-Book made any provision for the crowning
of a heathen, and that after all it was the act, not the words, which
would impress the savages.

The drummer beat a loud tattoo and the trumpeter blew a call that
startled the squaws and the children into shrieks; the braves were
quicker in hiding their astonishment. Then Smith and Newport walked
forward, Newport holding the crown. Smith said:

"Kneel, Wahunsunakuk, that we may crown thee."

But Powhatan, whose understanding of these strange proceedings was not
clear, though he comprehended Smith's words, continued to stand stiff
and straight as a pine tree.

"Kneel down, oh, Powhatan," urged Smith. "Mistake not, this act is a
kingly one; so do all the kings of Europe."

But Powhatan would not. To him the posture was one unfitting to the
dignity of a mighty werowance, ruler over thirty tribes and lord of
sixty villages. He would accept presents sent him, and he had no
objection to wearing a glittering ring upon his head if the white men
chose to give him one; but he would not kneel; that was going too far in
his acquiescence to strange ways. Such a position was for suppliants
and squaws and children.

Smith was uncertain what to do. The officers of the Colony in London had
laid great stress upon a proper crowning, believing, as he did not, that
it would impress the Indians as the symbol of an alliance between their
people and the English. He thought a moment, then whispered a word to
Newport. The two quickly laid their hands on Powhatan's shoulders and
pressed down gently but firmly, a pressure which bowed his knees
slightly. Then, before he had time to recover himself, Newport had
placed the crown upon his grizzled head.

According to orders, two soldiers, seeing that the ceremony was
accomplished, fired a salute with their muskets. Powhatan started
suddenly; Nautauquas raised his head like a deer scenting danger, and
some of the braves started to run towards the knot of white men. But the
calm demeanor of Smith showed them their error.

"We are quits," said Captain Waldo to Buckler; "the maids frightened us
with their masks and we have frightened their braves with our muskets."

Powhatan in the red robe and crown seated himself upon the mats that
were brought out to him, and Smith whispered to one of the gentlemen who
had accompanied him:

"In faith, Radcliffe, is he not more kingly looking than our royal
James?"

The idea of a coronation had seemed absurd to hi