We have heard that the English have killed many of Philip’s warriors and taken many prisoners. We care little for the English, although we have long remained at peace with them. Nor is Philip’s quarrel our quarrel unless we make it so. We go not to war at any man’s ordering. Yet it seems that our people have been patient under many wrongs inflicted by these white-faces and it may be that, as you have said, the time has come to drive them forth from our fields and forests, that peace and prosperity may return once more to us. I, too, have suffered wrong, for these same English did seize my son, Nausauwah, for no cause and do now hold him prisoner in their town of Boston. And yet to take up Philip’s quarrel may not be wise, for the English fight with guns and we have but few, and against powder and lead the arrow is weak. I would take counsel, my brothers. By sunset you shall have my answer. Until then my house is yours, and all that is mine is for you to partake of.”
“I hear, O Sachem,” answered Wissataumkin. “May your council be wise. As to that Philip’s warriors have been killed and made prisoners, why, that is but an English lie. None dare stand but a moment’s
