controls herself.) Friend of the gods. (She makes a movement of protest.) I have that to say to you which should be said but once, which to say at all is shame to you. Great powers have been given you to turn the favor of the gods as a willow is turned in the wind. How is it you have not turned them when your people are in war and bad fortune? We are driven as hunted rabbits to hide in holes in the rocks, and our fighting men are outnumbered; even now we do not know if there be one left alive of them—Our tribe shall be as a forgotten tale unless you intercede for us.
The Chisera
(Over her shoulder.) What? Is it possible Simwa cannot bring this affair to pass without the gods?
Seegooche
(Breaking in eagerly.) Yes, yes; the gods are very great, there is nothing without them.
The Chisera
(Still to the Chief.) Does Simwa ask it?