Lakota

My Father: What you say, and what our great father says, I always hear with open ears.

When I received the invitation from our agent, I determined, when I came, to keep my ears open.

What I say is all true. Once I acted a little foolishly, but no lives were lost then.

My ears are always open to good counsel; but I think my great father should take a stick and bore the ears of these people.  They appear to shut their ears when they come here into the council.

My father: Looking round at your children, you think all their ears are open to what you say; but I think part of them are deaf; they act like men that have no ears at all.

I have heart and ears, and take into them all I hear from you.  These people have struck us often, but we have sat with our arms folded: still they strike, and we remain quiet.

What I say I do not say with a forked tongue; we are willing to hold back, as you have counselled us; our agent has given us the same counsel, and has partly held my hands.

My Father: I have something to say, and I wish you to believe that what I shall say is the truth.

We have made peace, and have a good understanding with all the tribes here present; but a part of these are always the first to undo what is done.  When we address our great father, we like to speak the truth; we wish to be at peace, but these people are the first to commence war.  If you will stop them, my father, all will be well.