Page:Iracéma, the honey-lips (1886).djvu/93

Walking—ever walking—the braves arrived at the borders of a lake which was in the plateau-land.

The Christian suddenly stopped and turned his face towards the sea. The sadness left his heart and rose to his forehead.

"My brother՚s foot has taken root in the Land of Love," said the Chief. "Let him remain. Poty will quickly return."

"Poty՚s brother will accompany him. He has said it, and his word is like the arrow of Poty՚s bow; when it whistles, it has already pierced the mark."

"Does my brother then wish that Iraçéma should accompany him to the banks of the Acaraú?"

"We go to fight her brothers. The Taba of the Pytiguáras would only be to her a scene of pain and sadness. The daughter of the Tabajáras should remain."

"What then does Coatyábo await?"

"Poty՚s brother is afflicted because the daughter of the Tabajáras may be sad, and abandon the Wigwam without awaiting his return. Before departing, he would wish to soothe the spirit of the wife."

Poty took thought.

"The tears of Woman soften the warrior՚s heart as the morning dew softens the Earth."

"My brother is wise. The husband must go without seeing Iraçéma."

The Christian advanced. Poty bid him stop. From the Aljava^[1] which Iraçéma had adorned with black and red feathers, and had placed on her husband՚s shoulders, he selected an arrow.

The Pytiguára drew the bow; the fleet arrow pierced