Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/117

 L.

Miantonomi, who the scene surveyed, Too long had now his rising wrath concealed; A mighty lance his better hand displayed, And well he knew its haft of length to wield; Backward its hilt the angry Sachem swayed, And 'neath its stroke the staggering wizard reeled; Till from a storm of blows he cringing fled, And madly howling through the forest sped.

LI.

"Go, Priest of Chepian, go!" the Sachem said, "Thy dreams are false—thy charms are all a cheat; Go to thy manit—tell him that his aid Has failed thee once, and thou art sorely beat. Us have thy prophecies too long betrayed,  And vacant in the council is thy seat. When aid we need, we will to him apply Who conquers thee, and slays thy deity."

LII.

A while the throngs sate as in deep amaze— A while 'twas doubtful what might be their mood; At length wild shoutings they began to raise;— One transport filled the total multitude; Their Sachem's boldness cheerly did they praise, For long had they with dread the wizard viewed; Nor less admired our Founder's courage true, Which did that juggler and his charms subdue.

LIII.

Then rose Canonicus, that shrewd old chief; "Brother!" he said, "much glory hast thou won; Thy deeds this day will scantly gain belief With warriors red, from rise to set of sun: