Shook his ensanguined barb and smote the stream,
And muttered curses numbering three times three;
Then bent his bow, and sent across the flood
Darts armed with serpents' fangs and red with blood.
XXII.
And brandishing his blade, he jeering said,
That vengeance gave it eyes and appetite,
It soon would eat, but eat in silence dread;
That if the red men all were turning white,
He'd seek the white men that were turning red;
The path was open, and his foot was light;
The Shawmut[1] hunters would with greedy ear
Hear in what covert couched their stricken deer.
XXIII.
Then, with a hideous yell that rent the skies,
He sternly turned and tow'rd Mooshausick flew.
Waban who watched the scene with blazing eyes,
Swift answer gave in shouts of valor true.
From threats like these our Sire might harm surmise,
But that he deemed the wily wizard knew
How heavy was Miantinomi's spear,
And, if 'twere needful, might be made to fear.
XXIV.
But, after this portentous morn, scarce sun
Looked on that glade, but brought them fresh alarms;
If Waban delved the shores or walked thereon,
Missiles around him flew from hidden arms;
His snares were plundered ere the morning shone,
Clubs smeared with blood and threatening deadly harms
Lay in his path, and voices strangely broke
From viewless forms on shrub, or tree, or rock.
- ↑ The Indian name for Boston.
