The Moravians in Labrador by Anonymous
page 43 of 220 (19%)
page 43 of 220 (19%)
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the sailors, and in about half an hour prepared for rest, Segulliak
kindly covering them with two other skins. The conjurer himself did not, however, appear inclined for repose: falling into an ecstacy he first sung with his wives, then muttered some unintelligible jargon, made strange gestures, blew and foamed at the mouth, twisted his limbs and body together as if convulsed, throwing himself into every possible posture; and at intervals emitting the most frightful shrieks, then again he held his hand on Drachart's face, who was next him, and concluded the first act of his demoniacal pantomime by groaning out, "Now is my Torngak come!" Observing Drachart, who was awake, appear startled when he came near him, as often as he laid his hand on his face he kissed him. He then lay still for a while as if dead--after a little began to moan, and at last raised himself up, and requested that they would kiss him, as that gave him some relief, after which he sat down and began to sing. The brethren told him they would sing something better, and accordingly sung some Greenland hymns--to these the Esquimaux were very attentive, and repeated every word, observing, "We know only a little of what you say." Wearied and restless, the brethren lay down, but could not sleep; they therefore frequently arose and went out of the tent: but Segulliak, who appeared to view their motions with suspicion, always took care to go out along with them: in the morning, at his desire, they divided among his people glass-beads, fish-hooks, sewing needles, &c as payment for their night's lodging. At parting, Segulliak addressed them, "You may tell your countrymen in the east that you have slept a night with me in safety--you are the first foreigners that ever remained a night in my tent--yet you are not foreigners but men, our friends, with whom all dread is at an end, for we know each other." Drachart being taken ill, it was not till the 21st September that the |
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