Page:American Anthropologist NS vol. 1.djvu/116

Rh Harken! 'T was thus it came to pass: The Leader grasped the help sent by the gods; Henceforth he walked steadfast and strong. Leading his men through dangers drear, Knowing that naught could strike at him To whom the gods had promised victory.

Attend! Once more I change his name.

Harken! Ri-ruts-ka-tit it was We used to call him by, a name he won Long days ago, marking an act Well done by him, but now passed by.

Harken! Today all men shall say—

Harken! His act has lifted him Where all his tribe behold a man

Clothed with new fame, strong in new strength, Gained by his deeds, blessed of the gods. Harken! Sha-ku′-ru Wa′-ruk-ste shall he be called.

From the teaching of this ritual it appears—

First—That a man's name marked an epoch in his life, the accomplishment of something in which both gods and men had borne a part, and that as his life progressed and new achievements were gained, a memorial was established by his taking a new name.

Second—That so personal and sacred a meaning was attached to a name as to render it unfit for the familiar purposes of ordinary address, to a people as reverently inclined as the Indians seem to have been.