Chief monologue — The Arrow-Maker: A Drama in Three Acts

(_Rising._) Tribesmen, for as many years as a fir tree needs to bear cones, I have been Chief in Sagharawite. Now I am old, and, like a badger, see only my own trail (_grunts of dissent_), and my legs carry me no farther than my eyes see. Therefore, since there is war with Castac concerning the pinyon trees which are ours (_grunts and exclamations_), it is right you have a younger man to lead you. But, since it has never happened that there must be a war leader chosen while there is a chief alive and sitting in Council, I think it well to inquire how the gods stand toward us. Tribesmen, what do you say? (_Sits with great dignity._)