Page:Massasoit's town Sowams in Pokanoket, its history, legends and traditions (IA massasoitstownso00bake).pdf/21

Rh slumber from which he awakened refreshed and strengthened. Meanwhile the messenger returned from Plymouth with the chickens and other things for which Winslow had asked, but Massasoit "finding his stomach come to him," would not have the fowls killed, "but kept them for breed." These historic chickens were the first domesticated fowls ever brought into Rhode Island. So far was the sachem's health restored that the Englishmen dared not give him the medicine sent by the Plymouth surgeon. Massasoit, himself, felt assured of his recovery. "Now I see the English are my friends and love me," he exclaimed, "and whilst I live I will never forget this kindness they have showed me." These were no idle words as subsequent events proved.

During the white men's stay at Sowams many of Massasoit's friends and allies came to visit him, "some by their report from a place not less than a hundred miles." To all comers one of the sachem's chief men related the story of Massasoit's illness, "how near he was spent; how, amongst others his friends the English came to see him; and how suddenly they recovered him to this strength they saw; he being now able to sit upright by himself." But it was not by words alone that the "good folk" of Sowams showed their appreciation of the Englishmen's services to them. "Whilst we were there," writes Winslow, "our entertainment exceeded all other strangers. Divers other things were worth the noting," he adds, "but I fear I have been too tedious." Gladly would we have pardoned the worthy chronicler the most "tedious" description of that primeval entertainment which, doubtless included feasting and dancing and wild aboriginal sports. Of what inestimable value would it have been to the historian!

But it was at the moment of his guests' departure that Massasoit demonstrated the depth of his gratitude to his preservers. Calling Hobbamock, the guide, aside he, in the