The Pilgrims of New England - Mrs. J. B. Webb
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For this task no man was more fitted than Roger Williams. He well knew
how to deal with Indian prejudices, and bow to call forth the
affections, by the relation of the simple and touching truths of the
gospel. Tisquantum heard with a willing and teachable spirit, and he
believed, and was at peace. His life was rapidly ebbing away, and no
time was to be lost; for though he rallied a little after the arrival
of Henrich and Roger, it was evident that his time on earth could only
be counted by hours.
The following morning, therefore, at his own earnest desire, he was
baptised by Williams, in the presence of his rejoicing children, and of
Jyanough and Mailah, who formed a little congregation of sincere
Christians in the midst of an heathen population.
The venerable Chieftain did not long survive his admission into the
pale of the visible church of Christ. His strength faded hour by hour;
but he was calm and collected to the last. He gave to Henrich all his
parting directions for the government of his people, if he still
continued to live among them, and to be their Sachem. 'But,' he added,
'I know that your heart is with your own people, and that you desire to
return to your former home. I cannot blame you; for I well know the
yearning of spirit that draws a man to his kindred, and to his father's
house. And Oriana will go with you, and make your home and your people
her own. If this is to be, then let Jyanough be Sachem in your stead.
He also is just and upright, and will guide my warriors with courage
and wisdom. There is none besides yourself to whom I could so
confidently leave them. And now, farewell, my children! May the good
God in whom you trust receive my sinful soul for His Son's sake; and
may his blessing rest on those who have led me into the truth.'
Tisquantum had been supported in his bed, while he thus took leave of
his sorrowing relatives and friends. He now lay down, and never rose
again. Neither did he utter many more words; but lay as if engaged in
thought and prayer, and occasionally fixed his failing eyes with fond
affection on his child and Henrich. At length they gently closed, and
the venerable old Chief slept the sleep of death.
Oriana's grief was deep and sincere, for she had loved her father
almost passionately; but she did not now 'sorrow as those without
hope'; and, ere long, she was calm. The funeral was conducted in the
simple manner of the Puritans; and all Tisquantum's warriors stood
respectfully and silently round his grave, while Williams addressed
them in their own language, and exhorted them to follow the example of
their departed Chief, and examine the faith of the Christians, and
embrace it to the salvation of their souls.
Not long after the death of Tisquantum, and before the severity of
winter prevented the journey being practicable, Henrich and his wife
took leave of the Nausetts, and of their Christian friends, Jyanough
and Mailah; and, accompanied by Roger Williams, and two or three Indian
attendants who desired to follow their fortunes, took their way towards
New Plymouth. Their departure from Paomet was much regretted, for they
were greatly beloved by the red men. But the promotion of Jyanough to
the Chieftainship gave general satisfaction; and there were even some
who thought it was more consistent with their dignity and independence,
to be governed by one of their own race, rather than by a pale-face,
let his personal qualities he ever so estimable.
Henrich's heart beat high when he again arrived at his father's
dwelling, and presented his wife and child to his parents and his
sister. He cast searching glances at their countenances, to read their
feelings at thus greeting an _Indian_ as their near relative; but he
saw no expression that could give him pain. On the contrary, the
native grace and beauty of Oriana, and the gentle refinement of her
manner, evidently struck them with surprise and pleasure, and made upon
them all a most favorable impression. Nor did a further acquaintance
lessen this kindly feeling. It was impossible to know Oriana, and not
to love her; and she was soon regarded as a daughter and a sister by
all her husband's relatives; while the young Ludovico was cherished and
caressed by all the household, and by none more than by his little
cousin Edith.
The Maitlands were now a happy family; and when, in the ensuing spring,
their daughter and her husband again left them to return to their
distant home at Providence, they felt they had still a daughter left to
them in the Indian wife of their beloved Henrich. This long-lost son
did not again leave them, except to pay occasional visits with Oriana
to their Nausett friends. But he fixed his permanent home at Plymouth,
where his knowledge of the Indian language and manners, and the
influence he continued to possess among the Nausetts and other
neighboring tribes, enabled him frequently to render important services
both to his own countrymen, and the red natives. His own merits,
likewise, won for him the love and respect of the settlers of New
Plymouth, who appreciated the unaffected devotion, and the simple
truthfulness, of his character; and felt that such men as Rodolph
Maitland and his son added glory to the history of 'the Pilgrim
Fathers.'