Legends That Every Child Should Know | Page 4

his daughter to do the same--deeming it cowardly to fly,
and impossible, if it was attempted, to divert the designs of the Great
Spirit. The descending object now assumed a more definite aspect; and,
as it came nearer, revealed the shape of a gigantic white bird, with
wide-extended and pointed wings. This bird came down with ever
increasing velocity, until, with a mighty swoop, it dropped upon the girl,
crushing her at once to the earth.
The fixed face of Hiawatha alone indicated his consciousness of his
daughter's death; while in silence he signalled to the warriors, who had
stood watching the event in speechless consternation. One after the
other stepped up to the prostrate bird, which was killed by its violent
fall, and selecting a feather from its snow-white plumage, decorated

himself therewith. [Footnote: Since this event, say the Indians of this
tribe, the plumage of the white heron has been used for their
decorations on the war-path.]
But now a new affliction fell upon Hiawatha; for, on removing the
carcass of the bird, not a trace could be discovered of his daughter. Her
body had vanished from the earth. Shades of anguish contracted the
dark face of Hiawatha. He stood apart in voiceless grief. No word was
spoken. His people waited in silence, until at length arousing himself,
he turned to them and walked in calm dignity to the head of the
council.
The first day he listened with attentive gravity to the plans of the
different speakers; on the next day he arose and said: "My friends and
brothers; you are members of many tribes, and have come from a great
distance. We have come to promote the common interest, and our
mutual safety. How shall it be accomplished? To oppose these
Northern hordes in tribes singly, while we are at variance often with
each other, is impossible. By uniting in a common band of brotherhood
we may hope to succeed. Let this be done, and we shall drive the
enemy from our land. Listen to me by tribes. You, the Mohawks, who
are sitting under the shadow of the great tree, whose branches spread
wide around, and whose roots sink deep into the earth, shall be the first
nation, because you are warlike and mighty. You, the Oneidas, who
recline your bodies against the everlasting stone that cannot be moved,
shall be the second nation, because you always give wise counsel. You,
the Onondagas, who have your habitation at the foot of the great hills,
and are overshadowed by their crags, shall be the third nation, because
you are greatly gifted in speech. You, the Senecas, whose dwelling is in
the dark forest, and whose home is all over the land, shall be the fourth
nation, because of your superior cunning in hunting. And you, the
Cayugas, the people who live in the open country and possess much
wisdom, shall be the fifth nation, because you understand better the art
of raising corn and beans, and making lodges. Unite, ye five nations,
and have one common interest, and no foe shall disturb and subdue you.
You, the people who are the feeble bushes, and you who are a fishing
people, may place yourselves under our protection, and we will defend

you. And you of the South and West may do the same, and we will
protect you. We earnestly desire the alliance and friendship of you all.
Brothers, if we unite in this great bond, the Great Spirit will smile upon
us, and we shall be free, prosperous, and happy; but if we remain as we
are, we shall be subject to his frown. We shall be enslaved, ruined,
perhaps annihilated. We may perish under the war-storm, and our
names be no longer remembered by good men, nor be repeated in the
dance and song. Brothers, those are the words of Hiawatha. I have
spoken. I am done." [Footnote: Canassatego, a renowned chief of the
Confederacy, in his remarkable piece of advice to the Colonial
Commissioners of Lancaster in July, 1744, seems to imply that there
was an error in this plan of Hiawatha, as it did not admit all nations into
their Confederacy with equal rights.]
The next day his plan of union was considered and adopted by the
council, after which Hiawatha again addressed the people with wise
words of counsel, and at the close of this speech bade them farewell;
for he conceived that his mission to the Iroquois was accomplished, and
he might announce his withdrawal to the skies. He then went down to
the shore, and assumed his seat in his mystical canoe. Sweet music was
heard in the air as he seated himself; and while the wondering
multitude stood gazing at their beloved chief, he was silently wafted
from sight, and they