the soul of the indian(尤安人之魂)-第12章
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massacred to a man。 This incident made a great impression upon our
people。
Many of the Indians believed that one may be born more than once;
and there were some who claimed to have full knowledge of a former
incarnation。 There were also those who held converse with a 〃twin
spirit;〃 who had been born into another tribe or race。 There was a well…
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THE SOUL OF THE INDIAN
known Sioux war…prophet who lived in the middle of the last century; so
that he is still remembered by the old men of his band。 After he had
reached middle age; he declared that he had a spirit brother among the
Ojibways; the ancestral enemies of the Sioux。 He even named the band
to which his brother belonged; and said that he also was a war…prophet
among his people。
Upon one of their hunts along the border between the two tribes; the
Sioux leader one evening called his warriors together; and solemnly
declared to them that they were about to meet a like band of Ojibway
hunters; led by his spirit twin。 Since this was to be their first meeting
since they were born as strangers; he earnestly begged the young men to
resist the temptation to join battle with their tribal foes。
〃You will know him at once;〃 the prophet said to them; 〃for he will not
only look like me in face and form; but he will display the same totem;
and even sing my war songs!〃
They sent out scouts; who soon returned with news of the approaching
party。 Then the leading men started with their peace…pipe for the
Ojibway camp; and when they were near at hand they fired three distinct
volleys; a signal of their desire for a peaceful meeting。
The response came in like manner; and they entered the camp; with the
peace…pipe in the hands of the prophet。
Lo; the stranger prophet advanced to meet them; and the people were
greatly struck with the resemblance between the two men; who met and
embraced one another with unusual fervor。
It was quickly agreed by both parties that they should camp together
for several days; and one evening the Sioux made a 〃warriors' feast〃 to
which they invited many of the Ojibways。 The prophet asked his twin
brother to sing one of his sacred songs; and behold! it was the very song
that he himself was wont to sing。 This proved to the warriors beyond
doubt or cavil the claims of their seer。
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