icuous parts to perform therein,
the magistrates secured their good will and powerful influence with
the people; and, indeed, it may well be imagined, that this spiritual
aid in a theocratical commonwealth was a part of the system. On the
present occasion, the whole assembly rose at a signal from Winthrop,
and Mr. Eliot, afterwards known as the Indian Apostle, asked for a
blessing. The prayer was like the man himself, earnest and simple, and
listened to with a fixed attention, that indicated the religious
reverence of the hardy men who were gathered around. The Taranteens
themselves, following the example of the others, stood up and fastened
their dyes intently on the speaker, as if, though not understanding a
word he uttered, they expected to gather some meaning from the motion
of his lips.

When the prayer was ended, Gov. Winthrop rose, and requesting Mr.
Eliot (who was sufficiently familiar with the Algonquin language to
make himself understood in it) to interpret, he commenced an oration
to the ambassadors, each sentence, as it was spoken, being translated
by Mr. Eliot.

Confining himself to such ideas as he thought would be most
appreciable by the rude intellects of the forest children, he began by
expressing his pleasure at the visit, and at the pacific spirit which
was manifested by his red brethren. He spoke of the happiness of
himself and of his people in being able to succor the storm-tossed
Taranteens, and of their readiness to extend kindness to the whole
nation. He pointed out the reciprocal advantages which would result
from the establishment of trade between them, each parting with what
he valued less for what he desired more. He dwelt upon the vast power
of his own nation, living beyond the sea, toward the rising sun, and
riding in safety at pleasure over the mighty waves, in great canoes
with wings, some of which were in sight. He adverted to the pestilence
which had swept the land just previous to the coming of the whites,
hinting that it was the breath of the great Spirit which destroyed the
inhabitants, to make room for his more favored people. He concluded by
saying, that they were all children of the same parent, who was most
pleased at seeing them living together in harmony.

It was impossible to judge, from the countenances or manner of the
Indians, how they were affected by the speech,--only the gutteral
"ugh," responding from time to time to the translation of Mr. Eliot.
This was designed a