And of all beings
there were none who had more bear's oil ready to anoint every one's hair
with--that is to say, more compliments ready for everybody--than the
Weasels. So, seeing the Crane, they sang:--
"Wa wela quis kip pat kasqu',
Wa wela quis kip pat kasqu'." (P.)
The Crane has a very beautiful long neck,
The Crane has a very beautiful long neck.
This charmed the old ferryman very much, and when they said, "Please,
grandfather, hurry along," he came quickly. Seeing this, they began to
chant in chorus, sweetly as the Seven Stars themselves:--
"Wa wela quig nat kasqu',
Wa wela quig nat kasqu'." (P.)
The Crane has very beautiful long legs,
The Crane has very beautiful long legs.
Hearing this, the good Crane wanted more; so when they asked him to
give them a lift across, he answered slowly that to do so he must be
well paid, but that good praise would answer as well. Now they who had
abundance of this and to spare for everybody were these very girls.
"Have I not a beautiful form?" he inquired; and they both cried aloud,
"Oh, uncle, it is indeed beautiful!" "And my feathers?" "Ah,
_pegeakopchu_" (M.), "Beautiful and straight feathers indeed!"
"And have I not a charming long, straight neck?" "Truly our uncle has
it straight and long." "And will ye not acknowledge, oh, maidens, that
my legs are fine?" "Fine! oh, uncle, they are perfection.
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