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.
MẠTCIKI‘KWÄWIS MĪNAWĀ UCĪMÄYẠN.
MAJI-IKWEWIS MIINAWAA OSHIIMEYAN.
THE FOOLISH MAIDEN AND HER YOUNGER SISTER.
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) Mīsa mī a∙ī∙ntāwạg i‘kwäwạg, nīciwạg; päcik ạnimōcạn udayāwāwạn, mīsa mī īmi’ᵘ näntawäntcigätamāguwāt. Ci’gwadạc wī‘pipōnini, mīsa kīⁿwäⁿ mämäckwat wītcīwāwāt. Ningutingidạc unisāni īni’ᵘ wâwâckäciwạn. Kägä‘t kạbäya∙ī∙ udamwāwān. Abā‘pic cigwa kätạmwāwāt, mīsa mī mīnawā mādci‘tāwāt nạntawäntcigäwāt; mämäckwat wītcīwâwāt. Ninguting unisāwān mīnawa päcik īni’ᵘ wâwāckäciwạn, ā‘pidci wīninōwạn. Mīdạc i∙i∙ᵘ täyābi‘tapibōninig tcibwākitạmwāwāt; cigwa kā‘kitạmwāwāt kāwīn ni‘tāgäsīwạn udayayänsiwān. “Intawā mādcātā!” i‘kitowạg. Äcikusiwāt sāga∙i∙gạning, mätābīwāt; micawi‘kwạm tägwucinuwāt, uwâbamāwāᵉ awīya mawinạnigōwāt. Kuniginīn, umawinanigōwān. Mīdạc äjimādcīyạnk Matci‘ki‘kwäwis:—
Mii sa mii ayi-indaawag ikwewag, niizhiwag; bezhig animoshan odayaawaawan, mii sa mii iniw nandawenjigetamaagowaad. Zhigwa dash wii-biboonini, mii sa giiwenh memeshkwad wiijiiwaawaad. Ningoding idash onisaani iniw waawaashkeshiwan. Geget gabeya’ii odamwaawaan. Abaapizh zhigwa gaa-damwaawaad, mii sa mii miinawaa maajiitaawaad nandawenjigewaad; memeshkwad wiijiiwaawaad. Ningoding onisaawaan miinawaa bezhig iniw waawaashkeshiwan, aapiji wiininowan. Mii dash i’iw dayaabita-bibooninig jibwaa-damwaawaad; zhigwa gaa-damwaawaad gaawiin nitagesiiwan odayayaansiwaan. “Indawaa maajaadaa!” ikidowag. Ezhi-gozhiwed zaaga’iganing, medaabiiwaad; mishawikwam dagwishinowaad, owaabamaawaan awiya mawinanigowaad. Goniginiin, omawinanigowaan. Mii dash ezhi-maajiyang Maji-ikwewis:—
And so there lived some women,¹ they were two in number; a dog they had, and by it did they have their hunting done. It was now growing winter, whereupon it is said they took turns in going along with (the dog). And once it killed a deer. In fact, for a long while they had it to eat. In due course of time they ate it up, whereupon they made ready again to go hunting for game; they took turns going along with the dog. By and by they killed another deer, very fat it was. It was halfway along through the winter before they ate it up; when they had eaten it all, no (more) killing did their pet do. “Therefore let us go away!” they said. When they moved camp, out upon a lake they came; when far out upon the ice they were come, they saw that by some one they were pursued. Behold, they were being attacked. And thus the Foolish Maiden then began singing:—
Mii sa mii ayi-indaawag ikwewag (and so there lived some women), niizhiwag (they were two); bezhig animoshan odayaawaawan (a dog they had), mii sa mii iniw nandawenjigetamaagowaad (and by it their hunting was done — stem flagged). Zhigwa dash wii-biboonini (it was now growing winter), mii sa giiwenh memeshkwad wiijiiwaawaad (whereupon, they say, they took turns going with it — memeshkwad ‘in turns’ flagged). Ningoding idash onisaani iniw waawaashkeshiwan (and once it killed a deer). Geget gabeya’ii odamwaawaan (for a long while they had it to eat). Abaapizh zhigwa gaa-damwaawaad (in due course, when they had eaten it up), mii sa mii miinawaa maajiitaawaad nandawenjigewaad (they made ready again to go hunting); memeshkwad wiijiiwaawaad (taking turns going with it). Ningoding onisaawaan miinawaa bezhig iniw waawaashkeshiwan (by and by they killed another deer), aapiji wiininowan (very fat it was). Mii dash i’iw dayaabita-bibooninig jibwaa-damwaawaad (it was halfway through the winter before they ate it up — dayaabi’-dabiboon- ‘mid-winter’ flagged); zhigwa gaa-damwaawaad gaawiin nitagesiiwan odayayaansiwaan (when they had eaten it all, no more killing did their pet do — ni’tagesii- flagged). “Indawaa maajaadaa!” ikidowag (“therefore let us go away!” they said). Ezhi-gozhiwed zaaga’iganing (when they moved camp, to a lake), medaabiiwaad (they came out); mishawikwam dagwishinowaad (when far out upon the ice they came), owaabamaawaan awiya mawinanigowaad (they saw they were pursued by someone). Goniginiin, omawinanigowaan (behold, they were being attacked). Mii dash ezhi-maajiyang Maji-ikwewis:— (and thus the Foolish Maiden began singing:— maajii- ‘begins’ flagged)
¹ Jones (p455): “The Foolish Maidens.” — both sisters are the ‘Foolish Maidens’ (cf. title). ∙ LAYER 1 RECOVERED from M.-supplied page-454 image (2026-06-14), the lost-scan page; re-typed glyph-for-glyph, replacing the earlier collated-scaffold placeholder. Name printed two ways on p454: title Mạtciki‘kwäwis ~ body Matci‘ki‘kwäwis — preserved. NOTE title fix: titleJones is now the printed Ojibwe subtitle (was duplicating the English heading).
(2) “Ma∙ī∙nganagä wäyābamạgwābạnin,
Ningīwäwäbānuwätāgōbạnīg,
Wäyābamiwâ‘pạnin,
Wäyābamiwâ‘pạnīn,
Wäyābamiwâ‘pạnīn.”
“Ma∙ī∙nganagä wäyābamạgwābạnin,
Ningīwäwäbānuwätāgōbạnīg,
Wäyābamiwâ‘pạnin,
Wäyābamiwâ‘pạnīn,
Wäyābamiwâ‘pạnīn.”
“Whenever I see wolves,
I am greeted by them with a friendly wag of the tail;
Whenever they see me,
Whenever they see me,
Whenever they see me.”
[Dream-song — carried verbatim in both layers, not converted; merge-excluded. ma∙ī∙ngan = wolf.]
Dream-song with power over wolves.
(3) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äjinagiskāgänit īni’ᵘ uta∙i∙wān, mīsa’ kīnisimint īni’ᵘ uta∙i∙wān. Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ ānumawinạnāwāt, äji∙u∙cimunit. Kāwäsa utạtimāsiwāwa, mīsạgu kīnạgạniguwāt. Kägä‘t umintcinawäsināwān īni’ᵘ uta∙i∙wān. Intawā äjimādcāwāt; äjikạbäciwāt, mīsa’ kāwäsa kägō umīdcisīnāwa. Intawā äjimādcāwāt, ạnōtcigupagwata‘kạmig icāwāt. Ningutingiku pạpimusäwāt kāgwạn äjimi‘kawāwāt. Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis äjikīgitut: “Kägä‘tigu kā∙u∙yāwānānig īgi’ᵘ kāwayạg.”
Mii dash iw ezhi-nagishkaagenid iniw odayiwan, mii sa giinisimind iniw odayiwan. Mii dash iw ano-mawinananaawaad, ezhi-ozhimonid. Gaawesa odadimaasiwaawaa, mii sa go giinaganigowaad. Geget ominjinawezinaawaan iniw odayiwan. Indawaa ezhi-maajaawaad; ezhi-gabeshiwaad, mii sa gaawesa gegoo omiijisiinaawaa. Indawaa ezhi-maajaawaad, anooj go bagwadakamig izhaawaad. Ningoding igo babaa-bimosewaad gaagwan ezhi-mikawaawaad. Maji-ikwewis ezhi-giigidod: “Geget igo gaa-oyaawaanaanig igiw gaawayag.”
And then to meet them went their pet, whereupon their dog was slain. Accordingly then they tried attacking the wolves, (but) they fled. They were not able to overtake them, and so they were left behind. Truly sad they felt over the loss of their pet. Accordingly then they started on; when they made camp, then not a thing did they have to eat. Therefore then on they went, off to a lonely region they went. And once, when walking about, they found a porcupine. The Foolish Maiden then spoke, saying: “And in truth we will keep some of the quills.”
Mii dash iw ezhi-nagishkaagenid iniw odayiwan (and so their pet went to meet them — stem flagged), mii sa giinisimind (and so it was killed). Mii dash ano-mawinananaawaad (then they tried attacking them in vain), ezhi-ozhimonid (they fled). Gaawesa odadimaasiwaawaa (they could not overtake them — stem flagged), mii sa go giinaganigowaad (and so they were left behind). Geget ominjinawezinaawaan iniw odayiwan (truly they grieved their pet). Indawaa ezhi-maajaawaad (so they set off); ezhi-gabeshiwaad (when they camped), mii sa gaawesa gegoo omiijisiinaawaa (they had nothing to eat). Indawaa ezhi-maajaawaad (so they went on), anooj go bagwadakamig izhaawaad (to a lonely wild region they went — stem flagged). Ningoding igo babaa-bimosewaad (once while walking about) gaagwan ezhi-mikawaawaad (they found a porcupine — gaag = porcupine). Maji-ikwewis ezhi-giigidod (the Foolish Maiden spoke): “Geget igo gaa-oyaawaanaanig igiw gaawayag.” (“Truly we will keep some of the quills.” — stem flagged)
(4) Ānic ā‘pidci wâpickisiwạn. Cigwa Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis ugạnawâbạmān wâbigāgwạn, “Nîyā’ⁿ, kägä‘tigu’ wī‘kāgäsa tawawinā‘kwawä!”
Mīdac iᵉi’ᵘ äjikạnōniguwāt: “Kīcpîn ta‘pitiyäniyäg tawuniciciwạg īgi’ᵘ ningāwayạg.”
“Nîyāⁿ, nicīmä, ạmbäsanō kīni‘tạm ta‘pitiyänîn!” “Nimisäⁿ, kāwäsa nintātạ‘pitiyänisī.”
Mīsa’ äjicāgwänimōwāt, kāwīn awīya inändaⁿzī mämäckwat ānugagwätcintiwāt. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ käga‘pī Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis kīgitut: “ ‘Āᵘ, mānū, nīn ningatapi‘tiyän mäckwatidạc nīn ka‘kina ningatayāwāg īgi´ᵘ kāwayạg. Ā‘pidcigu wäwiniciciwāt ningataiyāwāg.”
Mägwāgu tạnawäwä‘tōwāt, “Käcitinä!” udiguwān.
Mīdạc kägä‘t Madci‘ki‘kwäwis äcitạpi‘tiyänit.
“Nawạtc päcu,” udigōn.
Aaniish aapiji waabishkiziwan. Zhigwa Maji-ikwewis oganawaabamaan waabigaagwan, “Niyaa, geget igo wii-gaagezha dawawinaakwawe!” Mii dash iw ezhi-ganoonigowaad: “Gishpin da-bidiyeniyeg da-onizhishiwag igiw ningaawayag.” “Niyaa, nishiime, ambesanoo giin-idam da-bidiyeniin!” “Nimisenh, gaawesa nin-da-bidiyenisii.” Mii sa ezhi-zhaagwenimowaad, gaawiin awiya inendanzii memeshkwad ano-gagwejindiwaad. Mii dash iw geyaabi Maji-ikwewis giigidod: “Aaniish, maanoo, niin ningad-bidiyen meshkwad idash niin gakina ningad-ayaawaag igiw gaawayag. Aapiji go wewinizhishiwaad ningad-ayaawaag.” Megwaa go danawewetowaad, “Gezhitinaa!” odigowaan. Mii dash geget Maji-ikwewis ezhi-dabidiyenid. “Nawaj besho,” odigoon.
Now, very white was (the porcupine). While the Foolish Maiden was looking at the white porcupine, “Oh, would that his quills be nice and straight!” Thereupon they were addressed by him saying: “If you put your buttocks (into the hole of the tree), nice will be these quills of mine.” “Ah, my little sister! please do you first put in your buttocks!” “My elder sister, not for anything would I put in my buttocks.” Whereupon then they became disinclined, for neither one was willing when back and forth they asked each other in vain. And then finally the Foolish Maiden said: “Very well, then, I myself will put in my buttocks, and for so doing I myself will have all the quills, and the ones that are very nice I will keep.” And while they were chattering away about it, “Hurry up!” they were told. Thereupon truly the Foolish Maiden put in her buttocks. “Still closer,” she was told.
Aaniish aapiji waabishkiziwan (now very white it was). Zhigwa Maji-ikwewis oganawaabamaan waabigaagwan (the Foolish Maiden looked at the white porcupine — waab-gaag, white porcupine), “Niyaa, geget igo wii-…dawawinaakwawe!” (“Oh, would that his quills be straight!” — stem flagged). Mii dash ezhi-ganoonigowaad (then they were addressed by him): “Gishpin da-bidiyeniyeg (if you put in your buttocks) da-onizhishiwag igiw ningaawayag (nice will be these quills of mine).” “Niyaa, nishiime, ambesanoo giin-idam da-bidiyeniin!” (“Ah little sister, do you first put in your buttocks!”) “Nimisenh, gaawesa nin-da-bidiyenisii.” (“Elder sister, not for anything would I.”) Mii sa ezhi-zhaagwenimowaad (so they were reluctant), gaawiin awiya inendanzii (neither was willing) memeshkwad ano-gagwejindiwaad (asking each other back and forth in vain). Mii dash geyaabi Maji-ikwewis giigidod (then finally the Foolish Maiden said): “Maanoo, niin ningad-bidiyen (“Very well, I will put in my buttocks) meshkwad idash niin gakina ningad-ayaawaag igiw gaawayag (and in return I will have all the quills). Aapiji go wewinizhishiwaad ningad-ayaawaag (the very nice ones I will keep).” Megwaa go danawewetowaad (while they chattered), “Gezhitinaa!” odigowaan (“Hurry up!” they were told). Mii dash geget Maji-ikwewis ezhi-dabidiyenid (then the Foolish Maiden put in her buttocks). “Nawaj besho,” odigoon (“Still closer,” she was told).
(5) Kägä‘t ā‘pidci mạmītāwitcāngitiyäni. Cigwa äjipacacäⁿ∙u∙gut utiyāng ‘iᵉ´ᵘ osowāni. A‘tawā! kägä‘t utā‘kusin ‘iᵉi´ᵘ utcīt. Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis. Intawā äjinạganāwāt, päcu´ äjikạbäciwāt. Ā‘pidcisa kägä‘t ā‘kusi Mạdci‘ki‘käwis. Cigwa nīwitiyä äniwä‘k ugạcki∙ā∙wa äniwäk ‘iᵉi´ᵘ käwayaᵉ. Cigwa papänạg ici∙a∙yā Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis. “Nîcīmä, mī intawā ‘iᵉi´ᵘ icimādcīcicin, kiga∙u∙tābāc idac.”
Geget aapiji mamiidaawijaangidiyeni. Zhigwa ezhi-bashashaa’ogod odiyaang iw osowani. Atawaa! geget odakosin iw ojiid. Maji-ikwewis. Indawaa ezhi-naganaawaad, besho ezhi-gabeshiwaad. Aapiji sa geget akozi Maji-ikwewis. Zhigwa niiwidiye eniwek ogashki’aawaa eniwek iw gaawayan. Zhigwa babaanag izhi-ayaa Maji-ikwewis. “Nishiime, mii indawaa iw izhi-maajiizhizhin, giga-oodaabaazh idash.”
Truly as far as she could she extended her buttocks. Presently was she then slapped across the buttocks with his tail. Poor thing! truly out of sorts at the buttocks became the Foolish Maiden. Therefore, leaving him behind, they then near by went into camp. Very sick, in truth, was the Foolish Maiden. In a while down went some of the swelling of her buttocks, she was able to get out some of the quills. In time a little better grew the Foolish Maiden. “My little sister, therefore now do you bear me hence, do you draw me on the toboggan.”
Geget aapiji mamiidaawijaangidiyeni (truly she extended her buttocks as far as she could — stem flagged). Zhigwa ezhi-bashashaa’ogod odiyaang iw osowani (then she was slapped across the buttocks with his tail — stem flagged). Atawaa! (poor thing!) geget odakosin iw ojiid (truly sore became her buttocks). Maji-ikwewis. Indawaa ezhi-naganaawaad (so leaving him behind), besho ezhi-gabeshiwaad (nearby they camped). Aapiji sa geget akozi Maji-ikwewis (very sick was the Foolish Maiden). Zhigwa niiwidiye eniwek ogashki’aawaa eniwek iw gaawayan (in a while the swelling went down somewhat, she got out some of the quills — stem flagged). Zhigwa babaanag izhi-ayaa Maji-ikwewis (the Foolish Maiden grew a little better — stem flagged). “Nishiime, mii indawaa iw izhi-maajiizhizhin (“My little sister, now bear me hence), giga-oodaabaazh idash (and draw me on the toboggan).”
(6) Kägä‘t i‘kwä umādcīnān īni´ᵘ umisäⁿyạn. Sāga∙i∙gạn owâbandānāwa. Kuniginīn imā mīdcigigwanäwasiswạn ạgōtänig mi‘tigunk. “Ạmbägicsa iwiti ayāyạnk wạsiswạning!” Udānugạnōnigōn ucīmäyạn: “Kāwin sa‘ku ickwā‘kạmig kiti‘kitusī.”
“Nîcīmä! ā‘pidci kuca ạmbägic ayāyānk iwiti wasiswạnink!” Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ äjimādcī∙ạ∙nk Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis:—
Geget ikwe omaajiinaan iniw omisenyan. Zaaga’igan owaabandaanaawaa. Goniginiin imaa miijigigwanewasiswan agootenig mitigong. “Ambegizh sa iwidi ayaayang wasiswaning!” Odaano-ganoonigoon oshiimeyan: “Gaawiin sa go ishkwaakamig gid-ikidosii.” “Nishiime! aapiji gosha ambegizh ayaayang iwidi wasiswaning!” Mii dash iw ezhi-maajiiyang Maji-ikwewis:—
To be sure, the woman bore her elder sister hence. A lake they saw. Behold, yonder was a fish-hawk’s nest upon a tree. “Would that we were in yonder nest!” In vain was she addressed by her little sister, (who) tried to dissuade (her): “There is never an end to what you say.” “O my little sister! in good truth, would that we were in yonder nest!” Thereupon then began the Foolish Maiden to sing:—
Geget ikwe omaajiinaan iniw omisenyan (truly the woman bore her elder sister). Zaaga’igan owaabandaanaawaa (a lake they saw). Goniginiin imaa miijigigwanewasiswan agootenig mitigong (lo, a fish-hawk’s nest hung on a tree — miijigigwane = fish-hawk; stem flagged). “Ambegizh sa iwidi ayaayang wasiswaning!” (“Would that we were in yonder nest!”). Odaano-ganoonigoon oshiimeyan (in vain her little sister addressed her): “Gaawiin sa go ishkwaakamig gid-ikidosii.” (“There is no end to what you say.” — stem flagged) “Nishiime! aapiji gosha ambegizh ayaayang iwidi wasiswaning!” (“Little sister, truly would that we were in yonder nest!”) Mii dash ezhi-maajiiyang Maji-ikwewis (then the Foolish Maiden began to sing):—
(7) “Mītcīgigwanäwasiswạning nindāpạgicinä,
Nindāpag cinä,
Nindāpagicinä,
Nindāpagicinä.”
“Mītcīgigwanäwasiswạning nindāpạgicinä,
Nindāpag cinä,
Nindāpagicinä,
Nindāpagicinä.”
“In a fish-hawk’s nest would I fall,
Would I fall,
Would I fall,
Would I fall.”
[Song — carried verbatim, merge-excluded. mitchiigigwane-wasiswan = fish-hawk’s nest; nindaapagishin = I fall.]
(8) Ä‘tawā, mīsa´ äci∙u∙mbickāwāt, äcipạngicinuwāt wasiswạning. Ä‘tawā! ucīmäⁿyạn kägä‘t unicki∙ā∙n. “Kāmā wīn wī‘ka nindākacki∙o∙sīmin,” inäntạm a∙i∙‘kwä.
Ninguting ayagōsiwāt mīsa’ äjiwâbamāwāt piciwạn pimusänit; äcikanōnāt Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis: “Picyᵘ! ạmbäsanōnā nīsāntawa∙i∙cinān! Kīcpîn kacki‘tōyạn tcinīsāntawa∙i∙yānk wīwimicinā‘kāng.”
Kägä‘t ubināsi‘kawāni īni´ᵘ mi‘tigōn; äci∙u∙cācā‘kupitcigänit īni´ᵘ piciwạn mạdwägīgitōwạn: “Kāwäsā ningacki∙ō∙si. Kāwīn nintōckạⁿjīzī.” Intawā ạnimādcāwạn piciwạn Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis unimiskạmān. “Cī! ạmạntcigic tōtạnk, agōta‘ki‘kwāning äcigātinät!”
*Etawaa, mii sa ezhi-ombishkaawaad, ezhi-bangishinowaad wasiswaning. Etawaa! oshiimeyan geget onishki’aan. “Gaa-maa wiin wiika nindaa-gashki’oosiimin,” inendam a ikwe. Ningoding ayagoosiwaad mii sa ezhi-waabamaawaad bizhiwan bimosenid; ezhi-ganoonaad Maji-ikwewis: “Bizhiw! ambesanoonaa niisaandawa’ishinan! Gishpin gashkitoyan ji-niisaandawa’iyang wiiwimizhinaakaang.” Geget obinaazhikawaani iniw mitigoon; ezhi-zhaazhaagobichigenid iniw bizhiwan madwe-giigidowan: “Gaawesaa ningashki’oosii. Gaawiin nindooshkaanzhizii.” Indawaa ani-maajaawan bizhiwan Maji-ikwewis onimiskamaan. “Zhi! amanj igo izhi-doodang, agoodakikwaaning ezhigaadined!”**
Behold, then were they lifted into the air, then they alighted in the nest. Ah! truly did she anger her little sister. “No doubt we shall never be able (to get down),” thought the woman. Once, while up there, they then saw a Lynx come walking along; then to him spoke the Foolish Maiden, saying: “O Lynx! please come take us down the tree! If you can take us down the tree, you may have us for wives.” Truly hitherward came he to the tree; when he slipped and fell, Lynx was heard to say: “I cannot possibly do it. I have no claws.” Accordingly, when on his way went Lynx, the Foolish Maiden waved at him maliciously with her fingers. “Old thing! Wonder why he did so, he whose penis is like the chain that holds up (the kettle)!”
Etawaa, mii sa ezhi-ombishkaawaad (lo, they were lifted up), ezhi-bangishinowaad wasiswaning (and alighted in the nest). Etawaa! oshiimeyan geget onishki’aan (ah, truly she angered her little sister). “Gaa-maa wiin wiika nindaa-gashki’oosiimin,” inendam a ikwe (“We shall never be able [to get down],” thought the woman). Ningoding ayagoosiwaad (once, while up there) mii sa ezhi-waabamaawaad bizhiwan bimosenid (they saw a Lynx walking — bizhiw = lynx); ezhi-ganoonaad Maji-ikwewis (the Foolish Maiden addressed him): “Bizhiw! ambesanoonaa niisaandawa’ishinan! (“Lynx! please take us down the tree!) Gishpin gashkitoyan ji-niisaandawa’iyang wiiwimizhinaakaang*.” (If you can take us down, you may have us for wives.”) Geget obinaazhikawaani iniw mitigoon (truly he came to the tree); ezhi-zhaazhaagobichigenid (when he slipped and fell — stem flagged) iniw bizhiwan madwe-giigidowan (Lynx was heard to say): “Gaawesaa ningashki’oosii. Gaawiin nindooshkaanzhizii.” (“I cannot do it. I have no claws.”) Indawaa ani-maajaawan bizhiwan (so when Lynx went off) Maji-ikwewis onimiskamaan (the Foolish Maiden waved maliciously at him — stem flagged). “Zhi! amanj igo izhi-doodang, agoodakikwaaning ezhigaadined!” (“Old thing! wonder why he did so, he whose penis is like the kettle-chain!” — idiom; stem flagged)
(9) Mīsa‘pạnä kīmādcānit. Mīsa’ ka‘kina mạnitōwäncaᵉ kī‘pwāmāwāt tcinātāntawa∙i∙gōwāt. Ningutingidạc mīnawā awīya owâbamāwān; kuniginīn kwīngwa∙ā∙gän cigwa imāⁿ pimusäwạn. “Kwīngwa∙ā∙gä!” udinān Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis. “Ạmbäsạnō, pīnātāntawā∙i∙cinān!”
Kägä‘t pitā‘taganābiwạn, kīgitōwạn: “Ūⁿ, misanā’ tcigīwītigäyān!” Pimādcīpa‘tōwạn āsamā‘tig äjipạngicininit; pītāntawäpa‘tōwạn. Cigwa imāⁿ pi∙a∙yāwạn äjikīgitunit: “ ‘A ā´ᵘ, wīni‘tạm ‘aᵉa´ᵘ kicīmä.” Äcinīsāntawä∙i∙gut. Mīnawā pītāntawäwạn. Upi‘kwanāning äji∙i∙ci‘tāt Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis; ābi‘tawā‘tig āni∙a∙yāwāt äcicigināt. Ä‘tawā, kägä‘t kạgwānisagäntạm kwīngwa∙ā∙gä cīginint! Cigwa kä‘pạgitci∙a∙yāwint, ä‘tawā, äci∙o∙di‘tinint ‘aᵉa’ᵘ ucīmä∙i∙mā. Äjiwī‘pāmāt īni‘kwäwạn. Äckwā wī‘pämạt, Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis wīni‘tạm, ä‘tawā! kägāgu unisigōn. Okạnōnān: “Nîcīmä! nīwạnaᵘ.”
Mii sa banaa gii-maajaanid. Mii sa gakina manidoowenzhan gii-bwaamaawaad ji-naadaandawa’igowaad. Ningoding idash miinawaa awiya owaabamaawaan; goniginiin gwiingwa’aagan zhigwa imaa bimosewan. “Gwiingwa’aage!” odinaan Maji-ikwewis. “Ambesanoo, biinaadaandawa’ishinaan!” Geget bitaataganaabiwan, giigidowan: “Oon, mii sa naa ji-giiwidigeyaan!” Bimaajibatowan aasamaatig ezhi-bangishininid; biitaandawebatowan. Zhigwa imaa bi-ayaawan ezhi-giigidonid: “A aaw, wiinitam aaw gishiime.” Ezhi-niisaandawe’igod. Miinawaa biitaandawewan. Obikwanaaning ezhi-izhitaad Maji-ikwewis; aabitawaatig ani-ayaawaad ezhi-zhiginaad. Etawaa, geget gagwaanisagendam gwiingwa’aage zhiginind! Zhigwa ge-bagidiji-ayaawind, etawaa, ezhi-oditinind aaw oshiime imaa. Ezhi-wiibemaad iniw ikwewan. Ishkwaa-wiibemaad, Maji-ikwewis wiinitam, etawaa! gaagaa go onisigoon. Oganoonaan: “Nishiime! niwana.”**
And then away was he gone. Thereupon they failed to persuade all the small animal-folk to take them down. And once another creature they saw; behold, it was a Wolverene that was then walking by the place. “O Wolverene!” to him said the Foolish Maiden, “please come take us down!” Truly, looking up as he came, he said: “Well, therefore now will I have a wife!” Coming on the run, he leaped, (and) alighted square on the tree; up he came climbing on the run. When up there he was come, he said: “Very well, the first (will be) your little sister.” Then down the tree was she carried. Up the tree again he came climbing. Upon his back then lay the Foolish Maiden; when halfway down the tree they got, then she made water upon him. Oh, but truly now was Wolverene disgusted to have water made upon him! Now, after (the Foolish Maiden) was carried down, ah! then was the younger sister taken. Then he slept with the woman. After he had lain with her, the Foolish Maiden in turn, poor thing! was nearly killed. She spoke to her younger sister, saying: “O my little sister! do kill him with a club!”
Mii sa banaa gii-maajaanid (and away he went). Mii sa gakina manidoowenzhan gii-bwaamaawaad ji-naadaandawa’igowaad (they failed to persuade all the small animal-folk to take them down — stem flagged). Ningoding idash miinawaa awiya owaabamaawaan (and once they saw another); goniginiin gwiingwa’aagan zhigwa imaa bimosewan (lo, a Wolverene was walking by — gwiingwa’aage = wolverine). “Gwiingwa’aage! … biinaadaandawa’ishinaan!” (“Wolverene! … come take us down!”) Geget bitaataganaabiwan (truly he looked up), giigidowan: “Oon, mii sa naa ji-giiwidigeyaan!” (“Well, now I will have a wife!”) Bimaajibatowan aasamaatig* ezhi-bangishininid (running he leaped and landed on the tree — stem flagged); biitaandawebatowan (he climbed up on the run). Zhigwa imaa bi-ayaawan ezhi-giigidonid (when up there he said): “A* aaw, wiinitam aaw gishiime.” (“Very well, first your little sister.”) Ezhi-niisaandawe’igod (then she was carried down). Miinawaa biitaandawewan (again he climbed). Obikwanaaning ezhi-izhitaad Maji-ikwewis (the Foolish Maiden lay on his back); aabitawaatig ani-ayaawaad ezhi-zhiginaad (halfway down she made water on him — stem flagged). Etawaa, geget gagwaanisagendam gwiingwa’aage zhiginind! (Oh, Wolverene was disgusted to be urinated on!) Zhigwa ge-bagidiji-ayaawind (when she was carried down), etawaa, ezhi-oditinind aaw oshiime imaa (ah, then the little sister was taken). Ezhi-wiibemaad iniw ikwewan (he slept with the woman). Ishkwaa-wiibemaad (after lying with her), Maji-ikwewis wiinitam, etawaa! gaagaa go onisigoon (the Foolish Maiden in turn was nearly killed). Oganoonaan: “Nishiime! niwana.” (She said: “Little sister! I am nearly killed [kill him!].” — stem flagged)
(10) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ wāgā‘kwạt äjipa‘ki‘tä∙u∙nt kwīngwa∙ā∙gä. Äjimādcī∙ạ∙nk kwīngwa∙ā∙gä:—
Mii dash iw waagaakwad ezhi-bakite’ond gwiingwa’aage. Ezhi-maajiiyang gwiingwa’aage:—
Thereupon with an axe was Wolverene struck. Then began Wolverene to sing:—
Mii dash iw waagaakwad ezhi-bakite’ond gwiingwa’aage (then with an axe Wolverene was struck). Ezhi-maajiiyang gwiingwa’aage (Wolverene began to sing):—
(11) “Āyāntcigu, āyāntcigu,
Kīgintcita∙ạ∙mawā kimisä.”
“Āyāntcigu, āyāntcigu,
Kīgintcita∙ạ∙mawā kimisä.”
“Farther and farther, farther and farther,
Are you driving it into your elder sister.”
[Song — carried verbatim, merge-excluded.]
(12) A‘tawā! Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis mīsa´ kīcīgwābīkā∙u∙nt.
Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ kwīngwa∙ā∙gä wändciwīnipicīgạnät.
Mīdạc iᵘ ā‘pidci kīcīgwābīga∙u∙nt, intawādạc äcipa‘kitā‘kōwäbinit Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis.
Atawaa! Maji-ikwewis mii sa giizhiigwaabiikaa’ond. Mii dash iw gwiingwa’aage wenji-wiinibizhiiganed. Mii dash iw aapiji giizhiigwaabiiga’ond, indawaa dash ezhi-bakitekoowebinid Maji-ikwewis.
Alas! the Foolish Maiden was now pretty thoroughly maimed. Therefore such is why the Wolverene has a spot on the small of his back. And now very much battered up was she, so therefore over (a log) the Foolish Maiden hung limp.
Atawaa! Maji-ikwewis mii sa giizhiigwaabiikaa’ond (alas, the Foolish Maiden was now thoroughly maimed — stem flagged). Mii dash iw gwiingwa’aage wenji-wiinibizhiiganed (therefore Wolverene has a spot on the small of his back — aetiological; stem flagged). Mii dash iw aapiji giizhiigwaabiiga’ond, indawaa dash ezhi-bakitekoowebinid Maji-ikwewis (and being so battered, the Foolish Maiden hung limp over a log — stem flagged).
(13) Intawā unạgạnān īni’ᵘ umisäⁿyạn. Ingutci käbäci. Mīdạc nā imāⁿ äniwä‘k unisän kīⁿgōⁿyạn; kayädạc ayā‘pī udawiwâbạmān umisäyạn. Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ mōⁿcạg ạntawänimāt īni’ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạn. Ningutingigu awiwâbamāt umisäⁿyạn, käga‘pī ninguting uganōnigōn: “Nicīmä, kạnabạtc ningapimātis. Intawā kīcpîn kạcki∙i∙yạn kīwäwicicin!”
Kägä‘t ugạcki∙ā∙n kīwäwināt īni´ᵘ umisäⁿyan. Mīdạc imāⁿ kīnōtcimunit. Kānōtcimunit äjikusiwāt; sībīnk kạbäciwag kīⁿgōⁿyạn tcinōtci∙ā∙wāt.
Indawaa onaganaan iniw omisenyan. Ingoji gabeshi. Mii dash naa imaa eniwek onisaan giigoonyan; gaye dash ayaapii odawi-waabamaan omiseyan. Mii dash iw mooshag andawenimaad iniw giigoonyan. Ningoding igo awi-waabamaad omisenyan, gegapii ningoding oganoonigoon: “Nishiime, ganabaj ninga-bimaadis. Indawaa gishpin gashki’iyan giwewizhishin!” Geget ogashki’aan giwewinaad iniw omisenyan. Mii dash imaa gii-noojimonid. Gaa-noojimonid ezhi-goziwaad; ziibiing gabeshiwag giigoonyan ji-noojii’aawaad.
Accordingly then (the maiden) left behind her elder sister. In a certain place she made camp. And so at that place she killed a few fish; and once in a while she would go to see her elder sister. And then continually was she looking for the fish. Now, once when she went to see her elder sister, she was addressed by her saying: “My little sister, perhaps I shall live. Therefore if you are able, do take me away!” To be sure, able was she to take her elder sister away. Whereupon at yonder place she became well. After she had become well, then they moved camp; by a river they made camp, in order that some fish they might get.
Indawaa onaganaan iniw omisenyan (so she left her elder sister behind). Ingoji gabeshi (somewhere she camped). Mii dash naa imaa eniwek onisaan giigoonyan (and there she killed a few fish — giigoonh = fish); gaye dash ayaapii odawi-waabamaan omiseyan (and now and then she went to see her elder sister). Mii dash iw mooshag andawenimaad iniw giigoonyan (and continually she sought the fish). Ningoding igo awi-waabamaad omisenyan (once when she went to see her elder sister), gegapii ningoding oganoonigoon (at length she was addressed): “Nishiime, ganabaj ninga-bimaadis. (“Little sister, perhaps I shall live.) Indawaa gishpin gashki’iyan giwewizhishin!” (If you are able, take me away!”) Geget ogashki’aan giwewinaad iniw omisenyan (truly she was able to take her elder sister). Mii dash imaa gii-noojimonid (then there she became well). Gaa-noojimonid ezhi-goziwaad (after she got well they moved camp); ziibiing gabeshiwag giigoonyan ji-noojii’aawaad (by a river they camped to get fish).
(14) Ninguting idạc odōtisiguwān Nänabucōwạn; ā‘pidcisa usāgi∙i∙gowān. “Nicīmä!” udigowān. Abā‘pic ninguting ayayāwāt ā‘kusiwạn Nänabucōwạn. Ningutingidạc mạnisät ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ucīmä∙i∙mā owâbạmān wâwâbigạnōtcīyạn, mīdac iᵘ udạniba‘pīna‘wān iᵉi’ᵘ wâgā‘kwat wā‘tig. Äjigạnōnigut: “Utcīt!” udigōn īni´ᵘ wâwâbigunōtcīyạn. “Nīwīwīntạmawābạn wīn kägō,” udigōn īni´ᵘ wâwâbigunōtcīyạn.
Äjikanōnāt ‘aᵉa´ᵘ i‘kwä: “Wägunän wâwīntamawiyạmbạn? Kīcpîn wīntamawiyạn pītcipimāgạn ningapitōn iᵉi’ᵘ tci∙ạ∙caminān, kīcpin wīntamawiyạn wägutugwän iᵉi´ᵘ wâwīntamawiwāmbạnän.”
Mīdạc iᵘ äjikīgitut wâwâbigunōtci: “Kāwīn ā‘kusisī kägä‘t a Nänabucu. Kīwīwīwimikuwā wäntci∙ā∙‘kusit, wīnibu‘kāsu.”
Ningoding idash odootisigowan Nenabozhoowan; aapiji sa osagi’igowaan. Abaapizh ningoding ayaayaawaad aakoziwan Nenabozhoowan. Ningoding idash manised aaw oshiime imaa owaabamaan waawaabiganoojiiyan, mii dash iw odani-baapiina’waan iw waagaakwad-waadig. Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Ojiid!” odigoon iniw waawaabigonoojiiyan. “Niwii-wiindamawaaban wiin gegoo,” odigoon iniw waawaabigonoojiiyan. Ezhi-ganoonaad aaw ikwe: “Wegonen waa-wiindamawiyamban? Gishpin wiindamawiyan biijibimagan ninga-biidoon iw ji-ashaminaan, gishpin wiindamawiyan wegodogwen iw waa-wiindamawiwaambanen.” Mii dash iw ezhi-giigidod waawaabigonoojii: “Gaawiin aakozisii geget a Nenabozho. Giwii-wiiwimigowaa wenji-aakozid, wii-nibikaazo.”
Now, once they were visited by Nänabushu; very much were they loved by him. “O my little sister!” they were told. Once, while they continued there, sick became Nänabushu. Now once, while the younger sister was gathering fire-wood, she saw a Mouse; whereupon she tried to hit it with the axe-handle, but failed. Then was she addressed by it saying: “(Oh), your buttocks!” she was told by Mouse. “I intended to tell you something,” she was told by Mouse. Then to it spoke the woman, saying: “What were you going to tell me? If you tell it to me, a pouch of grease will I fetch, that I may give it to you to eat, provided you impart to me whatever that was that you were going to tell me.” Thereupon then spoke Mouse, saying: “Not really sick is Nänabushu. That he wants to marry you is the reason why he is sick, he wishes to play dead.”
Ningoding idash odootisigowan Nenabozhoowan (now once they were visited by Nenabozho); aapiji sa osagi’igowaan (very much were they loved by him). [“Nishiime!” odigowaan — “O my little sister!” they were told.] Abaapizh ningoding ayaayaawaad aakoziwan Nenabozhoowan (once, while they stayed, Nenabozho became sick). Ningoding idash manised aaw oshiime imaa owaabamaan waawaabiganoojiiyan (once while the little sister gathered firewood she saw a Mouse — waawaabiganoojiinh = mouse), mii dash iw odani-baapiina’waan iw waagaakwad-waadig (she tried to hit it with the axe-handle but failed — stem flagged). Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Ojiid!” odigoon (she was addressed: “Your buttocks!” said Mouse). “Niwii-wiindamawaaban wiin gegoo,” odigoon (“I meant to tell you something,” said Mouse). Ezhi-ganoonaad aaw ikwe (the woman spoke): “Wegonen waa-wiindamawiyamban? (“What were you going to tell me? Gishpin wiindamawiyan biijibimagan ninga-biidoon iw ji-ashaminaan (if you tell me, a pouch of grease I will bring to feed you), gishpin wiindamawiyan wegodogwen iw waa-wiindamawiwaambanen.” (if you tell me whatever it was you meant to tell.”) Mii dash ezhi-giigidod waawaabigonoojii (then Mouse spoke): “Gaawiin aakozisii geget a Nenabozho. (“Not really sick is Nenabozho. Giwii-wiiwimigowaa wenji-aakozid (he wants to marry you, that is why he is sick), wii-nibikaazo.” (he wishes to play dead.”)
(15) Ạmbä, kägä‘t kạgwānisagändạm ‘aᵉa´ᵘ i‘kwä, mī ä‘tagu iᵘ u‘kunās kāni∙ō∙tā‘pinạnk. Kāwīn kạnagä owīntamawāsīn īni´ᵘ umisäyạn. Mīsạgu kī∙ạ∙nimādcāt a∙i∙‘kwä.
Mīdạc aᵉa´ᵘ Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis ānugā‘tināt īni´ᵘ Nänabucōwạn, äckạm ā‘pidci ā‘kusiwạn; ayābi‘tātibi‘kạtinig, mī∙i∙´ᵘ cigwa kīckwāpimādisinit. Wäyābạninig, “Intawā ningawawäci∙ā∙ aᵘ nisayäⁿ iᵉi´ᵘ wäwänitcina∙i∙nint,” inäntạm. Cigwa usānamạnạn udōcīpī‘wān. Äciwāwänabī‘tawāt mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ wawânäntạnk wā∙i∙cipīwāt. Pāmāku wäntcikạnōnigut: “Kīwi‘tāskīncig ici∙i∙cin.”
Ambe, geget gagwaanisagendam aaw ikwe, mii ed go iw okonaas gaa-ni-oodaapinang. Gaawiin ganage owiindamawaasiin iniw omiseyan. Mii sa go gii-ani-maajaad a ikwe. Mii dash aaw Maji-ikwewis aano-gaatinaad iniw Nenabozhoowan, eshkam aapiji aakoziwan; ayaabita-dibikadinig, mii iw zhigwa giishkwaa-bimaadizinid. Weyaabaninig, “Indawaa ninga-wawezhi’aa aaw nisayenh iw wewenij ina’inind,” inendam. Zhigwa ozaanamanan odoozhiibii’waan. Ezhi-wawenabitawaad mii dash iw wawaanendang waa-izhi-bii’waad. Baamaa go wenji-ganoonigod: “Giwii-daskiinjig izhi’ishin.”
Oh, truly the thought of it the woman abhorred, whereupon only her blanket did she take up as she went. Not even did she tell her elder sister of it. Accordingly then on her way went the woman. And now, as the Foolish Maiden tried in vain to nurse Nänabushu, all the more was he sick; when midnight came, then was when he ceased to live. When the morrow came, “Therefore will I dress up my elder brother, that he may be properly buried,” she thought. Presently with red paint she began to paint him. As she sat down beside him, she then was at a loss to know how she would paint him. Suddenly she was addressed by him from where he was: “Roundabout (my) eyes do you paint me.”
Ambe, geget gagwaanisagendam aaw ikwe (oh, truly the woman abhorred it), mii ed go iw okonaas gaa-ni-oodaapinang (she took up only her blanket as she went). Gaawiin ganage owiindamawaasiin iniw omiseyan (she did not even tell her elder sister). Mii sa go gii-ani-maajaad a ikwe (so the woman went on her way). Mii dash aaw Maji-ikwewis aano-gaatinaad iniw Nenabozhoowan (now as the Foolish Maiden tried in vain to nurse Nenabozho — stem flagged), eshkam aapiji aakoziwan (all the more was he sick); ayaabita-dibikadinig (when midnight came), mii iw zhigwa giishkwaa-bimaadizinid (then he ceased to live). Weyaabaninig (when morning came), “Indawaa ninga-wawezhi’aa aaw nisayenh iw wewenij ina’inind,” inendam (“I will dress up my elder brother that he may be properly buried,” she thought). Zhigwa ozaanamanan odoozhiibii’waan (then with red paint she painted him — ozaanaman = red paint). Ezhi-wawenabitawaad mii dash iw wawaanendang waa-izhi-bii’waad (sitting beside him she was at a loss how to paint him). Baamaa go wenji-ganoonigod (suddenly she was addressed by him): “Giwii-daskiinjig izhi’ishin.” (“Roundabout my eyes do you paint me.”)
Uttered with lips taut.
(16) Mīsa´ kägä‘t Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis kā∙i∙c∙i∙āt. “Ạmạntcigic ‘aᵉa´ᵘ Nänabucu kä∙i∙cibwānawi∙u∙gubạnän!” inändạm pä‘kic pabāmawit. Mīdạc iwiti wäntciga∙i∙säwāt äji∙i∙cāt awimāwit, pāmāku awīya wändciganōnigut: “Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis! kägä‘tina nibu kitinändạm ‘aᵉa´ᵘ Nänabucu? Kīwīwī∙u∙mi‘k. Intawā mādcān.”
“Ạmbäsa, kāna kidākạckitōsīn tcimạdwä∙i∙gäyạn iᵉi´ᵘ kayä tcimawiyạn? Ayā‘pī‘ku, ‘Nisayäⁿ!’ tcīnạtämuyạn. Wäbạnk kạbägīcik kīgamạwikās. Mäckut nimpītcipimāganạn niⁿj kīga∙a∙cạmin.” Mīdac kā∙a∙nicikīwät a∙i∙‘kwä. Nänabucōwạn kāskīgin kā∙i∙jititibä∙ī∙ka‘pināt, ā‘pidci udayāngwāmi∙ā∙n. Äcimawimāt. Kigicäp ucī‘tā a∙i∙‘kwä mawit. “Nîsaiyäⁿ! kīnạgạnin. Niwīmanisä.” Anīcimādcāt, ạni∙ạ∙ntwäwämāt īni’ᵘ kā‘kạnōnigutcin. Ānic ugīpīntōmạnạn īni´ᵘ upīntcipimāgạnạn. Umạdwäganōnigōn: “O∙o∙ma intaiyā!”
*Mii sa geget Maji-ikwewis gaa-izhi-aad. “Amanj igo aaw Nenabozho gaa-izhi-bwaanawi’ogobanen!” inendam bekish babaamawid. Mii dash iwidi wenji-gaa’isewaad ezhi-izhaad awi-mawid, baamaa go awiya wenji-ganoonigod: “Maji-ikwewis! geget ina nibo gidinendam aaw Nenabozho? Giwii-wiiwimik. Indawaa maajaan.” “Ambesa, gaa na gidaa-gashkitoosiin ji-madwe’igeyan iw gaye ji-mawiyan? Ayaapii go, ‘Nisayenh!’ ji-ina’idamoyan. Waabang gabe-giizhig giga-mawikaaz. Meshkod nim-biijibimaaganan niizh giga-ashamin.” Mii dash gaa-ani-zhi-giiwed a ikwe. Nenabozhoowan gaashkiigin gaa-izhi-dididibe’ikabinaad, aapiji odayangwaami’aan. Ezhi-mawimaad. Gigizheb ozhitaa a ikwe mawid. “Nisayenh! ginaganin. Niwii-manise.” Ani-zhi-maajaad, ani-andawewemaad iniw gaa-ganoonigojin. Aaniish ogii-biindoomanan iniw obiinjibimaaganan. Omadwe-ganoonigoon: “Oomaa indaayaa!”**
And that truly was the way the Foolish Maiden painted him. “I wonder in what way Nänabushu will not be able to get out!” she thought, while at the same time she went about weeping. And when over to the place where she (and her younger sister) had been gathering fire-wood she went to cry, of a sudden by some one there was she addressed: “O Foolish Maiden! really dead do you suppose Nänabushu? He wants to marry you. Therefore you had better depart hence.” “Come, could you not make a sound as though you were chopping wood and as if you were crying? And now and then while you are crying, (say), ‘O my elder brother!’ On the morrow throughout the whole day you shall pretend that you are crying. In return my two pouches of grease will I give you to eat.” Thereupon back home went the woman. Accordingly, when in muslin cloth she wrapped Nänabushu, very carefully did she bind him. Then she wept for him. In the morning the woman made ready to weep. “O my elder brother! I am leaving you. I am going to gather fire-wood.” Then on her way she set forth, she went calling for the one that had spoken to her. Now, in the bosom of her garment she had the pouches of grease. She heard the sound of his voice saying to her: “Here I am!”
Mii sa geget Maji-ikwewis gaa-izhi-aad (and so truly that is how the Foolish Maiden painted him). “Amanj igo aaw Nenabozho gaa-izhi-bwaanawi’ogobanen!” inendam (“I wonder how Nenabozho will not be able to get out!” she thought), bekish babaamawid (weeping as she went about). Mii dash iwidi wenji-gaa’isewaad* ezhi-izhaad awi-mawid (then she went to cry where they had gathered firewood), baamaa go awiya wenji-ganoonigod (suddenly she was addressed by someone): “Maji-ikwewis! geget ina nibo gidinendam aaw Nenabozho? (“Foolish Maiden! do you really think Nenabozho dead? Giwii-wiiwimik. Indawaa maajaan.” (He wants to marry you. So depart.”) “Ambesa, gaa na gidaa-gashkitoosiin ji-madwe’igeyan iw gaye ji-mawiyan? (“Could you not make a chopping sound and also cry? Ayaapii go, ‘Nisayenh!’ ji-ina’idamoyan. (And now and then say, ‘O my elder brother!’) Waabang gabe-giizhig giga-mawikaaz. (Tomorrow all day you shall pretend to cry.) Meshkod nim-biijibimaaganan niizh giga-ashamin.” (In return I will feed you my two pouches of grease.”) Mii dash gaa-ani-zhi-giiwed a ikwe (then home went the woman). Nenabozhoowan gaashkiigin gaa-izhi-dididibe’ika’binaad (in muslin she wrapped Nenabozho — gaashkiigin = muslin; stem flagged), aapiji odayangwaami’aan (very carefully she bound him). Ezhi-mawimaad (she wept for him). Gigizheb ozhi’taa a ikwe mawid (in the morning the woman got ready to weep). “Nisayenh! ginaganin. Niwii-manise.” (“My elder brother! I leave you. I go to gather firewood.”) Ani-zhi-maajaad, ani-andawewemaad iniw gaa-ganoonigojin (she set off, calling for the one who had spoken to her). Aaniish ogii-biindoomanan iniw obiinjibimaaganan (now in her bosom she had the pouches of grease). Omadwe-ganoonigoon: “Oomaa indaayaa!” (She heard his voice: “Here I am!”)
(17) Owâbamān īni’ᵘ wâwâbigunōtcīyạn. Äcimīnāt īni’ᵘ upīntcipimāgạnạn, “Ạmbäsa, wâwâbigunōtcī, kabägīcig mạdwä∙i∙sän, pä‘kic tcimawīyạn, ‘Nisaiyäⁿ!’ tci∙i∙nạtämuyạn. Āyāngwāmisîn wīpisitawicin äninān. Mī∙i∙’ᵘ cigwa ạnimādcaiyān.” Äjimādcāt Mạdci‘ki‘kwäwis, tci∙ä∙nigu‘k mādcā.
Wâwâbigunōtcī udōtā‘pinān wâgā‘kwạt, äjimawit. “Nisaiyäⁿ!” inạtämu kạbägīcig.
Nänabucu äjikīgītut: “Untcām kạbäya∙ī∙mawi waᵉa´ᵘ nimindimō∙i∙mic. Māgicānạta nintīni‘tam, mādcīna mini‘k tāmawi ‘aᵉa´ᵘ nimidimō∙i∙mic.” Nänabucu äjipīgupạgisut; mīgu äcipa‘kisänik äjisāga∙ạ∙nk, äji∙i∙cāt iwiti ändạcimawinit. Änitäbābạmāt,
Owaabamaan iniw waawaabigonoojiiyan. Ezhi-miinaad iniw obiinjibimaaganan, “Ambesa, waawaabigonoojii, gabe-giizhig madwe-isen, bekish ji-mawiyan, ‘Nisayenh!’ ji-ina’idamoyan. Ayangwaamisin wii-bizindawishin eninaan. Mii iw zhigwa ani-maajaayaan.” Ezhi-maajaad Maji-ikwewis, ji-enigok maajaa. Waawaabigonoojii odoodaapinaan waagaakwad, ezhi-mawid. “Nisayenh!” ina’idamo gabe-giizhig. Nenabozho ezhi-giigidod: “Onzaam gabeyaa’i mawi waaw nimindimooyenh-imish. Maagizhaa naa nindinendam, maajiinaa minik daa-mawi aaw nimindimooyenh-imish.” Nenabozho ezhi-biigobagizod; mii go ezhi-bakisenig ezhi-zaaga’ang, ezhi-izhaad iwidi endazhi-mawinid. Eni-debaabamaad,
She saw Mouse. Then giving it the pouches of grease, “Now, O Mouse! all day long do you sound as if chopping wood, and, at the same time when you cry, say, ‘O my elder brother!’ Be diligent in carrying out what I tell you. Therefore now do I depart upon my way.” Then off started the Foolish Maiden, in great haste she went. Mouse took up the axe, and began to weep. “O my elder brother!” he said as he wept all day long. Nänabushu then spoke, saying: “Too much the whole day long does my old woman weep. It may be that I am simply hearing the sound, too much would my old woman be weeping.” Nänabushu then broke out (of what he was wrapped in); and when it was torn away, then out of doors he went, he went over to the place where the other was crying. When he came in sight of the creature,
Owaabamaan iniw waawaabigonoojiiyan (she saw Mouse). Ezhi-miinaad iniw obiinjibimaaganan (giving it the pouches of grease), “Ambesa, waawaabigonoojii, gabe-giizhig madwe-isen (“Now, Mouse, all day make the chopping sound), bekish ji-mawiyan, ‘Nisayenh!’ ji-ina’idamoyan. (and while you cry say, ‘My elder brother!’) Ayangwaamisin wii-bizindawishin eninaan. (Be diligent to heed what I tell you.) Mii iw zhigwa ani-maajaayaan.” (Now I depart.”) Ezhi-maajaad Maji-ikwewis, ji-enigok maajaa (the Foolish Maiden set off, in great haste). Waawaabigonoojii odoodaapinaan waagaakwad, ezhi-mawid (Mouse took up the axe and wept). “Nisayenh!” ina’idamo gabe-giizhig (“My elder brother!” he cried all day). Nenabozho ezhi-giigidod (Nenabozho spoke): “Onzaam gabeyaa’i mawi waaw nimindimooyenh-imish. (“Too much the whole day my old woman weeps. Maagizhaa naa nindinendam, maajiinaa minik daa-mawi aaw nimindimooyenh-imish.” (Perhaps I only hear it, too much would my old woman weep.”) Nenabozho ezhi-biigobagizod (Nenabozho broke out — stem flagged); mii go ezhi-baʼkisenig ezhi-zaaga’ang (when it tore away he went outdoors), ezhi-izhaad iwidi endazhi-mawinid (he went where the other was crying). Eni-debaabamaad (when he came in sight of it),
(18) ä‘tawā! wâwâbigunōtcīyạn mạdwä∙i∙säwạn päk‘ic mawinit. Nänabucu äcinīwana‘wat. Mīdạc iᵘ äjikīwi‘tānạntu∙ạ∙tcigät Nänabucu. Kī∙ạ∙ni∙u∙ndci∙ạ∙nimi‘kawäwạn. Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ äjikīgitut Nänabucu: “Ānti pī‘tcāg a‘ki ä‘pa∙i∙yạn? Kāwīn ninkutci pī‘tcāsinōn o∙o∙ a‘ki.”
etawaa! waawaabigonoojiiyan madwe-isewan bekish mawinid. Nenabozho ezhi-niwana’wad. Mii dash iw ezhi-giiwita-nandonatiged Nenabozho. Gii-ani-ondinaa-nimikawewan. Mii dash iw ezhi-giigidod Nenabozho: “Aandi biidaajaag aki epa’iyan? Gaawiin ningoji biidaajaasinoon o’ow aki.”
alas! it was a mouse that was chopping wood, while at the same time it wept. Nänabushu then laid it low with a club. Thereupon roundabout for tracks did Nänabushu seek. (He found) where (the woman’s) tracks went leading away from there. And then spoke Nänabushu, saying: “Where in the world (is the place) so big that you can flee from me? No place in this world is so large.”
etawaa! waawaabigonoojiiyan madwe-isewan bekish mawinid (alas, it was a mouse chopping wood while it wept). Nenabozho ezhi-niwana’wad (Nenabozho laid it low with a club). Mii dash iw ezhi-giiwita-nandonatiged Nenabozho (then Nenabozho sought roundabout for tracks — stem flagged). Gii-ani-ondinaa-nimikawewan (he found where her tracks led away — stem flagged). Mii dash iw ezhi-giigidod Nenabozho (then Nenabozho spoke): “Aandi biidaajaag aki epa’iyan? (“Where is the world so big that you can flee me? Gaawiin ningoji biidaajaasinoon o’ow aki.” (No place in this world is so large.”)
(19) Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ cigwa iwiti ucīmäyạn wäyābạmāt Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis äjikanōnāt: “Intawā wī‘kwatcitōtā icpîmīng tci∙i∙cāyạnk!”
Mīsa´ mämäckut wī‘kwạtcitōwāt icpiming wī∙i∙cāwāt. Mīdạc ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ucīmā∙i∙mā käcki‘tōt umbickāwāt.
Cigwadạc Nänabucu piminica∙i∙gä.
Mii dash iw zhigwa iwiti oshiimeyan weyaabamaad Maji-ikwewis ezhi-ganoonaad: “Indawaa wii-gwajitootaa ishpiming ji-izhaayang!” Mii sa memeshkod wii-gwajitoowaad ishpiming wii-izhaawaad. Mii dash aaw oshiime imaa gaa-gashkitood ombishkaawaad. Zhigwa dash Nenabozho bimi-nizha’ige.
Accordingly, when at yonder place the Foolish Maiden saw her little sister, she spoke to her, saying: “Therefore let us try to see if we can go above!” Therefore in turn they tried to go up. But it was the younger sister that had the power to ascend. And now Nänabushu was in pursuit.
Mii dash iw zhigwa iwiti oshiimeyan weyaabamaad Maji-ikwewis ezhi-ganoonaad (then when the Foolish Maiden saw her little sister she spoke to her): “Indawaa wii-gwajitootaa ishpiming ji-izhaayang!” (“Let us try to go above!”) Mii sa memeshkod wii-gwajitoowaad ishpiming wii-izhaawaad (so in turn they tried to go up). Mii dash aaw oshiime imaa gaa-gashkitood ombishkaawaad (but it was the little sister who had the power to ascend). Zhigwa dash Nenabozho bimi-nizha’ige (and now Nenabozho was in pursuit).
(20) Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ kī‘kacki‘tōwāt ijāwāt iwiti ābiding a‘kiwạnugwän. Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ äjinibāwāt. Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis owâbandān ā‘pidci mica‘kwạtinig. Käwīn wīgiwāming ayāsīwạg; ạnōtciku micicawa‘kamig nibāwạg. Kā‘kawicimuwāt mica‘kwatini. Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis äjikīgitut: “Awänän kīn ạmbägic wī‘pämạg änändạman?” udinān īni’ᵘ ucīmäyạn.
“Nyāⁿ! kāwīnsa‘ku ickwā‘kaming kiti‘kitusī.”
Ānic mī∙i∙’ᵘ äjiwâbamāwāt iᵉi’ᵘ ạnangwaᵉ ānint mạmānditunit. “Nicīmäⁿ! mänū tibātcimun awänän kīn ạmbägic wī‘pämạg änäntamạn!”
Äjikīgitunit dạc īniyōcīmäyạn: “Aᵉaᵘ kāgiciⁿcawät anāng, mī∙a∙’ᵘ ambägic wīpämạg änändạmān.”
Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis äjikīgitut: “Nīndạc aᵉa’ᵘ ạgāwa kānāgusit.”
Midac cigwa nibawāt. Kwäckusiwāt uwī‘pämān Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis ā‘pidci a‘kiwäⁿzīyạn; īni’widac ucīmäyạn uckīniniwạn uwī‘pämāni, kägä‘t mi‘kawātisiwạn. Ānic ā‘pidci mānäntạm Mạtci‘ki‘kwäwis a‘kiwäⁿzīyạn uwīdigämāt; awidac ucīmä∙i∙mā, mīsagu iᵘ äciki‘tciminwändạnk.
Mī∙i∙’ᵘ pinäwīdcīt …
Mii dash iw gii-gashkitoowaad izhaawaad iwidi aabiding akiwanagwen. Mii dash iw ezhi-nibaawaad. Maji-ikwewis owaabandaan aapiji mizhaakwadinig. Gaawiin wiigiwaaming ayaasiiwag; anooj igo mizhi-zhawakamig nibaawag. Gaa-gawishimowaad mizhaakwadini. Maji-ikwewis ezhi-giigidod: “Awenen giin ambegizh wii-bemag enendaman?” odinaan iniw oshiimeyan. “Niyaa! gaawiin sa go ishkwaakaming gid-ikidosii.” Aaniish mii iw ezhi-waabamaawaad iw anangwan aanind memaanditonid. “Nishiime! maanoo dibaajimon awenen giin ambegizh wii-bemag enendaman!” Ezhi-giigidonid dash iniw oshiimeyan: “Aaw gaa-gizhiizhawed anang, mii aaw ambegizh wii-bemag enendaman.” Maji-ikwewis ezhi-giigidod: “Niin dash aaw agaawaa genaagozid.” Mii dash zhigwa nibaawaad. Gwekkozhiwaad owii-bemaan Maji-ikwewis aapiji akiwenziiyan; iniw widash oshiimeyan oshkininiwan owii-bemaani, geget mikawaadiziwan. Aaniish aapiji maanendam Maji-ikwewis akiwenziiyan owiidigemaad; aw idash oshiime imaa, mii sa go iw ezhi-gichi-minwendang. Mii iw binewijiid …
And so they succeeded in getting over to another world. And now they were asleep. The Foolish Maiden saw that the sky was full of stars. They were not living in a wigwam; anywhere upon the ground they slept. After they had lain down to sleep, the sky became full of stars. The Foolish Maiden then spoke, saying: “With what one do you fancy you should like to sleep?” she said to her little sister. “Dear me! but you always have something to say.” So accordingly they saw that some of the stars were big. “O my little sister! do say with which one you think you would like to sleep!” Then spoke her little sister, saying: “The star that shines (so) bright, that is the one I fancy I should like to sleep with.” The Foolish Maiden then said: “As for me, it is the one that can hardly be seen.” Thereupon then went they to sleep. When they woke, the Foolish Maiden was lying with a very old man; and her little sister was lying with a youth, truly handsome he was. Naturally very much displeased was the Foolish Maiden to have an old man for husband; and her little sister, why, she was mightily pleased. Whereupon the buttocks of the ruffed grouse .
Mii dash iw gii-gashkitoowaad izhaawaad iwidi aabiding akiwanagwen (and so they succeeded in getting over to another world — stem flagged). Mii dash iw ezhi-nibaawaad (then they slept). Maji-ikwewis owaabandaan aapiji mizhaakwadinig (the Foolish Maiden saw the sky full of stars / very clear). Gaawiin wiigiwaaming ayaasiiwag (they were not in a wigwam); anooj igo mizhi-zhawakamig nibaawag (anywhere on the ground they slept — stem flagged). Gaa-gawishimowaad mizhaakwadini (after lying down, the sky was clear/starry). Maji-ikwewis ezhi-giigidod (the Foolish Maiden said): “Awenen giin ambegizh wii-bemag enendaman?” (“With which one would you like to sleep?”) odinaan iniw oshiimeyan (she said to her little sister). “Niyaa! gaawiin sa go ishkwaakaming gid-ikidosii.” (“Dear me! you always have something to say.”) Aaniish mii iw ezhi-waabamaawaad iw anangwan aanind memaanditonid (now they saw that some of the stars were big — anang = star). “Nishiime! maanoo dibaajimon awenen giin ambegizh wii-bemag enendaman!” (“Little sister! do say with which one you would like to sleep!”) Ezhi-giigidonid dash iniw oshiimeyan (then her little sister spoke): “Aaw gaa-gizhiizhawed anang, mii aaw ambegizh wii-bemag enendaman.” (“The bright-shining star, that is the one I would sleep with.”) Maji-ikwewis ezhi-giigidod (the Foolish Maiden said): “Niin dash aaw agaawaa genaagozid.” (“As for me, the one that can hardly be seen.”) Mii dash zhigwa nibaawaad (then they slept). Gwekkozhiwaad owii-bemaan Maji-ikwewis aapiji akiwenziiyan (when they woke, the Foolish Maiden lay with a very old man); iniw widash oshiimeyan oshkininiwan owii-bemaani, geget mikawaadiziwan (and her little sister lay with a youth, truly handsome). Aaniish aapiji maanendam Maji-ikwewis akiwenziiyan owiidigemaad (naturally displeased was the Foolish Maiden to have an old man for husband); aw idash oshiime imaa, mii sa go iw ezhi-gichi-minwendang (but her little sister was mightily pleased). Mii iw binewijiid … (And then the rump of the ruffed grouse …) (the closing that leaves the story to the listener’s wondering).