Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/37

 Waban, thou wilt thy brother's purpose speed, And all the boundaries of those countries show Which lie adjoining Narraganset's bay, And name the chiefs, and count the tribes they sway."

LXXIV.

"Waban can do it"—was the quick reply, And Williams followed him, as fast he led Through bush and brake with blazing brand held high; The wolves around them gathered as they sped; But Waban often raised the mimic cry Of the fierce panther, and as oft they fled; Until the path descending swiftly steep, Led to his wigwam in the valley deep.

LXXV.

Then Williams noted, through the deepest night, The sparkles rising from the roof unseen, And, by the glancing of the firebrand's light, Above him marked the thickening branches' screen; For denser here, and of a loftier height, The pines and cedars arched their sombre green, With boughs deprest beneath the burden hoar; And further off did seem the tempest's roar.

LXXVI.

An undressed deerskin closed the entrance rude Of the frail mansion of our Founder's friend; "Brother," he said, "this is my poor abode, But thou art welcome—it will well defend Thee from the bitter tempest," and he showed The open pass. Beneath its arch they bend: From mid the room the blazing fagots sent The smoke and sparkles through the vault's low vent,