"Onondaga, you are the people sitting under the shadow of the _Great
Tree_, whose branches spread far and wide, and whose roots sink deep
into the earth. You shall be the first nation, because you are warlike
and mighty.

"Oneida, and you, the people who recline your bodies against the
_Everlasting Stone_, that cannot be moved, shall be the second
nation, because you always give good counsel.

"Seneca, and you, the people who have your habitation at the foot of the
_Great Mountain_, and are overshadowed by its crags, shall be the
third nation, because you are all greatly gifted in speech.

"Cayuga, you, whose dwelling is in the _Dark Forest_, and whose home
is everywhere, shall be the fourth nation, because of your superior
cunning in hunting.

"Mohawk, and you, the people who live in the open country, and possess
much wisdom, shall be the fifth nation, because you understand better the
art of raising corn and beans and making cabins.

"You five great and powerful nations, with your tribes, must unite and
have one common interest, and no foes shall disturb or subdue you.

"And you of the different nations of the south, and you of the west, may
place yourselves under our protection, and we will protect you. We
earnestly desire the alliance and friendship of you all.

"And from you, Squaw-ki-haws (being a remote branch of the Seneca