Page:Moyarra- An Australian Legend in Two Cantos, 1891.djvu/53

 speak of, and if it were not that the tribe from which I obtained information is now extinct, I might perhaps be chargeable with a breach of confidence, even though at different times and places other white persons have been similarly confided in.

Some of the rites may be glanced at in this note.

The circle, so universal an emblem of eternity; the sinuous line of beauty; and, above all startling to the Christian observer in Australian woods, the Cross—are to be found amongst the ceremonial emblems used at the places where youths were initiated. Those spots no women or children were permitted to visit.

The footprint (an ancient Aztec sign) is in request at Australian ceremonies. The quartz-crystal, once revered in parts of Europe, and used in incantations or impostures, was an object of mysterious reverence among Australian tribes; and, moreover, they were assured that some of their wise men were possessed by the spirits of various animals which inspired them with characteristic passions and powers. Whencesoever the tribes had migrated to Australia, they carried with them relics of astronomical knowledge. All the larger stars had names, and by the position of the Pleiades they accurately calculated the approach of summer.

Not only as regarded sight, but also in sounds, there was a freemasonry of acquisition by the Australian when initiated by the tribe.

Peculiar songs, a peculiar call (or cooey) with its peculiar answer, and much mysterious lore were imparted to him. So stern was the law imposing secrecy that on one occasion a native lost his life rather than participate in a breach of confidence.

Fine specimens of rock-crystal were treasured and