The Ancient Ones
"Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. The very dust upon which you now stand responds more lovingly to their footsteps than to yours, because it is rich with the blood of our ancestors and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch. Even the little children who lived here and rejoiced for a brief season will love these somber solitudes, and at eventide they greet shadowy returning spirits."
Chief Seathl, Dwamish chief, speaking to Governor Isaac
Stevens, Washington Terr., 1854.
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Ⓒ Text copyright Michael Babcock