For information on Omaha-Ponca notation please refer to the Omaha-Ponca notation conversion table. An English translation is given below the native text. The text including the gloss is transcribed from Dorsey (1890: 359-360) with the notation adapted to current Omaha-Ponca notation. There is one exception; I have maintained the nasal aⁿ [ã] instead of oⁿ [ɔ̃] as today's standard notation would require (in fact it is a sound between a and o, like in English 'top', but nasalized).

A Ponca Ghost Story

Told to James Owen Dorsey by Frank La Flèche.

 

Translation

A great many persons went on the war path. They were Ponca. As they approached the foe, they camped for the night. They kindled a fire. It was during the night. And kindling a bright fire, they sat down; they made the fire burn very brightly. Rejoicing greatly they sat eating. Very suddenly a person sang. "Keep quiet. Push the ashes over that fire. Seize your bows in silence." said their leader. All took their bows. And they departed to surround him. They made the circle smaller and smaller and commenced at once to come together. And still he stood singing, he did not stir at all. At length they went near to the tree. And when they drew very near to it, the singer ceased his song. and when they reached the tree, bones lay there in a pile. Human bones were there at the foot of the tree. When persons die, the Dakota usually suspend the bodies in trees in a horizontal attitude.