TECUMSEHS
" Words to the Wise"

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. Always give a word or a
sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even
a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to
all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the
morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of
living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the
fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no
thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs
the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to
die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with
the fear of death, so that when their time comes they
weep and pray for a little more time to live their
lives over again in a different way. Sing your death
song and die like a hero going home."

Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee Nation

Chapter xxv (25)
A HOLY COVENANT OF THE ASIATIC NATION

1. Ye are the children of one father,
provided for by his care; and the breast
of one mother hath given you suck.
2. Let the bonds of affection, therefore,
unite thee with thy brothers,
that peace and happiness may dwell in thy
father's house.
3. And when ye separate in the world,
remember the relationship that bindeth you to love and unity; and prefer not a stranger
before thy own blood.
4.If thy brother is in adversity, assist him
out; if thy sister is in trouble, forsake her not.
5. So shall the fortunes of thy father
contribute to the support of his whole race,
and his care be continued to you all, in your
love to each other.
peace