AN INDIAN STORY OF THE ROBIN

 

AN INDIAN STORY OF THE ROBIN 

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN TALE

From Nature Study in Elementary Schools Second Reader by Mrs LL Wilson Ph D  by The MacMillan Company 

Very early was the little Indian boy taught to be brave and to endure. When he was 11 years old he had to leave his father's wigwam.
 He had to go and live in the forest by himself. Here he stayed for seven days. During all that time he did not eat even a corn cake. He did not take a drink of cool water from the stream.

He must not cry no matter how much he suffered. He must be patient and silent. Then there would come to the poor little fellow a Great Spirit. 

He would touch the boy and promise him that he would become a great warrior. 

He would give him, too, a new name. 

Once there was a great chief who had an only son.  

The child was not strong, but he was so gentle and good, that everyone loved him. 

When he was 11 years old, the poor little boy was sent to the forest. 

His mother wept when she took leave of him. She felt that she would never again see her darling. 

His father, too, was sad at heart. 

But the stern old chief felt that he must teach his son to be brave. He hoped that in time he might become head of the tribe. So he made him a little tent of birch logs.

And he spread on the floor a mat of reeds. 

Then the little boy lay down, and closed his eyes, and his father went away. 

After a few days the great chief came back and saw his little son pale and thin.

 "Father take me back," said he. "Take me back, or I shall die. 

"I do not want to be a great warrior. I want to love people, not to kill them."

 But the chief said: "Be patient, my son. In two more days I shall come for you again. 

"Then I shall bring you food, and take you home to your mother."

 On the seventh day he came and looked in the tent, and found it empty. 

But on the roof sat a robin, with a bright red breast, and sang this song:

Great chief, I was once your son, 

I shall al ways live near you, and love your people, 

I shall sing them this song:

"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! 

References:

1. British Birds J. Denham Bradburn 1903 

1.ROCKY MOUNTAIN EDUCATOR 1907