We stood alone; and, like a steadfast rock,
Turned back the torrent to its fountain head,
Which else had swept those sluggard tribes away,
That by Awanux' wigwam slumbering lay.
XXXVI.
"These are our wrongs, and who can ever mend
The belt thus broken by the rebel train?
The falling waters with earth's bosom blend,
And who shall hold them in his palm again?
Against the common foe our warriors spend
Their blood like rivers—who can wake the slain?
Heal up the wounds for other men endured—
Give back the blood which has their rest secured?"
XXXVII.
The Sachem ceased, and mingled murmurs ran
Through all that crowd—"He speaks a manittoo!
Base Wampanoag! we'll devour that clan,
And drive the Yengees back o'er ocean blue!"
And through the concourse motions mixed began,
With clash of arms, and twanging of the yew;
But when they saw our Founder rise again,
Mute stillness hushed the murmurs of the train.
XXXVIII.
"Brother," said Williams, "thou art old and wise,
And know'st the pipe is better than the dart.
The barb can drink the blood of enemies;
But the pipe's conquest is the foeman's heart;
It gives to us his strength and energies,
And makes the Pequot from our path depart.
This, to the good, gives triumph long and just—
That, to the bad, a victory over dust.
