Harken!  This poor man’s prayer went on,
      Speeding afar into the blue
      Heavens above, reached there the place—­
  Harken!  Where dwell the lesser gods,
  Harken!  And great Ti-ra’-wa, mightier than all!

  Harken!  It was because a god
      Received this prayer, considered it,
      Favored its plea, and passed it on
      To him whose place was next, in that grand ring,
      Who in his turn received the prayer,
          Considered it, and sent it on—­
  Harken!  Around that circle vast,
  Harken!  Where sit the gods above.

  Harken!  And thus it was the prayer
      Sent by this man won the consent
      Of all the gods.  For each god in his place
      Speaks out his thought, grants or rejects
      Man’s suppliant cry, asking for help;
      But none can act until the Council grand
      Comes to accord, thinks as one mind,
      Has but one will all must obey.

  Harken!  The Council gave consent;
  Harken!  And great Ti-ra’-wa, mightier than all!

  Harken!  To make their purpose known,
      Succor and aid freely to give,
      Heralds were called, called by the Winds. 
      Then in the West uprose the Clouds
      Heavy and black, ladened with storm. 
      Slowly they climbed, dark’ning the skies,
      While close on every side the Thunders marched
      On their dread way, till all were come
      To where the gods in stately council sat
      Waiting for them.  Then bade them go
      Back to the earth, carrying aid
      To him whose prayer had reached their circle vast. 
      This mandate given, the Thunders turned toward earth,
      Taking their course slantwise the sky.

  Harken!  Another followed hard—­
      Lightning broke forth out of the cloud,
      Zigzag and dart, cleaving their way
      Slantwise to earth, their goal to reach.

  Harken!  For these two were not all
      That hastened to proclaim the god’s behest—­
      Swift on their wings Swallows in flocks
      Swept in advance, ranging the path,
      Black breasts and Red, Yellow and White,
      Flying about, clearing the way
      For those who bore the message of the gods
      Granting the man courage to dare,
      Strength to endure, power to stand
      Invincible, a bulwark ’gainst all foes.

  Harken!  ’Twas thus it came to pass: 
      The Leader grasped the help sent by the gods;
      Henceforth he walked steadfast and strong,
      Leading his men through dangers drear,
      Knowing that naught could strike at him
      To whom the gods had promised victory.

  Attend!  Once more I change his name.

  Harken! Ri-ruts’-ka-tit it was
      We used to call him by, a name he won
      Long days ago, marking an act
      Well done by him, but now passed by.