Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/135

 XXXII.

Waban, his only counsellor and friend, Warrior and subject in this lone domain, Did now the summons of his chief attend, And, questioned by him, straightway answered plain. "Waban," said Williams, "do our battles end? Is the war over—have we peace again? No more on yonder bank the prophet stands And wings his darts or whirls his blazing brands."

XXXIII.

Waban replied, "Did ever noon-day light On midnight break? Did ever tempest shed, Just as it gathered, radiance mild and bright?  Heard not my Sachem what the prophet said,— That if the red men were all turning white,  He'd seek such white men as were turning red? Perchance he goes, and Waban has a fear That to his cunning speech they'll lend an ear."

XXXIV.

"Waban, fear not; my pale-faced brethren are All Christians, or at least would such be thought; And dost thou think that Beelzebub, how fair  Soe'er his speech may be, could move them aught Against their brother? It is better far,—  If it be true such vengeance he have sought,— Than that he lurk among the bushes here, To fill our days with care and nights with fear.

XXXV.

"But, Waban, I have now a task for thee;— Think not of him; but let thy mind be here. Whilst snows o'erspread the earth and ice the sea,  I parted from my wife and children dear;