And he saw a youth approaching, Dressed in garments green…
““And he saw a youth approaching, Dressed in garments green and yellow, Coming through the purple twilight, Through the splendor of the sunset; Plumes of green bent o'er his forehead, And his hair was soft and golden. Standing at the open doorway, Long he looked at Hiawatha, Looked with pity and compassion On his wasted form and features, And, in accents like the sighing Of the South-Wind in the tree-tops, Said he, "O my Hiawatha! All your prayers are heard in heaven, For you pray not like the others, Not for greater skill in hunting, Not for greater craft in fishing, Not for triumph in the battle, Nor renown among the warriors, But for profit of the people, For advantage of the nations. "From the Master of Life descending, I, the friend of man, Mondamin, Come to warn you and instruct you, How by struggle and by labor You shall gain what you have prayed for. Rise up from your bed of branches, Rise, O youth, and wrestle with me!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A prophetic figure urges the youth Hiawatha to pursue communal benefit through effort, not personal glory, promising divine hearing of his prayers.
In simple terms: Seek collective good through hard work, not selfish fame.
Key Takeaway
Work for the people’s benefit.
Themes
community
effort
spiritual guidance
Mood
inspirational
solemn
Type
mythic
motivational
When to use this quote
- social activism
- personal development
- leadership training
Key Concepts
collectivism
mythic symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What sacrifices are needed for communal goals?
- How to reconcile personal desire with collective duty?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may clash with personal ambition.