: 'I will make
these young-eyed maidens immortal,' He said. In the cup of His hands
He lifted the Chief's two daughters and set them forever in a high
place, for they had borne two offspring--Peace and Brotherhood--each of
which is now a great Tyee ruling this land.
"And on the mountain crest the Chief's daughters can be seen wrapped in
the suns, the snows, the stars of all seasons, for they have stood in
this high place for thousands of years, and will stand for thousands of
years to come, guarding the peace of the Pacific Coast and the quiet of
the Capilano Canyon."
* * * * *
This is the Indian legend of "The Lions of Vancouver" as I had it from
one who will tell me no more the traditions of his people.
The Siwash Rock
Unique, and so distinct from its surroundings as to suggest rather the
handicraft of man than a whim of Nature, it looms up at the entrance to
the Narrows, a symmetrical column of solid grey stone. There are no
similar formations within the range of vision, or indeed within many a
day's paddle up and down the coast. Amongst all the wonders, the
natural beauties that encircle Vancouver, the marvels of mountains
shaped into crouching lions and brooding beavers, the yawning canyons,
the stupendous forest firs and cedars, Siwash Rock stands as distinct,
as individual, as if dropped from another sphere.
I saw it first in the slanting light of a redly setting August sun; the
little tuft of green shrubbery that crests its summit was black against
the crimson of sea and sky, and its colossal base of grey stone gleamed
like flaming polished granite.
My old tillicum lifted his paddle blade to point towards it. "You know
the story?" he asked. I shook my head (experience had taught me his
love of silent replies, his moods of legend-telling). For a time we
paddled slowly; the rock detached itself from its background of forest
and shore, and it stood forth like a sentinel--erect, enduring, eternal.
"Do you think it stands straight--like a man?" he asked.
"Yes, like some noble-spirited, upright warrior," I replied.
"It is a man," he said, "and a warrior man, too; a man who fought for
everything that was noble and upright."
"What do you regard as everything that is noble and upright, Chief?" I
asked, curious as to his ideas. I shall not forget the reply: it was
but two words--astounding, amazing words. He said simply:
"Clean fatherhood."
Through my mi
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