Part 30 (1/2)

PADAHOON

(_As he motions to the men to move the body near the shelter._) Yes, it is time to take counsel when the birds of the air betray us to our enemies.

(_The women gather together about the dead. One of them takes the place of the sentry who comes to Council. The men collect near the_ CHISERA'S _hut with the exception of_ SIMWA, _who remains seated, re-stringing his bow._ BRIGHT WATER _goes to him._)

BRIGHT WATER

Simwa, how long will you let your pride destroy us?

SIMWA

Is that a word for a man's wife?

BRIGHT WATER

It is a true one. Do we not know, you and I, that it is but pride that makes you stand out against the friend of the G.o.ds? Look at me, Simwa, is it not proved on my body that she spoke truly when she said that you throve only by her blessing?

SIMWA

Can you bear to admit so much?

BRIGHT WATER

Bear? What have I not borne? Have I complained when I dig roots? Have I quivered when I was mocked? Has there been any sign of shame on my face for all the scorne on theirs? Have I said, ”Give me children,”

when the nursing mothers pitied me? Oh, I have borne, I have borne; but this I cannot bear.

SIMWA

What is now so hard?

BRIGHT WATER

To know that you and I know the truth and that you will see the tribe wiped out before you will admit it.

SIMWA

The truth?

BRIGHT WATER

That you were the Chisera's lover for the sake of what she could do for you, and your denial left her no way to prove it except by taking away the help of the G.o.ds from us all. Is not that the truth?

SIMWA

Would you have me ashamed before all men?

BRIGHT WATER

When have I not been ashamed since I married you?