The glittering wampum did his brows enshroud,
His nodding plumage wore a crimson stain;
His armlets gleamed—his belt, with figures traced,
Supported skirts with purple pëag laced.
VIII.
His naked limbs were stained a sable hue,
His naked chest and face a crimson red;
Streamed backward from his brow two ribbons blue,
And with his long black hair wild dalliance made;
Suspended from his belt, half sheathed from view,
His scalping knife and tomahawk were stayed;
His eyes below his lowering forehead glowed
Like two bright stars beneath a thunder cloud.
IX.
With strong majestic stride and lofty gait,
He neared our Founder and his dusky guide,
Who, in half tone, could but ejaculate,
"Miantonomi!" when his Indian pride
Choked further utterance, though still elate,
Grasping his axe, with nostrils spreading wide,
Self-poised he stood; appearing to await
The approaching chief, who glanced disdainful hate.
X.
Our Founder chid his guide, and high displayed
The calumet in one white hand, the while
He raised the other, and mild gesture made
Bespeaking peace. Well did the act beguile
And soothe the Sachem's passion, and he said,
Turning from Waban, with a scornful smile:
"Has, then, Awanux come to hear the song?
Our darts are thirsty, and our arms are strong!"
