Episode 15 - The Female American - Unca Eliza Winkfield

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Chapter four, apparels herself in therichest manner and awaits the approach of the
Indians, acquaints them she was sentby the Oracle, presents them with rings,
and partakes of a repast. Whenthe expected morning came, I awoke
by daybreak, dressed myself in white, and overall put on the high priest's

(00:21):
vestments that I had found upon myfirst searching of the subterraneous apartments. These
were a kind of cassock or vestformed of gold wire, or rather of
small narrow plaited gold, curiously foldedor twisted together like network, which buttoned
clothes with diamonds. Over this Iput on, formed of the same materials,

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and in the same manner, agown sprinkled all over with precious stones,
and here and there a large diamond. On my head I placed a
crown of most exquisite make, richlybeset with precious stones of various sizes and
colors, one on the top particularlylarge, which emitted from all parts of
it a light greater than that ofeither of my lamps. In my right

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hand I held a golden staff orrod with a small image of the sun
on top of it. On oneof my fingers. I wore the ring,
and on each arm a rich bracelet, all which I found at the
same time I discovered all these otherthings. I had made myself a kind
of wicker basket, which I filledwith a great number of gold rings,

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all from the same repository. WhenI first discovered all these treasures, I
then little thought they would ever proveof any real use to me. Nor
did I now thus adorn myself frompride. But I thought the extraordinary appearance
that they would give me might procureme a more favorable reception the rings I

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designed for presents. I should havementioned that, besides the fine ring that
I put on when I first foundthe rings, I put one upon each
of my fingers. When I leftmy subterraneous dwelling, I not only bolted
the door, but covered it overwith earth. Being come to the statue,
I sat down on the biggest stepin all my finery, the crown

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on my head, the staff inmy right hand, and on my left
stood my twig basket. At somedistance lay my bundle, which, being
wrapped up in one of the goldvestments, glittered as the sun shone very
bright. Thus I sat with mybow and arrows hung over my shoulders,
waiting for the important interview. Mymind not a little agitated between hope and

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fear. However, I very solemnlyrecommended myself and my undertaking to God,
and then endeavored to fortify my mindso that on the approach of the Indians,
I might not discover the least symptomof fear, for I knew on
this much depended. I had satnear an hour before they approached, but

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at last saw them advance in thesame order as their first coming. At
the first sight of them, myheart leapt and every limb trembled, and
for a moment I wished myself withinmy subterraneous habitation. But as they advanced
slowly, I had time enough torecover myself, and before they came near

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enough to distinguish my countenance, Ibelieve it was sufficiently steady. As they
came near, led by the HighPriest and the others, they bowed almost
to the ground at every step.I still kept my seat, looking firmly
at them. When they were comenear enough to hold a conversation, they
halted, and the priests and allthe company, who were about two hundred

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without any children, prostrated themselves onthe ground. I then arose, and,
extending my golden rod towards them,said arise. They did so,
when observing that they held a profoundsilence. I thus addressed them with as
much affability as I could, yetwith an air of superiority. I suppose

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you are come to invite me toreside in your country. To this,
the High Priest answered yes, whichwas presently echoed throughout the whole multitude.
I then desired the High Priest tosit down at my right hand, which
he did not without some mannerly reluctance. I then placed the other priests on

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the steps, a little lower onthe right and left hand. Sitting with
the priests in this manner, Iagain addressed them. I suppose most of
you were here three days ago andheard or know what was then delivered from
above, pointing up at the statue, in consequence of what was then promised
you, and to which you,who were then present, agreed, I

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am come to live among you atleast for some time, and to instruct
you observe what was then enjoined you. You must obey my commands, observe
my instructions. Never ask who Iam from whence I come, or whether
or when I will leave you,though if at any time you should desire

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me to quit your country, youmay tell me so, and I will
leave you. And further, youare never to oppose my coming here,
as I shall do from time totime, nor any of you presume to
follow me hither. If you willfaithfully observe these things, I will come
and live with you, acquaint youwith the holy books of God, instruct

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you in the knowledge of God andin the ways of His religion, which
will make you happy forever. HereI paused, when the high priest arose
up with great reverence, and havingbowed three times almost to the ground,
said, Holy Woman. We heardwith great attention what the oracle said,

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And when we returned into our country, we called the next day all our
countrymen together and told them everything thatthe oracle had delivered. Our countrymen rejoiced
to hear the good news, andall desire you will come and live with
them. They will love you,obey all your commands, and will make
you their queen. For our kingis lately dead, and as he had

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no children, we have not asyet chosen a new king. Will you
therefore go home with us and beour queen. I thank you for your
kind offer, but I will notbe your queen. Therefore you may choose
whom you please, but as youdesire it, I will come and live
among you, and will be onlyyour instructor. I had scarcely finished my

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answer before the whole company made thegreatest acclamations of joy, crying out,
come, come, come, andmake us happy. I arose up,
and, after their manner, madethree respectful bows to them, which were
returned with new acclamations of joy.As soon as all were silent again,

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I sat down, and, takingout of my twig basket two of the
best rings, I presented them tothe High Priest, and to each of
the priests, to others near ingoodness to those of the high priests.
When finding that I had sufficient numberof rings, I desired the people to
come to me one by one,and I presented each with a ring,

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which they all received with great expressionsof joy. I soon found that they
were confounded in their ideas about me, and conceived of me as one more
than mortal. For the High Priest, with great reverence, asked me if
I ever ate and drank I cheerfullyreplied, yes, and if you have
brought any provisions, I will eatand drink with you. At this he

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seemed both pleased and surprised. Hethen called to some of the people who
came forwards, bringing a kind ofwicker baskets. The contents of them were
dried fish, goat flesh and otheranimal food, various kinds of fruit,
dried corn, and a liquor likewine. Before I began to eat,

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I stood up and said grace,at which they seemed much surprised. Then
the priests and I took a comfortablerepast together, whilst the people sat down
and did the same, we allobserving a profound silence during the whole time.
When we had finished, I againsurprised them with returning thanks according to

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the manner of Christians. The highpriest, hearing me conclude with the name
of Jesus Christ, asked me verysubmissively who he was. I answered,
the Son of God, of whomhe had heard three days ago that he
had offered himself up a sacrifice tohis Father for mankind. Therefore, we

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ought to praise God in his nameand in his name to ask for whatever
it is lawful for us to desire. But of this added I I shall
speak to you more fully hereafter.End of Chapter four