28 Nature Myths and Stories.

Sadly the chief listened to the bird and under-
stood its message.

“Mourn me not, great chief,’ it sang. “I was
once your son.

“T am happy now and free.

“T am the friend of man and shall always live
near him and be his companion.

“T shall bring the tidings of spring.

“When the maple buds shoot and the wild
flowers come, every child in the land shall know
my voice.

“T shall teach how much better it is to sing than
to slay.

“Chief, listen, chief,
Be more gentle; be more loving.
Chief, teach it, chief,
Be not fierce, oh, be not cruel ;
Love each other !
Love each other!”