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28 Warfare etc. 537 and afraid of the enemy, now return home. After this all who retained their position in the army, were supposed to be bold, unembarrassed, and efficient warriors, and therefore they generally engaged with great confidence & fierceness in the fight. During the contest the priest stands back, unless when he sees the warriors giving way, and then goes forward with great fury, & either conquors or dies.

  The conflict being ended, they set their faces towards home, but not hastily nor disorderly. Before arriving at the town where they resided, a messenger was sent forward to give notice of their approach, and of their intention to be at a certain place, at a given time. To that place therefore the people repaired at the specified time. to the warriors approached, two men, followed by the women, advanced towards them, commencing a hymn in honour of their valour and warlike deeds. Then the women caught the hymn, and went forward chanting their praise. I have one verse of a hymn ancient by sung on such occasions, + but it is not now understood. Each warrior delivered his spoil to his wife, or nearest female relative, who took it home, while the warriors continued their march to the town house, where they were met by the resident priests, and all the people to express their joy in a dance. After this was over, and after the warriors had returned home they associated with their wives as usual, but not before. + Hi yo ya yu we - four times repeated.