Abenaki

Askua ali wigiidit waʿkasimigʾzowak Salaʾki agua ni wijiganun kigamʾwinno.

A priest of God came to an Indian town And settled there to teach the people truth, Which some received and others spurned with scorn. Some hostile Mohawks fell upon that town, Killing the folk, all save the Priest and one, An Indian of many magic gifts.

Late in the afternoon of that same day The Mohawks reached their village with these two: The holy Priest and Wizard skilled in craft. The Mohawks held a council by the fire Discussing how to torture best the twain, So as to see their frenzy, and enjoy With gloating satisfaction every pain. They all agreed to heat two earthen pots On fiery coals unto the whitest heat; Then place these pots upon the head of each And watch them dance about till life was spent.

With merry whoop they started up the fires; Began at once to heat the torture pots. Soon, when they thought the glow was great enough, They first of all laid hands upon the Priest. Then he who had been taken with the Priest At once brought all his magic arts to bear, And burst his bonds asunder with a yell That curdled every heart among the foe. The Wizard cried in Indian tongue: “Nda Awâni niûna ndelima— Magahôûnana,” which means: “My friends, We shall not torture any one (to-day).” And then he leapt upon the fiery coals And danced and danced, until his feet did fry And sizzle hot like bacon in a pan. Then all the Indians were full of fear. But when to crown the horror of the whole They saw the wizard put the glowing pot On his own head and leap about in glee, They all took flight in terror to the woods. Then spake the Wizard: “Father, now escape.”

When they had reached all safe and sound their home, The Priest said to the Wizard: “O my son, Thou shouldst repent and turn thee from thine art Unto God’s ways and ever keep the Faith.” Then quoth the Wizard laughing: “Father mine, Had I repented and mine art eschewed, Then were we both of us dead men this day.” P.