Tecumseh

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers.

Since my residence at Tippecanoe, we have endeavored to level all distinctions, to destroy village chiefs, by whom all mischiefs are done. It is they who sell the land to the Americans.

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.

From my tribe I take nothing, I am the maker of my own fortune.

The Great Spirit made all things. He gave the white people a home beyond the great waters. He supplied these grounds with game, and gave them to his red children; and he gave them strength and courage to defend them.

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, 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 in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view and demand that they respect yours.

A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.

Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.

I am a Shawnee. My forefathers were warriors. Their son is a warrior. From them, I take my only existence.

Sell a country?! Why not sell the air, the great sea, as well as the earth? Did not the Great Spirit make them all for the use of his children?

I have made myself what I am. And I would that I could make the red people as great as the conceptions of my own mind, when I think of the Great Spirit that rules over us all.

When the legends die, the dreams end; there is no more greatness.

Before the palefaces came among us, we enjoyed the happiness of unbounded freedom and were acquainted with neither riches, wants, nor oppression.

Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.