Page:Iracéma, the honey-lips (1886).djvu/64

The bride led the way; the two warriors followed. behind. When they had gone about the distance of a heron՚s flight, the Pytiguára chief began to be uneasy, and whispered in the ear of the Christian—

"My brother had better send the daughter of the Pagé back to the Wigwam of her father. The warriors could march quicker without her."

Martim felt a sudden sadness; but the voice of prudence and friendship prevailed in his heart. He advanced to Iraçéma and spoke softly to soothe her sorrow.

"The deeper the root in the earth, the harder it is to withdraw the plant. Each step Iraçéma takes on the road of farewell is a root which she plants in the heart of her guest."

"Iraçéma would accompany him as far as the borders of the Tabajára land, in order to return with more calmness in her breast."

Martim did not answer. They continued their march, and as they walked the night fell, the stars paled, and finally the freshness of dawn gladdened the forest; the morning clouds, purely white as cotton, appeared in the heavens.

Poty looked at the forest and stopped. Martim understood, and said to Iraçéma—

"Thy guest no longer treads on the land of the Tabajáras. It is the right moment to bid him farewell."

Iracéma placed her hand upon the bosom of the white warrior.

"The daughter of the Tabajáras has now left the land of her fathers, and she may speak."