Part 4 (2/2)

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 ta.s.seling corn.

TUIYO

The sh.e.l.ls 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

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