I will tell you the tale of Merita, Merita, the daughter of Yado, Chief of the fishermen people Who lived by the Lake of the Oak Trees, Far to the east of the harbor. Slender and tall was Merita, Dark were her eyes, and her tresses Glossy and black as the feathers That gleam on the wings of the raven. Gentle and kind was Merita, Serving the young and the aged, Nursing the sick and the wounded, Cheering when sorrow was breaking The heart of some one of her people. The Gods taught Merita the language Of birds that made nests in the oak trees, Of water fowl thronging the tules, Of all furry creatures that peopled The hills and the valleys around them. They came from afar when she called them, Called with her song, and they hastened To tell her their troubles and sorrows. She bound up their wounds and caressed them, And told them the wiles of the hunters. Wandering one day to the northward, She came to a creek where strawberries, Ripe and delicious were growing Beside a small stream that cascaded Down from the Peak of the Grizzlies. Refreshing herself with the berries She sat in the shade of the live oaks, The ancient and widespreading live oaks, And called to the wild forest creatures, Singing the Song of Merita. 'Come, come, come, birds of the air, For I love you. Come, come, come, tell how you fare, For I love you. Come, come, come, wild creatures, know That I love you. Come, come, come, tell me your woe, For I love you. Come, come, come, you will I serve, For I love you. Come, come, come, you well deserve, And I love you. Come, come, come, I bring you aid, For I love you. Come, come, come, be not afraid, For I love you. Come, come, come--come--come--come.' Before the monotonous chanting Was finished, the Blue Jays and Robins, Pigeons, and Bluebirds, and Blackbirds Flew to the branches above her, And tipping their heads to observe her Opened their bills in complaining. Down from the canyon a white fawn Came with a shaft in her shoulder, Fell at the feet of Merita, Bleating her plea for protection. Quickly the arrow was taken Out of her quivering shoulder. Then came the hunter, pursuing-- Halted, and gazed in amazement. 'I am Zarando, the Tamal, Chief of the Thousand Oaks People. Pardon me, if I have wounded A pet of the beautiful stranger.' Under the arm of Merita The frightened fawn crept for protection. 'I am Merita, the daughter Of Yado, the Chief of the Fishers Who live by the Lake of the Oak Trees. The Fawn is my friend, and she answers My call to all wild forest creatures.'