File:Birch bark legends of Niagara, founded on traditions among the Iroquois; (1884) (14596419950).jpg

Identifier: birchbarklegends00owah (find matches)
Title: Birch bark legends of Niagara, founded on traditions among the Iroquois;
Year: 1884 (1880s)
Authors: Owahyah
Subjects: Iroquois Indians Wolves Legends Indians of North America
Publisher: (St. Catharines, Ont. : Journal Print. Co.)
Contributing Library: Fisher - University of Toronto
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Toronto

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were stilled by thelong protracted howl of Black Snake as he sprung infront of the Chiefs. With a dexterous flourish of histomahawk he separated the thongs, liberated the pris-oners, and with a wave of his hand commanded silence,while, shouting in a loud voice, he replied to the oldSachem : Our father asks who bound War Eagles friends!It was the spirits of darkness that blinded his childrenseyes to the color of Grey Eagle, and whispered in theirears, they are enemies. It was the spirit of darknessthat killed War Eagle and whispered in the ears of hisbraves, revenge his death. It is the voice of thegood Manitou that whispered to the Great Oak, and hehas saved his children from the Manitous wrath andfreed the spirit of War Eagle. This ingenious speech showed the cunning of somecandidates for office even in those early times, and hadthe desired effect of winning the confidence of many ofhis dusky auditors. Long talks followed within thecircle by the Chiefs, while preparations were being
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BIRCH BARK LEGENDS OF NIAGARA. 27 made for feast and dance around the council fire thatnight. Aye, Niagara ! thou didst lull with thy awful and sol-emn voice as anxious and also as happy hearts beneaththe soft furs that wrapped those dusky maidens—mingling their sweet voices with thy deep bass, danc-ing beneath the old trees on thy wild banks—as anythere have been since in the princely halls where theold trees once stood, beneath silks and diamonds, thatrival thy beautiful drops, to music that drowns for atime thine own tremendous voice. The attention of the Chiefs being directed to GreyEagle, the youthful Chief stepped lightly but proudlyin front of them. His manner plainly indicated him abrave warrior and hunter. As he spoke of his people,now nearly exterminated, he pointed out to the coun-cil the necessity, and expressed his willingness, ofmerging their existence in that of another tribe. Manylooked upon him with sympathy and regard. Speak-ing of the foes of his people, his dar

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