Page:Iracéma, the honey-lips (1886).djvu/101

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IRAÇÉMA.
87

dry root of the leafy myrtle, which every winter bears foliage and red berries to embrace and cover its brother tree. If it did not die, the Jacarandá would not have sun enough to reach that height. Iraçéma is the Folha escura[1] which creates darkness in Coatyabo՚s soul. She must fall, that gladness may shine within his breast."

The Christian threw his arms round the waist of the beautiful Indian and strained her to his heart. His lips sought hers in a kiss, but it was harsh and bitter.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Poty returned from the bath. He follows the trail of Coatyábo in the sand, and ascends the height of Jacarécanga. Here he finds the warrior on the summit, standing upright, with his eyes straining, and his arms stretched towards the broad seas.

The Pytiguára follows his gaze, and discovers a large Igára ploughing the green waters and driven on by the wind.

"It is the great Igára of my brother՚s Nation sent to seek him."

The Christian sighed.

"They are the White Warriors, enemies of his race, who seek, for a war of vengeance, the shores of the brave Pytiguára nation. They were routed with the Tabajáras on the banks of the Camoçim. Now they come with their friends the Tupinambás by the way of the sea."

"My brother is a Great Chief. What thinks he that his brother Poty should do?"

  1. ↑ Folha escura, the myrtle which the Indians call Capixuna or dark-leaved. Iraçéma used it as a symbol of the ennui she produced in her husband.
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