Algonquin Legends of New England by Charles Godfrey Leland
page 44 of 357 (12%)
page 44 of 357 (12%)
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she said in fear, "_Moon-as-taba-kan-kari-jean-nook_? (M.) Does
not the land show itself like a bow-string?" And he said, "We are still far from land." Then the water grew so shoal that she heard the song of the Clams as they lay under the sand, singing to her that she should throw him off and drown him. For these Clams were his deadly enemies. But Bootup the Whale did not understand their language, so she asked her rider--for he knew Clam--what they were chanting to her. And he replied in a song:-- "They tell you to hurry (_cussal_) (M), To hurry, to hurry him along, Over the water, Away as fast as you can!" Then the Whale went like lightning, and suddenly found herself high on the shore. Then she lamented and sang:-- "Alas, my grandchild (_noojeech_), Ah, you have been my death; I can never leave the land, I shall swim in the sea no more." But Glooskap sang:-- "Have no fear, _noogumee_, You shall not suffer, You shall swim in the sea once more." [Illustration: GLOOSKAP LOOKING AT THE WHALE SMOKING HIS PIPE] |
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