Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/79

Rh the Indians; showing how he oftimes restrained their malice, etc.,—continuing a long speech with signes of unfeigned sorrow.

"At length we came to Mattapuyst and went to the sachem's place, but Conbitant was not there but at Puckanokick, which was five or six miles off. The sachem's wife gave us friendly entertainment. Here we enquired again concerning Massasowat; they thought him dead but knew no certainty. Whereupon I hired one to go with all expedition to Puckanokick that we might know the certainty thereof, and withal to acquaint Conbitant with our there being. About half an hour before the sun setting the messenger returned and told us he was not dead, though there was no hope we should find him living. Upon this we were much revived, and set forward with all speed, though it was late within night ere we got thither. When we came thither we found the house so full of men as we could scarce get in, though they used their best diligence to make way for us. They were in the midst of their charms for him, making such a hellish noise as it distempered us who were well, and therefore unlike to ease him that was sick. About him were six or eight women who chafed his arms, legs, and thighs to keep heat in him. Having understanding left, but his sight wholly gone, he asked who was come. They told him, Winsnow, for they cannot pronounce the letter l, but ordinarily use n in place thereof. He desired to speak with me. When I came to him, and they told him of it, he put forth his hand, which I took. Then he said twice, though very inwardly, 'Keen Winsnow?' which is to say, 'Art thou Winslow?' I answered, 'Ahhe,' that is yes. Then he doubled these words: 'Matta neen wonchanet nanem, Winsnow!' that is to say, 'O, Winslow, I shall never see thee again.' Then I called Hobbamock and desired him to tell Massasowat that the Governor, hearing of his sickness, was sorry for the same, and though by many businesses he could not come himself, yet he sent me with such things for him as he thought most likely to do good in this extremity, and