the gods on his side.

CHOCO

Our hearts were turned to water because of his evil medicine.

CHIEF

Are not the gods of Sagharawite stronger than the gods of the
Tecuyas?

TAVWOTS

Not when we have one to lead us who despises their blessings.

SIMWA

Well, I believe in the medicine of Tibu. He has made old women of
you.

CHIEF

Think no more of that. Let us consider what is to be done.

(_Shadows of vultures appear on the rocks, attracted by the
dead._ WACOBA _springs up from casting dust upon her head to flap
them away with her blanket, which she spreads over the body of
her husband._)

PADAHOON

(_As he motions to the men to move the body near the shelter._) Yes,
it is time to take counsel when the birds of the air betray us to our
enemies.

(_The women gather together about the dead. One of them takes
the place of the sentry who comes to Council. The men collect
near the_ CHISERA'S _hut with the exception of_ SIMWA, _who
remains seated, re-stringing his bow._ BRIGHT WATER _goes to
him._)

BRIGHT WATER

Simwa, how long will you let your pride destroy us?

SIMWA

Is that a word for a man's wife?

BRIGHT WATER

It is a true one. Do we not know, you and I, that it is but pride
that makes you stand out against the friend of the gods? Look at me,
Simwa, is it not proved on my body that she spoke truly when she said
that you throve only by her blessing?

SIMWA

Can you bear to admit so much?

BRIGHT WATER

Bear? What have I not borne? Have I complained when I dig roots? Have
I quivered when I was mocked? Has there been any sign of shame on my
face for all the scorne on theirs? Have I said, "Give me children,"
when the nursing mothers pitied me? Oh, I have borne, I have borne;
but this I cannot bear.

SIMWA

What is now so hard?

BRIGHT WATER

To know that you and I know the truth and that you will see the tribe
wiped out before you will admit it.

SIMWA

The truth?

BRIGHT WATER

That you were the Chisera's lover for the sake of what she could do
for you, and your denial left her no way to prove it except by taking
away the help of the gods from us all. Is not that the truth?

SIMWA

Would you have me ashamed before all men?

BRIGHT WATER

When have I not been ashamed since I married you?

SIMWA

Let her alone! They will kill her if she refuses to make medicine and
then we shall be rid of her