Courtship Eagles

by Ernest Thompson Seton

The Courtship of the Eagles: 
A Comedy Dance

(This is not the Eagle Dance of the Zuni.)

The dancers (two) are supposed to be made up as eagles, but usually the only regalia is a blanket folded in triangular shape pinned on the back and along each arm, to be like wings when the arms are raised.

Two strong boxes (the mountains) are used for perches. One should be big enough for two to stand on it.

The scene opens with the he-eagle standing alone on his mountain, waving his wings and uttering a long, lonesome "Kek Kek Kek." He looks this way and that, sails around the mountain, "Kek Kekking," and comes back to it, looking and listening.

Meanwhile the she-eagle is hiding behind her mountain. She peeks with intense interest, but keeps down.

At last, when the he-one seems to be giving up in despair, she puts up her head and answers "Kek." he comes sailing and loudly Kek Kekking. But she hides and he misses her.

He goes back to his mountain and utters one or two despairing "Keks." She jumps up and utters a loud "Kek Kek." He comes sailing and "Kek Kekking." She sails away. He pursues. They circle round and round, cut figures of 8, loudly "Kek Kekking," but she eludes him, and at last hides behind her mountain. He sails about, sadly "Kek Kekking." She makes no answer. He alights on his mountain. She calls out "Kek." He pays no heed. She sails out, calling "Kek." He turns his back. She "Keks" in vain, then alights on his mountain behind him, calling softly "Kek" in his ear and swishing him with her wing. He turns around, she flees. He pursues. She is easily caught. With their left hands joined, but facing different ways, they spin about in a couple of joyous circles, uttering long, loud "Keks." They alight on his mountain. He folds his wings about her.

Curtain.

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Last modified: January 31, 2012.