Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/42

 How His disciples past from shore to shore, Salvation's joyful tidings to proclaim; How hither now they brought the Gospel's light To cheer the red men wrapt in pagan night.

VIII.

Waban attentive listened to the strain, And at its close for long in silence sate; His visage did a graver cast attain And all his heart's deep feelings indicate. At length he uttered thus the mental train:— "Weak is my soul, and dark is her estate! No book has she to tell of Manit high, Except this outstretched earth and starry sky.

IX.

"Great news Awanux brings the red men here— News that their legends old doth much excel; Yet give to Waban the attentive ear,  And the traditions of his sires he'll tell. From days afar, down many a rolling year—  Down to thy brothers red—their fathers' tale Comes to inform them, in their mortal state, What powers they should revere—what deprecate."

X.

Here Waban paused, and sitting mused a space, As pondering gravely on the mighty theme; Deep thought was graven on his earnest face, And still his groping memory did seem To gather up the legends of his race. At length he roused, as from a passing dream, And from his mat, majestically slow Rearing his form, began in accents low: