"The Song of Hiawatha" Quotes

By the shores of Gitche Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water, Stood the wigwam of Nokomis, Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis.

Then the little Hiawatha Learned of every bird its language, Learned their names and all their secrets.

He it was who carved the cradle Of the little Hiawatha, Carved its framework out of linden, Bound it strong with reindeer sinews.

All the wild-fowl sang them, sang the songs of Hiawatha.

When he heard the owls at midnight, Hooting, laughing in the forest, 'What is that?' he cried in terror.

From the water came the beaver, Dived as if to escape him, Came again with shining fur-coat, And with sleek and dripping fore-feet.

Then the little Hiawatha Laughed and shouted with delight, Chased the squirrel and the rabbit, Chased the deer, and chased the beaver.

You shall hear how Hiawatha Prayed and fasted in the forest, Not for greater skill in hunting, Not for greater craft in fishing.

Give me of your bark, O Birch-tree! Of your yellow bark, O Birch-tree! Growing by the rushing river, Tall and stately in the valley!

Then the birch-tree, swaying, bending, Whispered to him, 'Take my bark, O Hiawatha!'