The league of the Iroquois and other legends : from the Indian muse

SPEECH OF HAYO-WENT-HA. 157
Lo !
this mantle that I bear,
Mark the hem that glitters so ;
In each fold, bright woven there,
See our warrior to-tems show r !
Part the thongs that interlace,
All this beauty, wondrous wrought,
Parted from its use and place
Many a piece
the thing were naught.
Now, alas !
my people all
Like the separate pieces show ;
Severed still, they can but fall,
Strength nor use nor beauty know.
But by loving bond and thong
Wove, as is this wondrous vest,
Then a People great and strong,
And by Oway-neo blest.
Round this Council Fire to-day
We may shape the future fate
Of the tribes, that severed stray,
To a Nation wise and great.
Singly we can never cope
With these fierce Algonquin bands ;
Union is our only hope
Union of our hearts and hands.