desponding and dejected countenance. But
these were only faint indications of the feelings
of his heart. He threw himself on the ground,
and refused to be comforted. He seemed dumb
with melancholy, and the people feared for his
life.- He spake nothing; he made no answers
to questions put to him. He laid still, like one
dead. After several days the cbuncil appointed
Hosee Noke, a merry-heartéd chief, to make a
visit to him, and to whisper a speech of consola*-
tkm in his ears, and to arouse him from his
stupor. The result was successful; he approached
him with ceremonies, and induced
him to arise, and name a time to meet the council.
Yet haggard with grief,-he hailed for refreshments,
and ate. He then adjusted his wardrobe
and head drpSs, and went to the council.
He drew his robe of wolf-skins gracefully round
him, and walked to his Seat at the head of the
assembled chiefs, with a majestic step; Stillness,
and the most fixed attention, reigned in the
council, while the discussion was opened and
proceeded. The subject of the^mYdsioh Yvas
handled by several of the ablest counsellors and
boldest warriors. Various plans were proposed
to foil the enemy. Hiawatha listened with silence
till all had finished speaking. His opinion
was then asked. After a brief allusion to the
calamity which had befallen him, through the
descent of the bird of the Great Spirit, he spoke
to the following effect:
jÉÊ have listened to the words of wise men,
and brave chiefs. But it is not fitting that we
should do a thing of so much, importance in
haste. It is a subject demanding calm reflection
and mature deliberation. Let us postpone
the decision for one * day. During this time,
we will weigh well the, words of the speakers,
who have already spoken. If they are good, I
will then approve them. If they are not, I will
then open,' to you my plan. It is one which I
have reflected on, and feel confident.that it will
ensure safety»5’ '
When another day had expired, the council
again met. Hiawatha . eiVtCred the. assembly
with even more than the ordinary attention, and
every eye was fixed upon him, when he began
his, address’.in the following words:
' “ Friends and brothers:, You are members
of many tribes. You have, come from a great
distance. The voice of war has roused you up.
You are. afraid for your homes, your wives and
your children. You tremble for your safety.
Believe me, I am one, with you. My heart beats
with yopr hearts. We are one. We have one
common object'. We come to promote the
common interest, and to determine how this
can be best done.
“ To oppose these hordes of northern tribes,
singly and alone, would prove certain destruction.
We can make no progress in that way. We must
unite ourselves into one common band of brothers
» We must have but one voice. Many