The following rendition contains nothing which is not in the original text as explained and amplified by the priest.
The ritual was intoned in a loud voice; the man who was to receive a new name stood before the priest where he could be seen by the entire assembly.
RITUAL Harken! 'Twas thus it came to pass: In ancient days, a Leader and his men Walked this wide earth, man's vast abode Roofed by the heavens, where dwell the gods.
They reached a place the spot no man can tell, Faced dangers dread and vanquished them; Then, standing as if born anew to life, Each warrior threw away the name That had been his ere yet these deeds were done.
Harken! The Leader and his men Made there the Vict'ry song, and set the mark Ye must o'ertake, if ye would be like them! Harken! The Leader and his men Turned then toward home.

Their Vict'ry song Proclaimed them near; the village rose, Looked toward the hill, where on the top Stood the brave men, singing their song, Heralding thus the favor of the gods By which they had surpassed all former deeds-- Made new their claim to be accounted men.
Harken! And whence, think ye, was borne Unto these men courage to dare, Strength to endure hardship and war?
Mark well my words, as I reveal How the gods help man's feebleness.
The Leader of these warriors was a man Given to prayer.

Oft he went forth Seeking a place no one could find.
There would he stand and lift his voice, Fraught with desire that he might be Invincible, a bulwark 'gainst all foes Threat'ning his tribe, causing them fear.
Night-time and day this cry sped on, Traveling far, seeking to reach-- Harken! Those places far above, Harken! Within the circle vast Where sit the gods watching o'er men.
Harken! This poor man's prayer went on, Speeding afar into the blue Heavens above, reached there the place-- Harken! Where dwell the lesser gods, Harken! And great Ti-ra'-wa, mightier than all! Harken! It was because a god Received this prayer, considered it, Favored its plea, and passed it on To him whose place was next, in that grand ring, Who in his turn received the prayer, Considered it, and sent it on-- Harken! Around that circle vast, Harken! Where sit the gods above.
Harken! And thus it was the prayer Sent by this man won the consent Of all the gods.

For each god in his place Speaks out his thought, grants or rejects Man's suppliant cry, asking for help; But none can act until the Council grand Comes to accord, thinks as one mind, Has but one will all must obey.
Harken! The Council gave consent; Harken! And great Ti-ra'-wa, mightier than all! Harken! To make their purpose known, Succor and aid freely to give, Heralds were called, called by the Winds.
Then in the West uprose the Clouds Heavy and black, ladened with storm.
Slowly they climbed, dark'ning the skies, While close on every side the Thunders marched On their dread way, till all were come To where the gods in stately council sat Waiting for them.

Then bade them go Back to the earth, carrying aid To him whose prayer had reached their circle vast.
This mandate given, the Thunders turned toward earth, Taking their course slantwise the sky.
Harken! Another followed hard-- Lightning broke forth out of the cloud, Zigzag and dart, cleaving their way Slantwise to earth, their goal to reach.
Harken! For these two were not all That hastened to proclaim the god's behest-- Swift on their wings Swallows in flocks Swept in advance, ranging the path, Black breasts and Red, Yellow and White, Flying about, clearing the way For those who bore the message of the gods Granting the man courage to dare, Strength to endure, power to stand Invincible, a bulwark 'gainst all foes.
Harken! 'Twas thus it came to pass: The Leader grasped the help sent by the gods; Henceforth he walked steadfast and strong, Leading his men through dangers drear, Knowing that naught could strike at him To whom the gods had promised victory.
Attend! Once more I change his name.
Harken! _Ri-ruts'-ka-tit_ it was We used to call him by, a name he won Long days ago, marking an act Well done by him, but now passed by.
Harken! To-day all men shall say-- Harken! His act has lifted him Where all his tribe behold a man Clothed with new fame, strong in new strength Gained by his deeds, blessed of the gods.
Harken! _Sha-ku'-ru Wa'-ruk-ste_ shall he be called.
TAKING AN INDIAN NAME IN CAMP In view of the significance of Indian personal names, and the dignity and reverence which in every instance surrounded the giving or the taking of a name, it hardly seems appropriate that Indian names should be assumed even for a short period without some regard being shown to the customs and thought of the people from whom the names are borrowed.