sorrow no more, not a sigh for the blessings of
Rest. (Repeat Chorus)
17 To our bountiful Loved Ones about, we will offer our tribute of
Praise, for the glorious Gift of Their Love, and the Blessings that
follow our days! (Repeat Chorus)
18 And many other songs of joy did they sing as they marched along, and
as they came to the cities and villages Red Cat and Shy Fox sat in
judgment, righting the wrongs. And these are some of the cases they
heard.
19 Now in the city a merchant was brought before Red Cat. The father of
the man's two young mates accused him of having taken them, forcing
them into mating by threat. "A serious charge!" agreed Red Cat,
"Explain it."
20 "I was in heavy debt," continued the man. "Some years ago, when this
man bought up my debt and came demanding my property. But when he saw
my daughters he talked to them in private and told them that if they
would agree to become his mates he would cancel all my debts.
21 Now, they were barely women, Lord, and could not mate without our
consent, and I resisted. But my daughters said to me,
'Father,
he has promised that he will treat us as ladies and always be good to
us, never asking us to do anything shameful. If you lose all your
property, how will you live? As a common laborer? Must our mother do
wash?
22 Soon men would court us anyway, and in the way of women we would
leave your house. The man has said he will teach you and our brothers
how to handle the business so you will not become in debt again.
Father, we do this of our own free will. What do we surrender? A couple
of seasons of childhood, a few girlish dreams? Are they worth all you
own?'