Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/101

 The lands they take, well does my brother know, They fairly purchase of the nations red; E'en thus would I on Seekonk's marge abide, If peaceful nations dwelt on either side.

LVII.

"On Seekonk's bank, betwixt my brothers white And the red nations I might friendly stand, And help them still to understand aright  Whate'er was doubtful from each other's hand; The chain of friendship hold, and keep it bright,  And strengthen thus all Narraganset's band; Till 'gainst our common foes we all unite, And conquer safety through resistless might.

LVIII.

"This question seeks the Sachem's plain reply: Takes he the pipe—lays he the axe aside? Have I his peace, or does he peace deny,  Nor in my honest counsels aught confide? Still chooses he the doubtful strife to try,  And brave the Yengees with his foes allied? Say—can he listen to an exiled man, Whose words and deeds might still befriend his clan?"

LIX.

"Brother," the Sachem said in milder tone, "Six fragments of the pipe, as well explained, My willing hand receives—I ponder on The last in doubt—the three, thou hast retained, Send to Awanux—may he answer soon,  And show our blindness has of them complained; Thy heart seems open, and its speech is brave; Queries of weight demand an answer grave.