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IRAÇÉMA.
41

"Dastardly are the braves who attack in herds like the Caetetús.[1] The Jaguar,[2] Lord of the Forest, and the Anajê, Lord of the Clouds, combat the enemy alone."

"Dirt be in the vile mouth which raises its voice against the bravest of the Tabajára braves."

Saying these words, Irapúam brandished his fatal tomahawk, but his arm stopped in the air. The bowels of the earth again rumbled as they had rumbled when Araken awoke the awful voice of Tupan.

The braves raise a cry of fear, and, surrounding their Chief, force him away from the funest spot and the wrath of Tupan, so evidently roused against them.

Cauby once more lay down across the threshold; his eyes sleep but his ears keep watch.

The voice of Tupan became silent.

Iraçéma and the Christian, lost in the depths of the earth, descended into a deep grotto. Suddenly a voice arising from the cavernous depths filled their ears.

"Does the Sea-Warrior listen to the words of his brother?"

"It is Poty, the friend of thy guest," said the Christian to the maid.

Iraçéma trembled.

"He speaks by the mouth of Tupan."

Martim then answered the Pytiguára―

"The words of Poty enter into the soul of his brother."

    the Maracujá or passion-flower, which represents all the instruments of our Saviour՚s passion, as the pillar, nails, scourges, and crown of thorns.

  1. ↑ Caetetús is the wild pig of the forest, from caeté, large virgin forest, and sun, game, which euphony changes to tu.
  2. ↑ Jaguar, amongst the aborigines, was applied to all the animals that devoured them, especially the ounce. Jaguareté meant "the great eater." It is derived from ja, "us," and guara, "the voracious."
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