Through the forest ranged the hunters, Seeking game in glen and canyon, Meat for food, and fur for raiment; Vanquishing the forest creatures With flint arrows and stone axes; Seeking fish in bay and river With the spear or net of sinew. On the bay the warriors paddled In canoes of bark or rawhide, Or in mighty redwood dugouts Dared the currents of the narrows Training warriors to be ready To defend their shores and harbor. From the North the foemen threatened, As an ever-present shadow. O'er the water came the foemen, In a mighty fleet of warboats; Every summer came the foemen, Came and fought and then retreated. In his tepee sat the Chieftain With the Old Men, wise in counsel; All their hearts were solely troubled-- Every summer brought the foemen, Those bronze men of fearless courage, Waxing stronger every season-- Long they counseled with each other; Would the foemen come and conquer? Could the Tamals long withstand them? Thus they questioned in the Council While they planned their last defenses. To the Council came the sisters, Yana fair, and Tana fearless, Twins, and daughters of the Chieftain, Came and stood before the wise men, Came and bowed their heads and waited. Well the wise men knew the sisters, Maidens blooming into women, Loved them for their grace and beauty, For the joy they radiated, For the charm that emanated From their chaste and gentle spirits, As the perfume that is wafted From the rose buds newly opened. Yet the Wise Men gave no welcome, Turned their eyes from Maids to Chieftain. "Why, my Daughters, have you ventured Into this, the warrior's council? Well you know it is forbidden; Neither man nor woman enters When the warriors plan for battle."