Then he went on the quest, as we thought, of a nest, with some
bark of the best, and a clawful of clay. {6}
And with these did he frame two birds lacking a name, without
feathers (his game was a puzzle to all);
Next around them he fluttered a-dancing, and muttered; and,
lastly, he uttered a magical call:
Then the figures of clay, as they featherless lay, they leaped up,
who but they, and embracing they fell,
And THIS was the baking of Man, and his making; but now he's
forsaking his Father, Pundjel!
Now these creatures of mire, they kept whining for fire, and to
crown their desire who was found but the Wren?
To the high heaven he came, from the Sun stole he flame, and for
this has a name in the memory of men! {7}
And in India who for the Soma juice flew, and to men brought it
through without falter or fail?
Why the Hawk 'twas again, and great Indra to men would appear, now
and then, in the shape of a Quail,
While the Thlinkeet's delight is the Bird of the Night, the beak
and the bright ebon plumage of Yehl.{8}
And who for man's need brought the famed Suttung's mead? why 'tis
told in the creed of the Sagamen strong,
'Twas the Eagle god who brought the drink from the blue, and gave
mortals the brew that's the fountain of song. {9}
Next, who gave men their laws? and what reason or cause the young
brave overawes when in need of a squaw,
Till he thinks it a shame to wed one of his name, and his conduct
you blame if he thus breaks the law?
For you still hold it wrong if a lubra {10} belong to the self-
same kobong {11} that is Father of you,