But rather tow'rd the tomahawk and bow,
And would the friendship of the red man claim:
Therefore will Waban, on the western shores,
Count Narraganset's men and sagamores.
L.
"Two mighty chiefs—one cautious, wise and old,
One young and strong, and terrible in fight—
All Narraganset and Coweset hold;
One lodge they build, one council fire they light;
One sways in peace, and one in battle bold;
Five thousand warriors give their arrows flight;
This is Miantonomi, strong and brave,
And that Canonicus, his uncle grave.[1]
LI.
"Dark rolling Seekonk does their realm divide
From Pokanoket, Massasoit's reign;
Thence sweeping down the bay, their forests wide
Spread their dark foliage to the billowy main;
Thence tow'rd the setting sun by ocean's side,
Stretches their realm to where the rebel train,
Ruled by grim Uncas, with their hatchets dyed
In brother's blood, on Pequot stream abide.[2]
LII.
"Canonicus is as the beaver wise,
Miantonomi as the panther bold;
But tow'rd the faces pale their watchful eyes
Are oft in awful thinking silence rolled;
And often in their heaving bosoms rise
Thoughts that to none but Keenomps they have told;
They seem two buffaloes the herds that lead,
Scenting the hunters gathering round their mead.
