Page:The American Indian.djvu/187

Rh Unfortunately, the study of aboriginal verse has not been attempted. The field is particularly difficult, for since the essence of verse is lost when translated, the multiplicity of native languages effectively bars progress. We cannot, therefore, compare our data or draw satisfactory conclusions as to the relative place of Inca or any other type of verse in the New World as a whole. As a suggestion, the reader may compare the following selections:—

AN INCA HYMN

O Uira-cocha! Lord of the universe,

Whether thou art male,

Whether thou art female,

Lord of reproduction,

Whatsoever thou mayest be,

O Lord of divination,

Where art thou?

Thou mayest be above,

Thou mayest be below,

Or perhaps around

Thy splendid throne and sceptre.

Oh hear me!

From the sky above,

In which thou mayest be,

From the sea beneath,

In which thou mayest be,

Creator of the world,

Maker of all men;

Lord of all Lords,

My eyes fail me

For longing to see thee;

For the sole desire to know thee.

Might I behold thee,

Might I know thee,

Might I consider thee,

Might I understand thee.

Oh look down upon me,

For thou knowest me.

The sun—the moon—

The day—the night—

Spring—winter,

Are not ordained in vain

By thee, O Uira-cocha!