Page:The International Folk-Lore Congress of the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, July, 1893.djvu/332

274 is her home," replied the guide. "I will show her to you." When they got inside they found her sitting spinning. The mouse introduced him to her, saying, "I have brought you Scannahgunnuncus, great hero of the Scannahs. He has long tried to find you." To this she replied: "Welcome Scannahgunnuncus, great hero of the Scannahs; I have often heard of you, thou friend of the Cowgans."

This is one of many legends of the Scannahs. The next I shall give is a story of the Simsheans of B. C, and is entitled the Daughter of the Sun.

Long ago two brothers took to themselves wives at the same time. In due season both of the wives were confined; the one gave birth to a son, the other to a daughter. The former was very plain, even ugly, but with a kindly disposition. The latter was very beautiful, but of a proud and haughty disposition. These two cousins, growing up together, began to have a liking for each other, more so the boy. As they grew up to manhood and womanhood he asked her to become his wife; this she refused, saying she did not want an ugly husband; still, because he truly loved her, he undoubtedly pressed his suit. She asked him to do many things for her, thinking he would become tired of her; but not so; still he cheerfully did for her all she wished.

One day he so pressed her, that she said. One thing I will ask you to do for me and that will be the last. Say what it is and I will do it, he replied. Then go and cut your hair close. She knew very well if he did this he would be despised by the rest of the tribe and classed with the slaves. This last request he did not like, but after all went and did it. Then came and showed himself to her. When she saw him she said. You fool! Do you think I would marry a slave; besides, you are too ugly for me. Think no more of me. So with a heavy heart he went away, and wandered aimlessly about, not caring to see any one, or to do anything.

Wandering onward he came to a house. Not caring to be seen, he was hurrying past when he was seen by a woman who lived within. As soon as she saw him she asked him to come and rest himself. No, he replied, let me go; I do not wish to live; and he told her the story of his slighted love.