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,
