We have
therefore banished these on pain of death; and have made it highly penal
for any man to furnish either food or lodging to any of these heretics
and idolaters. We have ordered a more strict observance of the Sabbath
of the Lord, no, one being permitted to walk or run on that day, except
to and from public worship, and then, only in a reverent and becoming
manner; and no one is allowed to cook food, sweep the house, shave or
pare the nails, or kiss a child, on the day which is to be kept holy.
We have also framed many wholesome laws, against the vanity and
licentiousness of the age, in respect to apparel and deportment, and
have forbidden any young man to kiss a maid during the time of
courtship, as, to their shame be it said, is the manner of many in the
old lands."
"Ye have, indeed, done well for the spiritual," said Mr. Ward; "what
have you done for your temporal defence?"
"We have our garrisons and our captains, and a goodly store of carnal
weapons," answered the other. "And, besides, we have the good chief
Uncas, of the Mohegans, to help us against the bloody Narragansetts."
"But, my friend," said the minister, addressing Captain Eaton, "there
must be surely some mistake about Passaconaway. I verily believe him to
be the friend of the white men. And this is his son Wonolanset? I saw
him last year, and remember that he was the pride of the old savage, his
father. I will speak to him, for I know something of his barbarous
tongue."
"Wonolanset!"
The young savage started suddenly at the word, and rolled his keen
bright eye upon the speaker.
"Why is the son of the great chief bound by my brothers?"
The Indian looked one instant upon the cords which confined his arms,
and then glanced fiercely upon his conductors.
"Has the great chief forgotten his white friends? Will he send his
young men to take their scalps when the Narragansett bids him?"
The growl of the young bear when roused from his hiding-place is not
more fierce and threatening than were the harsh tones of Wonolanset as
he uttered through his clenched teeth:--
"Nummus quantum."
"Nay, nay," said Mr. Ward, turning away from the savage, "his heart is
full of bitterness; he says he is angry, and, verily, I like not his
bearing. I fear me there is evil on foot. But ye have travelled far,
and must needs be weary rest yourselves awhile, and haply, while ye
refresh your bodies, I may also refresh your spirits with wholesome and
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