Read the entry note first. Not a fable — an Anishinaabe ontology carried as story. Come in to wonder.
⚠️ Draft — under many eyes. Converted and readable; not yet finally vetted, and it will wear the word draft for a good while, on purpose. Living, not final.
MẠTCININIWÂGÄ.
MAJININIWAAGE.
VAGABOND.
Narrated by Wāsāgunäckạnk — Series 3 (Nos. 44–61), Bois Fort (per Jones Part II Introduction p. ix; not credited on the story page itself).
from Ojibwa Texts collected by William Jones (1919).
(1) Ānīc Mạtcininiwâgä äjini‘kāsut. Kāwin ningutci owīgiwām ayāsinini; mōjạg mīyä‘ta pạnä papimusät. Ninguting pạpimusät sāga∙i∙gạn owâbạndān; kāmạtāpīt iᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn, äja∙ī∙nābit, pạcu’ owâbạmāᵉ ạnicinābäᵉ utạminonit. Ki‘tcipā‘tinīnōwa; ānīnd pāga∙ā∙towäwaᵉ; kayä pasi‘kawäwaᵉ iᵉiwisa i‘kwäwaᵉ; ānind kayä kwāckwāckwänạtowäwaᵉ; mīnawā ānint pä‘päcinitiwaᵉ.
Aaniish Majininiwaage ezhinikaazod. Gaawiin ningoji owiigiwaam ayaasinini; moozhag miiy eta apane babimosed. Ningoding babimosed zaaga’igan owaabandaan; gaa-madaabiid iw zaaga’igan, ezhi-ayinaabid, besho owaabamaag anishinaabeg odaminonid. Gichi-baatiininowa; aanind baaga’adowewag; gaye basikawewag igiw isa ikwewag; aanind gaye gwaashkwaashkwanadowewag; miinawaa aanind bebezhinidiwag.
Now, Vagabond was the name by which he was called. Nowhere did he have a wigwam; all the while was he simply walking about. Once, while walking about, he saw a lake; when he came out upon the lake, (and) while looking about, he saw not far away some people at play. They were in great number; some were playing ball; and at the double-ball game played the women; and some were at play jumping, and some at tagging the head.¹
Aaniish Majininiwaage (now, Vagabond) ezhinikaazod (was the name he was called). Gaawiin ningoji (nowhere) owiigiwaam ayaasinini (did he have a wigwam); moozhag miiy eta apane (all the while, simply, always) babimosed (he walked about). Ningoding babimosed (once, while walking about) zaaga’igan owaabandaan (he saw a lake); gaa-madaabiid iw zaaga’igan (when he came out upon that lake), ezhi-ayinaabid (as he looked about), besho (not far away) owaabamaag anishinaabeg (he saw people) odaminonid (at play). Gichi-baatiininowa (they were in great number); aanind baaga’adowewag (some were playing ball); gaye basikawewag igiw isa ikwewag (and those women were playing double-ball); aanind gaye gwaashkwaashkwanadowewag (and some were at the jumping game); miinawaa aanind bebezhinidiwag (and some were tagging one another).
¹ A game of tag. The players draw sticks from a bundle held in the hand of a certain one. The one getting the longest stick is “it;” the one he tags becomes his partner, and his side increases in number as fast as the players are tagged; and the last one left is then “it.” Thus the game continues of itself. [Jones’s note; the marker stands on “tagging the head” in his English (p. 349), and the note is printed at the foot of the Ojibwe page 348, continuing on 349.]
(2) Mīdạc iᵉiᵘ änīcimādcāt, utạnināsi‘kawaᵉ; payäcwābamāt, mīcigwa iᵉiᵘ ạniku‘pīnit; ā‘pitcigu payäcwâbạmāt mī cigwa iᵘ ka‘kina kī∙a∙nigu‘pinīt. “Ānīc wini∙i∙ᵘ wäntcitōtamuwāt?” inändạm. “Mīnōtcisạgu ningaku‘pī.” Änīcigu‘pi‘pa‘tōd i∙i∙ᵘ umī‘kạnāni. Kā∙ạ∙gwitā‘kīwät ugīwâbandānạn īni’ᵘ wīgiwāmạn. Iᵉi’wä nä‘tạmickạng iᵘ wīgiwām äcita‘pāpit, kāwin gạnagä awiya owâbạmāsīn. Mīgu’ iᵉi’ᵘ äcipijijiwa‘tänig, intawā änīcimādcāt. Cigwa ugīwâbandān cāpundawān; äjita‘pābit, kāwīn gạnạgä mīnawā awiya abisīwạn. Inābit pīndik anā´kanạn mīgu i´ᵘ äcitạtạngisininig. Kägätsa omisawinānạn. “Ạmbäsạnō, ningakīmōt.” Äcipīndigät. Ā‘pitcidạc wänicicininig äji∙o∙dā‘pinạng. Ānīc mīdạc iᵘ äcipạgitciwạnät īni’ᵘ udạsämān pämōmāt; mīdạc imāⁿ äcitatibä∙i∙gināt imāⁿ utanā‘kaning, äci∙ō∙cowani‘kānāt; äci∙ō∙mbīwạnät mīnawā, änīcisāga∙ạ∙nk. Nawạtcigwa animādcīpa‘tō. Päcu änitạgwicing, awīya onōndawān: “Ä∙ē∙e∙’ᵘ! Mạtcininiwāgä kitanā‘kaniminān kīkimotcimigunān! Ha‘a´ᵘ, piminicawātā!”
Mii dash i’iw eni-izhi-maajaad, odani-naazikawaag; bayeshwaabamaad, mii zhigwa i’iw ani-gopiinid; aapiji go bayeshwaabamaad mii zhigwa iw gakina gii-ani-gopiinid. “Aaniish wiin i’iw wenji-doodamowaad?” inendam. “Miinooj sa go ninga-gopii.” Eni-izhi-gopiibatood i’iw omiikanaani. Gaa-agwidaakiiwed ogii-waabandaanan iniw wiigiwaaman. I’iwe netamishkang iw wiigiwaam ezhi-dapaabid, gaawiin ganage awiiya owaabamaasiin. Mii go i’iw ezhi-bizhizhiwatenig, indawaa eni-izhi-maajaad. Zhigwa ogii-waabandaan zhaabondawaan; ezhi-dapaabid, gaawiin ganage miinawaa awiiya abisiiwan. Inaabid biindig anaakanan mii go iw ezhi-dadangisininig. Geget sa omisawinaanan. “Ambesanoo, ninga-giimood.” Ezhi-biindiged. Aapiji dash wenishishininig ezhi-odaapinang. Aaniish mii dash iw ezhi-bagijiwaned iniw odasemaan bemoomaad; mii dash imaa ezhi-dadibe’iginaad imaa odanaakaning, ezhi-oozhowanikaanaad; ezhi-oombiiwaned miinawaa, eni-izhi-zaaga’ang. Nawaj igwa ani-maajiibatoo. Besho ani-dagwishing, awiiya onoondawaan: “Ä∙ē∙e∙’ᵘ! Majininiwaage gidanaakaniminaan gigiimoojimigonaan! Ha’aw, biminizhawaadaa!”
Accordingly, when he continued his way, he started over to where they were; when he was in near view of them, they were then going up from the lake; when he was very close upon them, then were they all on the way up from the lake. “Why are they doing this?” he thought. “Nevertheless I will go up from the lake.” Then up from the lake he went, running along their path. When he was come at the top of the hill, he saw the wigwams. Into the first lodge that was in his way he peeped, but not a single one he saw. Since it was empty, he therefore continued on. Presently he saw a long-lodge; on peeping in, not a single one again was there. As he looked inside, (he saw) reed mats lying edge to edge (the full length of the lodge). Truly eager was he to possess them. “Well, I will steal (them).” Then in he went. And the one that was exceedingly beautiful he picked up. So thereupon he put down his pack of tobacco that he had on his back; and then, wrapping it up in his reed mat, he made a pack of it; then, lifting it upon his back again, he went out of doors. He then set out upon a running gait. When a short distance upon his way he was come, he heard some one (saying): “Alas! by Vagabond have we been robbed of our reed mats! Come, let us pursue after him!”
Mii dash i’iw eni-izhi-maajaad (accordingly, as he continued his way), odani-naazikawaag (he went toward them); bayeshwaabamaad (when he was in near view of them), mii zhigwa i’iw ani-gopiinid (they were then going up from the lake); aapiji go bayeshwaabamaad (when he was very close upon them) mii zhigwa iw gakina gii-ani-gopiinid (then they had all gone up from the lake). “Aaniish wiin i’iw wenji-doodamowaad?” (“why are they doing this?”) inendam (he thought). “Miinooj sa go ninga-gopii.” (“nevertheless I will go up from the lake.”) Eni-izhi-gopiibatood (then up he went, running) i’iw omiikanaani (along their path). Gaa-agwidaakiiwed (when he was come at the top of the hill) ogii-waabandaanan iniw wiigiwaaman (he saw the wigwams). I’iwe netamishkang iw wiigiwaam (into the first lodge in his way) ezhi-dapaabid (he peeped), gaawiin ganage awiiya owaabamaasiin (not a single one he saw). Mii go i’iw ezhi-bizhizhiwatenig (since it was empty), indawaa eni-izhi-maajaad (he therefore continued on). Zhigwa ogii-waabandaan zhaabondawaan (presently he saw a long-lodge); ezhi-dapaabid (on peeping in), gaawiin ganage miinawaa awiiya abisiiwan (not a single one again was at home). Inaabid biindig (as he looked inside) anaakanan mii go iw ezhi-dadangisininig (reed mats lay edge to edge). Geget sa omisawinaanan (truly eager was he to possess them). “Ambesanoo, ninga-giimood.” (“well, I will steal.”) Ezhi-biindiged (then in he went). Aapiji dash wenishishininig (and the one exceedingly beautiful) ezhi-odaapinang (he picked up). Aaniish mii dash iw ezhi-bagijiwaned (so thereupon he put down his pack) iniw odasemaan bemoomaad (the tobacco he carried on his back); mii dash imaa ezhi-dadibe’iginaad (and then he wrapped him up) imaa odanaakaning (in his reed mat), ezhi-oozhowanikaanaad (making a pack of him); ezhi-oombiiwaned miinawaa (then lifting the pack again), eni-izhi-zaaga’ang (he went out of doors). Nawaj igwa ani-maajiibatoo (he then set out running). Besho ani-dagwishing (when a short way along), awiiya onoondawaan (he heard someone): “Ä∙ē∙e∙’ᵘ! (alas! — cry, carried as printed) Majininiwaage (by Vagabond) gidanaakaniminaan (of our reed mats) gigiimoojimigonaan! (have we been robbed!) Ha’aw, biminizhawaadaa!” (“come, let us pursue after him!”)
(3) Äjimādcāt ki‘tci änigu‘k, pạnāgu pizāzā‘kwānit; ạnimādcā ki‘tci änigu‘k. Kägä‘t käga‘pī∙i∙gu päcu’ ābạnābit, owâbạmāᵉ ininiwaᵉ; misa cigwa sägisit. Intawā unạntawâbamān mi‘tigōn tciwīmbini‘kisinit; päcu’ ogīwâbạmān mi‘tigōn wīmbini‘kisinit, äcipīndigäpa‘tōt. Kā‘pīndigät mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ äci∙ā∙ba∙a∙nk iᵉi’ᵘ pimiwạnān; utasämān äcikipicimāt iwiti kāpi∙u∙ndcipīndigät; ācawa∙ī∙ utạnā‘kạnim äcī∙i∙jīkisitōt.
Ezhi-maajaad gichi-enigok, apane go bizaazaakwaanid; ani-maajaa gichi-enigok. Geget gegapii igo besho aabanaabid, owaabamaag ininiwag; mii sa zhigwa zegizid. Indawaa onandawaabamaan mitigoon ji-wiimbinikizinid; besho ogii-waabamaan mitigoon wiimbinikizinid, ezhi-biindigebatood. Gaa-biindiged mii sa i’iw ezhi-aaba’ang i’iw bimiwanaan; odasemaan ezhi-gibishimaad iwidi gaa-bi-onji-biindiged; aazhawa’ii odanaakanim ezhi-izhiigisidood.
When off he started at full speed, then continually did they whoop (at him) as they came; on his way he continued at full speed. In truth, when (they were) near at hand (and) he looked back, he saw some men; thereupon then was he scared. Accordingly he sought for a tree that was hollow; near by he saw a tree that was hollow, then in he ran. When he got inside, he then untied his pack; with his tobacco he closed up the place by way of which he came in; then on the other side he hung up his mat spread out.
Ezhi-maajaad gichi-enigok (when off he started at full speed), apane go bizaazaakwaanid (continually they came whooping); ani-maajaa gichi-enigok (on his way he went at full speed). Geget gegapii igo (in truth, at last) besho (near at hand) aabanaabid (as he looked back), owaabamaag ininiwag (he saw some men); mii sa zhigwa zegizid (thereupon was he scared). Indawaa onandawaabamaan mitigoon (accordingly he sought for a tree) ji-wiimbinikizinid (that would be hollow); besho ogii-waabamaan mitigoon wiimbinikizinid (near by he saw a hollow tree), ezhi-biindigebatood (then in he ran). Gaa-biindiged (when he got inside) mii sa i’iw ezhi-aaba’ang i’iw bimiwanaan (he untied his pack); odasemaan ezhi-gibishimaad (with his tobacco he closed it up) iwidi gaa-bi-onji-biindiged (there where he had come in); aazhawa’ii (on the other side) odanaakanim (his mat) ezhi-izhiigisidood (he hung up spread out).
(4) Mīdạc īgi´ᵘ anicinābäg ä‘kitowāt: “Mīsa´ imāⁿ tcīwanawạnk. Hā‘a´ᵘ nātciwāgāgwạtwäg!”
Mii dash igiw anishinaabeg ekidowaad: “Mii sa imaa ji-wanawang. Haa’aw naajiwaagaakwadweg!”
And then the people said: “It is there that we shall pound him to death. Come, go get your axes!”
Mii dash igiw anishinaabeg (and then the people) ekidowaad (said): “Mii sa imaa (it is there) ji-wanawang (that we shall club him to death). Haa’aw (come!) naajiwaagaakwadweg! (go get your axes!)”
(5) Kägä‘t äcinātciwāgāgwạtwäwāt. Cigwasa´ opīdōnāwān īni´ᵘ wâgā‘kwatōn; ci´gwa mādcigawā aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘tig.
Geget ezhi-naajiwaagaakwadwewaad. Zhigwa sa obiidoonaawaan iniw waagaakwadoon; zhigwa maajigawaa a’aw mitig.
Truly then went they after their axes. In a while they fetched the axes; presently they began to fell the tree.
Geget (truly) ezhi-naajiwaagaakwadwewaad (then went they after their axes). Zhigwa sa obiidoonaawaan (in a while they fetched) iniw waagaakwadoon (the axes); zhigwa maajigawaa (presently began to be felled) a’aw mitig (that tree).
(6) “Mīmāwīni´ᵘ kägä‘t tcinisigōyān,” inändạm. Otasämān äcimockina∙ā∙t īni’ᵘ otō‘pwāgạn. Äci∙a∙ī∙nā‘kunigät mīdạc äjikīkitut: “Ambäsạnō ogawipwāwīgawāwān!”
“Mii maawiin i’iw geget ji-nisigooyaan,” inendam. Odasemaan ezhi-mooshkina’aad iniw odoopwaagan. Ezhi-ayinaakoniged mii dash ezhi-giigidod: “Ambesanoo oga-wii-bwaawigawaawaan!”
“Perhaps now I shall surely be slain,” he thought. With tobacco then he began filling his pipe. Then he pointed toward the various directions, and this he spoke, saying: “Now, may they not (be able to) cut down the tree!”
“Mii maawiin i’iw (perhaps it is that) geget (surely) ji-nisigooyaan (I shall be slain),” inendam (he thought). Odasemaan (with his tobacco) ezhi-mooshkina’aad (he filled) iniw odoopwaagan (his pipe). Ezhi-ayinaakoniged (then he gestured toward the various directions) mii dash ezhi-giigidod (and this he spoke, saying): “Ambesanoo (now, pray) oga-wii-bwaawigawaawaan! (may they fail to cut him down!)”
(7) Kägä‘t īgi´ᵘ anicinābäg utā‘pitcipwāwigawāwān. “Ānīcitug nā kạgī‘tōtạmạng?”
Geget igiw anishinaabeg odaapiji-bwaawigawaawaan. “Aaniish idog naa ge-gii-doodamang?”
Verily, the people were unable to fell the tree. “Pray, what shall we do with it?”
Geget (verily) igiw anishinaabeg (the people) odaapiji-bwaawigawaawaan (utterly failed to fell him). “Aaniish idog naa (pray, what then) ge-gii-doodamang? (shall we do with it?)”
(8) “Tạgapina mi‘tig paciba∙u∙‘k.”
“Daga bina mitig bazhiba’ok.”
“Why, just shove something into the tree.”
“Daga bina (why, just) mitig (the tree) bazhiba’ok. (pierce him.)”
(9) Ca∙ī∙gwạdạc äcipạciba‘∙u∙nt. Kägō owâbạndānâwa īgi´ᵘ anicinābäg. Mīdạc äjikīgitōwāt: “Mīnāwini∙i∙ᵘ iᵉiyo‘pạn. Mīsa´ iᵉi´ᵘ gīnisạnk.”
Zhayiigwa dash ezhi-bazhiba’ond. Gegoo owaabandaanaawaa igiw anishinaabeg. Mii dash ezhi-giigidowaad: “Mii maawiin i’iw opan. Mii sa i’iw gii-nisang.”
And when it was pierced, something did the people see. Whereupon they said: “Perhaps it is his lungs. Therefore we have killed him.”
Zhayiigwa dash (and presently) ezhi-bazhiba’ond (he was pierced). Gegoo owaabandaanaawaa (something did they see) igiw anishinaabeg (the people). Mii dash ezhi-giigidowaad (whereupon they said): “Mii maawiin i’iw opan. (perhaps it is his lung.) Mii sa i’iw gii-nisang. (therefore we have killed him.)”
(10) Asämāndạc wīnini’ᵘ.
Asemaan dash wiin iniw.
But it was the tobacco.
Asemaan dash (but the tobacco) wiin iniw (it was that).
(11) “Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ ạni∙i∙cikīwätā!” i‘kitowạg. Änijigīwäwāt, mīsa cigwa kīsāgitōtät. Äcimādcāt, mīnawā sāga∙i∙gạn owâbạndān; inābit, nāwạgām mīnisinatāwạngä owâbạndān. “Tạga, ninga∙ī∙cā,” inändạm. Kägä‘t äji∙i∙jāt äjiwâbandạnk awīya pimi‘kawänit. “Ạmạntcigic wīwâbạmạg awägwän ayāwigwän!” Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ näyāb iwiti äcī∙i∙cāt iwiti kā‘pi∙u∙ndatābīt. Äjikāsut, mīdạc äji∙a∙‘kạndōt; wīpạgu awīya untcimōckạmuwạn, wâbickisiwạn. Kuniginīn micībicīn! Äciyāba‘wāt īni´ᵘ otasämān äcimōckina∙ā∙t. “Ạmbäsano, tạwi ki‘tcipōsāngwāmut! Kayä dạc tawikisinā, nigu∙u∙tuni‘k tawī∙a∙‘pi‘tatin! Mī∙i∙´ᵘ pitcīnạg kä∙i∙cikuskusit.”
“Mii sa i’iw ani-izhi-giiwedaa!” ikidowag. Eni-izhi-giiwewaad, mii sa zhigwa gii-saagidooded. Ezhi-maajaad, miinawaa zaaga’igan owaabandaan; inaabid, naawagaam miinisinataawangaa owaabandaan. “Daga, ninga-izhaa,” inendam. Geget ezhi-izhaad ezhi-waabandang awiiya bimikawenid. “Amanj igish wii-waabamag awegwen ayaawigwen!” Mii sa i’iw neyaab iwidi ezhi-izhaad iwidi gaa-bi-ondadaabiid. Ezhi-gaazod, mii dash ezhi-akandood; wiiba go awiiya onji-mooshkamowan, waabishkiziwan. Goniginiin mishiibizhiin! Ezhi-aaba’waad iniw odasemaan ezhi-mooshkina’aad. “Ambesano, da-wii-gichi-boozaangwaamod! Gaye dash da-wii-gisinaa, ningodonik da-wii-apiitadin! Mii iw bijiinag ge-izhi-goshkozid.”
“Accordingly let us go home!” they said. When back home they went, then it was that out he crawled. When he departed thence, another lake he saw; while looking about, he saw an island of sand far out upon the water. “Well, I am going over there,” he thought. Verily, when thither he went, he then saw where something had left the sign of its footprints. “Wonder if I shall see who that may be!” Accordingly back he went to the place from whence he had come forth upon the view. Hiding himself, he then lay in wait; and in a little while (he saw) something come up to the surface of the water, it was something white. Behold, it was a great Lynx!¹ Untying his tobacco, he then filled his pipe. “Now, let him fall into a very heavy sleep! And may it be cold, to the depth of an arm may (the water) freeze! It is then that he may wake from sleep.”
“Mii sa i’iw ani-izhi-giiwedaa!” (“accordingly let us go home!”) ikidowag (they said). Eni-izhi-giiwewaad (as they went back home), mii sa zhigwa gii-saagidooded (then it was that out he crawled). Ezhi-maajaad (when he departed), miinawaa zaaga’igan owaabandaan (another lake he saw); inaabid (while looking about), naawagaam (far out upon the water) miinisinataawangaa (an island of sand) owaabandaan (he saw). “Daga, ninga-izhaa,” (“well, I am going over there,”) inendam (he thought). Geget ezhi-izhaad (verily, when thither he went) ezhi-waabandang (he then saw) awiiya bimikawenid (where something had left its footprints). “Amanj igish wii-waabamag (wonder if I shall see) awegwen ayaawigwen!” (whoever he may be!) Mii sa i’iw neyaab iwidi ezhi-izhaad (so back over there he went) iwidi gaa-bi-ondadaabiid (whence he had come forth upon the view). Ezhi-gaazod (hiding himself), mii dash ezhi-akandood (he then lay in wait); wiiba go (in a little while) awiiya onji-mooshkamowan (something came up to the surface), waabishkiziwan (it was something white). Goniginiin mishiibizhiin! (behold, a Great Lynx!) Ezhi-aaba’waad iniw odasemaan (untying his tobacco) ezhi-mooshkina’aad (he filled his pipe). “Ambesano, da-wii-gichi-boozaangwaamod! (now, let him fall into a very heavy sleep!) Gaye dash da-wii-gisinaa (and may it be cold), ningodonik da-wii-apiitadin! (to the depth of an arm may it freeze!) Mii iw bijiinag ge-izhi-goshkozid. (only then may he wake from sleep.)”
¹ The water-monster. [Jones’s note; the marker stands on “great Lynx” in his English (p. 353), and the note is printed at the foot of the Ojibwe page 352.] — In the print of this section, awīya carries a stray dot over the a (ȧwīya); a flaw in the type is suspected and the reading awiiya kept.
(12) Kägä‘t iᵉi´ᵘ anīgạskatāgamạtinini iᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn, ki‘tcinībiwa anigackatinini; nōntāgusi mī‘kwạm. Kägä‘t iᵉi´ᵘ äji∙a∙‘pītatink.
Geget i’iw ani-gashkataagamadinini iw zaaga’igan, gichi-niibiwa ani-gashkadinini; noondaagozi miikwam. Geget i’iw ezhi-apiitading.
Truly then did the lake begin to freeze, very thick did it freeze; the noise of the ice could be heard. Truly to that extent did it freeze.
Geget i’iw (truly then) ani-gashkataagamadinini (began to freeze over) iw zaaga’igan (the lake), gichi-niibiwa ani-gashkadinini (very thick did it freeze over); noondaagozi miikwam (the ice could be heard). Geget i’iw ezhi-apiitading (truly to that extent did it freeze).
(13) Mī∙i∙´ᵘ pitcīnạg kuskusit aᵉa´ᵘ micipicī. “Ēⁱ, nintūsāmigwām!” Ca∙ī∙gwa wīpimipa‘kupī, kuniginīn äjijōⁿcā‘kwisät. Äjiki‘tcimawit, mạdwägīgitōwạn: “Ạmbäsạnō, ninkạnāwāpamigubạnku kistci∙a∙sin. Kīcigunkigu undcipisut.”
Mii iw bijiinag goshkozid a’aw mishibizhii. “Ēⁱ, nindoosaamigwaam!” Zhayiigwa wii-bimibakobii, goniginiin ezhi-zhoonshaakwised. Ezhi-gichi-mawid, madwe-giigidowan: “Ambesanoo, ninganawaabamigoban go gichi-asin. Giizhigong igo onji-bizod.”
Then it was that the Great-Lynx awoke. “Oh, I slept too long!” Now, he intended to go back into the water, when, lo, he slipped upon the ice. When aloud (Great-Lynx) wept, (the man heard) him say: “I was once blessed by a great rock. From the sky was where it fell.”
Mii iw bijiinag (then it was that) goshkozid (awoke) a’aw mishibizhii (the Great Lynx). “Ēⁱ, nindoosaamigwaam!” (“oh, I slept too long!”) Zhayiigwa wii-bimibakobii (now he intended to go into the water), goniginiin ezhi-zhoonshaakwised (when, lo, he slipped upon the ice). Ezhi-gichi-mawid (as he wept aloud), madwe-giigidowan (he was heard saying): “Ambesanoo, ninganawaabamigoban go (pray, he used to watch over me) gichi-asin (a great rock). Giizhigong igo onji-bizod. (from the sky was where he fell.)”
(14) Käga‘ät pīdwäwäbisowạn. Cigwasa´ äcipạngicing, kāwīn gạnagä wī‘twāsäsī.
Geget biidwewebizowan. Zhigwa sa ezhi-bangishing, gaawiin ganage wii-dwaasesii.
In truth, (he heard) the sound (of a stone) come falling (through the air). When it fell, not a whit did it break through the ice.
Geget (in truth) biidwewebizowan (the sound of it came falling through the air). Zhigwa sa ezhi-bangishing (when it fell), gaawiin ganage wii-dwaasesii (not a whit would it break through the ice).
(15) Mīnawā äjikīkitut: “Keyābi ābiting nạwạtcitạc tạmintito aᵉaᵘ ạsin!”
Miinawaa ezhi-giigidod: “Geyaabi aabiding nawaj idash da-mindido a’aw asin!”
Again then he spoke, saying: “Let there be another stone even yet larger!”
Miinawaa ezhi-giigidod (again then he spoke, saying): “Geyaabi aabiding (yet once more) nawaj idash da-mindido (and let it be larger) a’aw asin! (that stone!)”
(16) Mīdạc kägä‘t nawạtc kicīwäwäbisōwạn. Äcipạngicink, kāwīn kạnạgä twāsäsī. Mīdạc iᵘ a‘pi mạdwäki‘tcimawinit. Cigwa mạdwäkīckuwäwạn. “Mīsa´ kägä‘t niboyān,” mạdwä∙i∙‘kitōwạn. Pīdwäwäbisowạn īni´yasinīn, ā‘pitcisa miniditōwạn īni´yasinīn. Mīdạc kägä‘t iᵉi´ᵘ mạdwäki‘tcimawinit.
Mii dash geget nawaj gizhiiwewebizowan. Ezhi-bangishing, gaawiin ganage dwaasesii. Mii dash iw apii madwe-gichi-mawinid. Zhigwa madwe-giishkowewan. “Mii sa geget niboyaan,” madwe-ikidowan. Biidwewebizowan iniw asiniin, aapiji sa mindidowan iniw asiniin. Mii dash geget i’iw madwe-gichi-mawinid.
And then, sure enough, (he heard) the sound of a bigger (stone) come falling (through the air). When it fell, not a whit did it go through the ice. And that was when he heard him weeping grievously. Presently he heard him cease crying. “Therefore now I shall surely die,” he heard him say. He heard the sound of the stone come (through the air), very big was the size of the stone. Thereupon truly did he hear him begin weeping aloud.
Mii dash geget (and then, sure enough) nawaj gizhiiwewebizowan (louder came the sound of it falling). Ezhi-bangishing (when it fell), gaawiin ganage dwaasesii (not a whit did it break through). Mii dash iw apii (and that was when) madwe-gichi-mawinid (he heard him weeping grievously). Zhigwa madwe-giishkowewan (presently he heard him cease crying). “Mii sa geget niboyaan,” (“therefore now I shall surely die,”) madwe-ikidowan (he heard him say). Biidwewebizowan iniw asiniin (the sound of the stone came through the air), aapiji sa mindidowan iniw asiniin (very big was that stone). Mii dash geget i’iw (thereupon truly) madwe-gichi-mawinid (he heard him begin weeping aloud).
(17) Kākīckowänit mạdwägīgitōwan: “Indạckā mätāsagunīyān mī∙i∙´ᵘ pawānạgipạn a∙a∙kitcipi‘kwā‘kōcîp. Cāwạnungidạc mī∙i∙’witi pimāmādcāt. Ninạntawänimā omāⁿ tcipitạgwicing.” Cigwa pīdwäwäyānimạtini cāwạnung ina‘ka käyā, onōndawān pīdwäwäpisunit. Cigwa imāⁿ tibickōtcaya∙ī∙ owâbạmān tcipi‘kwā‘kōcipạn. Owâbạndän gayä mi nibī‘kānig inābit iwiti wä‘kwāgạmīwạninig iᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn; inābit pibīguckāwạn īni´ᵘ mi‘kwạmīn. Cigwa imāⁿ nạmạtạbinit īni’ᵘ micipicīn, mīdạc imāⁿ cigwa tạgwicinūn īni’ᵘ mi‘kwạmīn pibīkuskānit imāⁿ nạmạtạbit.
Gaa-giishkowenid madwe-giigidowan: “Indashkaa medaaso-goniiyaan mii iw bawaanagiban aa gichi-bikwaakoshib. Zhaawanong idash mii iwidi bimaamaajaad. Ninandawenimaa omaa ji-bi-dagwishing.” Zhigwa biidweweyaanimadini zhaawanong inagake gaye, onoondawaan biidwewebizonid. Zhigwa imaa dibishkoojaya’ii owaabamaan jibikwaakoshiban. Owaabandaan gaye mii nibikaanig inaabid iwidi wekwaagamiiwaninig iw zaaga’igan; inaabid bi-biigoshkaawan iniw mikwamiin. Zhigwa imaa namadabinid iniw mishibizhiin, mii dash imaa zhigwa dagwishinoon iniw mikwamiin bi-biigoshkaanid imaa namadabid.
After (Great-Lynx) had ceased crying, (Vagabond) heard him say: “Behold, when I had been ten days in a fast, then it was that I dreamed of the great Teal. From the south was the place from whence he came. I am anxious for him to come here now.” Soon there came the sound of the wind from the direction of the south, (Vagabond) heard the sound (of the great Teal) coming. Presently yonder straight overhead he beheld the great Teal. He saw also where there was water while looking towards the other end of the lake; while looking (over there, he saw) the ice was breaking up on its way towards him. Presently (he saw) seated yonder Great-Lynx, and then came the ice breaking up at the place where he sat.
Gaa-giishkowenid (after he had ceased crying) madwe-giigidowan (he heard him say): “Indashkaa (behold) medaaso-goniiyaan (when I had been ten days in a fast) mii iw bawaanagiban (then it was that I dreamed of him) aa gichi-bikwaakoshib (the great Teal). Zhaawanong idash mii iwidi bimaamaajaad (from the south was whence he came journeying). Ninandawenimaa (I am anxious for him) omaa ji-bi-dagwishing (to come here now).” Zhigwa biidweweyaanimadini (soon came the sound of the wind) zhaawanong inagake gaye (from the direction of the south also), onoondawaan biidwewebizonid (he heard him come speeding). Zhigwa imaa dibishkoojaya’ii (presently yonder straight overhead) owaabamaan jibikwaakoshiban (he beheld the great Teal). Owaabandaan gaye mii nibikaanig (he saw also where there was water) inaabid iwidi wekwaagamiiwaninig iw zaaga’igan (looking towards the other end of the lake); inaabid (while looking) bi-biigoshkaawan iniw mikwamiin (the ice came breaking up). Zhigwa imaa namadabinid iniw mishibizhiin (presently seated yonder was Great Lynx), mii dash imaa zhigwa dagwishinoon iniw mikwamiin (and then arrived the ice) bi-biigoshkaanid imaa namadabid (breaking up at the place where he sat).
(18) Mīdạc äcipa‘kubīt. Kägä‘t ki‘tciminwäntạm äjikīgitut: “Ạmbäsạnō tawi ki‘tci∙o∙sāmạnimut! Tạga ombācim ki∙a∙‘pī‘tānima‘k aᵉa´ᵘ Mạtcininiwāgä!”
Mii dash ezhi-bakobiid. Geget gichi-minwendam ezhi-giigidod: “Ambesanoo da-wii-gichi-osaamanimod! Daga ombaashim gi-apiitanimak a’aw Majininiwaage!”
And then into the water (Great-Lynx) went. Truly pleased he was when he spoke, saying: “Now, may there rise an exceedingly great wind! Pray, waft away Vagabond with such a great wind!”
Mii dash ezhi-bakobiid (and then into the water he went). Geget gichi-minwendam (truly pleased was he) ezhi-giigidod (when he spoke, saying): “Ambesanoo da-wii-gichi-osaamanimod! (now, may there rise an exceedingly great wind!) Daga ombaashim (pray, waft him aloft) gi-apiitanimak (with such force of wind) a’aw Majininiwaage! (that Vagabond!)”
(19) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ animādcīpa‘tōt. Kägätsa mạmitāwäntạm wī∙u∙mbācit. Käga‘pī äcimindcimā‘kwīt mi‘tigōnsig, äcipa‘kwa‘kīyāsinig. Mīnawādec mi‘tigunk iwiti icpiming ānugitā‘kwi; äciwäpäsininig īniyo ugigickāganạn pingwācāgit. Käga‘pīgu iᵉi’ᵘ uniciciwaᵉ äcipa‘kwatācinit. Ānīc nā ugạnawâpạmigōn īniᵘ micipicīn.
Mii dash i’iw ani-maajiibatood. Geget sa mamidaawendam wii-ombaashid. Gegapii ezhi-minjimaakwiid mitigoonsig, ezhi-bakwakiiyaasinig. Miinawaa dash mitigong iwidi ishpiming aano-gidaakwii; ezhi-webaasininig iniyo ogigishkaaganan bingwaashaagid. Gegapii go i’iw onishishiwag ezhi-bakwataashinid. Aaniish naa oganawaabamigoon iniw mishibizhiin.
Thereupon then he started on his way running. In truth, he was much disturbed in his mind when about to be borne by the wind (through the air). At last, when clinging to a small tree, it was blown up from the roots. And next to a tree aloft (on the heights) he tried to cling; when off blew his garments, he then was naked. And at last his testicles were blown off by the wind. Now, of course, all the while he was being watched by Great-Lynx.
Mii dash i’iw ani-maajiibatood (thereupon he started on his way running). Geget sa mamidaawendam (in truth, much disturbed was he in his mind) wii-ombaashid (about to be borne up by the wind). Gegapii ezhi-minjimaakwiid mitigoonsig (at last, as he clung to a small tree), ezhi-bakwakiiyaasinig (it was blown up from the roots). Miinawaa dash mitigong iwidi ishpiming (and next to a tree aloft on the heights) aano-gidaakwii (in vain he tried to cling); ezhi-webaasininig iniyo ogigishkaaganan (when off blew his garments) bingwaashaagid (he then was naked). Gegapii go i’iw (and at last) onishishiwag ezhi-bakwataashinid (his testicles were blown off by the wind). Aaniish naa (now, of course) oganawaabamigoon iniw mishibizhiin (all the while he was being watched by Great Lynx).
(20) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äjikīkitut: “Ānīc, misa iᵉi’ᵘ kä∙i∙cipōni∙ạ∙g aᵉa’ᵘ Mạtcininiwâgä. Ānīc nā, kayä wīn wâwīyạc ningītōtāg, mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ wâwiyạc wäntcitōtawạg.”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-giigidod: “Aaniish, mii sa i’iw ge-izhi-booni’ag a’aw Majininiwaage. Aaniish naa, gaye wiin waawiyazh ningii-doodaag, mii dash i’iw waawiyazh wenji-doodawag.”
Thereupon then he spoke, saying: “Well, therefore now I will leave Vagabond alone. Now, I had a trick played on me by him, and that is why I turned a trick on him.”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-giigidod (thereupon then he spoke, saying): “Aaniish, mii sa i’iw ge-izhi-booni’ag (well, therefore now I will leave him alone) a’aw Majininiwaage (that Vagabond). Aaniish naa (now, of course), gaye wiin waawiyazh ningii-doodaag (he too played a trick on me), mii dash i’iw waawiyazh wenji-doodawag (and that is why I turned a trick on him).”
(21) Misa’ pinäwitcīt k∙ī∙ạgōtä.
Mii sa binewi-jiid gii-agoode.
And so the buttocks of the ruffed grouse now hang aloft.
Mii sa (and thus) binewi-jiid (the ruffed grouse’s rump) gii-agoode (hung aloft) (the closing that leaves the story to the listener’s wondering).