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Updated: May 20, 2025
One was to prove to her father that, though only a maid, she had the heart of a warrior. The other was to visit the graves of her brothers that is, the country of the enemy. "At this pleasant reunion of two kindred peoples one of the principal events was the Feast of Virgins, given by Makatah.
Stripped of all her ornaments, her dress shorn of its fringes, her ankles bare, her hair cropped close to her neck, leading a pony with mane and tail cut short, she is mourning as widows mourn. It is Makatah! "Publicly, with many tears, she declared herself the widow of the brave Little Eagle, although she had never been his wife!
"All eyes were turned upon Makatah, who rode her fine buckskin steed with a single lariat. He held his head proudly, and his saddle was heavy with fringes and gay with colored embroidery. The maiden was attired in her best and wore her own father's war-bonnet, while she carried in her hands two which had belonged to two of her dead brothers.
Makatah immediately inquired of her male cousins whether any of them expected to join the war-party. "'Three of us will go, they replied. "'Then, said the girl, 'I beg that you will allow me to go with you! I have a good horse, and I shall not handicap you in battle. I only ask your protection in camp as your kinswoman and a maid of the war-party.
The Cut-Heads fled womanlike; but the people of Tamakoche fought gallantly to the very last. "Makatah remained with her father's people. Many cried out to her, 'Go back! Go back! but she paid no attention. She carried no weapon throughout the day nothing but her coup-staff but by her presence and her cries of encouragement or praise she urged on the men to deeds of desperate valor.
He it was, she said with truth, who had saved her people's honor and her life at the cost of his own. He was a true man! "'Ho, ho! was the response from many of the older warriors; but the young men, the lovers of Makatah, were surprised and sat in silence. "The War Maiden lived to be a very old woman, but she remained true to her vow.
As the sound ceased a shrill war-whoop from five hundred throats burst forth in chorus, and at the same instant Makatah, upon her splendid buckskin pony, shot far out upon the plain, like an arrow as it leaves the bow. It was a glorious sight! No man has ever looked upon the like again!" The eyes of the old man sparkled as he spoke, and his bent shoulders straightened.
It was determined to make the attack early on the following morning, just as the sun came over the hills. The councilors agreed that in honor of the great chief, her father, as well as in recognition of her own courage, Makatah should be permitted to lead the charge at the outset, but that she must drop behind as they neared the enemy.
His pony was still fresh. He might have put her up behind him and carried her to safety, but he did not even look at her as he galloped by. "Makatah did not call out, but she could not help looking after him. He had declared his love for her more loudly than any of the others, and she now gave herself up to die. "Presently another overtook the maiden. It was Little Eagle, unhurt and smiling.
Since all his sons were slain he had placed his affections solely upon the girl, and she grew up listening to the praises of the brave deeds of her brothers, which her father never tired of chanting when they were together in the lodge. At times Makatah was called upon to dance to the 'Strong-Heart' songs.
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