Good words do not last long until they amount to something. Words do not pay for dead people. They do not pay for my country now overrun by white men. They do not protect my father's grave. They do not pay for my horses and cattle. 
Good words will not give me back my children. Good words 
will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. 

It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words 
and all the broken promises. There has been too much talk 
by white men who had no right to talk.

- Chief Joseph -