A Song of Greatness

A Chippewa Indian Song translated by Mary Austin

When I hear the old men

Telling of heroes,

Telling of great deeds

Of ancient days,

When I hear them telling,

Then I think within me

I too am one of these.

When I hear the people

Praising the great ones,

Then I know that I too

Shall be esteemed,

I too when my time comes

Shall do mightily.