Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/65

 Erect and tall, with fiercely flashing eyes, The while he pressed the hatchet in its band; "Brother, there's war!" "With whom?" our Founder said; "Have I not friends among my brothers red?"

VIII.

"Haup's valiant Sachem is my brother's friend," Red Waban answered; "and I come before Him, and the train of Keenomps who attend Him, coming here—our mightiest Sagamore— To ask my brother that his aid he lend  'Gainst Narraganset's hatchet stained with gore; Miantonomi lifts it o'er his head, Gives the loud whoop, and names our valiant dead."

IX.

No time there was for Williams to reply Ere near the lodge there rose a trampling sound, And warriors entered, stained with every dye, Crested and plumed, with—to their girdles bound— The knife and hatchet; whilst the battle cry Burst from the crowds that flocked the lodge around, And lighted up, in every Keenomp's eye That stared within, a dreadful sympathy.

X.

Amid the train came Massasoit old, But not too old for direst battle fray; Strong was his arm as was his spirit bold; His judgment, bettered by experience gray, The wildest passions of his tribe controlled, And checked their fury in its headlong way; Still with the whites his peace he had maintained, The terror of whose aid his foes restrained.