Tecumseh's Speech
So live your life so that the fear
of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion,
respect others in their views,
and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life,
beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long,
and its purpose the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song
for the day you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or sign of salute
when passing a friend, or even a stranger,
when in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people, and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning
give thanks for the food,
and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks,
the fault lies only in yourself.
Abuse no one and nothing,
for abuse turns the wise into fools
and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those
whose hearts are filled with the fear of death,
so that they weep and pray
for a little more time
to live their life in a different way.
Sing your death song,
and die like a hero going home. |