Passamaquoddy

Wut ktagʾnodʾmul uch Kulóskap.

This is an ancient tale of the Lord, Told ’mid the tales of the spirit time, How the Master of Beasts and Men Was born in the Sunrise land, The land of the Wabanaki; Though other traditions tell That he came from across the ocean In a great stone canoe, A barque which was all of granite, Covered with trees for masts. When the great Lord of All, The Chief of Beasts and Men, Descended from this ark, He went into the land Of the Wabanaki, The children of the Light; And calling all the Beasts Gave unto each a name: Unto the Bear, Mūūin; And as he gave it, asked: “Oh Bear, what would’st thou do, If thou should’st meet a man?” To which Mūūin replied Simply and honestly: “I fear him and should run.” “Well spoken,” said the Lord, “Man should be feared by all.”

Now at that time, Miʿko, The Squirrel, was as great, Or, some say, far more great Than even the Northern Bear; So the Lord Kulóskap Took Miʿko ’neath his hands, And softly smoothed him down; And as he felt the touch Miʿko grew less and less, And dwindled until he Was what we see him now. Howbeit in later days, Miʿko was Kulóskap’s dog, And, when the Master willed, He oft grew large again Touched by the Master’s hand, And slew his fiercest foes. But, being asked what he Would do if chased by Man, Miʿko at once exclaimed: “I would climb up a tree As fast as legs could run.”

“Well answered,” said the Lord, “And therefore, I ordain That from this day henceforth Thou and thy kind at large Shall ever dwell in trees.”

The Moose was standing by, Intently looking on, With great, soft, staring eyes, Attending to it all With deepest interest. Calling then Kchi Mūs, Big Moose, the Master said: “But say what would’st thou do If thou should’st meet with Man?” “In faith,” replied Kchi Mūs, “I’d canter through the woods Fast as my legs would fly.” “Well spoken,” said the god, “So shalt thou ever live In shade and forests wild.”

The Beaver being asked What he would do, replied That he would seek a stream Ere he would face mankind. So the great Lord perceived That of all creatures born Who walked upon the earth The first and best was Man. L.