Page:Iracéma, the honey-lips (1886).djvu/89

Iraçéma then took the feather-vane, and painted a leaf with a bee upon it: her voice murmured through her smiles―

"As the bee makes honey in the black heart of the Jacarandá, so sweetness is in the breast of the bravest warrior."

Martim opened his arms and lips to receive the body and soul of his wife.

"My brother is a great warrior of the Pytiguára nation. He wants a name in the language of his new country."

"The name of thy brother shall be called by whatever part of his body thou imposest thy hand upon."

"Coatyábo!" exclaimed Iraçéma.

"Thou hast said it. I am the painted warrior, the warrior of the wife and of the friend."

Poty gave to his brother the bow and the tomahawk, which were the noble arms of a brave. Iraçéma had prepared for him the plumes and ornamented belt worn by illustrious Chiefs.

The daughter of Araken fetched from the cabin the meats of the feast and the wines of the Genipapo and Mandioca. The warriors drank copiously and danced joyous dances. Whilst they revolved round the bonfires they sang songs of gladness.

Poty chanted.

"As the Cobra-Snake which has two heads and only one body, so is the friendship of Coatyábo and Poty."

Iraçéma took up the refrain.

"As the oyster which leaves not the rock until after death, so is Iraçéma joined to her husband."

The warriors chanted.

"As the Jatobá in the forest, so is the warrior Coatyábo between his brother and spouse; his branches entwine with those of the Ubiratan, and his shade protects the humble grass."

The fires of joy burnt until morning came, and with them lasted the Feast of the Warriors.