V 
 
 ^-V ;,^
 
 c 
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS 
 
 SIXTEEN HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX. 
 
 TAIL! 
 
 BY MRS. H. V. CHENEY. 
 
 Come, listen to my story, 
 
 Tho' often told before, 
 
 Of men who passed to glory 
 
 Thro' toil and travail, sore ; 
 
 Of men who did for conscience' sake, 
 
 Their native land forego, 
 
 And sought a home and freedom here 
 
 TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 
 
 FLINT. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PHILLIPS, SAMPSON AND COMPANY, 
 110 WASHINGTON STREET. 
 
 1850.
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1850, by 
 
 PHILLIPS, SAMPSON, & COMPANY, 
 in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 
 
 Wright $ Hasty, Printers, 3 Water st.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 From native shores by tempests driven 
 
 Ee sought a purer sky, 
 And found beneath a wilder heaven 
 
 The home of Liberty ! 
 
 MELLEN. 
 
 EARLY in the autumn of 1636 a British vessel approached the 
 coast of New-England ; it was filled with adventurers, who, 
 on the first cry of land, eagerly crowded the deck to catch a 
 glimpse of its rugged shores. Political dissension and re- 
 ligious persecution, which at that period unhappily agitated 
 England, induced many of her subjects to quit the homes of 
 their fathers, and seek the hospitality, or endure the rigor, 
 of foreign climes ; while others, stimulated by a romantic 
 spirit of adventure by ambition, or a thirst of gain, and al- 
 lured by the sanguine representations of the enthusiastic, or 
 the exaggerated reports of the interested, annually embarked 
 their lives and fortunes, and swelled the population, and ex- 
 tended the boundaries, of the infant colonies. Such was the 
 motley group who now gazed for the first time upon the blue 
 
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 4 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 mountains and thickly wooded shores of New-England, 
 while, rapidly pressed forward by a favorable wind, the rough 
 outlines of the landscape gradually assumed distinctness, and 
 stood forth in all the glowing beauty and majestic grandeur of 
 nature's coloring. 
 
 Apart from his companions, stood a young man whose 
 countenance and figure were singularly prepossessing. In 
 an attitude of deep attention, he regarded the new world 
 which stretched around him his dark eyes now sparkling 
 with admiration, then softening into sadness, and again some 
 object of sublimity or beauty kindling the glow of enthusiasm 
 on his cheek. To him they seemed approaching a wilder- 
 ness, for already the forests were enveloped in darkness, and 
 the gigantic hills invested with the shadows of twilight. 
 Presently a dim speck appeared on the horizon : it was the 
 little village of Plymouth, the most ancient of the settlements, 
 fast rising into importance, and far-famed for the success and 
 enterprise of its inhabitants. 
 
 The stranger experienced a momentary disappointment, as 
 he rapidly surveyed the limited dimensions and rude archi- 
 tecture of that new ' city of refuge.' His fancy had sketched 
 scenes of Arcadian loveliness, and colored the picture which 
 it drew with the fairy tints of romance ; but he only saw, 
 rising from the rocky and sea-girt shore, the humble roofs of 
 the Pilgrims, clustered together in two compact lines, and 
 thinly shaded by native trees, each tenement encircled by a 
 patch of vegetation, then wearing the seared and fading hues 
 of autumn. The English colors waved gaily from the bat- 
 tlements of a square fort, which crowned the summit of a 
 commanding eminence, and its flat roof was paced by several 
 persons, who watched with curiosity the approaching vessel. 
 
 1 And this is my adopted country ! ' was his first reflection, 
 accompanied by a deep sigh, as his thoughts reverted to the
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 5 
 
 refinements of polished life to which he had been accustomed. 
 But this involuntary chagrin gave place to other feelings as 
 the ship rode gallantly into the shallow but extensive harbor, 
 and anchored beneath the very rock which, seventeen years 
 before, received the intrepid band of adventurers, who had 
 forsaken the enjoyments and comforts of civilized life, braved 
 the howlings of the wintry blast, the horrors of famine, and 
 the terrors of an unknown wilderness, for ' conscience sake,' 
 reposing an unwavering confidence in Him who had hitherto 
 sustained and kept them as in the ' hollow of his hand.' 
 
 Major Atherton, in the enthusiasm which the scene in- 
 spired, remained lost in a train of reflections, till accosted by 
 the captain of the vessel, who inquired if he had any friend 
 to welcome him on shore. 
 
 ' No ; I am friendless and a stranger,' he replied, and 
 never had the loneliness of his situation struck so forcibly on 
 his heart ; for, looking around, he perceived the vessel was 
 almost deserted, and there were few of his fellow passengers 
 who had not recognized some old acquaintance, and received 
 a cordial greeting. The inhabitants of the town hastened 
 towards the ship, eager to learn tidings from the friends and 
 relatives they had left in their native, and still fondly remem- 
 bered, country ; and it was pleasant to witness the interchange 
 of kind inquirers, the mutual expressions of good-will, and 
 the heart-felt earnestness with which they listened to even 
 the minutest incidents relating to those with whom, though 
 perhaps forever separated, they still felt united by the ties of 
 kindred affection, the sweet sympathies of one common coun- 
 try, and the delightful associations of childhood and youth. 
 
 Atherton indulged but a moment in gloomy reflections. 
 Naturally cheerful, and always sanguine, he turned to the 
 captain, who still regarded him with an air of kindness, and
 
 6 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' Pardon me, that I have so long trespassed on your pa- 
 tience; but I feel like one in a dream, to whom every object 
 is strange and incongruous ; we seem to have passed the 
 threshold of earth, and to verge on a new creation.' 
 
 ' To me it is not new,' replied his companion ; ' I have 
 thrice before visited this rocky coast, and am well known to 
 most of the inhabitants ; and if my services can be of use to 
 you, I pray you to command them.' 
 
 'I thank you,' returned the young man, fervently; 'but I 
 have one kinsman in this land of strangers, to whom my 
 first respects are due; Captain Standish, sir, with whom 
 you are probably acquainted. I am personally unknown to 
 him, but we are nearly allied by blood, and I would crave 
 your courtesy to show me the place of his residence.' 
 
 ' The military commander of New-Plymouth ! ' said the 
 captain ; ' you will find a warm heart, as well as a brave one, 
 in him, and I will gladly go with you to his house as soon as 
 I can find a moment of leisure.' 
 
 So saying, they both sprang on shore, and Atherton con- 
 tinued walking alone to and fro on the beach, until the crowd 
 had dispersed, and he was rejoined by the captain, from 
 whom he learned, with chagrin, that Captain Standish had 
 gone to the Massachusetts Bay to transact some public busi- 
 ness, and that the period of his return was uncertain. 
 
 'It was an unlucky planet which presided at my birth,' he 
 said, 'but patience must be my counter-charm ; and so, if it 
 please you, captain, I will return to your floating castle to- 
 night, and the morrow may bring me better fortune.' 
 
 They, however, continued to walk on for a considerable 
 time, and almost in silence. It was a mild evening in the 
 early part of September, and, just escaped from the monotony 
 of a long and tedious voyage, the bright and beautiful moon- 
 light scenery floated before their eyes like a vision of
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 7 
 
 enchantment. Every object, half hid and half revealed in 
 the pale and uncertain light, was mellowed into grace ; a'nd 
 not a sound was heard, except the sighing of the wind among 
 the trees of the forest, which hung like a cloud around the 
 skirts of the settlement, and the low murmuring of the 
 ocean, slowly rolling its waves upon the strand. The village 
 of Plymouth, with its lowly houses and cultivated fields, alone 
 interrupted the wild magnificence of nature ; and, unimpor- 
 tant as it seemed amidst her vast dominions, was a striking 
 monument of the enterprise of man, and the freedom and in- 
 dependence of his spirit. 
 
 The scene produced, in the mind of Atherton, sensations 
 of mingled awe and delight; he felt as if translated to a 
 holier and happier sphere and, for a while, the passions, and 
 hopes, and disappointments of earth, were lost in the novelty 
 and intenseness of his emotions. He stopped, and gazed 
 around ; and his companion, who, if he did not comprehend 
 the nature of his feelings, at least, forbore to interrupt them, 
 retired within the shadow of a dwelling-house, apart from 
 Atherton, who stood leaning against the twisted and gnarled 
 trunk of a venerable oak, quite unconscious of his vicinity to 
 the residence of man. 
 
 The evening was far advanced, the busy hum of voices had 
 ceased, and a few feeble lights streaming through the narrow 
 casements, and then suddenly extinguished, showed that the 
 inhabitants were fast seeking their repose. 
 
 Suddenly a low, sweet strain of vocal music stole upon 
 the ear ; it gradually rose and swelled into full cadence, and 
 a female voice, soft, rich and powerful, predominated in a 
 slow and solemn tune of sacred melody. Atherton started, 
 and looked around ; but his half-uttered exclamation of sur- 
 prise was interrupted by the captain, who softly approached, 
 motioning him to silence.
 
 8 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 'Hush,' said he in a whisper, 'or we shall disturb the 
 family, who are now at their evening worship ; it is the cus- 
 tom here to begin and close each day with devotional exer- 
 cises, in which the singing of a psalm is included.' 
 
 ' And whose voice is that, so full of sweetness and harmo- 
 ny ? ' asked Atherton. 
 
 ' It is Miriam Grey's, the fairest maiden of New-England,' 
 replied his friend; 'but had we not better withdraw? I 
 would not, for the world, be discovered loitering beneath the 
 windows.' 
 
 'Oh no, not yet hark! ' said Atherton, almost breathless 
 with attention ; and again he listened, till the last notes died 
 away ; and even then lingered, hoping again to hear the 
 voice, or at least to catch a glimpse, of the fair musician. 
 But he waited in vain ; all continued silent, and, though a 
 faint light showed the apartment in which the family had as- 
 sembled, they were screened from observauon by a curtain 
 which hung against the casement. At that moment, too, a 
 favorite dog, who had long shared the fortunes of Atherton, 
 began to bark at some offensive object, threatening a speedy 
 discovery ; and he reluctantly turned from the spot. 
 
 During the remainder of their walk, Major Atherton sunk 
 into a deep reverie, and his imagination was so excited by the 
 events of the evening, and the novelty of his situation, that 
 it was long after he had retired to rest before sleep visited his 
 eyelids and then, the sweet voice of Miriam Grey haunted 
 his dreams. He awoke, and heard only the waves lashing 
 the sides of the vessel, and the wind whistling among the 
 shrouds ; and again closing his eyes to exclude the day-light 
 which was beginning to steal into the cabin, he fell into a 
 long and profound slumber.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Scenes of woe and scenes of pleasure, 
 
 Scenes that former thoughts renew, 
 Scenes of woe and scenes of pleasure, 
 
 Now a last and sad adieu ! 
 
 BUKNS. 
 
 THE father of Major Atherton was left an orphan in early 
 childhood ; and, with an only sister, consigned to the guard- 
 ianship of his maternal uncle, Sir Robert Fenly, who, in 
 receiving his young charge from the hands of their dying 
 mother, promised to watch over them with care, and faithful- 
 ly discharge the duties of his interesting and responsible 
 office, a promise which he fulfilled, at least, to his own sat- 
 isfaction, by entrusting their education and morals entirely to 
 strangers ; while, engaged in an eager pursuit of pleasure, 
 which left no leisure from its selfish and absorbing engage- 
 ments to observe the intellectual progress of his wards, he 
 contented himself with ^remarking, from time to time, their 
 proficiency in the outward accomplishments suited to their 
 rank and age, and which, in his opinion, were alone of es- 
 sential importance. But the gentleman he selected, as tutor 
 to his nephew, was fortunately possessed of excellent princi- 
 ples, a vigorous understanding, and those attaching qualities 
 of the mind and heart which secured the entire confidence 
 and affection of his pupil, and effectually counteracted his 
 own pernicious example. 
 
 Young Atherton was naturally grave and reflective, but 
 cheerful and unreserved in the society of those he loved, and 
 susceptible of a depth and ardor of attachment, which could 
 only be appreciated by those who knew him most intimately.
 
 10 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Deeply feeling the indifference of his uncle, whose blind par- 
 tiality to an only son seemed to exclude every other object of 
 regard from his heart, and with few natural ties to interest 
 his affections, they became almost entirely centered in his sis- 
 ter. Miss Atherton regarded her brother with enthusiastic 
 tenderness ; she was gay, innocent and lovely ; and, till her 
 seventeenth year, scarcely experienced a pleasure, of which 
 he was not the source, or participator. But, at that time, 
 Atherton began to watch the progress of a still stronger and 
 more engrossing passion ; nor was it without many painful ef- 
 forts he could reconcile himself to the idea that, in future, her 
 heart would be devoted to another, and their pursuits and in- 
 terests no longer united. But he was destined to receive a 
 deeper and more lasting wound. The week previous to that 
 appointed for her marriage, Miss Atherton was seized with a 
 violent disorder, which brought her to an untimely grave, in 
 the spring-tide of life and beauty, when all around her 
 breathed of love and happiness, and the future seemed strewed 
 with thornless and unfading flowers. 
 
 The health and spirits of Atherton sunk under the wither- 
 ing blow ; nor was it till months of wretchedness had passed 
 away, that a new misfortune aroused the dormant energy of 
 his mind. Sir Robert Fenly died suddenly, leaving his af- 
 fairs in a state of extreme derangement, and his improvidence 
 and dissipation had not only ruined himself, but induced him 
 to borrow freely from the inheritance of his ward, to support 
 his extravagance and pay the arrears of the gaming table ; 
 and though he probably intended to refund it before his 
 nephew became of age, death surprised him in the midst of 
 his days, with his plan and schemes unaccomplished, and all 
 that remained of a once noble fortune, was an entailed estate, 
 which descended to his son and heir. 
 
 These tidings awoke Atherton from his lethargy of grief.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 11 
 
 Stript at once of independence, and by the hand which ought 
 to have cherished his interests, he felt the necessity of imme- 
 diate exertion, and the effort happily diverted his mind from 
 the calamity which had long entirely occupied it. Inclina- 
 tion decided him to embrace the profession of arras, and he 
 obtained an Ensign's commission in a regiment of foot, then 
 quartered in the village of , in Lancashire. 
 
 Atherton there became acquainted with Eleanor Standish, 
 the heiress of an ancient family, whose hereditary estates 
 were watered by the Douglas ; and, deeply touched by the 
 charms of her mind and person, he for the first time felt the 
 full extent of his uncle's injustice. It was no longer in his 
 power to offer her an establishment suitable to her rank and 
 expectations ; and, too generous to seek her affections under 
 circumstances which must involve her in difficulties, he with- 
 drew, in doubt and sadness, from her dangerous society. 
 
 The pacific reign of James the First admitted few opportu- 
 nities for military distinction ; and, eager to engage in active 
 duty, and acquire an honorable rank in his profession, Ather- 
 ton obtained a furlough and repaired to Holland, then the 
 scene of contention between the disciples of Calvin and Ar- 
 minius, each of whose followers had resorted to the sword to 
 decide their controversy. 
 
 The intrepid bravery of the young Ensign, united with a 
 prudence and judgment beyond his years, procured him the 
 favor of the Prince of Orange, who distinguished him by his 
 personal regard, and rewarded his services by promoting him 
 to the command of a regiment. But amidst the bustle of a 
 camp, Eleanor Standish retained her influence over his imag- 
 ination, and occupied his thoughts in every moment of repose ; 
 for nearly two years he had been self-banished from her pres- 
 ence, and anxiety respecting her often weighed heavily on his 
 spirits : he was therefore rejoiced when a suspension of hos-
 
 12 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 tilities at length permitted him to retire from the field, and re- 
 turn to his native country. 
 
 Colonel Atherton,on arriving in England, proceeded direct- 
 ly to Lancashire, impatient of a moment's delay, until he 
 reached the residence of Miss Standish. As he rode through 
 the stately avenue, and looked wistfully at the mansion 
 which used to be hospitably thrown open to admit the 
 stranger, he was struck by the gloom and silence that sur- 
 rounded it, and something like a melancholy foreboding 
 damped the ardor of expectation. He knocked long and 
 loudly at the door before he could make himself heard, and it 
 was at last opened by an old domestic whose countenance was 
 familiar to him, though changed and sorrowful since the days 
 when he had last seen it. His inquiries respecting the fami- 
 ly were minute, but, though he had fancied himself prepared 
 for the worst, he was inexpressibly shocked by the intelligence 
 he received. 
 
 Eleanor Standish had embraced the tenets of the Puritans, 
 and, with some others of her distinguished house, formally 
 renounced the faith and worship of her ancestors. Her far- 
 ther, incensed at her conduct, and unable to effect a change 
 in her newly adopted opinions, which were fixed by the dic- 
 tates of conscience, banished her from his presence, and be- 
 queathed his whole estate to a distant branch of the family. 
 But a few months of loneliness, succeeded by a mortal ill- 
 ness, softened his heart towards his only child, and, in his 
 last hours, she was again folded in his embrace, and blessed 
 with his forgiveness. The arguments of the interested and 
 prejudiced, however, had persuaded him that it would be 
 criminal to leave his fortune at the disposal of one who would, 
 doubtless, appropriate it to the use of a sect which had al- 
 ready set at defiance the established laws and religion of their 
 country ; and he, therefore, made no alteration in his will,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 13 
 
 but added a codicil, which left his daughter heiress to her 
 mother's estate, sufficient to render her independent, but not 
 rich. Eleanor was too happy at being restored to her far- 
 ther's affection, to regret the loss of superfluous wealth, though 
 it was not without deep and painful emotion that she bade 
 farewell to the home of her youth, and retired to the house of 
 a widowed relative in a distant part of the country. 
 
 Colonel Atherton listened with interest to the simple tale of 
 the garrulous domestic. He had been taught from childhood 
 to believe the Church of England infallible, and that on the 
 existence of its forms and privileges depended the security of 
 the crown, and all that was valuable to a loyalist. He had 
 viewed with abhorrence, not unmixed with contempt, the sur- 
 prising increase and firm resistance of the non-conformists, 
 and conceived it the bounden duty of every faithful subject, 
 to check their audacious pretensions. With these sentiments, 
 he naturally heard, with the keenest disappointment, that 
 Eleanor Standish had united herself to that despised and per- 
 secuted sect ; and, fondly as he loved her, pride and principle 
 revolted from the idea of receiving a Puritan for the bosom 
 companion of his future life. 
 
 Still, however, he would not, at once, relinquish his long- 
 cherished hopes, nor would he believe it possible that one so 
 young and gentle could long remain blinded by the spirit of 
 fanaticism. He resolved, at all events, to see her once more, 
 were it only from respect to the memory of her father, and 
 sympathy in her own misfortunes ; and during his rapid 
 journey thither, he almost persuaded himself that these were 
 the leading objects of his visit. 
 
 Colonel Atherton felt his heart beat quicker as he drew 
 
 near her sequestered dwelling ; and, whatever had been his 
 
 feelings and resolutions, prejudice vanished, and creeds and 
 
 sects were forgotten, when he found himself again and alone 
 
 2
 
 14 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 in the presence of his beloved Eleanor. She looked paler 
 than formerly, and her countenance was pensive almost to 
 sadness ; but her smile was as sweet as ever, and her blush- 
 ing confusion, more eloquent than language, revealed the un- 
 told secret of her heart. 
 
 Colonel Atherton, too happy to think of reason or resolve,' 
 yielded to the impulse of passionate tenderness, and whis- 
 pered a tale of love, and hope, and constancy, which drew 
 from her lips a confession that her affections had been long 
 devoted to him nor did she shrink from a firm, but modest, 
 avowal of the principles she had adopted in the earnestness of 
 sincere conviction, candidly acknowledging that no worldly 
 advantage would ever tempt her to forsake them ; and her 
 lover, convinced that arguments would be vain, freely conced- 
 ed to her the rights of conscience, and promised her the full 
 exercise of her religious principles and worship. 
 
 Their union, which shortly took place, proved happy be- 
 yond the common lot of mortals, and though Colonel Atherton 
 had probably indulged the hope, that the tacit influence, or 
 mild persuasions, of the husband, would eventually restore 
 his wife to the bosom of the church, a more intimate know- 
 ledge of her character satisfied him that the opinions she had 
 deliberately chosen would continue to guide her through life. 
 Mrs. Atherton was firm, but not bigoted; and, though strong- 
 ly attached to her own creed, was far from condemning all 
 others as erroneous. She reverenced the virtues of her hus- 
 band, and happily exercised the rare prudence to avoid all re- 
 ligious controversy with him ; while he, though unwavering 
 in his faith, could not but respect the doctrines which she so 
 beautifully exemplified by a life of uniform and unobtrusive 
 piety and benevolence. 
 
 This mutual forbearance and liberality produced the de- 
 sired effect on the mind of their only child, who, though
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 15 
 
 educated in the forms of the Established Church, honored the 
 more austere principles of his mother, and listened, with sub- 
 missive attention, to the pure and virtuous precepts which 
 distilled, like the 'dews of Hermon,' from her lips. His 
 mind thus unprejudiced, and left to the guidance of reason 
 and Scripture, in all matters of mere nominal importance, 
 escaped the infection of party spirit, which excited so much 
 rancor during his youth, and afterwards burst forth and sub- 
 verted the pillars of church and state. 
 
 Edward Atherton grew up gay, spirited and handsome ; 
 with all the vigor and enthusiasm of his father's character, 
 happily tempered by the vivacity and gentleness of his 
 mother's. Educated in retirement, and accustomed to little 
 society beyond his family circle, he entered into manhood 
 with an ingenuous and well-disciplined mind, a sanguine and 
 adventurous disposition, and spirits buoyant with hope and 
 happiness. Active in his pursuits, he betrayed an early pre- 
 dilection for a military life, and, though not without many 
 scruples, his parents at length consented to his wishes, and, 
 at the age of eighteen, he received a Lieutenant's commis- 
 sion, in a regiment then commanded by his father. The 
 regiment soon after received orders to sail with the army of 
 the Duke of Buckingham, to succor the Huguenots of Ro- 
 chelle ; and, in that ill-starred expedition, both father and son 
 were distinguished by their courage and address ; but Colonel 
 Atherton received a mortal wound in the engagement, and 
 died a few hours after in the arms of his afflicted son. 
 
 Edward Atherton, stricken in heart with the irreparable 
 loss he had sustained, returned to the desolate mansion of 
 his mother with the fatal intelligence ; and, though it was 
 disclosed to her with the utmost precaution, the shock pro- 
 duced an effect upon her health and spirits, from which she 
 never entirely recovered.
 
 16 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Atherton's talents and zeal in his profession acquired him 
 many friends, and he was advanced to the rank of Major far 
 sooner than he had anticipated ; but, though surrounded by 
 every allurement to pleasure and dissipation, his principles 
 were untainted, and his heart ever turned, with affectionate 
 solicitude, to the scenes of his earliest enjoyments ; and, in 
 every interval of duty, he flew to their quiet shades, and al- 
 most regretted when the call of honor again forced him from 
 the society of his beloved parent. 
 
 Mrs. Atherton survived her husband several years. They 
 were passed in profound retirement, but filled up with active 
 duties employed in noiseless efforts to promote a cause in 
 which she believed the interests of religion involved in 
 works of charity and benevolence, particularly towards the 
 persecuted Puritans, who were relieved by her bounty, and 
 often sheltered beneath her roof. In the meridian of her 
 days she awaited with perfect composure the expected mo- 
 ment of her departure from a world which had ceased to 
 charm, happy in the virtue and prosperity of her son, and 
 soothed in the last stages of a lingering decline by his affec- 
 tionate and unwearied attention. Never was a parent more 
 deeply and justly lamented; and it was fortunate for Major 
 Atherton that professional engagements drew him from the 
 indulgence of his solitary grief. 
 
 Public events at that time engaged the attention of every 
 one, and the affairs of the kingdom seemed daily assuming a 
 more dark and threatening aspect. The number and influ- 
 ence of the Puritans was rapidly augmenting. Far from 
 being intimidated by threats, they opposed a determined and 
 zealous resistance to the arbitrary measures which the im- 
 politic obstinacy of Charles, instigated by the implacable 
 Archbishop Laud, had adopted. An alarming insurrection 
 had taken place in the Scottish Capital, when, in compliance
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 17 
 
 with a royal mandate, an attempt was made to read the Lit- 
 urgy in its churches, and already a military force was regard- 
 ed by many as indispensably necessary to crush the power 
 and check the progress of the rebels. 
 
 Major Atherton was firmly attached to his father's religion, 
 and would cheerfully have encountered death to advance the 
 interests of his sovereign, and the glory of his country. But 
 his conscience revolted from the idea of aiding in a war of 
 persecution against an inoffensive sect of Christians, who 
 claimed nothing but the privilege of enjoying their opinions 
 unmolested, and of sharing, with their fellow subjects, the 
 protection of the government, to which they acknowledged 
 allegiance. Respect for the memory of his mother, and sub- 
 duing recollections of her tenderness, her purity, her unaf- 
 fected piety, strengthened these lenient sentiments. He could 
 not cherish harsh and groundless prejudices against a sect 
 which she had loved, and his father had favored ; and, though 
 he was daily accustomed to hear them derided and denounced, 
 his judgment remained unbiassed, and, in spite of arguments 
 and raillery, and against interest itself, he remained con- 
 vinced that their cause was just, however mistaken, and that 
 the rights of conscience were too sacred to be infringed by 
 the arbitrary will of a monarch. 
 
 Still, however, an ardent love of his profession, and the 
 natural desire to attain the honors which tempted his ambition, 
 and seemed within his grasp, struggled long and powerfully 
 against the convictions of reason and conscience. But the 
 generous impulse of a candid and well-principled mind final- 
 ly prevailed over every selfish consideration, and determined 
 him to resign his commission, and with it the dreams of 
 glory which had so long delighted his imagination. 
 
 Major Atherton returned to Lancashire, depressed in 
 spirits, and his father's house, no longer cheered by the smiles
 
 18 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 of those he had so fondly loved, awakened the most melan- 
 choly reminiscences. He had few around him to excite in- 
 terest or affection, and, in relinquishing the active duties 
 which had so long occupied his attention, he felt as if he had 
 resigned the gay and. busy world, and had no object worthy 
 of pursuit and exertion. With such sombre feelings, the 
 winter passed away drearily enough ; but a dejection so 
 foreign to his natural disposition could not long retain its in- 
 fluence, and the return of spring, with its train of rural plea- 
 sures and varied occupations, gradually withdrew his thoughts 
 from the past. An unexpected occurrence also took place, 
 which gave a new impulse and direction to his mind. 
 
 Mr. Fullerton, an intelligent young man who had resided 
 several years in the colony of New-Plymouth, just at that 
 time chanced to revisit England, and frequently met with 
 Major Atherton at the house of a mutual friend. Warm 
 and sanguine in his feelings, he confidently believed that 
 New-England would soon become the most happy and favored 
 region of the earth ; and he painted its charms and advan- 
 tages with an enthusiasm which completely dazzled the imag- 
 ination of Atherton. Mr. Fullerton, without dreaming of 
 such an effect, was daily imbuing him with a portion of his 
 own spirit; and, from repeated conversations respecting the 
 early colonists of America, he began to wish himself trans- 
 ported to their land of simple habits and uncorrupted morals. 
 It was not long before these incipient desires became con- 
 firmed and active ; and Major Atherton, romantic, fond of 
 novelty and adventure, and rapid in his decisions, made 
 speedy preparations for a voyage to the western world. Mr. 
 Fullerton was pleased with his determination, and regretted 
 that he could not accompany him ; but business detained him 
 in England, whence it was his intention to proceed to the 
 Continent, and the period of his return was uncertain.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 19 
 
 Major Atherton, eager to execute his project, committed his 
 affairs to a trusty agent, and hastened to Falmouth, where a 
 vessel was in readiness to cross the Atlantic. He arrived 
 there just in time to secure a passage. In a few moments 
 the moorings were loosed, and the white cliffs of his native 
 land receded fast from his view. He stood with his eyes fixed 
 on the shore he had left, perhaps forever, till the highest 
 stretch of land dwindled to a point, and hung like a light 
 cloud in the distant heavens, and at last faded from his sight. 
 He looked around the vessel pursued its tranquil course, 
 cutting the deep green waves, and leaving far behind a foamy 
 track : a strong breeze swelled the canvass, and all around 
 the circling horizon, the vast ocean mingled with the blue and 
 cloudless sky.
 
 20 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 -A man in chiefest trust, 
 
 Whose life was sweet and conversation just, 
 Whose parts and wisdom most men did excel ; 
 An honor to his place, as all can tell. 
 
 NEW ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 THE day after his arrival at Plymouth, Major Atherton deliv- 
 ered several letters of introduction, with which Mr. Fullerton 
 had furnished him, and among others, one to Mr. Winslow, 
 then governor of the colony. He was received by that gentle- 
 man with the most cordial hospitality, and so earnestly solici- 
 ted to remain his guest, at least, till he had arranged his future 
 plans, that Atherton could not without an appearance of affec- 
 tation refuse the offered courtesy. It was indeed, a courtesy 
 truly grateful to his feelings. Exhausted by the fatigues of a 
 long voyage, and cast on a world of strangers, the society of 
 an intelligent friend, and the comforts of a well-ordered family, 
 were peculiarly soothing to his spirits. The unobtrusive at- 
 tentions of all around him, which delicately inferred that they 
 received rather than bestowed obligations, and the ease with 
 which he found himself included in their domestic arrange- 
 ments, removed from his mind every idea of intrusion, and he 
 soon felt as perfectly at home, and free from restraint, as if 
 only renewing an intercourse with early and familiar friends. 
 Mr. Winslow, himself an experienced traveler, had too often 
 enjoyed the kindness of strangers not to appreciate its value, 
 and the native benevolence of his heart led him to embrace 
 every opportunity to confer on others such civilities, as he had 
 gratefully received, under various circumstances, during his 
 eventful life. A zealous adherent to the principles of the non-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 21 
 
 conformists, he attached himself to the church at Leyden, and 
 embarked with the first adventurers, for the then inhospitable 
 region of North America. Possessed of uncommon activity 
 and address, a sound judgment and discriminating mind, he 
 acquired great influence with the colonists, and was early as- 
 sociated with others of approved worth, in the management of 
 their civil affairs. Every action of his life was dictated by the 
 purest motives, and rendered subservient to their interests, and 
 the advancement of that religion, for which they had made 
 such astonishing sacrifices. His prudence and gentleness 
 rendered him particularly agreeable to the Indians, with whom 
 he was often selected to negociate ; and the goodness of his 
 heart and lenity of his disposition were, perhaps, as useful in 
 maintaining harmony with them, as the more prompt and se- 
 vere measures of the military commander. 
 
 Mr. Winslow, at the time of Major Atherton's introduction 
 to him, was still in the prime of life ; he had experienced 
 many vicissitudes of fortune, and, in traveling through various 
 countries, had acquired an intimate knowledge of human na- 
 ture, and that variety of information, which rendered him a 
 most useful and entertaining companion. There was in his 
 manners nothing of the gloom, so generally, and, too often, 
 justly attributed to the Puritans ; and Atherton ceased to re- 
 member the distinctions of party, in the freedom of social in- 
 tercourse, and the interchange of liberal and enlightened sen- 
 timents. 
 
 At the hour of sunset, for it was Saturday the labors of 
 the week were ended, and the Sabbath commenced. Every 
 worldly employment was suspended, and the children forsook 
 their playthings, and gathered in submissive silence around 
 the knees of their parents. Books of devotion, religious con- 
 versation, and instruction filled up the evening ; and at the
 
 22 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 customary hour, the assembled family united in the evening 
 sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving. 
 
 It was so long since Major Atherton had enjoyed the luxu- 
 ry of a neat and quiet bed, that he would, perhaps, have 
 slept till an unseasonable hour on the following morning, had 
 he not been awakened by a concert of young voices in an ad- 
 joining apartment. They were audibly repeating their Sab- 
 bath lessons ; and every now and then, a young urchin, more 
 learned than his brethren, assumed the office of prompter, 
 though generally hushed to silence by the mild command of 
 Mrs. Winslow. 
 
 Atherton thought it rather uncomfortable to rise before the 
 sun in a chilly September morning ; but civility required him 
 to observe the regulations of the house, and he hastened to join 
 the family in the sitting room. The duties of that holy day, 
 as of every other, were commenced with religious exercises ; a 
 practice which the early settlers of New-England never omit- 
 ted, though, like many others, which were their ' glory and 
 defence,' it has since become unfashionable, and, of course, 
 too generally disregarded. Breakfast immediately followed, 
 and all the children, as usual on Sunday, enjoyed the privilege 
 of sitting at table, and sharing the wheaten loaf and a basin of 
 chocolate, instead of their daily nutritious fare of milk and In- 
 dian bread. Every countenance beamed with cheerfulness 
 and contentment ; and Atherton thought he had never seen a 
 more interesting family group. 
 
 At the accustomed hour, the governor and his whole 
 household repaired to church, or rather to meeting, for that 
 was the term which the dissenters substituted for one that 
 savored too much of prelacy. The public funds had not yet 
 permitted the erection of a house of worship, but the fort al- 
 ready mentioned, which crowned the summit of a hill in rear 
 of the village, had been prepared for that purpose. It was
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 23 
 
 built with two stones; the upper, planted with ordnance and 
 flanked with battlements, and in the lower, benches were ar- 
 ranged to accommodate the audience, with a desk elevated at 
 one extremity for the minister, and just below it, seats for the 
 ruling elders or deacons. 
 
 Thither the inhabitants of the town were hastening, all ar- 
 rayed in their best attire ; mothers leading their tottling little 
 ones, and young people supporting their aged parents, whom, 
 no considerations short of absolute necessity could detain from, 
 the public duties of the day. Atherton was struck with the 
 air of reverence and respect with which every one seemed to 
 approach the house of God ; no news was circulated, no scan- 
 dal whispered, no dress or fashion discussed, and even the 
 mirthful faces of the children had assumed an expression of 
 gravity and reflection. 
 
 The people bowed respectfully as Mr. Winslow and his 
 family entered, and passed on to their usual places ; the gov- 
 ernor's rank entitling him to the upper seat with the maigis- 
 trates, while the females ranged themselves on the opposite 
 side of the edifice, separated by a broad passage from the 
 other sex. Major Atherton, according to the usage of the 
 church, remained a few moments absorbed in mental devotion, 
 from which he was roused by a deep groan from an elderly 
 female, accompanied by a look of horror, which could scarce- 
 ly have been more profound had the whole hierarchy, or the 
 Pope himself, stood before her. Reminded by the incident 
 that he was not in an English chapel, but amidst a congrega- 
 tion of Puritans, who regarded the least approach to episcopa- 
 cy with as much abhorrence as an act of sacrilege, he resolved 
 to abstain from a practice which occasioned so much offence, 
 and would probably excite many prejudices against him. As 
 these reflections were rapidly crossing his mind, Mr. Reyner, 
 the clergyman, a man of grave and solemn deportment, en-
 
 24 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 tered the assembly. He commenced the duties of his sacred 
 office with a devout and fervent prayer, and then selected a 
 psalm from the unharmonious version of the day, which he 
 briefly expounded, for the benefit of the ignorant and the pre- 
 vention of any false interpretation. One of the elders then 
 arose and read the first line, when all the audience who could, 
 and many who could not sing, united their melody to the 
 words, and having completed the line, another was read, and 
 so on through the psalm. 
 
 Strangely as this intermixture of reading and music sound- 
 ed in the ears of Atherton, he was impressed with the deep 
 devotion which seemed to animate every countenance, as they 
 thus mingled their hearts and voices in the praises of their 
 Maker. There was a touching eloquence in this simple wor- 
 ship, that he had seldom felt when listening to the most skill- 
 ful performance that ever woke the tones of the organ, amidst 
 the more imposing ceremonies of his national religion. An 
 extemporaneous discourse succeeded this vocal harmony ; and, 
 though not copiously sprinkled with the flowers of oratory, it 
 breathed a spirit of ardent piety, and strongly enforced the ob- 
 servance of moral duty, with a scrupulous regard to the pecu- 
 liar tenets of the sect. This sermon, which, in matter and 
 dimensions exceeded half a score of modern ones, at length 
 drew to a close ; and the singing of another psalm concluded 
 the services. 
 
 In this last exercise, Major Atherton was strangely attracted 
 by a sweet and powerful voice, which sometimes soared above 
 the others, and then, as if shrinking from the melody it cre- 
 ated, murmured into silence, and again rose and mingled in 
 the general strain. It came over his memory like a half for- 
 gotten dream of enchantment; nor was it till the lapse of sev- 
 eral moments that he could identify it with the one which 
 had so lately held him lingering beneath the windows of Mir-
 
 PEBP AT THE PILGRIMS. 25 
 
 iam Grey. He looked around for the object which unexpect- 
 edly revived the interest then so strongly excited ; and, 
 directed by the same bewitching tones, his eye rested on a 
 figure of uncommon delicacy and grace, closely enveloped in 
 the folds of a silken scarf, which, with a hood of the same 
 material, completely baffled his curiosity. Yet there was 
 something superior, Atherton thought, something more taste- 
 ful, in short indescribable, about this female young she must 
 be, and how beautiful he longed to know which riveted his 
 attention. Occupying a seat nearly parallel to her own, he 
 could watch every movement without altering his posfiion so 
 much as to occasion remark; and the unconscious girl little 
 suspected with what diligence every article of her dress and 
 every motion of her person was scanned. 
 
 As soon as the congregation was dismissed, with a^leseing 
 from the pastor, Atherton, in his haste to intercept her retreat, 
 and so obtain a glimpse of her face, overturned a seat against 
 the unlucky shins of a curly-pated boy, who, forthwith, set up 
 a cry which resounded through the building, and fixed the 
 eyes of every one 'upon them. Miriam Grey, turned of 
 course, and Atherton saw peeping from beneath her hood, a 
 pair of laughing blue eyes, with the features and complexion 
 of a Hebe. Her cheeks were dimpled, with smiles, which 
 seemed excited by his disaster ; but the instant s}he met his 
 fixed and admiring gaze, she moved away, with a deep and 
 almost painful blush. Atherlon could scarcely regret an ac- 
 cident, which had crowned his wishes with succeas ; but he 
 felt bound in conscience to offer an apology for his careless- 
 ness, and if possible, to pacify the still sobbing child, who was 
 kicking lustily, in utter contempt of the tender caresses of 
 several venerable damsels, who had gathered about him, and 
 whose sympathy seemed to have a most perverse en%?t upon 
 his temper. 
 
 3
 
 26 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Major Atherton, however, found his interference quite un- 
 availing ; and, as he was looking round for Governor Wins- 
 low, his step-son, Peregrine White, came towards him, with a 
 countenance which showed how highly he was diverted by 
 the passing scene. They left the house together, and, as they 
 descended the hill, the quick eye of Peregrine readily detect- 
 ed the eagerness, with which his companion continued to re- 
 gard the figure of Miriam Grey, who tripped lightly on before 
 them. 
 
 ' There goes the handsomest lass in Plymouth,' said the 
 youth; 'and there, too, is the sanctimonious Benjamin Ashly 
 walking by her side, whom her father wants her to marry, 
 because he is gifted, and makes a speech almost every Sab- 
 bath day at meeting, which generally lasts till the congrega- 
 tion are well nigh all asleep.' 
 
 ' A powerful recommendation truly ! ' returned Atherton, 
 4 and is it likely to prove successful with the damsel ? ' 
 
 'It maybe so,' replied the other; but she is a sly little 
 witch, and nobody can find out yet ; I believe Master Ashly 
 himself is as much at a loss to know as any one.' 
 
 'That respectable looking man, to whom she is now speak- 
 ing, is her father, I presume ? ' said Atherton. 
 
 ' Yes, and the most rigid sprig of orthodoxy that ever 
 walked in the steps of Calvin ; he is thought a ' burning and 
 shining light' in the church here, but I confess there is 
 too much smoke about it, to enlighten my path, at least.' 
 
 ' I am afraid you are willfully blind,' said Atherton smiling ; 
 ' but has he been a long time in New-England ? ' 
 
 ' Oh yes, he came over in the May-flower, with the first 
 company of settlers, and brought with him his wife, and Mir- 
 iam, then scarcely a year old, and her cousin Lois, whom you 
 see leaning on her arm. Mrs. Grey, I have heard my mother
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 27 
 
 say, was very delicately brought up, and did not many years 
 survive the change of climate and situation.' 
 
 Mr. Grey and his family, at that moment, reached the door 
 of their residence ; and, shortly after, Atherton and Peregrine 
 White entered the house of Governor Winslow. 
 
 Peregrine White was a tall, handsome youth of seventeen, 
 with a frank, intelligent, and very animated countenance, 
 which was perfectly characteristic of his disposition. He was 
 the first English child born in New-England, and his birth 
 took place, while the vessel, which had brought the Pilgrims 
 to a frozen coast, was lying exposed to the severity of the sea- 
 son, before they had found a spot to rest upon, or a shelter 
 for their wives and little ones. But neither these gloomy cir- 
 cumstances, nor the hardships to which his childhood was 
 exposed, had left any traces on his mind ; he was gay and 
 thoughtless, loved a frolic better than any thing else, and 
 though perfectly good humored and affectionate, so inconsid- 
 erate as to involve himself in frequent difficulties, and occa- 
 sion constant anxiety to his friends. His father died soon 
 after his arrival at Plymouth ; and, in the following spring, 
 Mrs. White was united to Mr. Edward Winslow, whose wife 
 had fallen a victim to the sickness, which carried away more 
 than half their numbers, during the preceding winter ; and 
 this was the first marriage that was celebrated in the col- 
 ony. 
 
 Peregrine White drew his hand over his face with a whim- 
 sical expression, as he threw open the parlor door ; and then, 
 with the utmost gravity and composure, followed Major Ath- 
 erton into the room. The family were shortly re-assembled, 
 and partook, rather sparingly, of some light refreshments 
 which were placed before them. Mrs. Winslow apologized 
 to her guest for not having provided a dinner, observing that 
 it was an established custom with the colonists to refrain from
 
 28 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 unnecessary labor on the Lord's day, that their domestics 
 might enjoy the privilege of public worship, to which they were 
 equally entitled with themselves. 
 
 After an hour's intermission they returned to the meeting- 
 house ; and the afternoon services differed considerably from 
 those in the former part of the day. The puritans, on leaving 
 their native country, adopted many opinions and modes of 
 teaching, -suited perhaps, to their peculiar situation, but un- 
 practiced by their brethren in England. Being at first desti- 
 tute of clergymen, the ruling elders, and others in esteem, 
 were obliged io exercise their gifts to edify the people ; a 
 practice which became too common, and fften misused, even 
 after the settlement of a minister. 
 
 instead of a regular discourse, the Governor arose, and pro- 
 pounded a question, touching certain controverted doctrines 
 of their creed, and was answered in a brief and comprehen- 
 sive manner by the pastor. Mr. Brewster, a ruling elder, then 
 exhorted, or prophesied, as it was called, in a style of persua- 
 sive eloquence, and with a force and clearness of expression, 
 which always distinguished his public teaching, and usually 
 carried conviction to the heart and understanding of his hear- 
 ers. He was followed by several of the congregation, and, 
 among others, Benjamin Ashly spoke, at some length, with 
 a zeal not exactly according to knowledge, and which Ather- 
 ton thought strongly tinctured with arrogance and self-con- 
 ceit. He certainly attended with more interest to the father 
 of Miriam Grey, whose strongly marked, and rather severe 
 countenance, energetic manner, and bold and searching lan- 
 guage, rendered him a meet representative of the eminent re- 
 former, whose doctrines he so strenuously advocated. The 
 assembly was then reminded of their duty in contributing to 
 the support of the church, and the necessities of the poor ; 
 when all advanced to the deacon's seat, and put their mites
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 29 
 
 into the bag destined to receive the offering. The singing of 
 psalms also formed a part of the exercises, and Atherton 
 again listened to a voice, which had twice charmed him with 
 its sweet melody, though he fancied that Miriam Grey cau- 
 tiously avoided his observation; and, whether from accident 
 or design, he was unable to obtain another view of her fea- 
 tures. 
 
 ' You will find our religious customs and opinions some- 
 what singular, Major Atherton,' observed the Governor, when 
 they had left the house ; ' but I hope there has been nothing 
 unpleasant to your feelings, though I am aware that our ideas 
 essentially differ.' 
 
 ' Perhaps not so very essentially, sir,' returned Atherton : 
 ' you will recollect that my mother was a dissenter, and I 
 should feel a regard for her religion, even if my own experi- 
 ence did not bear witness to the purity ahd rectitude of many 
 of its professors, and the wisdom and piety which have adorn- 
 ed their lives.' 
 
 ' Many judicious and good men,' said Mr. Winslow, ' have 
 objected to the practice of prophesying, as it is generally used 
 amongst us, and which is allowed in no other churches of 
 New-England. It is a truth, and, to our reproach be it spok- 
 en, that dissensions have already disturbed our peace, and 
 grievous wolves have entered into the fold, and divided the 
 sheep of the flock.' 
 
 ' Do you attribute these divisions,' asked Atherton, ' to the 
 admission of the custom alluded to.' 
 
 ' In a certain degree ; ' returned the Governor ; were the 
 liberty of speaking, subject to particular regulations, and con- 
 fined to men, who like Elder Brewster, are gifted with the 
 spirit of grace, and prepared by education and habit, it would 
 doubtless tend to edification ; and, in the early period of the 
 settlement, it was our only method of public Christian instruct 
 3*
 
 30 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 tion. But, in later days, many godly ministers, who have 
 " cast in their lot " with us, have been discouraged by find- 
 ing their office assumed by brethren, who vainly imagine 
 themselves qualified to exhort, and thus a "door of conten- 
 tion " has been opened, which our adversaries have not failed 
 to use to our disadvantage, and sometimes to the hindrance 
 of gospel ordinances.' 
 
 ' I thought,' said Atherton, ' that here, at least, the church 
 was at rest, aad that those free and virtuous spirits who 
 braved so much for liberty of conscience, and the enjoyment of 
 their religious privileges, were now reaping the reward of 
 their laudable exertions, and sitting quietly under " their own 
 vine and fig-tree.'" 
 
 ' They have done all that fallible men judged right and 
 suitable,' replied the Governor ; ' and, though perfection and 
 complete success are not the portion of earth, we may still be 
 permitted to hope that what we have " sown in tears," we 
 shall hereafter "reap in joy," and that He who has "planted 
 a vine," in this wilderness, will not cease to water it with his 
 blessing. We are deemed enthusiasts, Major Atherton ' he 
 added with a smile ; 'but slight disappointments will never 
 discourage those whose hearts are truly interested in a great 
 design ; and I trust that our children, and children's children, 
 even to the remotest posterity, will eat of the fruit of the tree, 
 which we have rooted and nourished, and that New-England 
 will yet became the most favored country of the world, even 
 that " happy land, whose God is the Lord." '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 31 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Grave in council, 
 
 Firm in resolve, invincible in arms ; 
 Yet jocund in the hour of ease, he lov'd 
 The merry jest and laughing brow of youth. 
 
 IN the course of a week, Captain Standish returned to Plym- 
 outh, and being apprised of his kinsman's arrival, during his 
 absence, for even in those early days the good people found 
 some leisure to discuss the affairs of the village he sent a 
 message to the Governor's, desiring Major Atherton to visit 
 him as soon as he found it convenient and agreeable. 
 Atherton's curiosity to see a man, who was regarded by the 
 colonists as a second Joshua for valor and address, induced 
 him to accept the invitation, without delay. Peregrine White 
 attended him as guide on the occasion, and, after a walk of 
 eight miles, they reached the house of his relative just in the 
 dusk of twilight. 
 
 Peregrine White led the way without ceremony, into a large, 
 low apartment, brightly illuminated by a huge fire, which was 
 blazing on a hearth occupying no inconsiderable part of the 
 room, and which diffused a cheerful warmth, peculiarly agree- 
 able in a cool autumn evening. One recess of the chimney 
 corner was occupied by a stout Indian dressed after the Eng- 
 lish fashion, with the addition of a wampum belt, and other 
 savage ornaments, strangely blended with his European cos- 
 tume. A fowling piece rested beside him, and on a ledge, over 
 the fire-place, lay his still smoking pipe, which seemed to have 
 been put aside, while he satisfied the cravings of hunger from 
 a pewter basin of savory pottage, occasionally adding a relish 
 from the carcass of a fowl which garnished his lap. His
 
 32 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 bold features were composed into the gravity, peculiar to his 
 race, and his tawny complexion was rendered more dark by 
 the fitful light of the flame, which now flashed upon it, and 
 again left him involved in shadow. 
 
 Captain Standish, the early hero of New-England, was 
 seated in a three-corned elbow chair, beside a round oaken 
 table, discussing the merits of a brace of partridges, from 
 which, with the assistance of some dried fish, and a quantity 
 of Indian cakes, he was preparing to make a hearty supper. 
 His repast was shared by his only son, a robust lad, while 
 two surly mastiffs sat erect on each side of them, with their 
 eyes fixed wistfully on the well-filled platters. 
 
 Captain Standish was small of stature, but his well-propor- 
 tioned figure, denoted great agility and muscular strength ; 
 his features were spirited and intelligent, his eyes dark and 
 piercing, and his whole countenance indicated a frank and 
 hasty temper, an active and decisive mind, and a warm and 
 sanguine disposition. 
 
 This group was first apprised of the approach of visitors, 
 by the portentous growling of the dogs, who inhospitably at- 
 tacked the defenceless favorite of Major Atherton, which had 
 followed, or rather preceded him into the room. 
 
 ' Come away Towser, down with you, Bess,' cried the Cap- 
 tain in a loud voice, ' shall I never teach you to be civil ! ' 
 ' Ah, is it you, Master Peregrine,' he added, on seeing his 
 young acquaintance enter, ' well, I am glad to see you, though 
 you do always bring noise and confusion with you.' 
 
 ' Thank you, Captain,' said Peregrine White : ' but, as it 
 happens, I find the noise already here, for once, and have 
 brought with me something which I think will be more accept- 
 able.' 
 
 ' Ah, my cousin Atherton ! ' exclaimed the Captain, rising 
 briskly from the table, and seizing his hand, without the cere-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 33 
 
 mony of an introduction ! ' you are truly welcome to Plym- 
 outh, though I am sorry I was not here to tell you so sooner ; 
 but sit down now, and we shall be better acquainted over our 
 soldiers' fare, if you will share it with me.' 
 
 ' I am used to a soldier's fare,' returned Atherton, ' and thank 
 you for a soldier's welcome ; but I should judge from the ap- 
 pearance of your trencher, that your campaigns had been 
 made in a fruitful land ; a camp does not often furnish such a 
 profusion of good things.' 
 
 ' True,' replied the Captain, ' the Dutch burgomasters know, 
 as well as most people, how to regulate their palates ; and I 
 served long with them in the days of our good queen Eliza- 
 beth. But we will try what is set before us now, if you 
 please, Major Atherton.' ' Alexander, my lad, get up and 
 give your kinsman a seat ; are you so hungry as to forget 
 your manners.' 
 
 The boy, with a very good grace, arose and placed the chairs 
 for the guests, and the important business of eating, was shortly 
 resumed with alacrity. 
 
 ' We want a light here,' said Captain Stand ish, again at- 
 tacking the partridges ; ' Hobomock, throw away your pipe ; 
 it may not be quite so agreeable to every one, as it is to you 
 and me ; and give us a candle here quickly; we are none of 
 us owls to see in the dark.' 
 
 The Indian rolled a column of smoke from his mouth, 
 knocked the ashes from his pipe upon the hearth, and gravely 
 rising, obeyed the Captain's command. He then threw some 
 dry wood into the fire, which sent forth a crackling sound, and a 
 heat that penetrated to every recess of the apartment; after 
 turning his eyes deliberately round the room, to ascertain if 
 any thing else required his attention, reseated himself on a 
 wooden stool, to dose away the evening. 
 
 The candle, which had been placed on the table } first dis-
 
 34 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 tinctly revealed to Captain Standish the features of his kins- 
 man ; he examined them a moment in silence, and then ob- 
 served, 
 
 ' I see you have true Standish blood in your veins, Ma- 
 jor Atherton ; and I can now trace in your countenance a 
 strong resemblance to my cousin Eleanor, though it is many 
 long years since we met. She was just sixteen, when I left 
 England, and the comeliest lass in Lancashire. Many a 
 joyous hour have we passed together in the halls of our fathers ; 
 but I little thought, when I last bade her farewell, that I 
 should never see her or my country more.' 
 
 'My mother often spoke of you, sir,' returned Atherton, 
 ' and always with affectionate interest ; but I was then far 
 from anticipating, that we should ever sit down together in 
 this remote region of the earth.' 
 
 * It is the fortune of war to encounter sudden reverses,' re- 
 plied the Captain ; ' but you have reached a quiet land at 
 last, though if you love your profession, our savage neighbors 
 will contrive to keep your sword from rusting.' 
 
 ' My sword and best services will ever be at the command 
 of any who stand in need of them,' returned Atherton ; ' but 
 I have resigned my commission in the army, and expect, in 
 future, to lead a retired and private life.' 
 
 ' Well, we can find employment that will suit you in either 
 case, if you like to remain with us. Your mother has brought 
 you up in her own religion, I hope.' 
 
 ' No, I am of the Church of England.' 
 
 ' Humph, that is unlucky ; but you need not make much 
 stir about it ; be regular and peaceable, and no one has a 
 right to intermeddle with your conscience, though, to be sure, 
 the good people here are rather fond of doing such things. 
 But, may I ask, have you any particular plans to execute.' 
 
 ' None at all. I am at present a citizen of the world ; and
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 35 
 
 have traveled hither, from mere curiosity, and the want of 
 other employment. I admire the country, as far as I have 
 seen it ; am charmed with the simplicity and goodness of 
 those who inhabit it ; and, if nothing occurs to change my 
 feelings, may yet sojourn with you, for a long time.' 
 
 ' Admirable ! ' cried the Captain, rising and leading the 
 way to the fire. ' I think we shall fix you here, for life. I 
 tell you, cousin Atherton, there is no country in the world so 
 happy, or that will be so glorious, as New-England. Had 
 you seen it in 1620, when we landed, famishing and almost 
 frozen, you might have turned back a longing eye to the good- 
 ly fields of England ; but, by the blaze of this warm fire, and 
 on the strength of our evening's meal, I think we can arrange 
 a better prospect for you.' 
 
 ' And what shall I do to keep myself out of mischief ?' ask- 
 ed Atherton. ' I have been used to an active life, which gave 
 constant exercise, both to my mind and body.' 
 
 ' We will contrive to amuse you, through the winter,' an- 
 swered the Captain ; ' and, in the spring, you can learn to till 
 a farm, and provide for a family, when you have one, which 
 will be exercise enough.' 
 
 'Rather more than I had anticipated,' said Atherton, smil- 
 ing ; ' a wife is a blessing I have scarcely thought of as 
 yet.' 
 
 ' It is a thought, which is very apt to run in a young man's 
 head, though,' replied the Captain, ' at least, till he is fairly 
 tied to one. But we will not hurry you, in that matter ; though 
 I can shew you as comely maidens, and as prudent ones, 
 withal, as you could meet with, in Old England itself.' 
 
 ' Now I'll wager any thing, Captain,' said Peregrine White, 
 ' that you are thinking of Miriam Grey ; but Major Atherton 
 has seen her already.' 
 
 ' What, seen my little rose-bud, Major Atherton ! ' said the
 
 36 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Captain. ' You are a true soldier, to be looking about for 
 pretty damsels, as soon as you get into new quarters.' 
 
 ' It was quite accidental,' returned Atherton ; ' and, after 
 all, only a momentary glimpse, at church.' 
 
 ' There was no lack of peeping, though,' rejoined Peregrine, 
 archly ; ' but her new hood is unluckily a very close cover- 
 ing; don't you think so, Major ? ' 
 
 ' Never mind, Peregrine,' said the Captain significantly ; 
 ' as Benjamin Ashly is to be her husband, what does it signi- 
 fy ; ' while he spoke, he fixed his keen eye on Atherton, who, 
 without exactly knowing why, turned his towards the fire. 
 
 ' And what news do you bring us from England, Major ? ' 
 resumed Captain Standish, after a moment's pause. 
 
 ' None particularly interesting, I believe,' answered Ather- 
 ton : ' indeed, I have lived almost out of the world, for the 
 last few months ; and, to confess the truth, have been too 
 much engrossed by my own concerns, to observe what was 
 passing around me.' 
 
 ' Well, and our good king Charles has lost none of his ob- 
 stinacy, I suppose; I doubt you would have heard of that.' 
 
 ' Not enough, I fear, for his own good, or the welfare of 
 his subjects. His hereditary zeal for kingly prerogative is 
 likely to prove a fruitful source of evils to the kingdom.' 
 
 ' So I thought; and that comes of having an obstinate fa- 
 ther, and a papist wife ; the former he could not help, the 
 more's the pity ; and for the last, the Lord help us ; but the 
 women will have their own way ; they would rule us all, if 
 they could, cousin Atherton.' 
 
 ' Yet queen Henrietta is a beautiful and accomplished wo- 
 man, with a high and dauntless spirit, worthy of her descent 
 from the most illustrious monarch, who ever sat on the throne 
 of France.' 
 
 ' So much the worse, if her husband cannot govern it,' per-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 37 
 
 sisted the Captain ; ' but that Archbishop Laud, is he fining, 
 imprisoning, and persecuting yet?' 
 
 ' I did hear that a warrant had been issued, at his instiga- 
 tion, to prevent any non-conformist ministers from leaving 
 England ; and the severities exercised against the laity of 
 that persuasion, are also attributed to his influence. Great 
 numbers have sold their estates, and intend, shortly, to em- 
 bark for America.' 
 
 ' It is an ill wind that blows nobody good,' said Peregrine 
 White, who thought it was quite time for him to speak ; ' I 
 hope they will help us to clear out the wilderness, when they 
 get here.' 
 
 ' The great hurricane of last year,' replied the Captain, 
 ' felled a good many trees ; and, if it had moved them out of 
 the way, I should have made more speed on my journey 
 homeward. And now tell me, Peregrine, what you have been 
 doing since I left Plymouth ? ' 
 
 4 Me ! Captain ? I have been hunting, and fishing, and' 
 
 ' And all sorts of good-for-nothing things, I warrant thee, 
 jack-a-napes,' interrupted the Captain ; ' I don't mean you, but 
 the town, the colony, Master Peregrine.' 
 
 'Why just what they have been doing ever since I came 
 into it,' returned Peregrine ; ' but I hope you have brought 
 something to entertain us, from the Massachusetts.' 
 
 ' I heard of nothing there,' said the Captain, ' but Mrs. 
 Hutchinson, who has set them all in a flame, and the new 
 Governor, with whom some are already discontented. He 
 has taken great state upon himself, and goes to the court 
 and meeting with four sergeants walking before him, carry- 
 ing halberds in their hands. Mr. Winthrop, who spent his 
 fortune in the service of the people, had more humility ; and, 
 I do believe, this Governor Vane, in spite of his quality, and 
 his grave visage, and clipped head, is imposing on them.' 
 4
 
 38 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 < And what are they doing to Mrs. Hutchinson ? ' enquired 
 Peregrine White 
 
 ' Doing to her!' returned the Captain with some warmth, 
 ' what they fled from England to avoid themselves ! These 
 Massachusetts are a meddling people, and they seem to have 
 grown so fond of persecution, since they escaped from the 
 reach of it, that they have a mind to try its efficacy in their 
 own church, and undertake to discipline whomsoever they 
 choose. God knows there is little enough of charity in our 
 colony ; but it is some comfort to find we are not quite so bad 
 as our neighbors.' 
 
 ' Who is this female,' asked Atherton, ' and of what crime 
 has slie been guilty, to draw upon herself so much reproach ?' 
 ' The crime of thinking differently from her opposers,' said 
 the Captain. ' She is a respectable gentlewoman, and her 
 husband was long a representative in the court. But she is 
 now accused of teaching false doctrines, holding unlawful 
 meetings, and divers other misdemeanors ; and the whole 
 country is divided into parties, for and against her. I am 
 sure it is no such strange thing for a woman's head to be fill- 
 ed with idle notions ; and, if the magistrates would only let her 
 alone, she would soon come to her senses ; but, I am told, she 
 is to be tried by a council, and, it is thought, will be banished 
 from the colony.' 
 
 ' Well, peace go with her ! ' exclaimed Peregrine White, 
 1 1 only hope she will not come here; for we have meetings 
 and exhortations enough now, to keep the elders employed, 
 and Benjamin Ashly too. But did you hear any thing about 
 the Pequods, Captain ? It is reported here, that they have 
 murdered John Oldham at Block Island, and are detected in 
 plotting against the English.' 
 
 'It is true; the traitorous savages!' said the Captain, 
 ' and instead of treating for peace with them, the whole race
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 89 
 
 ought to be exterminated. Oldham was a pestilent fellow, to 
 be sure, but that is no reason why he should be hacked up, 
 when trading peaceably with them, in their own country.' 
 
 'Was the unfortunate man alone,' asked Atherton, ' when 
 the crime was perpetrated ? ' 
 
 ' No, he had with him two boys, and as many Narraganset 
 Indians, whose lives were all spared. The master of a bark 
 from Connecticut, accidentally fell upon the wretches, soon 
 after the deed was accomplished, and, assisted only by a man, 
 and two lads who were with him, retook Oldham's vessel, 
 which was filled with hostile Indians, several of whom were 
 drowned in attempting to escape. Block Island is subject to 
 the Narraganset tribe ; but they seem to have had no hand in 
 the murder, which was, doubtless, instigated by the Pequods, 
 with whom the offenders have sought refuge.' 
 
 ' Have no farther attempts been made to punish the mur- 
 derers ? ' asked Atherton. 
 
 'Yes, the Governor of Massachusetts sent fourscore men, 
 under Captain Endicot of Salem, with offers of peace, if they 
 would give them up ; but after parleying for some time, they 
 refused, and fled into the woods.' 
 
 ' And Captain Endicot pursued them, I hope,' said Pere- 
 grine. 
 
 ' No, he burnt their wigwams, destroyed their corn, staved 
 their canoes, and returned home to seek more comfortable win- 
 ter quarters. I wish I had been there,' continued the Captain, 
 with earnestness ; ' not a dog of them should have escaped ; 
 I know their metal well ; and, though generally fearless of 
 death, a few dauntless Englishmen can put half a tribe of 
 them to flight. These savages, Major Atherton, are so per- 
 fidious, that no treaty can bind them; and so jealous of us, as 
 to aim continually at our total ruin. Many a foul plot has 
 been revealed to us ; and, in the days of our feebleness, no-
 
 40 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 thing but the watchful providence of God preserved us from 
 their evil designs.' 
 
 And your own valor, Captain,' observed Peregrine White ; 
 < you always forget to bring that into the account. But I can 
 tell Major Atherton, how you went with only eight men, to 
 the settlement of Wessagusset, which was filled with Indians, 
 and boldly attacked the sachems Wittuwamet and Pecksuot, 
 who were the terror of the whole land ; and a great many 
 other wonderful stories.' 
 
 Yes, yes,' interrupted the Captain, impatiently, ' nobody 
 doubts your ability to tell wonderful stories, Peregrine. I 
 have had proof enough of it from your youth up. But there 
 is Hobamock nodding in the corner, and Alexander fast asleep 
 on a bench yonder. The boy seems wearied by his long 
 march yesterday ; and, in truth, his young legs have never 
 executed so much in one day before.' 
 
 ' And I had forgotten,' said Atherton, rising, ' that you had 
 been traveling so lately, and must need repose ; indeed, the 
 evening has passed so pleasantly, that I scarcely thought of 
 returning.' 
 
 ' Oh, we think lightly of a walk through the woods, once 
 or twice a year, to the Massachusetts,' said the Captain, ' and 
 should be half ashamed to acknowledge ourselves fatigued by 
 it. But you must not leave me to night, cousin Atherton ; I 
 have a bed ready for you, such as it is, and you will not for- 
 sake the house of your kinsman, for a stranger's roof.' 
 
 ' I scarcely feel that any are strangers here,' returned Ath- 
 erton ; ' I have been treated with so much kindness and 
 attention ; but the Governor expects me to return, and I 
 cannot leave his hospitable family with so little ceremony.' 
 
 1 Yes, you must, indeed, go home with me,' said Peregrine 
 White, ' or you will disappoint us all ; to-morrow, you know,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 41 
 
 we are to have some sport in the shooting way, and the next 
 day' 
 
 ' Oh your endless plans,' interrupted the Captain,' I tell 
 you, young man, they will some day bring you into mis- 
 chief.' 
 
 ' Well, I know, Captain, you will do your best to get me 
 out of it.' 
 
 ' Not I, at least, till you have suffered enough for your folly 
 to cure you of it, which will be no brief period. And now, 
 Major Atherton, promise to come back, to-morrow, and take 
 up your abode with me.' 
 
 ' To-morrow, then,' said Atherton, ' I will see you again.' 
 And cordially shaking hands, they parted. 
 
 Peregrine White lingered a moment behind while Captain 
 Standish attended Atherton to the outer door ; and, feeling 
 his habitual love of mischief prevail, adroitly contrived to roll 
 the sleeping Alexander upon the floor. He fell with a dead 
 weight on one of the surly mastiffs, which set up a howl that 
 awakened his companion, who instantly joined in the chorus, 
 producing a confusion of sounds, that speedily recalled the 
 Captain and Atherton to the room. They entered, just as the 
 lad was scrambling up, with a somniferous growling, and the 
 Indian, roused by the noise, was starting on his feet, and in- 
 stinctively seizing his fowling piece. His straight black hair, 
 which had been discomposed by his recumbent posture, stood 
 almost erect, and his dark eyes rolled wildly round, as if seek- 
 ing the cause of the unusual commotion. Captain Standish 
 quickly discovered the author of the bustle ; but his intention 
 of rebuking the culprit vanished, the moment he saw him, 
 and his gravity yielded to a fit of laughter, in the midst pf 
 which Peregrine White made his esc ^e. 
 4*
 
 42 PEEP AT THE PILGBIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 From the crown of his head, to the sole of his foot, he is all mirth ; he hath 
 a heart as sound as a bell, and his tongue is the clapper ; for what his heart 
 
 thinks, his tongue speaks. 
 
 SHAKSPEARK. 
 
 THE broad disk of the sun was just visible above the hori- 
 zon, when Major Atherton and Peregrine White, with their 
 fowling pieces and dogs, left the house to engage in the pro- 
 jected sports of the day. 
 
 They were accompanied, a short distance, by the Governor, 
 whose agricultural pursuits often required his early attend- 
 ance in the field of labor ; for, like the Roman Cincinnatus, 
 the primitive rulers of New-England were accustomed to min- 
 gle the useful arts of husbandry with the higher duties of their 
 office. Elected by a grateful people, not from the prejudices 
 of party spirit, or the piltry attractions of outward state; but 
 for sterling qualities of the mind, piety of heart, and rectitude 
 and uprightness of character, they presided with dignity, and 
 commanded respect, alike in the council chamber, and in the 
 more humble duties, and familiar intercourse of life. Am- 
 bition had hot then assumed the mask of patriotism, nor were 
 the unprincipled and licentious, elevated to the ' high places ' 
 of the land. 
 
 As Mr. Winslow and his companions pursued their walk, 
 they were continually greeted by the inhabitants of the vil- 
 lage, who were scattering abroad on their daily vocations ; and 
 Atherton remarked with pleasure, the cordial salute of the 
 Governor, equally removed from pride and meanness, and the 
 respect and hearty good-will with which it was returned. He 
 involuntarily compared it with the fatiguing splendors of roy-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 43 
 
 ally, and the often heartless shouts of applause, which follow 
 the steps of a monarch ; and his already favorable preposses- 
 sions of the country were augmented by the comparison. 
 They rested a few moments, on the summit of a hill beyond 
 the town ; and while Peregrine White amused himself with 
 training his dogs to perform various feats of dexterity and 
 cunning, the Governor and Major Atherton regarded in si- 
 lence the varied and beautiful scenery, which was stretched 
 around them. 
 
 ' I love to rest on this spot,' said the Governor, at length, 
 1 nor can I look round upon this goodly prospect, without 
 emotions of gratitude to Him, who has so wonderfully pros- 
 pered the work of our hands, who " remembered us in our 
 low estate," " brought us out of our afflictions," and, in the 
 latter end, has " blessed us in our basket, and in our store." ' 
 
 ' I regard, with surprise,' replied Atherton, 'the astonish- 
 ing success of your exertions ; how dreary must this place 
 have been when you first arrived here ! ' . 
 
 ' Nor is it possible, now, to form an idea of it,' returned the 
 Governor. ' Expecting to reach a fruitful and temperate cli- 
 mate, we found ourselves treacherously cast on an icy and 
 barren coast, obliged to struggle with disease and famine ; 
 while those, whom we most loved, were perishing miserably 
 before our eyes, through excess of hardship and fatigue. 
 Some were at times well nigh discouraged ; but the Lord 
 gave us "strength, according to our day," and when our 
 " staff of bread !" failed, the earth yielded us ground nuts, and 
 we eat of " the abundance of the seas, and of the treasures 
 hid in the sand." ' 
 
 1 How,' asked Atherton, ' did you escape destruction from 
 the savages, who so greatly exceeded you in numbers, and 
 always viewed you with dislike.' 
 
 ' They seemed filled with dread of us, feeble as we then
 
 44 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 were,' said Mr. Winslow ; ' we seldom saw them, except in 
 small numbers, as we sailed along the coast, and they always 
 fled at the report of our fire-arms. We were informed by a 
 friendly Indian, who came to us, in the spring, that four years 
 previous to that time, a dreadful sickness had almost depop- 
 ulated this part of the country ; and we could not but regard 
 it as a signal interposition of Providence, which had thus 
 " cast out the heathen " before us, to make way for a people, 
 who would spread the true religion throughout the land. Had 
 they fallen upon us, when we were sick and defenceless we 
 could have opposed but little resistance to their savage fero- 
 city.' 
 
 I understand,' said Atherton, ' that many of their tribes 
 now maintain a friendly intercourse with you.' 
 
 ' They do so ; and, particularly, the powerful Sachem Mas- 
 sasoit, and his subjects, who inhabit the northern shore of the 
 Narraganset Bay, about forty miles distant from us. A few 
 months after our arrival, the Sachem sent us a present of furs, 
 with a message announcing his intention of visiiing us ; and, 
 shortly after, he appeared on tbis very hill, with a train of 
 sixty attendants, all decorated with the skins of wild beasts, 
 and frightfully disfigured by paint. The chief signified his 
 pleasure, that one of us should come to him, and being re- 
 quested by the Governor, I went alone, and carrying a pre- 
 sent ; though, I assure you, Major Atherton, I could hardly 
 approach such wild looking beings without trembling. I re- 
 mained with them, as an hostage, while Massasoit, with twen- 
 ty of his men, unarmed, descended to the brook yonder, where 
 they were received by Captain Standish, and six of our peo- 
 ple, who conducted the Indians to a house. They were seat-' 
 ed on cushions, placed on the floor, and feasted, after the 
 English fashion. Governor Carver presently entered, follow- 
 ed by a few musketeers, with a drum and trumpet, which
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 45 
 
 caused them great astonishment and delight. We then en- 
 tered into a treaty of peace and friendship with them, which 
 has ever since been faithfully preserved, on both sides.' 
 
 ' How could you understand their barbarous dialect;' en- 
 quired Atherton ; ' or did you converse only by signs ? ' 
 
 * We found an interpreter,' said Mr. Winslow, ' in an In- 
 dian sagamore, who early adventured amongst us, and had 
 learned something of our language, from the English traders 
 and fishermen, who used to frequent the coast. There was 
 also another savage, called Squanto, who attached himself to 
 us, and, on many occasions, did us good service, though he 
 eventually proved treacherous. Several years before, he, with 
 twenty others, were decoyed on board a vessel, by one mas- 
 ter Hunt, (who came hither, under pretence of trading with 
 the natives,) and carried to Malaga, where they were sold for 
 slaves. Squanto was afterwards sent to England, and is the 
 only one who has ever returned here. This perfidious act of 
 our countryman, justly incensed the savages against all white 
 people, and it is not strange, that they should wish to exclude 
 such dangerous neighbors. But I must leave you, Major 
 Atherton : we lead a pastoral life, here, you see, and the la- 
 bor of our fields, and welfare of our flocks must be attended 
 to.' 
 
 ' I am glad my father has done his speech,' exclaimed Per- 
 egrine White, springing from the ground, the moment he 
 had left them. ' But who comes here ? Hobamock, as I live, 
 with Alexander and the mastiffs.' 
 
 And, in truth, the Indian, who had heard their arrange- 
 ments on the preceding evening, and loved every wild adven- 
 ture, now came running swiftly towards them, followed by 
 Alexander Standish, who was tugging up the hill, almost out 
 of breath ; and pettishly accusing his more nimble footed com- 
 panion for leaving him in the rear.
 
 46 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 1 Why wont you stop for me, Hobamock ? I can't keep up 
 with you,' they could hear him say. 
 
 Your legs be younger than mine, and I do carry your 
 gun,' returned the Indian, who was, in fact, loaded with two 
 pieces. 
 
 ' And what have you come here for, Hobamock ? ' asked 
 Peregrine, as soon as he was within hearing. 
 
 ' I come for shoot you, master Peregrine.' 
 
 ' Shoot me, you copper-colored rascal, do you mean so ? ' 
 
 ' Shoot for you the birds, master Peregrine, I mean, and 
 then make a fire for eat them, in the woods.' 
 
 'Oh, you come to eat, did you ? well, let's on then. But 
 stop, what ails you, Alexander ? ' 
 
 ' Nothing ; ' said the boy, and snatching his fowling piece 
 from the hand of Hobamock, he followed them a few moments 
 in silence. But his cheerfulness soon returned; for he was 
 naturally gay and good-tempered, though rather self-willed, 
 which might be attributed to the want of early discipline, hav- 
 ing lost his mother in infancy, and his father's public duties 
 calling him frequently from home, had left him much at his 
 own disposal. 
 
 The little party proceeded gaily on their way, and soon 
 struck into the mazes of a deep forest, where Peregrine White 
 augured they should find plenty of game. They followed a 
 winding path along the margin of a clear stream, that floated 
 on its billows the red and decaying leaves of autumn ; and 
 after struggling on its course, and frequently forcing a pas- 
 sage over fragments of rocks and trunks of fallen trees, from 
 which they dashed in broken and foaming sheets, producing 
 miniature water-falls of exquisite beauty, at length terminated 
 in a small lake, fringed with the quivering birch and drooping 
 willow, which dipped their flexile branches in the waves, al- 
 ready strewed with their transient foliage.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 47 
 
 Major Atherton, charmed with the romantic beauty of the 
 spot, lingered far behind his companions ; and, busied with 
 his own thoughts, heeded not their merry voices and loud 
 peals of laughter, which grew fainter and fainter, till they 
 were no longer distinguished from the whistling of the breeze, 
 and the monotonous rippling of the waters. The report of a 
 gun at length roused him to a consciousness of his lonely sit- 
 uation ; and, hastening to the place from whence the sound 
 proceeded, he found Peregrine White reloading his piece, 
 with an air of extreme vexation. 
 
 ' I thought we had lost you, Major Atherton,' he said; 'I 
 wish you had been here, just to have seen the fine covey of 
 partridges that I started ; but the foolish birds chose to make 
 the best of their way off, as soon as the shot began to fly.' 
 
 ' Foolish, indeed ! ' replied Atherton, ' to make use of their 
 wings, when such an honor awaited them ; but I fear we 
 shall not find much sport here ; there seems little but dried 
 leaves stirring to-day ! ' 
 
 ' Not much else, in the bottom of that muddy pool where 
 you have been looking this half hour,' said Peregrine ; ' but 
 see there ! ' and he aimed steadily at a bird which was perch- 
 ed at some distance. But the keen eye of Hobamock had al- 
 ready marked it, and his unerring aim brought it in an instant 
 fluttering to the ground. Peregrine White's third attempt, 
 however, proved more fortunate, and abundantly recom- 
 pensed him for his past mortification ; and each having been 
 more or less successful, they began to feel strong appetites 
 produced by their exercise, and commissioned Hobamock to 
 kindle a fire under the trees, and cook their game. The In- 
 dian obeyed with alacrity ; and stripping the birds of the beau- 
 tiful plumage, which they had lately sported with such inno- 
 cent joy in their native bowers, he was preparing to lay them
 
 48 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 on the coals, when the distant echo of fire-arms announced 
 that other sportsmen were amusing themselves in the forest. 
 
 1 We will see who is here,' said Peregrine, springing for- 
 ward, and crushing the brushwood under his feet ; ' and do 
 you run on, Hobamock ; and if it is any of your sooty breth- 
 ren, warn them to be civil to us.' 
 
 ' I will stay and take care of the dinner,' said Alexander, 
 ' only don't be gone long if you want me to save any for 
 you.' 
 
 ' You must have a lion's appetite to eat all those birds,' said 
 Peregrine, laughing ; ' but mind and keep a good bunch to 
 carry home and show.' 
 
 Again he bounded onward, and Atherton, with equal agili- 
 ty, followed through the various intricate windings, where 
 the bending saplings marked the footsteps of Hobamock, who 
 had left the beaten track, and trusted to the guidance of his 
 ear for a nearer course to the place from whence the sound 
 had proceeded. 
 
 They at length overtook him, just on the verge of a sunny 
 slope, which for a considerable space had been cleared of 
 trees ; while the ruins of a wigwam and some vestiges of a 
 cornfield shewed that it had once been the abode of Indians. 
 Three savage warriors, in the prime of manhood, were care- 
 lessly reclined\)n the ground, and, as usual when weary or 
 idle, regaling themselves with smoking tobacco ; while, at a 
 little distance, a female was busied over a large fire, appa- 
 rently in some culinary preparation. She occasionally stoop- 
 ed and sung, in a low sweet tone, to an infant child that lay 
 on the ground beside her; and which, according to their cus- 
 tom, was stretched on a board, and its little limbs confined 
 with cords ; a custom which kept it secure when traveling, on 
 the back of its mother, and, doubtless, contributed to form that 
 straightness of limb for which the race are so remarkable.
 
 PIEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 49 
 
 The men were partially covered with deer skins, extend- 
 ing, like trovvsers, to their feet, which were guarded by moc- 
 casons of the same material. From their shoulders depend- 
 ed a sort of cloak, composed of a beautiful variety of furs ; 
 their heads were decked with feathers, and their faces paint- 
 ed with divers colors, extracted from the juice of certain 
 plants, and representing the most hideous figures. The eld- 
 est, and apparently a chief, was distinguished by a plume of 
 eagle's feathers, and a necklace of carved bone hanging down 
 to his waist, which was encircled by a belt of wampum. 
 
 The dress of the Squaw differed little from the others, ex- 
 cept that with the usual predilection of her sex for ornament, 
 she had profusely, and with some taste, mingled the most 
 gaudy colors with her straight arid glossy hair, and adorned 
 her neck, arms, and ancles, with bracelets of glass beads. 
 
 As soon as the keen-eyed Indians observed the approach- 
 ing figures of Major Atherton and Peregrine, they started on 
 their feet, with extreme quickness; and the chief, advancing 
 forward a few paces, waited to receive them, leaning on his 
 fowling piece, his companions standing on either side of him, 
 with their bows bent, prepared to take deadly aim, if any vio- 
 lence were offered them. Nothing could exceed the dignity 
 ami grace of their attitudes, the vigor and symmetry of their 
 forms, or the noble, though fierce expression of their coun- 
 tenances. Hobamock hastened to meet them with words of 
 peace ; and, after listening to him with profound attention, 
 they threw aside their weapons, and reseating themselves on 
 the ground, by expressive gestures, invited the young men to 
 join their circle. They accordingly seated themselves, and 
 through the interpretation of Hobamock, entered into conver- 
 sation with the Indians, which was particularly interesting to 
 Atherton, who had much curiosity to learn something of that
 
 50 PEEP AT THE PILGKIMS. 
 
 singular race of people, and to see them in their native wild- 
 ness. 
 
 These warriors were of the Wamponeag tribe, subjects of 
 the sachem Massasoit, and on their way to Plymouth, to trade 
 with the people in furs. They were very courteous in their 
 manners ; and, as a mark of peculiar kindness, offered each 
 of their transient guests a share of their lighted tobacco, and 
 seemed much suprised that Atherton declined so great a lux- 
 ury, which was however accepted with becoming gravity by 
 Peregrine, though the use of it excited many wry faces. The 
 squaw was then ordered to fetch an earthen vessel of strong 
 water ; for so they called the ardent spirits which were given 
 them by the Europeans, and which was even then a fruitful 
 source of traffic and of cheating ; for they would barter the 
 most valuable articles to satisfy their thirst for what has 
 proved the instrument of their destruction. 
 
 Atherton felt obliged to put the draught to his lips, though 
 he thought it scarcely more palatable than the pungent weed 
 he had just refused; and in returning the remainder to the 
 young female who stood waiting to receive it, he could not 
 but remark with admiration the timid gentleness of her man- 
 ner which gave a charm to the delicacy of her features, and 
 the softness of her olive complexion. She seemed to regajd 
 with great tenderness the little papoose, who awoke and be- 
 gan to cry ; but the moment she attempted to soothe him, she 
 was sternly ordered back by her savage lord, whose com- 
 mands were implicitly obeyed ; for the females of those tribes 
 are accustomed to endure the caprice of their indolent tyrants, 
 and to perform the most servile and fatiguing labor with un- 
 repining meekness. 
 
 Peregrine White at length reminded Atherton, that their 
 dinner would be spoiled by waiting, or eaten up by Alexander 
 and his dogs ; and having no inclination to lose their feast,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 51 
 
 after so long an abstinence, they parted from their friendly 
 entertainers, leaving with them a small present, which was 
 always expected by an Indian from a white person with 
 whom he had any intercourse. 
 
 On returning to the spot where they had left their game 
 under the care of Alexander, Peregrine White who preceded 
 his companions, startled them with exclaiming, 
 
 ' What is here ? the boy has served us a pretty trick in 
 good truth ; Alexander ! Alexander ! ' 
 
 But no voice replied to him, and Atherton hastening to the 
 place, perceived with surprise the fire which they had kin- 
 dled, almost extinct, and their birds lying blackened to a coal 
 on the mouldering embers. Those which they had reserved 
 as trophies of their success, had all disappeared with the 
 faithless guard who was entrusted with the care of them. 
 Peregrine White gave vent to his indignation by a blow 
 aimed with his foot, and with a force that threw the half con- 
 sumed brands in various directions, arid ejected a fragment 
 into the face of Hobamock, leaving a dark stain upon his 
 swarthy skin, though his countenance preserved its usual 
 gravity, mingled with an expression of astonishment, as he 
 regarded the impotent wrath of the youth whose anger proved 
 as transient as it had been ungovernable ; and yielded to a 
 burst of mirth on beholding the blackened visage of the In- 
 dian, who began leisurely to wipe it off with a bundle of dried 
 leaves. 
 
 ' Let it be, Hobamock,' said Peregrine, ' it will serve you 
 for paint as well as any other daubing.' 
 
 ' I use no paint, Master Peregrine, now that I live with 
 white people.' 
 
 4 Well, I wish it had been Alexander instead of you ; but 
 he shall pay dearly for his roguery yet. And now what can 
 we find to eat ? '
 
 52 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Hobamock had brought a few Indian cakes to relish their 
 expected repast, which, for the want of better fare, they con- 
 sumed with sportsmen's appetites ; and with this meagre re- 
 freshment, and a draught from a pure stream, to the fountain 
 head of which Hobamock led them, (for an Indian will long 
 endure thirst rather than drink but at the source of even the 
 clearest water,) they returned somewhat crest-fallen to the 
 village. 
 
 Peregrine White in particular, who boasted much of his 
 dexterity in shooting, and had promised in the morning to re- 
 turn well laden with game, felt no little mortification ; and 
 expecting the raillery of his family, proposed to Atherton as 
 they passed the beach, to try their luck in fishing, that they 
 might have something to carry home with them. Atherton 
 readily consented ; and hailing a boat which was just push- 
 ing from the shore, they were cheerfully admitted by the man 
 who occupied it, leaving Hobamock, at his own desire, to re- 
 turn to his family. 
 
 The little bark skipped lightly over the waves, and was 
 soon without the harbor, where they anchored and prepared 
 their baits, assured by the experienced fisherman who guided 
 them, that there would be no lack of nibbling. His prog- 
 nostic proved correct, and the place yielded such an abun- 
 dance of its finny treasure, that in a short time they procured 
 sufficient to make amends for the disasters of the morning; 
 about sunset they steered towards the shore. Several boats 
 which had been fishing in the bay, also tacked about and bore 
 homeward ; and in one of them Peregrine White perceived 
 Mr. Grey and Benjamin Ashly ; but they were far behind, 
 and in a larger vessel which struggled hard against the wind. 
 
 On approaching the shore, they observed two females 
 walking the beach, and occasionally stopping to regard them
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 53 
 
 with attention. As they came near enough to distinguish 
 objects with certainty, Peregrine White exclaimed, 
 
 ' That is Miriam Grey arid her cousin Lois, as I am alive ; 
 shall we go and speak with them, Major Atherton ? ' 
 
 ' As you please ; I have no objection.' 
 
 ' So I thought,' said Peregrine, significantly. ' Tug hard 
 at your oars, John, or they will be off.' 
 
 The boatman applied all his strength, but Atherton thought 
 the bark moved slower then ever, perticularly when the fe- 
 males approached near the water's edge, and apparently as- 
 certaining their persons, turned carelessly away, and re- 
 treated behind a cliff that entirely concealed them. 
 
 'I will find them yet,' said Peregrine White, leaping on the 
 strand, which they at that moment gained; 'follow me, and 
 be still.' 
 
 He sprang quickly forward, in a direction opposite to that 
 chosen by the persons he was seeking, and, throwing down 
 his scaly burden, began to ascend a craggy rock, which pro- 
 jected one side into the sea, and was rendered extremely slip- 
 pery by the adhesion of sea-weeds left by the receding tide, 
 and the spray which continually dashed over it. Atherton 
 followed him in silence to the summit, remaining a few paces 
 behind, till he distinctly heard the sound of voices, rising from 
 beneath the cliff. 
 
 Peregrine White stooped, and looking down, saw, as he 
 expected, Miriam Grey and her cousin below, talking to- 
 gether, and quite unconscious that any one was observing 
 them. He silently dropped a small pebble on the head of 
 Miriam, who, supposing it accidental, continued conversing, 
 without regarding it ; but another, and another fell on her 
 neck and shoulders ; and before she had time to look around, 
 a large handful rattled down the crag and lay scattered at her 
 feet. She uttered an exclamation of surprise, which brought
 
 54 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Atherton to the verge of the precipice, though he remained 
 screened from observation by a fragment of the rock, from 
 whence he watched with interest the light figure of Miriam 
 Grey. She stood in an attitude which expressed an intention 
 of flight, with one foot extended, as in the act of bounding 
 forward, yet still lingering on the spot, and casting an eager 
 glance around, to ascertain the cause of her alarm. She had 
 pushed back the hood that shaded her countenance, which 
 was flushed with surprise ; though the first impulse of wo- 
 manish fear had given place to an expression of spirit and 
 resolution. On looking up and perceiving Peregrine White, 
 she assumed an air of displeasure, which, however, seemed 
 unusual to her, and her features soon resumed their wonted 
 sweetness and vivacity, and her deep blue eyes an archness 
 peculiarly their own. 
 
 Lois Grey, a demure and comely damsel of twenty-eight, 
 first broke the silence. 
 
 ' Your time is well employed, I think, Master Peregrine, 
 in showering down stones upon us.' 
 
 ' Not upon you, Lois, they did not touch so much as the 
 hem of your garments. I only gathered a few small stones, 
 like David of old, from the great brook yonder, to frighten 
 Miriam, and revenge myself on her for running away when 
 she saw me coming to her.' 
 
 ' I run away from you ! ' said Miriam, 'I only saw you 
 sailing on the water, and how could I know you were coming 
 to me ? ' 
 
 'Ah, you knew well enough,' said Peregrine ; 'but it is 
 not the first time that you have served me so.' 
 
 ' And it is not the first time,' said Miriam, pointing, with a 
 smile, to the pebble stones, ' that I have had good reason for 
 avoiding you. But I came hither to meet my father; did 
 you see his boat coming in ? '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 55 
 
 ' Yes, and Benjamin Ashly was with him ; but I suppose 
 you know that already.' 
 
 Indeed I did not,' said Miriam eagerly, and slightly color- 
 ing. 
 
 ' Well, I tell you he is,' returned Peregrine ; ' and they 
 have this moment touched the strand ; there goes the honest 
 deacon, that is to be, with a heavy load of fish on his back; 1 
 would you were up here to look at him, Miriam.' 
 
 ' I have not the least curiosity on the subject, and am quite 
 satisfied with my lowly station,' replied the damsel; 'but I 
 must be gone; good-bye to you, Peregrine.' 
 
 ' Stop a moment,' cried Peregrine, ' here is somebody who 
 wants to see you.' 
 
 Before Atherton was aware of his' design, the youth pulled 
 him suddenly by his arm from behind the rock, in view of 
 Miriam Grey, who had instinctively stopped, and now stood 
 abashed before him. 
 
 Atherton, though provoked at the awkwardness of his sit- 
 uation, retained his self-possession ; and on the whole, ac- 
 quitted himself better than could have been expected, con- 
 sidering the uneasiness of his position on the summit of a 
 dizzy crag. Miriam Grey silently courtesied to his salute ; 
 but a smile played on her lips as she glanced at him through 
 her long eye-lashes, and beheld him hovering in the air 
 above her ; then taking the arm of Lois, they walked quietly 
 away, leaving Atherton to deprecate the mischievous spirit of 
 Peregrine, which had led him into so ridiculous an adventure. 
 
 'Now wasn't that well done ! ' exclaimed Peregrine White 
 in an exulting tone, and striking the shoulder of Atherton 
 with a force which at once started him from his musing pos- 
 ture. ' I tell you, Major Atherton, there's not a man in Ply- 
 mouth could have contrived a neater way of giving you a
 
 56 
 
 peep at a pretty girl ; you ought to thank me on bended 
 knees.' 
 
 ' Thank you ! ' returned Atherton drily, ' for making me 
 look like a fool : what could she think to see me perched, 
 like a sea-gull, on this vexatious rock.' 
 
 ' She ! ' returned Peregrine, with a provoking laugh ; ' so 
 you saw but one, did you ? and now I think me of it, that 
 must have been Lois; this confounded crag was between you 
 and Miriam ; but I will call her again, since I know you are 
 longing to look at her.' 
 
 ' Stay,' said Atherton quickly ; ' indeed, I saw them both ; 
 so have done with this folly, I entreat you.' 
 
 But Peregrine had already mounted the highest pinnacle of 
 the rock, and, in spite of his remonstrance, called aloud to 
 Miriam, who, though now far from them, turned to look back, 
 as his clear and sonorous voice, rising above the dashing of 
 the waves, repeated her name. 
 
 Peregrine White tore a branch from a dwarf cedar which 
 grew in a fissure of the rock, and waved it on high with a 
 motion expressive of his wish for her return ; but she shook 
 her head, and was again turning away, when he pointed sig- 
 nificantly towards the sea shore. 
 
 Miriam looked in that direction, and saw Benjamin Ashly 
 advancing from it alone, and at a pace unusually brisk for 
 him ; and probably construing his speed into a design to over- 
 take her, she darted from the highway, and was instantly 
 buried from sight in a thick copse of evergreens. Her cousin 
 followed more leisurely, and Mr. Ashly, after lingering a 
 moment, and, regarding the spot from whence she disappeared 
 with a visage evidently lengthened, drew the fish over his 
 shoulder with a doubtful jerk, and quietly retreated into an- 
 other path. 
 
 ' Excellently well done, my pretty Miriam,' said Peregrine,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 57 
 
 laughing ; ' I declare there is not another such witch in the 
 country, Major Atherton.' 
 
 ' She seems to have bewitched you,' replied Atherton ; ' I 
 hope you do not intend to enter into competition with worthy 
 Mr. Ashly.' 
 
 ' Not at all,' returned Peregrine, carelessly ; ' but Miriam 
 and I have frolicked together ever since we were born ; and 
 I do love to see her torment that whining fool, who thinks 
 every one, save himself and a godly few, are in the broad 
 road to destruction. But the tide is coming in fast, so we had 
 better get down, or we may be left standing here, like flag- 
 staffs, till to-morrow morning.' 
 
 'And our fish may swim off in the mean time, and leave 
 us fasting again,' said Atherton ; ' we left them at the foot of 
 the rock.' 
 
 ' Here they are, safe ! ' returned Peregrine, sliding rapidly 
 down the precipice ; 'a pretty joke on us it would have been, 
 if they had vanished like the partridges. And now you will 
 go home with me, Major Atherton, and help eat some of 
 them.' 
 
 ' You know I promised Captain Standish to return to his 
 house to-night.' 
 
 'It is full eight miles there, and I can never walk it in my 
 present weak state ; to speak the truth, these fasting days 
 don't suit my stomach at all. There is no living without 
 eating, Major Atherton ; and it was a provident thought in 
 good Master Calvin to get released from a monkish church, 
 that kept one starving more than half one's life.' 
 
 ' I shall be very glad of a good supper for my part,' said 
 Atherton ; ' and I wish we had shot across the bay to the 
 Captain's, when we were on the water just now.' 
 
 ' Never mind,' said Peregrine ; ' if you will go home with 
 me first, I will walk back with you ; I want to pay off my
 
 58 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 debt to the little rascal who ran away with the birds, and the 
 moon will be up in season to light me home.' 
 
 Major Atherton consented to the arrangement; and during 
 the remainder of the way to the Governor's, Peregrine White 
 was in vain exercising his wits to invent some plausible ex- 
 cuse for the morning disasters ; but his mind was still unsat- 
 isfied, when he opened the door, and entered a passage lead- 
 ing to the sitting room, which at that hour was entirely in 
 darkness. 
 
 ' Is that you, brother Peregrine ? ' said a little damsel, who 
 was groping her way through the place. 
 
 Peregrine drew the cold slimy tails of the fish across her 
 neck, in mysterious silence, and in an instant the cries of the 
 frightened child brought all the family to her assistance. 
 
 'I should have known it was you, my son,' said Mrs. 
 Winslow, drawing the little girl to her arms ; ' you are apt 
 to announce yourself in this noisy manner.' 
 
 ' Me, mother ! I was as dumb as the fish that Susy ran 
 against, like a silly thing. But here is Major Atherton, half 
 starved, as well as myself, and I am glad to see you have not 
 done supper yet.' 
 
 'Major Atherton is truly welcome,' said Mrs. Winslow, 
 leading the way back to the room ; ' our repast has but just 
 commenced, and you bring us a liberal supply, and, I sup- 
 pose, excellent appetites, after your day's amusement.' 
 
 ' That we do,' returned Peregrine ; for, I assure you, we 
 have not been overburthened with food to-day.' 
 
 ' But where are your birds ? ' inquired the Governor ; ' I 
 saw you enter the woods this morning, and have waited im- 
 patiently for the game you promised us in such abundance.' 
 
 ' And here is a bunch of as fine fresh fish as ever smoked 
 on the table of a prince,' said Peregrine. ' It was so fair a 
 day, and the water looked so smooth and tempting, we
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 59 
 
 thought best to alter our plans ; no strange thing, in this 
 changeable world.' * 
 
 ' We are never surprised to find you wavering,' observed 
 Mrs. Winslow; ' but I hope you consulted Major Atherton's 
 wishes, as well as your own.' 
 
 'Certainly,' replied Atherton, 'so far as it was in his 
 power; but we have both been the sport of an adverse destiny 
 to-day.' 
 
 This answer led to inquiries, and an explanation which af- 
 forded much amusement ; and after a cheerful and hearty 
 meal, which received a double relish from their long absti- 
 nence, Major Atherton and Peregrine White commenced 
 their evening's walk. Pursuing their way at a brisk pace, 
 in spite of the formidable obstacles which they encountered 
 at every step in the shape of log bridges, half burnt stumps, 
 and straggling underwood, they at length approached the 
 house of Captain Standish, long visible from the bright un- 
 steady light which streamed from the windows, discovering 
 the comforts within, and promising rest to their weary feet. 
 The cheerful voice of the Captain greeted them as they 
 entered. 
 
 ' Ah ! my lads, have you come at last ? I waited for you 
 till Alexander and the dogs growled for hunger, and now the 
 beasts have just swallowed the last bone.' 
 
 ' The bones of my partridges, I suppose,' said Peregrine. 
 'Here is some beer to refresh you,' continued the Captain, 
 ' as good as you could find brewed in London itself; and you 
 shall not go to bed without eating, after a day's march in the 
 wilderness. It will be lean quarters indeed, if our larder 
 cannot furnish something for you.' 
 
 ' This delicious beverage is sufficient,' said Atherton, as he 
 returned the foaming tankard ; ' we supped at the Governor's, 
 and too heartily to wish for any thing more to-night.'
 
 60 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 4 1 need not ask if you had good luck in the woods to-day, 
 said the Captain. ' Alexander brought home a load of birds 
 that I should not be ashamed to own myself; the boy knows 
 how to take a good aim with his gun better than most lads of 
 his age.' 
 
 ' A good aim with his heels ! the paltroon, to run off with 
 what don't belong to him,' cried the indignant Peregrine. 
 
 ' Not belong to me ! ' said Alexander, at that instant thrust- 
 ing his head into the door ; 4 didn't I leave your partridges 
 broiling on the coals, and bring away only my own and 
 Hobamock's ? ' 
 
 'Broiling? burning, you mean, you mischievous imp! 
 what did you leave us but cinders and black coals ? ' 
 
 ' I don't know,' returned Alexander, coolly ; * those that I 
 eat relished very well.' 
 
 This answer irritated Peregrine beyond all bounds ; and, 
 springing over a table that stood between them, and which he 
 overset, extinguishing the candles in its fall, he pursued the 
 flying Alexander from the room and house. Captain Stan- 
 dish stood in amazement, and almost total darkness, till Ath- 
 erton rekindled the lights by the decaying embers which 
 lingered in the chimney corner, and related the events that 
 had given rise to so unexpected a scene. The Captain who 
 relished such jests exceedingly, had scarcely finished laugh- 
 ing, when the objects of his mirth returned amicably together, 
 Peregrine declaring that the delinquent had sued for pardon, 
 though the roguish expression of Alexander's countenance 
 showed any thing rather than repentance for his offence. 
 
 4 Have a care, boys, have a care,' said the Captain, shaking 
 his head with mock gravity ; ' or we shall have fine work 
 with your fallings out, bye and bye. The next thing, I sup- 
 pose, we shall see sword and dagger flourishing about your 
 heads, and you know the end of that, Master Peregrine.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 61 
 
 ' To kill, or be killed, I should think it likely,' said Pere- 
 grine. 
 
 ' No, no, we don't suffer things to proceed to such extremi- 
 ties, in our well-ordered colony ; we shall cut short the matter 
 by tying your head and feet together, and putting you on 
 short commons for a time.' 
 
 ' A summary mode of justice,' observed Atherton, and a 
 truly novel invention.' 
 
 ' It is of seventeen years' standing, and of approved effica- 
 cy,' said the Captain. ' You must know, cousin Atherton, 
 some of our company's servants began to be unruly, when 
 they first came to this new land, and thought themselves be- 
 yond reach' of the laws ; so two of them quarreled, and 
 challenged each other to single combat ; they were both 
 slightly wounded, but we saw fit to make an example of them, 
 that our peace might not in future be disturbed by the foolish 
 brawls of every cowardly knave. We ordered them to be 
 bent up like bows, their neck and heels strapped together, and 
 so to lie twenty-four hours, without meat or drink ; but they 
 made humble concessions, and promises of amendment, and 
 their masters interceded so earnestly in their behalf, that they 
 were released, and, I can tell you, the offence has never been 
 repeated by any one.' 
 
 ' It was certainly a very suitable punishment,' returned 
 Atherton, ' considering the rank of the offenders.' 
 
 ' It is suitable to any rank,' said the Captain ; ' our laws, 
 thank Heaven, are impartial, and both magistrates and people 
 are amenable to them ; and, happily, our code does not admit 
 the barbarous practice of cutting one another to pieces in cold 
 blood.' 
 
 ' It is seldom done in cold blood, I believe,' said Atherton, 
 smiling; 'and, in a country like this, I should imagine one 
 6
 
 62 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 would seldom be obliged to have recourse to such fatal mea- 
 sures to wipe away an offence.' 
 
 ' Neither in this, or any other country,' persisted the Cap- 
 tain ; ' I am a military man as well as yourself, Major Ath- 
 erton, and no one can say I ever shrunk from the fight when 
 God and my king called me to arms ; but I do believe no man, 
 who is not led away by the suggestions of the devil, will draw 
 upon himself the guilt and infamy of murdering a fellow be- 
 ing, or shedding his own blood, in a contemptible and idle 
 quarrel.' 
 
 ' I would not justify the practice,' said Atherton ; 'I most 
 sincerely regret that custom has so long sanctioned it, and 
 that so many, who seemed born for better things, are unhap- 
 pily sacrificed to the laws of honor.' 
 
 ' Honor ! ' repeated the Captain, indignantly ; 'is it hon- 
 orable to despise the laws of God ? lo tear asunder the most 
 sacred ties of humanity ? Is it honorable to place your life 
 at the hazard of a scoundrel's weapon, or, by taking his, to 
 set upon your forehead the mark of Cain, and bear forever on 
 your conscience the stain of blood ? ' 
 
 ' I acknowledge the justice of your arguments,' replied Ath- 
 ertoti ; ' but there are few men who can bear the imputation 
 of cowardice, or who have independence enough to set at 
 defiance the opinion of the world, or to endure its ridicule, 
 even when conscious that their conduct is upright.' 
 
 ' And who is the bravest man,' asked the Captain, ' he who 
 can despise the opinion of the world when that world is en- 
 listed on the side of vice and folly and firmly obey the dic- 
 tates of his duty and conscience, or he who, like a wavering 
 paltroon, yields to the dread of ridicule, and quietly submits 
 to be led by the very fools who pity and condemn him ! No, 
 no, Edward Atherton, that man must be at his wits' ends, 
 who seeks to regain a character in the world, or hopes to es-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 63 
 
 tablish a reputation for bravery, by such cowardly expe- 
 dients.' 
 
 ' You have reason on your side of the question, Sir,' re- 
 plied Atherton ; ' and I hope the good principles of this new 
 world will effectually exclude the vicious practices of the old 
 from its society.' 
 
 1 1 well know,' returned the Captain, 'how young men, and 
 particularly soldiers, regard these things, but I think I need 
 not fear that the son of my cousin Eleanor will bring a re- 
 proach upon his name.' 
 
 ' Not, at least, while I remain with you,' said Atherton, 
 laughing. ' I have too much regard for my neck and heels, 
 to bring them into jeopardy, and of course shall take care not 
 to make a breach upon your laws.'
 
 64 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 But then her face, 
 
 So lovely, yet so arch, so full of mirth 
 The overflowings of an innocent heart. 
 
 ROGERS. 
 
 MAJOR ATHERTON embraced the earliest opportunity, which* 
 the unwearied attentions of his host left at his own dispo- 
 sal, to visit his warm-hearted friend, Captain Martin, whose 
 ship was still at anchor in the Plymouth hrabor. Captain Stan- 
 dish excused himself from attending him, for the labors of 
 a plentiful harvest required his attention. During a period 
 of repose from military duty he had ' beat his sword into a 
 ploughshare,' and, with characteristic activity and ardor, en- 
 gaged in the pursuits of agriculture. 
 
 Atherton, for the first time left to range alone through 
 the woods, which he had only passed in the obscurity of 
 evening, was continually in danger of leaving the beaten 
 pathway, in many places nearly filled by withered leaves, 
 for the diverging tracks which led in various directions 
 into the depths of the forest, and sometimes terminated in 
 a cleared spot, where the log hut of the settler, or the blue 
 smoke curling from its wooden chimney, broke upon the 
 eye of the solitary pedestrian, conveying images of comfort 
 and repose, and softening the savage wildness of the scene. 
 
 But the sagacity of his dog, who gamboled around his feet ; 
 and in cases of difficulty, was sure to scent out the right 
 path ; at length conducted him to the broader highway, which 
 led into the chief settlement of Plymouth, where the animal 
 seemed quite at home, and with curled tail and erect ears,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 65 
 
 proceeded at a very grave dog- trot, on his accustomed rout 
 towards the house of Mr. Winslow. 
 
 ' This way, Rover,' said Major Atherton, turning in a near- 
 er direction to the water's edge ; and another moment brought 
 him to the well-remembered residence of Miriam Grey. The 
 house certainly did not display any architectural elegance; 
 but Atherton remarked it as one of the largest and best in the 
 village. A peculiar air of neatness seemed diffused around 
 it, which evinced the competence and good management of 
 its possessor. It stood on a green bank, which, sloping to 
 the southern sun, still preserved a fresh and cheerful verdure, 
 and was half hid by a venerable oak, that embraced it, in a 
 shelter of its wide-spreading branches. It was enclosed by a 
 slight wooden paling, and some tasteful hand had twined the 
 flexile branches of the sweetbriar around the windows, and 
 reared the wild-rose to breathe its sweetness beside the door. 
 In rear of the building was a garden of esculent roots and 
 herbs, with a small orchard of fruit trees, and extensive fields 
 of corn and other grain. 
 
 Major Atherton scrutinized every object, as he leisurely 
 approached the house ; but no person was visible till he had 
 nearly reached the little gate, which led through the enclo- 
 sure, when the door unexpectedly opened, and Miriam Grey, 
 with a smiling face, sprang lightly from its steps upon the 
 velvet turf. She did not observe him; but, stooping down, 
 seemed busied in training her rose-bushes ; and Atherton 
 ventured to pause an instant to admire the grace of her atti- 
 tudes, and the loveliness of her figure. Without perceiving 
 it Miriam Grey had dropped a knot of ribands, that was eag- 
 erly seized upon by a frisking kitten, which bounded after her 
 mistress, and forthwith began to toss it high in air, and un- 
 mercifully twist it around whatever came in contact with it. 
 
 But Rover, who held his eye fixed on his hereditary ene- 
 6*
 
 66 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 my, could not long brook her insulting mirth, and set up a 
 bark of defiance, which at once changed the frolic of her face 
 into a gaze of fear and aversion, her mottled back rose with 
 astonishing dignity ; and retreating a few steps she stood on 
 the defensive, elevating one paw to retain the riband ; but a 
 second and fiercer shout from Rover drove her within the 
 door, with a portentous growl, where she remained secure ; 
 her dilated eyes and long whiskers occasionally protruded 
 from her lurking place, to ascertain the movements of the 
 enemy. The dog was about to leap the wicket in pursuit of 
 her, when the voice and well-known whistle of his master re- 
 called him ; and, at the same time attracted the attention of 
 Miriam Grey. She started in confusion and blushed deeply 
 at finding herself so closely observed. Major Atherton bow- 
 ed, and passed on ; but could not refrain from turning his 
 head to look back at her ; she was at the moment examining 
 her disfigured riband, and then patting her affrighted pet, re- 
 tired into the house and closed the door. 
 
 ' What is the matter with you, Miriam ? ' enquired Lois 
 Grey, as her cousin entered the room, where she was sitting, 
 with a few female, visitors ; ' has any thing alarmed you ? ' 
 
 ' Nothing in the world, Lois ; but see my beautiful ribands, 
 which were the pride of my new cap, and now they are quite 
 spoiled.' 
 
 ' It is a mere trifle, Miriam ; but you are always so heed- 
 less.' 
 
 ' Dear cousin, you must blame my mischievous kitten. I 
 would not care,' she added in a lower tone, but I have been 
 saving them so long to grace your wedding, Lois ! ' 
 
 Nonsense ! ' said Lois, quickly ; ' give me the knot, Mir- 
 iam ; you think me ingenious, and, perhaps, I can make it 
 look tolerable again.' 
 
 ' Such worldly vanities,' observed an elderly female, ' are
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 67 
 
 empty and unsatisfying as the wind ; and I do fear, Miriam 
 Grey, that your heart is too much bound up in them.' 
 
 ' Not my heart, good mistress Gilbert,' returned the dam- 
 sel, ' these vanities reach no further than my head, and some- 
 times touch only the outside of that.' 
 
 ' They are all relics of popery,' replied the other, ' we read, 
 that the heathenish Egyptians were decked out in ornaments 
 of gold, and goodly apparel, and were they not fearfully pun- 
 ished for their idolatry ? ' 
 
 ' Yet,' returned Miriam, ' the Israelites borrowed these 
 same ornaments for their own use, and were permitted to 
 carry them from the land of Egypt.' 
 
 1 And the Lord gave them up to their wicked imaginations,' 
 replied the dame, ' and they made a golden calf in the wil- 
 derness and bowed down before it, and worshiped it.' 
 
 ' Well, Mistress Gilbert, I cannot make a calf of this poor 
 knot of ribands ; and I am sure nobody will ever admire it 
 now.' 
 
 Miriam Grey rose from her seat, as she finished speaking, 
 and the brief pause which ensued, was broken by a female, 
 somewhat past the bloom of youth, who was looking earnest- 
 ly from a window. 
 
 ' Was not that the stranger they call Major Atherton,' she 
 asked, ' who past just as you left the door, Miriam ? ' 
 
 'I believe it was the same.' 
 
 ' He has left the crag then,' whispered Lois Grey, to her 
 cousin ; ' I thought the blue knot gave you an unusual 
 color.' 
 
 ' That must be the youth whom they say is near akin to 
 our Captain,' observed another female, who had remained si- 
 lent in a corner until her companions began to imagine she 
 had fallen asleep, or gone into a trance. 
 
 ' It is,' said Lois Grey ; ' he arrived here during his kins-
 
 gg PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 man's absence t and the Governor entertained him in his own 
 house, till Captain Standish returned from the Massachusetts. 
 It is said he is courteous and well-disposed.' 
 
 And yet,' resumed the spinster, ' he has a strange way of 
 staring with his eyes ; he looked so bold at the window as he 
 passed, I was fain 'to turn away.' 
 
 ' Indeed ! ' said Miriam gravely, though her brow slightly 
 curved, 'he was probably admiring the view.' 
 
 ' I wonder what has brought him to this country,' said Lois 
 Grey ; ' he does not seem of our religion, and has been in the 
 service of the king.' 
 
 The female whose silence rendered her quite a prodigy in 
 the group, answered in a mysterious tone. 
 
 ' They do say that he is a papist, sent over by the queen to 
 spy out the " nakedness of the land," as scripture hath it; by 
 which I mean, to watch the chosen people of this country, to 
 whom the rulers of the kingdom bear no good will.' 
 
 1 1 cannot believe that,' said the spinster; 'such a comely 
 and well-favored youth ! ' for like most maidens, even old 
 ones, her feelings balanced in favor of a handsome young 
 man. 
 
 ' The Lord forgive him, if it is so,' cried Mistress Gilbert, 
 with uplifted eyes ; ' and now I think of it, did you see how 
 he stood at the meeting, when he first went in, with his face 
 covered, praying to himself, as it were ? ' 
 
 ' He is, probably, of the church of England,' said Lois 
 Grey ; ' and that is one of its forms.' 
 
 ' It is an evil form, which savoreth of the mark of the 
 beast,' returned Mistress Gilbert; 'and I do much marvel, 
 that our worthy Governor could harbor such an one in his 
 family.' 
 
 ' And,' resumed the silent one, who seemed suddenly in-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 69 
 
 spired, ' his hair was like unto Absalom's, falling over his 
 neck and forehead to please the eyes of the vain and worldly.' 
 
 ' It is an awful thing,' said Mistress Gilbert, to see young 
 people given up to follow the devices of the sons of Belial. 
 Now I think, Miriam Grey, that worthy Master Ashly is an 
 example to our youths : it does one good to see how closely 
 his hair is clipped.' 
 
 ' His head certainly contains very little,' replied Miriam, 
 with the utmost gravity. 
 
 ' That it does not,' returned the dame, ' there is not on it a 
 hair more than our godly ministers have in their pulpits and 
 assemblies thought proper to recommend.' 
 
 1 True,' answered Miriam, ' it is as smooth and round as a 
 green pumpkin.' 
 
 ' And it is edifying,' continued the other, ' to hear him pro- 
 phesy in our meetings ; his " words are like arrows," and 
 they enter into the " bones and marrow." ' 
 
 ' They are apt to stick long in the ear,' observed the dam- 
 sel. 
 
 ' Yes,' replied Mistress Gilbert, ' he is gifted with a spirit 
 of utterance ; and it is thought that if one of our pious dea- 
 cons should be called to " put off his fleshly tabernacle," he 
 would be chosen to " fill up the breach." ' 
 
 ' May our worthy deacons be long continued to us,' said 
 Miriam Grey, ' that our churches may have peace and be" 
 edified.' 
 
 ' We must leave the event to Providence, Miriam Grey; 
 but as the aged Eli waxed in years, the people cast their eyes 
 upon young Samuel to minister in his place.' 
 
 ' Your doctrine savors of worldly wisdom, Mistress Gil- 
 bert.' 
 
 ' God forbid,' ejaculated the dame, ' that our spiritual con-
 
 70 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 cerns should have aught to do with the affairs of this transi- 
 tory state.' 
 
 Their dialogue was here interrupted by the sound of ap- 
 proaching footsteps, and the subject of their conversation after 
 a preparatory hem, and a slight scraping of his feet, entered 
 the apartment. The femate visitors exchanged knowing 
 looks, and then fixed their eyes on Miriam Grey, probably to 
 discover from her countenance what effect the unexpected ap- 
 pearance of her guest might produce upon her feelings ; and 
 her easy and unembarrassed manner evidently perplexed 
 them. Mr. Ashly paid his respects to the company with 
 great civility, reserving his last bow for Miriam, and perhaps 
 intending it for his best ; but by one of those unlucky chances 
 that often defeat our favorite projects, it proved particularly 
 awkward ; a circumstance, which not only excited a slight 
 smile on the lips of the damsel, but likewise covered the young 
 man with confusion, who plunged into the nearest chair and 
 thrice crossed his legs before he could assume a comfortable 
 position. 
 
 Benjamin Ashly had long been considered the lover of Mir- 
 iam Grey; nor did he ever deny his pretensions, though he 
 had not as yet been able to extort from the maiden a word or 
 look to support them ; while her alternate reserve and play- 
 ful familiarity kept him in a state of anxious suspense. Still 
 he was encouraged by the kindness of her father, who openly 
 favored his suit ; and unable to command sufficient resolu- 
 tion to learn his destiny from her own lips, he remained the 
 prey of doubt and distrust ; and with the diffidence which 
 sincere affection invariably produces on a timid mind, his 
 wish to please, and dread of offending, continually embarrass- 
 ed him, and destroyed the advantages he might otherwise 
 have acquired in the eyes of his mistress. His person and 
 countenance were naturally rather agreeable than otherwise,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 71 
 
 though the puritanical cut of his head, which Mistress Gil- 
 bert so highly commended, was certainly unbecoming; and 
 the excessive gravity of his features presented a strong and 
 almost absurd contrast to their youthful appearance. Edu- 
 cated in the strictest manner of his sect, he was early taught 
 to consider an outward conformity to its prescribed forms, of 
 essential importance ; and though really upright in conduct 
 and sincere in his professions, the bigotry of his principles 
 had tended to narrow his intellect, and prematurely to des- 
 troy the vivacity and cheerfulness of youth. 
 
 ' Here is my father's elbow chair, will you take it, Mr. 
 Ashly ? ' said Miriam Grey, rising with alacrity, and really 
 anxious to dispel his embarrassment. 
 
 ' Thank you, Miriam ; ' and he settled into it with a grate- 
 ful look, and a smile reflected from her own countenance, ' I 
 hope,' he added, ' the good man is well ! ' 
 
 ' Quite well, but very busy ; our loaded cornfields require 
 much labor, and he has yet to prepare for his intended voy- 
 age.' 
 
 ' Captain Martin will sail shortly, I understand,' observed 
 Mr. Ashly ; ' the departure of your father, Miriam, will re- 
 move a candlestick from our temple.' 
 
 ' Do not speak of it, Mr. Ashly : I cannot yet endure the 
 thought of a separation from him,' and Miriam bent her 
 head to conceal a tear, which she in vain struggled to sup- 
 press. 
 
 ' He is in the keeping of One, who will never forsake those 
 who put their trust in him,' said the youth, in a softened voice : 
 ' and you have many friends, Miriam, to comfort you during 
 his brief absence.' 
 
 ' I do not indulge in idle fears for his safety,' returned Mir- 
 iam ; ' but if I might be allowed to share his fatigues and 
 dangers, I should be happy.'
 
 72 PEEP AT THE PILGUIMS. 
 
 4 And would you leave me alone, and in solitude ? ' asked 
 Lois Grey, reproachfully. 
 
 ' Not alone, dear Lois,' replied Miriam, her face again 
 brightening into smiles, ' but with one whose society is far 
 dearer to you than mine can be.' 
 
 Miriam spoke in a low voice, which however reached the 
 ears of the spinster, who was remarkably acute in detecting 
 sounds of mysterious import. 
 
 ' I thought,' she said, ' something like that would happen 
 before Mr. Grey left the country ; but we shall know all about 
 it in good time, I suppose.' 
 
 ' Are you speaking of a wedding, Rebecca Spindle ? ' asked 
 Mistress Gilbert. ' Well, you need not blush about it, Lois 
 Grey, marriage is a divine institution, and wisely ordained 
 for the happiness of mankind, as it is written, " it is not good 
 for man to be alone." ' 
 
 ' That is as people choose to think, Mistress Gilbert,' said 
 Rebecca Spindle, ' as the apostle hath it, " the married woman 
 careth for the things of the world that she may please her 
 husband, but the unmarried woman seeketh to please the 
 Lord," and I have hitherto experienced the benefit of the ex- 
 hortation, and resisted all temptations to alter my present 
 state.' 
 
 ' Your temptations have doubtless been manifold,' said Mir- 
 iam Grey; 'but I trust you will now have strength to perse- 
 vere unto the end.' 
 
 'God willing, it is my intention,' she replied, 'unless it 
 should be clearly my duty to enter into a wedded state. But 
 I would not blame you, Mistress Lois, for holding a different 
 mind.' 
 
 ' Perhaps our opinions on the subject, are not so very dif- 
 ferent;' said Lois, smiling. 'But do you know Benjamin 
 Ashly, if any passengers go out in the ship with my uncle ? '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 73 
 
 ' I have heard of none ; but there was a young gentleman, 
 a kinsman of Captain Standish, came hither in her, as I am 
 informed, to view the country; perchance, he may be ready 
 to return at that time.' 
 
 ' I wish he may,' said Miriam, ' my father would find much 
 pleasure in the society of an agreeable companion.' 
 
 ' Do you know aught of him ? ' asked Mr. Ashly, in an anx- 
 ious tone. 
 
 ' Nothing, but our Governor commends his courtesy and 
 polite accomplishments, and his countenance speaks well for 
 him.' 
 
 1 You have seen him then ? ' rejoined Master Ashly. 
 
 ' By chance only, once or twice ; but I think he can hard- 
 ly have satisfied his curiosity yet, in looking at this new 
 world.' 
 
 'He is a son of the church,' observed Mistress Gilbert, 
 ' and what lot or portion can he have in our favored Zion ? ' 
 
 ' Churchman or not, he is certainly a most comely looking 
 young gentleman,' said Mistress Spindle, whose thoughts 
 evidently reverted with pleasure to the handsome stranger. 
 
 ' Judge not by the outward appearance, Rebecca Spindle,' 
 returned the matron ; ' but remember that the " Lord looketh 
 at the heart ; " these time-serving idolaters of images and 
 ceremonies are well likened unto white sepulchres, which 
 are indeed, " outwardly fair," but within, full of " all un- 
 cleanness ! " ' 
 
 ' And we also read,' said Miriam Grey, "judge not, that ye 
 be not judged ; " and what right have we to condemn one, of 
 whom we have heard no evil ? ' 
 
 ' The Lord forgive you, Miriam Grey ! I should have ex- 
 pected the child of one so godly and gifted as thy father is, 
 would have too much regard for our privileged mode of wor- 
 ship which, as our minister hath it, is derived from the 
 7
 
 74 PEEP AT THE PiLGKLMS. 
 
 apostles themselves, and the rites of the primitive church, and 
 is the only sure method of salvation, to be upholding the vain 
 superfluities of these disciples of Anti-Christ.' 
 
 4 1 can value my own privileges and opinions, Mistress 
 Gilbert, and yet have some charity for those who differ from 
 me. I doubt not there are many sincere Christians, even in 
 the church of England.' 
 
 * It may be so,' returned Mistress Gilbert, with an incredu- 
 lous shake of the head, ' I would not be uncharitable ; but 
 there are older and wiser ones than you, child, who believe 
 them to have gone clean astray from the word, following 
 the devices of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of 
 iniquity.' 
 
 4 1 think,' observed Benjamin Ashly, first stealing a hesi- 
 tating look at Miriam, 4 1 think, Mistress Gilbert is very able 
 in her reference to the scriptures, which are in truth our only 
 sure guides ; and my poor memory might furnish me with di- 
 vers illustrations of what she hath spoken therefrom but, 
 but,' he stopped abruptly ; for the eye of Miriam was fixed 
 upon him, and he found it impossible to withdraw his gaze 
 from the face, whose arch expression completely disconcerted 
 him; but at length relieved by a fit of coughing, he ventured 
 to proceed : 
 
 4 1 believe we can no where find any foundation, for the 
 Popish custom of reading prayers from a printed book, which 
 must have been a conceit and invention of the evil one, to 
 save careless and worldly minded men, the trouble of compo- 
 sing, and digesting their own thoughts ; neither can I find the 
 custom of kneeling to repeat such prayers, authorized in the 
 pages of Holy Writ ; and I know not by what arguments you 
 can seek to uphold it, Miriam Grey.' 
 
 4 You entirely mistake me, Master Ashly,' returned Mir- 
 iam. 4 Heaven forbid that I should seek to justify the errors
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 75 
 
 and superstitions of a church, which has loaded with calumny 
 and persecution, those who presumed to differ from her, in 
 forms and faith ; or that I should cease to prize, far above 
 every earthly blessing, the pure and simple worship, which 
 our fathers have established in this wilderness, and for which, 
 they have sacrificed ease and comfort, endured the scorn of 
 enemies, the reproach of friends, and the loss of all, that the 
 world esteems most dear and desirable. No,' she added with 
 energy, ' the daughter of a devoted, self-denying Christian, 
 of one, who forsook fortune, kindred, and country, to plant 
 the truth, and establish a Christian church and colony, in an 
 unknown savage land, would not exchange her proud title, to 
 become the jeweled empress of a world ! ' Mr. Ashly regard- 
 ed the glowing countenance of the maiden, with mingled awe 
 and admiration ; but quickly resuming her usual playfulness 
 of manner, she continued : 
 
 ' I did not intend to enter into the lists of controversy with 
 you, Mr. Ashly ; and I crave your pardon, Mistress Gilbert, 
 you were speaking of Major Atherton.' 
 
 ' Yes, but I am sure I know no harm of the youth, apart 
 from his false doctrines, of which, may he have grace given 
 him to repent and turn away from ; and I do in truth, wish 
 him well, for the sake of his kinsman, our brave Captain.' 
 
 ' Our Captain,' said Rebecca Spindle, 'was himself once of 
 the church, and don't you remember, Mistress Gilbert, when 
 we first came over from Holland, I was then but a child, as it 
 were, that there were some who thought he was not over 
 sparing of Indian blood.' 
 
 ' Yes, I do ;' returned the other, ' they were wild savages, to 
 be sure, who had no bowels of mercy in them ; but they had 
 souls to be saved, as well as ourselves ; and as that man of 
 God, Mr. Robinson, the like of whom, I fear, will not rise 
 up again in our Israel, as he wrote from Leyden to our
 
 76 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 church of Plymouth, in the grief of his righteous spirit, " he 
 would that they had converted some, before they had killed 
 any." ' 
 
 ' I am afraid,' said Miriam, ' that none of us would have 
 been left alive, either to kill or convert them, if he had waited 
 their time. No, our Captain is a good man, as well as brave 
 and fearless ; as my father says, he is one who " chose to suf- 
 fer affliction with the people of God," and "through faith 
 wax valiant in fight, and turn to flight the armies of the 
 aliens."' 
 
 ' And his young kinsman has been long in the king's army, 
 I understand,' said Lois Grey. 
 
 'I thought as much,' observed Mistress Spindle, 'he has 
 such an upright carriage, and moves so straight and easy, 
 though he did twist aside, somewhat, to look into this 
 window.' ,. 
 
 ' And is it not strange,' remarked Mistress Gilbert, ' that a 
 reasonable creature, who has been safely brought over the 
 yawning deep, where he has seen the wonders of the Lord, 
 should not render public thanks in the tabernacle for his good- 
 ness ? I wonder, that, like Pharaoh and his host, he was not 
 overturned in the sea, or, as another Jonah, swallowed by a 
 monster of the floods ! ' 
 
 ' Probably it is not the custom of his church,' said Miriam 
 Grey. 
 
 ' Very likely,' returned the dame, ' I doubt they are sparing 
 of their offerings ; these children of an idolatrous and polluted 
 church ; but when do our chosen people delay to put up a 
 note, to ask the prayers of the congregation in seasons of mer- 
 cy or affliction ? ' 
 
 'It is, doubtless, a scriptural and edifying practice,' rejoined 
 Mr. Ashly, < for it is a good thing to give thanks unto the 
 Lord, and praise is comely in his eyes.'
 
 \ 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 77 
 
 'If the heart is sincere,' observed Lois, 'our ignorance of 
 forms will doubtless be forgiven.' 
 
 Lois Grey, had at that moment put the finishing stroke to 
 her cousin's knot of ribbons, which formed the principal 
 ornament to a new cap, of more courtly fashion, than was 
 usually thought consistent with the extreme simplicity of 
 dress, at that time adopted by the Puritans ; and, in the height 
 of her surprise and pleasure at its renovated beauty, Miriam 
 Grey forgot the recent reproof of Mistress Gilbert, and, flying 
 to a looking glass, began to arrange it on her head. The 
 whole assembly was mute during this proceeding. Mistress 
 Gilbert looked at her, with the air of one who considered any 
 farther words on the subject, as ' pearls east before swine ; ' 
 the silent female nodded as usual ; Rebecca Spindle watched 
 her with curiosity, Lois Grey with some interest; and the 
 quick eye of Miriam detected the figure of Mr. Ashly reflect- 
 ed in the mirror, sitting, as he supposed, remote from her ob- 
 servation, and regarding her with undisguised admiration. A 
 spice of coquetry, perhaps, and what girl of eighteen is quite 
 free from it ? induced Miriam Grey to push back the lawn 
 cap, which partly concealed her snowy brow, and leisurely 
 arrange several braids of glossy brown hair, then carefully 
 adjusting her new head-gear, she turned suddenly to the 
 abashed young man, and inquired in a tone of simplicity 
 
 ' Do you like it, Benjamin Ashly ? ' 
 
 ' I like every thing of thine, Miriam,' he answered in a low 
 voice, and quickly approaching her, for once forgetful of his 
 habitual reserve 
 
 ' That will do, pray sit down again, Mr. Ashly,' said the 
 damsel, in a hurried accent, herself completely abashed by 
 his unexpected manner and reply, nor had her heightened 
 complexion quite faded to its usual delicacy, when her father 
 entered the room. 
 
 7*
 
 78 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Mr. Grey, after paying due courtesy to his guests, ap- 
 proached his daughter, and surveyed her a moment in 
 silence, with a look of peculiar meaning, which did not at all 
 lessen her confusion. 
 
 What are you looking at, so steadfastly, dear father? 
 inquired Miriam, turning up her face to him, perhaps to ob- 
 serve his countenance better, or it might be, to throw the blue 
 knot into the back ground ; for it was, in truth, the gayest 
 she had ever ventured to wear. 
 
 'It is this which surprises me, Miriam,' returned her father, 
 laying his hand upon the ribbon, which at once yielded to his 
 touch. 
 
 ' Dear father, pray do not crumple it so ; indeed you will 
 quite spoil it.' 
 
 ' And is it in a Christian assembly, Miriam Grey, that you 
 would exhibit this vain bauble ? ' 
 
 ' Any where, no where, if you will spare it father ; my kit- 
 ten has pulled it in pieces once to-day, but she did it in sport, 
 and Lois has been so kind as to repair it for me.' 
 
 ' It is too, too gay,' said her father, ' I would not see you, 
 my child, decked out in garlands, like a victim prepared for 
 sacrifice, or a pagan image set up for worship.' 
 
 1 1 am sure, father, no one would liken a woman to an im- 
 age, who was within the sound of her tongue.' 
 
 ' And where did you get this gaudy thing, Miriam ?' 
 ' My aunt sent it me from England,' returned Miriam, ' it 
 came with my new hood and scarf, and you remember that 
 you thought they looked very brave at first, but in a little time 
 you grew familiar with them, and said they would do for a 
 giddy young thing like me now dear father,' and she laid 
 her hand playfully on his arm ' my head is not much 
 older or wiser than it was then, so I think this will not dis- 
 please you bye and bye.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 79 
 
 ' Do you know, Miriam,' resumed Mr. Grey, c that a law 
 of our land has enacted fines and penalties against those who 
 indulge in costly apparel and immodest fashions ? ' 
 
 ' I remember it well, father ; for at that very time, my kind 
 aunt had given me an embroidered 'kerchief, which I was 
 compelled to lay aside, till it was quite ruined. But I am 
 sure this cap is not immodest, and it cost me nothing but the 
 trouble of writing an epistle of thanks.' 
 
 ' Your aunt is very mindful of you, Miriam ; but slie is apt 
 to forget that we have renounced those vanities, which allure 
 the worldly to their destruction. What says the apostle Paul 
 upon the subject ?' 
 
 ' I forget the exact words,' said Miriam, ' something 
 it is about plaiting the hair, and wearing goodly apparel.' 
 
 'Go, learn the passage from your Bible, Miriam, and I will 
 leave the application to your own conscience.' 
 
 ' Indeed, I will not wear any thing which is displeasing to 
 you, dear father; and in truth, the sacrifice is too trifling to 
 cause one moment's regret.' 
 
 ' Consult your inclinations, my child,' returned her father, 
 ' I know you would not willingly give the world occasion to 
 speak reproachfully of yourself or me, and I am only anxious 
 to see you adorned with the " ornament of a meek and quiet 
 spirit," which is indeed a "jewel of great price." ' 
 
 When Lois Grey retired to her chamber, at night, she 
 found her cousin busily engaged in twining the obnoxious 
 ribbons round the frame of a small picture, which ornamented 
 the apartment, representing a thick waisted Dutch peasant 
 girl, glowing in the richness of Flemish colors, though di- 
 vers fearful cracks in the canvass bore undoubted witness to 
 her great antiquity. Miriam turned round with a smiling 
 countenance as Lois Grey entered the room. 
 
 ' I am hanging this up for a peace offering, Lois,' she said,
 
 80 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 < and I am sure good Mistress Gilbert herself would not do it 
 with greater pleasure, though she might bring forward more 
 texts of Scripture, than I can just now think of, to prove the 
 necessity of it.' 
 
 ' Are you quite willing to give it up, Miriam ? ' 
 
 ' Do I look unwilling, Lois ? no, it is rather gay for me, 
 and on the whole, I think something else will look as well for 
 the wedding.' 
 
 ' The wedding seems a great event with you, Miriam ; is 
 it because Benjamin Ashly is to be invited ! ' 
 
 ' Benjamin Ashly ! good night, Lois, I am fast asleep. 
 But I will just ask you, if one would not think it must take 
 him a long time to close his enormous eyes ? why, I thought, 
 to-day they looked as big as chocolate basins.' 
 
 ( Is that a dream, Miriam ?' 
 
 ' Yes ; you need not wake up to interpret it. Good night 
 Lois, once again !'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 81 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Scenes must be beautiful, which daily viewed, 
 Please daily. 
 
 COWPER. 
 
 MAJOR ATHERTON, after a long interview with Captain 
 Martin, repaired to the Governor's, where the remainder of 
 the evening glided swiftly away ; and if the testimony of 
 Mistress Rebecca Spindle may be relied on, who related the 
 circumstance, with an air of mysterious caution, to some half 
 dozen of wondering female friends, on the following day he 
 was seen loitering around the dwelling of Miriam Grey, pre- 
 cisely at the hour, when the music of the vesper psalm was 
 heard to issue from a room, where occasionally a figure flit- 
 ting before the shaded windows, denoted the family were as- 
 sembled. 
 
 Perhaps it was a gossip's story; but however that may be, 
 his absence was prolonged, till Captain Standish became un- 
 easy ; and, fearful that he had missed his way in the forest, 
 dispatched a stout young man, who served him in various ca- 
 pacities, both within doors and without, to search for his kins- 
 man and guide him back. But the heart of the emissary 
 quaked, when he found himself alone, at the entrance of a 
 forest of lofty trees, so thickly matted, that scarcely a ray of 
 the rising moon could pierce their foliage ; and after listening 
 with trembling nerves, till fancy had conjured up a thousand 
 terrific sounds, he thought fit to retire from the danger ; and, 
 ashamed to encounter his master's eye, entered an out-build- 
 ing, and threw himself on a bundle of straw. There he lay, 
 listening for the returning steps of Atherton, as a signal to 
 sally out ,- but, unfortunately, long before they reached his
 
 82 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ears, he sunk into a deep slumber, from which he was at 
 length unceremoniously aroused by a smart blow from the 
 flat side of the Captain's broad sword, accompanied by the 
 angry tones of his voice. 
 
 'Is this the way you obey my commands, you lazy 
 loon ?' 
 
 The man started on his feet, simultaneously rubbing his 
 eyes and the shoulder which had received the blow ; and 
 more alarmed than he had been in the woods, began to stam- 
 mer forth an apology. 
 
 ' I did go, please your honor, but the wolves made a fear- 
 ful howling, and I thought no Christian man woyld want me 
 to put myself in their mouths.' 
 
 ' The wolves ! you poltroon ! no fear that they would relish 
 such a cowardly knave ; no, no, David, even the wild beasts 
 would snuff at thee ; they love to pick the bones of braver 
 men than thou art. But the next time you escape their jaws 
 in this way, I'll have you tied to the whipping-post, or put in 
 the stocks till your legs ache : so away with you.' 
 
 David, obedient to orders, commenced his retreat with as 
 much alacrity, as his illustrious namesake evinced, when 
 eluding the javelin of Saul ; but on the way, he received an- 
 other stroke, in the rear, which not a little accelerated his 
 speed. Captain Standish and his attendants then left the 
 building, to which they had been- attracted by observing the 
 dog which followed David, lying at the entrance, where 
 the sonorous music of the young man's nose betrayed his sit- 
 uation within ; for Major Atherton had returned without 
 meeting him, and the party set out to learn his fate. 
 
 ' Well, cousin Atherton,' said Captain Standish, as they 
 rose from breakfast the next morning, ' since you have not 
 engaged a passage back to England, with Captain Martin, I 
 conclude you intend to winter amongst us; and, before spring
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 83 
 
 arrives, perhaps we may persuade you to pitch your tent 
 with us for life ; ha, Major ?' 
 
 ' You .may find it necessary to exert your persuasive pow- 
 ers in the opposite scale,' replied Atherton ; ' J confess I am 
 so happy here, that the time of my return seems every day 
 more distant and uncertain. I am here, too, removed from 
 the scene of active duties, which lately occupied me, and 
 feel less keenly the sacrifice I have been compelled to make 
 in relinquishing my profession. 
 
 ' Ah, you left both that and your country in good time, 
 Major Atherton, if you have no mind to be set about fighting 
 with your own flesh and blood. There must be warm work 
 in England, before long, if King Charles makes such a fuss 
 about his parliaments, and continues to persecute his dissent- 
 ing subjects, as he has lately done.' 
 
 ' He has bad counselors,' said Atherton ; ' but is himself, 
 a virtuous and humane prince, and really solicitous for the 
 happiness of his people.' 
 
 ' I believe it, from my heart,' replied the Captain ; ' and I 
 would cheerfully shed the last drop of my blood, to sustain 
 the honor of his illustrious name ; but I still maintain, that 
 every man has a right to judge for himself, in matters of faith 
 and conscience ; and so long as we remain peaceable and 
 loyal subjects, neither king, nor bishop, is privileged to molest 
 us, for thinking differently from themselves.' 
 
 ' An established religion is certainly desirable,' said Ather- 
 ton, ' and I am inclined to believe that those who fled from 
 persecution, and have here founded a Church, on what you 
 term apostolic principles, would be as severe towards those of 
 different modes and opinions, and as much influenced by 
 prejudice, as the church of England has ever been, in regard 
 to her dissenting children.' 
 
 ' Well, well, cousin Atherton, we will not begin with call-
 
 84 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ing you to account, unless some amongst us should see fit to 
 imitate the Massachusetts people, who are always fond of 
 raising a breeze. But they have got a woman in hand now, 
 who, I doubt not will give them trouble enough, with her 
 Antinomianism, and other conceits of the devil, who has been 
 a friend to the sex, ever since he had such good luck with 
 mother Eve. But I am going to walk, now ; and if you have 
 no better way of amusing yourself, will ask you to accom- 
 pany me.' 
 
 ' With all my heart : shall we try the woods again ?' 
 
 ' No, I should like to give you a glimpse of our Canaan, 
 from the top of mount Pisgah, yonder,' replied the Captain, 
 pointing to a hill, which rose to a considerable height above 
 the level of the Bay ; and to this day, is known by the name 
 of the < Captain's Hill.' 
 
 ' This,' he continued, as he led the way to its summit, by 
 a tolerable easy ascent, ' this hill, and the beautiful stretch of 
 land which you see running into the bay, was assigned to 
 me, by the Plymouth company ; and I think I may say with- 
 out boasting, that my farm looks as well as any of my 
 neighbors', though I hardly knew a hoe from a pitch-fork, till 
 I was obliged to use them, to satisfy the cravings of hunger; 
 for we had scanty rations, when we first came over here.' 
 
 ' And why were you located so far from the first settle- 
 ment?' asked Atherton. 
 
 ' We found it necessary to remove as our numbers in- 
 creased, to give each other elbow-room, and land enough to 
 cultivate ; and the old colony is still sending forth her chil- 
 dren to people new settlements. That village, lying at a 
 short distance north of us, is called Scituate, and is the only 
 town that has yet been incorporated; even Plymouth has no 
 bounds affixed to it, though the little clusters of houses which 
 you see here and there, bid fair to limit it ere long.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 85 
 
 ' Have you given any name to this tract of land ?' asked 
 Atherton ; ' you seem to have already gathered a flourishing 
 village around you.' 
 
 ' The Indian name is Matakeeset ; but we begin to call it 
 Duxborough, and hope, at the next sitting of our court to have 
 it incorporated. It is now nearly ten years since we first 
 felled the trees, and began to build our houses ; and, till with- 
 in two or three, I continued to reside at Plymouth, during the 
 winter season ; that being our head-quarters ; and it was a 
 long march through the snow-banks to do military duty ; for 
 we were obliged to keep on the look-out, lest the barbarous 
 savages should rally their undisciplined tribes, and come 
 howling upon us unawares.' 
 
 ' This is indeed, a glorious view,' said Alherton, who, lost 
 in admiration at the prospect opening before him, had scarcely 
 heeded the last remark. ' With what grandeur the swelling 
 ocean tosses its troubled waves, till lost, as it were, in the 
 immensity of space, it mingles with the dusky clouds that 
 rise, like gigantic mountains, from its foaming bosom ! Here 
 it seems lulled to rest, and scarcely ripples upon the silver 
 beach ; and again, it rolls proudly along the indented shore ; 
 and curving into 'a broad, full basin, breaks against the sandy 
 and barren promontory, which stretches yonder, as if in defi- 
 ance of its fury.' 
 
 'That is Cape Cod,' said Captain Standish ; 'the most 
 southerly point of the Massachusetts Bay ; and a dreary place 
 we found it, when we landed there, in the frosts of Novem- 
 ber. Our ship was driven in amongst dreadful shoals and 
 breakers, and right thankful we were, to step ashore on al- 
 most any spot. It was there we combined ourselves into a 
 body politic, enacted our first laws, and elected a Governor 
 for the following year; but the place being found incon- 
 venient to winter in, we made several voyages around the 
 8
 
 86 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 coast, to discover a better situation, and Providence at length 
 guided us to this harbor. We put into it in a storm of 
 wind and snow, in a dark and fearful night, and landed on 
 the fine wooded island which you see just below us, near by 
 the beach. It is named Clark's island, from the mate of the 
 ship, who first stepped upon it ; that other one, joined to the 
 Gurnet's Nose, by a strip of sand, is called Sanguish.' 
 
 ' They are pleasant objects,' replied Atherton ; ' and agree- 
 ably diversify the scene ; but how magnificent is the distant 
 view ! how beautifully the flitting clouds rest for a moment, 
 on the dark and undulating forests, and then pass off and 
 leave them glittering in the morning sun, and varied with the 
 thousand tints of autumn ! And to the north, far as my eye 
 can stretch, beyond these sloping hills, and hanging wood- 
 lands, and above the summits of the tallest trees, I see a 
 range of lofty mountains, blue as the skies which shelter 
 them, rising like monarchs of the surrounding wilderness.' 
 
 o o 
 
 'Those are the Blue hills of Massachusetts,' answered the 
 Captain ; ' they are the highest in the. colony, and the first 
 point of land visible, as you approach this coast. This is, 
 indeed, a noble prospect, and well worth the trouble of scram- 
 bling up here to gaze at. Look down, now, upon my house, 
 and see how warmly it is sheltered in that sunny valley. 
 Those trees, which shade it, were but saplings when I first 
 knew the spot ; and no foot but the wild Indian's had trod 
 those fields, where the ripened grains now wave in the light 
 sea-breeze.' 
 
 'I think, sir,' said Alherton, 'you have discovered much 
 taste, as well as good husbandry, in your improvements. 
 Those groups of trees are finely disposed about the dwelling ; 
 but what is that single one, shooting its branches with so 
 much regularity, from the aspiring trunk, and dropping its 
 leaves into the stream, which rushes by it; it is tricked out
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 87 
 
 in gaudy colors, and at this distance, might be mistaken for 
 a crimson banner floating on a citadel.' 
 
 'To me,' said the Captain, laughing, 'it looks more like a 
 fair weather officer, dressed up for a gala day ; and, like many 
 who strut well at a field review, is the first to shrink from 
 peril. The slightest touch of frost changes its hue, and its 
 gay foliage is conspicuous in our forests, long before any 
 other tree has dropped a withered leaf : it is the Maple, and I 
 planted that one with my own hand. 1 lived long enough in 
 England, Major Atherton, to learn the value of fine trees, 
 though many here seem to think there are enough in the 
 woods, without keeping them around their doors. Perhaps 
 my taste arises from the predilections of youth ; for, I well 
 remember, my father would as soon have seen the old walls 
 of Standish Hall razed to the foundations, as an old tree cut 
 down from the lawn.' 
 
 They are certainly no novelty in this country,' returned 
 Atherton ; ' but to me, it seems a strange perversion of taste, 
 which can induce any one to prefer those blackened stumps, 
 or desert plains, to the living green, which would so agree- 
 ably shelter their roofs. I perceive, too, sir, that you have 
 paid some regard to minor ornaments; that luxuriant sweet- 
 briar, chequering the casement with its dancing leaves, re- 
 minds me of the simplicity and neatness of an English 
 cottage.' 
 
 ' Ah, that is not to my liking,' replied the Captain ; ' the 
 prickly things are springing up everywhere, and tearing one 
 without mercy ; but I left that growing, to please my little 
 rose-bud Miriam Grey, who is for having every thing sweet 
 and flowering about her. She took a great fancy to this 
 one, and begged its life of me ; and I know not how it is, 
 but these pretty maidens will contrive to make us do any 
 thing they like.'
 
 88 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' It is even so,' said Atherton, smiling ; but that bush cer- 
 tainly looks very well, though it seems to require the prun- 
 ing-knife, just now ; and if you will allow me, I will try my 
 skill in training those crooked branches.' 
 
 ' Do, if your fingers are proof against the thorns ; and now 
 we will return to the house, if it please you ; yet stop, a 
 moment, cousin Atherton, and look once again around 
 you.' 
 
 ' I could scarcely weary of doing so,' replied Atherton, 
 ' and shall often ascend this hill, when I wish to regale my 
 eyes with the charms of nature.' 
 
 ' And could you be content to remain here for life ?' asked 
 the Captain. ' If you could, cast your eyes on the spot 
 which pleases you, and it is yours.' 
 
 'And would you have me renounce my country and 
 religion ?' said Atherton. 
 
 ' Your country will shortly renounce you,' replied the 
 Captain, ' unless you unsheath your sword against the de- 
 fenders of a faith which your mother loved; you must 
 become persecutor, or persecuted.' 
 
 ' And who will sustain the honor of my father's name, if 
 the last who bears it, flies from the land which gave him 
 birth ?' 
 
 ' It is only transplanting it to another region ; our country 
 is the same, and we are all subjects of the same gracious 
 king.' 
 
 ' Consider, dear sir,' said Atherton, ' that I am yet but 
 just landed on your shores; all is novelty to me ; and though 
 I am at present well pleased and happy, time alone can 
 strengthen or remove my prepossessions.' 
 
 ' True,' said the Captain, who perceived he had been pre- 
 mature in disclosing his wishes. ' We will wait patiently till 
 spring arrives ; young men are apt to waver in their minds,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 89 
 
 I know. At your age, I little dreamed of ending my days 
 in that cottage ; but we know not what is before us ; those 
 who deprived me of my lawful inheritance, and obliged me 
 to resign the privileges of my rank* and the home which 
 sheltered my infancy, to seek a name and subsistence in a 
 foreign land, doubtless intended it for evil to me ; but Provi- 
 dence, I trust, has made it instrumental of good to myself 
 and those who have relied on my arm for defence, in this 
 wilderness ; and I can now truly say, I would not exchange 
 my situation for all the luxuries of my youth, and all the dis- 
 tinctions which then seemed within my grasp.' 
 
 ' It is well,' said Atherton, ' that happiness is not confined 
 to any particular place or circumstances ; I am even inclined 
 to think that I could pass the remainder of my life in such a 
 cottage, without casting many fond looks after the gay world 
 which I have left behind me ; but at present I am a 
 wanderer on the face of the earth, and shall probably visit 
 many climes, before I return to England.' 
 
 ' We will think of that another time,' returned the Captain, 
 1 and now that you have seen the goodliness of the land, I 
 have but to show you some of its comely daughters, and we 
 can boast of many ruddy cheeks and bright eyes here, Major 
 Atherton.' 
 
 ' So I have seen, Captain ; but spare my heart in pity ; 
 you know I cannot give that away to one of your demure lit- 
 tle Puritans, without shaving my head ; and I should by no 
 means relish the alternative.' 
 
 1 We shall see,' answered the Captain, as they descended 
 the hill ; and after walking for a time about his farm, for he 
 would explain all its arrangements and conveniences, they 
 returned to the house at an early dinner hour. 
 
 When the repast was ended, Major Atherton left his kins- 
 man to enjoy a solitary pipe of tobacco, and commenced a 
 8*
 
 90 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 zealous attack on the sweet-briar, which he intended to make 
 resemble as nearly as possible, the beautiful one he had ob- 
 served around the windows of Miriam Grey ; but owing to 
 his want of skill perhaps, he lopped away branch after branch, 
 till nothing but a mere skeleton remained. Dissatisfied with 
 his own work, he was in the act of abandoning it, when the 
 dashing of oars in the water attracted his attention, and look- 
 ing round, he perceived a small boat approaching the shore, 
 and occupied by four persons ; two of whom were regarding 
 him with particular attention. These he quickly discovered 
 to be Miriam Grey and Peregrine White, who seemed en- 
 gaged in a merry conversation, of which Atherton fancied 
 himself the subject, though the damsel averted her eyes, and 
 half turned her light figure from him, when she found herself 
 observed. On the seat beside her reclined her father, with 
 folded arms, as if engrossed by his own meditations : his eyes, 
 now fixed upon the watery deep, and then turned up- 
 wards, apparently to watch the swelling clouds, which, 
 began to flit rapidly before a rising autumnal blast. 
 Benjamin Ashly wielded the oars with slow, but deter- 
 mined accuracy, and evidently listened to the conversation 
 of his companions, with a degree of interest that rendered 
 him inattentive to his manual exertions ; for the boat 
 was gliding past the spot where Major Atherton stood, when 
 Peregrine White, starting on his feet, and standing firm and 
 erect in the tossing bark, seized the arm of Ashly, with a 
 force and suddenness that almost ejected the oar from his 
 hand, and bowed the side of the vessel to the water's edge. 
 
 ' Bless me, Peregrine,' said Miriam Grey, catching her 
 father's arm ; ' you give us more exercise than the winds, 
 and in truth, I think they are less rude than your boyish tricks.' 
 
 ' Now don't be angry, Miriam ; for it was not me after all ; 
 but this grampus floundering about here. Ho! Benjamin
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 91 
 
 Ashly, are you asleep again ? I believe, on my conscience, 
 you were nodding at the oars just now.' 
 
 ' It would be well, Master Peregrine, if you would be quiet 
 a little oftener,' replied the other, in a grave voice. 
 
 ' Better said than done, that, Mr. Ashly ; but are you steer- 
 ing out to Cape Cod?' and, without ceremony he snatched the 
 oars from his hands and dashed them into the water, with 
 quick and powerful strokes, which brought them in a mo- 
 ment to the strand. 
 
 ' Why do you bring U3 here, young man ?' said Mr. Grey, 
 sternly ; ' is it to serve thy gamesome humor. at our expense ?' 
 
 ' No, sir,' replied Peregrine, an air of respect mingling 
 with his habitul levity ; 'but I wish to speak with Major Ath- 
 erton, who stands gazing at us from under the rose-bush, yon- 
 der ; and I am mistaken if my absence be much regretted 
 here.' 
 
 ' None, on my word, as we value our lives and comfort,' 
 said Miriam Grey ; and the sweet and sportive tones of her 
 voice fell like music on the ear of Atherton. 
 
 'Fare you well, then,' said Peregrine, springing on the 
 shore ; ' here are the paddles, Master Benjamin Ashly ; so 
 paddle yourself off swiftly, and dexterously; but have a care 
 that you don't flounce about and upset ; for the damsel there, 
 though she is light enough, cannot float forever, and you 
 would shoot to the bottom like a bullet.' 
 
 ' Methinks our voyage will prosper,' said Miriam, ' now 
 that we are no longer burthened with a Jonas to endanger 
 us.' 
 
 ' You will see me again in season to pilot you home,' said 
 Peregrine, elevating his voice as they receded from the shore, 
 ' and I will bring the Captain with me, shall I, Miriam ?' 
 
 Miriam nodded assent. 
 
 ' And Major Atherton ?' he added; but the damsel proba-
 
 92 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 bly did not hear ; for she turned, at the moment, to address 
 her father, and Peregrine laughing, proceeded towards the 
 house. 
 
 ' Well now, Major Atherton,' exclaimed the youth, ' why 
 don't you speak to me, instead of staring at the water, as if 
 there was a whale spouting in it ?' 
 
 'I am truly glad to see you,' returned Atherton; 'but I 
 was busily watching the boat you have just left ; see how 
 fast it scuds before the wind !' 
 
 ' It is a trim little bark enough,' replied Peregrine, ' and 
 decked out with fair lading, as I doubt not you were 
 thinking.' 
 
 ' It dances like an egg-shell,' pursued Atherton ; ' and I 
 should think there are few females, who would not feel some 
 degree of alarm on such tossing waves.' 
 
 ' There is really no danger,' said Peregrine ; ' and Miriam 
 Grey would be the last person in the world to imagine it ; she 
 is used to such things, and never plagues one with her idle 
 fears, like other women.' 
 
 ' How far are they going ?' asked Atherton. 
 
 ' Just round the bay, to a house near the beach, north of us. 
 I fell in with them by good luck, as they were pushing off 
 from Plymouth, and I was thinking how I should get here 
 this afternoon without taxing my legs with the trouble of 
 bringing me. It was long though, before I could make that 
 round-eared Ashly hear my call; for which I owe him a 
 ducking, and I have some idea, that the old man himself, 
 would have been as well pleased if I had staid behind.' 
 
 ' You mean to wait here till they return ?' asked Atherton. 
 
 ' No, I'll not trust to their stopping for me, and I want you 
 and Captain Standish to go with me and meet them at wor- 
 thy Mr. Woodman's. You shall have a treat from Benjamin 
 Ashly, who, I know, means to hold forth like a saint, and 
 Miriam Grey will look '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. Uo 
 
 'Like an angel, I suppose you would say,' interrupted Ath- 
 erton, with a smile ; ' but here comes the Captain, who can 
 speak for himself.' 
 
 ' Ah !' said Captain Standish, at that moment thrusting his 
 head from the door. ' I thought you were here, Master Per- 
 egrine ; I could no more mistake the sound of your tongue, 
 than I could the clapper of a wind-mill.' 
 
 ' You mean that they both make a noise, I suppose,' said 
 Peregrine ; ' and in my mind, they were both made for that 
 purpose.' 
 
 ' Yes, and they are both used to grinding out chaff,' said 
 the Captain. 
 
 ' Which shows that there is some good grain at the bot- 
 tom, and so Captain, I expect mine will sprout up, and pro- 
 duce a wonderful harvest some of these days.' 
 
 ' May the time be hastened,' said the Captain ; ' or we shall 
 begin to think it is choked by the tares.' 
 
 1 All in good time, Captain. And now I will deliver my 
 message, if it please you to hear.' 
 
 ' Speak on, young man.' 
 
 ' Well,' continued Peregrine, ' you see yon skiff, dipping 
 into the waves like a sea-gull ! It landed me safe in your do- 
 minions, and a certain laughing damsel, called Miriam Grey,' 
 
 ' Ah ! my little rose-bud !' interrupted the Captain, ' and 
 why did she come so near without stopping to see me ?' 
 
 ' I do not know, indeed,' replied the youth, unless Major 
 Atherton, who was standing there, like a giant to defend your 
 castle, frightened her away.' 
 
 ' I should be sorry to produce such an effect on her,' said 
 Atherton, laughing. 
 
 1 You are right,' returned Peregrine, archly. ' I am think- 
 ing you meditated something entirely different.' 
 
 ' Young maidens are not apt to be alarmed at the sight of
 
 94 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 a gallant young man,' observed the Captain ; ' but, bless me, 
 Major Atherton, what have you been doing to this briar- 
 bush ?' 
 
 'Trimming it,' said Atherton ; 'though I must confess, it is 
 done clumsily enough. I intended it should look precisely 
 like Miriam Grey's.' 
 
 ' It looks as much like her's,' said Peregrine White, ' as 
 she does like mistress Rebecca Spindle ; but I crave your 
 pardon, Captain ; perhaps the spinster is a favorite of 
 yours.' 
 
 ' You are a saucy lad, Peregrine, and not worth the mind- 
 ing, or I should try to mend your manners with the point of 
 my sword.' 
 
 ' With your leave, Captain, I think it might help to make 
 a breach in my manners ; but I doubt if it would readily 
 mend them.' 
 
 ' No, no, boy; they are past all mending; but, if it please 
 you, unburthen yourself of the remainder of that message ; 
 I am waiting to hear it now.' 
 
 ' The message ! oh, it is that you will go with me to Mas- 
 ter Woodman's, and spend an hour or so ; Miriam Grey ex- 
 pects you, and likewise Major Atherton.' 
 
 ' Take care, Master Peregrine,' said Atherton, 'remember 
 I was near you, and could hear all that passed.' 
 
 ' True, and now I recollect, Major, she did not want you ; 
 but you do not know what she said before we reached the 
 shore.' 
 
 ' Perhaps it was something I should not care to hear.' 
 
 'It was nothing very remarkable,' said Peregrine; 'she 
 only wondered who that tall savage could be, who was hack- 
 ing up her rose-bush so unmercifully, and said ' 
 
 ' That is quite enough,' interrupted Atherton. 
 
 ' Oho, you have not had the cream of it. She says '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 95 
 
 * Never mind the girl,' interposed the Captain ; ' she is 
 privileged to say any thing that suits her ; and now let me 
 know, Peregrine, who is with her in the boat. But the wind 
 grows raw and blustering, and it is my mind that we have 
 stood in it long enough.' 
 
 ' Her father and Benjamin Ashly,' said Peregrine, as he 
 followed into the house ; ' and the last mentioned personage, 
 I believe, has been putting his brains in order to settle the 
 dubious points of faith and doctrine to-night ; for he towed us 
 along like a snail dragging a cockle-shell.' 
 
 ' And do you mean to render him assistance, with your 
 knowledge and experience ?' asked Atherton. 
 
 ' Not I, truly ; they would look upon me with as much as- 
 tonishment, as the people of old did, when they found Saul 
 among the prophets.' 
 
 ' You had better stay the evening with us then,' said the 
 Captain ; ' it is far to go ; and unless Major Atherton wishes 
 it, I had rather remain at home.' 
 
 ' Certainly not, I should by no means wish to intrude my- 
 self into the house of an entire stranger.' 
 
 ' I wish I had kept on in the boat then,' said Peregrine 
 White ; ' for I have no fancy for a lonely jaunt, with nothing 
 but a dog, or my walking-stick to speak with. But where is' 
 Alexander ?' 
 
 ' He has been out with Hobamock to fish since morning,' 
 said the Captain. ' I believe the boy will turn Indian before 
 long; he is so won over by their wandering sort of life.' 
 
 'I should like very well to walk part of the way with you, 
 Peregrine,' said Atherton ; ' but you can stay with us yet an 
 hour or two.' 
 
 ' Be it so then,' replied Peregrine ; ' the savory smell of a 
 venison pasty, which reaches me from the kitchen, is very 
 refreshing, and will, doubtless, prove as substantial as Benja- 
 min Ashly's exhortations, and be far more quickly dispatched.'
 
 96 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 The evening proved dark and chilly ; but, with health and 
 spirits, which bade defiance to its inclemency, the young men, 
 at a seasonable hour, commenced their walk towards the 
 house of Mr. Woodman. It was two or three miles from 
 the residence of Captain Standish ; and the few stars, that 
 now and then broke through the general gloom, served to 
 direct their course, which, after a short distance, seemed to 
 diverge from the abodes of man, and at one moment led 
 them through the intricacies of a wood, and the next brought 
 them to the shore of the restless ocean. 
 
 ' Heaven defend us from a cold bath !' said Peregrine 
 White. ' I am not inclined to try my skill in swimming on 
 such a night as this !' 
 
 ' Since we have escaped those break-neck stumps which 
 threatened our downfall in the woods,' said Atherton, ' I 
 think we may find our path clear for the remainder of the 
 way. Yonder is a light, if I mistake not.' 
 
 ' Yes, and that is the end of our journey,' said Peregrine, 
 joyfully. 
 
 ' Here then we must part,' rejoined Atherton. 
 
 'Go with us,' replied Peregrine, ' and we can land you at 
 the Captain's on our return, without the least difficulty. It is 
 a tedious walk for you alone.' 
 
 ' No, Rover and I shall be there before you ; so look up to 
 the window for a signal light, as you pass by.' 
 
 ' I must then bid you good-bye, Major ; for see ! the door 
 is this moment opening, and they are all sallying forth.' 
 
 ' Good night, then ; but let me entreat you to be prudent, 
 and manage your boat cautiously ; it is a trying night, and I 
 fear your voyage will be uncomfortable at the best.' 
 
 4 Never doubt me,' said Peregrine ; I know the paths of 
 the ocean, as well as the fish that swim in it ; so fare you 
 well.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 97 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 To hear 
 
 The roaring of the raging elements, 
 
 To know all human skill all human strength, 
 
 Avail not : to look round and only see 
 
 The mountain wave, incumbent with its weight 
 
 Of bursting waters, o'er the reeling bark, 
 
 Oh God ! this is indeed a dreadful thing ! 
 
 SOUTHET. 
 
 THE house to which Peregrine White directed his steps, 
 was situated near the extremity of a narrow beach which 
 separated the ocean from a projecting bay; and Atherton 
 paused till the little party had exchanged their last adieus, 
 and Miriam Grey, leaning on her father's arm, approached 
 the bark, which was loosed from the moorings, and shortly 
 commenced its passage across the bay. The morning of 
 that day had been serene and brilliant, but with the vari 
 ableness so common in the capricious climate of New-Eng- 
 land, its noon-tide splendor was overcast by dark, though 
 passing clouds, and the setting sun was shrouded in a lurid 
 mist, portending an approaching change of weather. Still, 
 however, the clouds hung back, as if unwilling to collect 
 and blacken the pure arch of heaven ; and as Major Ath- 
 erton yet lingered on the spot where his companion had 
 left him, the heavy masses seemed rolling away, leaving 
 large tracts of blue and spangled sky ; and the waning 
 moon, encircled by a broad zone of crimson vapor, began 
 to rise from her watery bed, and to shoot a trembling light 
 across the track of the lonely voyagers. 
 
 Actuated by a latent interest, which he however ascribed 
 to the mere impulse of curiosity, Major Atherton enveloped 
 9
 
 98 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 himself more closely in the ample folds of a military cloak, 
 to ward off the piercing blast ; and, turning from the path 
 that led back to his kinsman's house, proceeded with rapid 
 steps along the beach, which, extending nearly three miles 
 in a south-easterly direction, terminated in an eminence 
 called the Gurnet's Nose, then joined to the Sauguish by a 
 strip of sand, though it is now many years since the en- 
 croaching waves have insulated it. On his left, the Atlantic 
 tossed its foaming billows, sending forth suppressed and sul- 
 len murmurs, and seeming to await the rising blast to lash 
 them into fury ; while on the other side the agitated waters of 
 the bay dashed fearfully against the strand, as if seeking to 
 submerge the slight barrier which separated them from the 
 boundless deep. The moon was struggling with the clouds 
 that constantly flitted across her disk, affording to Atherton 
 but partial glimpses of the little bark, which he continued 
 to watch with an anxiety that rendered him insensible to 
 personal inconvenience. It rode manfully on a heavy sea, 
 and in the eye of the wind, which rendered its management 
 difficult, and even dangerous, and required the most stren- 
 uous efforts of the young men, who plied the oars with a 
 dexterity and skill that promised ultimate and well-earned 
 success. They were still near the beach, to which, in spite of 
 their exertions, the wind continually impelled them ; and as 
 a ray of light occasionally glanced on the countenance of 
 Miriam Grey, Atherton remarked with admiration the sereni- 
 ty of its expression, and the air of calmness, mingled with 
 awe, with which she regarded the angry elements. Appa- 
 rently unmoved by fear or anxiety, she gently reclined on her 
 father's protecting arm, while both maintained a profound and 
 unbroken silence. Indeed all were so much engrossed by 
 their peculiar situation or reflections, that Atherton was en- 
 tirely disregarded, though frequently so near that the sound
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 99 
 
 of his footsteps, on a calm evening, might have been distinct- 
 ly heard by them. Presently, the voice of Miriam Grey, 
 more sweet and touching from the contrast of discordan 
 sounds which raved around her, stole upon the ear of Ather- 
 ton, as in solemn measure she sung the following psalm : 
 
 ' The Lord doth reign, and clothed is he with majesty most bright : 
 
 His works do show him clothed to be, and girt about with might. 
 The world is also 'stablished, that it cannot depart : 
 Thy throne is fixed of old, and thou from everlasting art. 
 
 ' The floods, Lord, have lifted up they lifted up their voice 
 
 The floods have lifted up their waves, and made a mighty noise. 
 But yet the Lord that is on high is more of might, by far, 
 Than noise of many waters is, or great sea-billows are.' 
 
 As she proceeded in the last verse, her voice became slight- 
 ly tremulous ; for the wind, which at the commencement of 
 it seemed dying away, as if lulled to silence by her melody, 
 suddenly rose with redoubled energy, and the darkened sky 
 almost concealed from his view the frail bark, which was at 
 one moment borne on the top of a tremendous wave, and the 
 next, almost engulphed beneath it. They were nearly op- 
 posite the Gurnet's Nose, and the wind, eddying around the 
 point of land, rendered their endeavors to keep out in the open 
 bay, every instant more precarious. 
 
 Major Atherton could no longer distinguish any object 
 amidst the deepening gloom ; but he still occasionally caught 
 the cheerful voice of Peregrine White, and once distinctly 
 heard Mr. Grey, with his usual calmness, say, 
 
 4 Bear off from the shore, and, by the leave of Heaven, I 
 trust we shall soon be in safety.' 
 
 ' Atherton listened for another voice, and longed to know 
 if the countenance of Miriam still retained the sweet tranquil- 
 lity he had just remarked on it, and which struck him as even
 
 100 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 more fascinating than its usual sportive gayety. But he 
 heard only the heavy strokes of the oars, which became mo- 
 mently more and more distant ; and, satisfied that they were 
 well acquainted with the navigation of the bay, his fears for 
 their safety gradually subsided, though it was not till con- 
 vinced they were beyond his observation, that he began to 
 feel his own situation to be uncomfortable, if not hazardous. 
 
 The wind, which had exhausted its fury, and seemed to be 
 sinking away in hollow murmurs, had, indeed, enabled the 
 party in the boat to make some progress in the direction they 
 wished; but its violence was shortly redoubled, and the light 
 skiff appeared totally unable to resist the combined force of 
 the winds and waves, that threatened to dash it among the 
 shoals and rocks around the Gurnet. The only hope of safety 
 remaining to them, was the chance of reaching a spot where 
 they could land in safety; but at which, amidst the darkness 
 of the night, and the roaring of the waves, it seemed almost 
 impossible to arrive. 
 
 Until the moment of extreme peril, Mr. Grey remained by 
 the side of his daughter ; and, while pressed by his encircling 
 arm, Miriam felt in comparative safety ; but when the danger 
 became more pressing, and required his experience and skill 
 to assist the exertions of his younger companions, all the for- 
 titude and resignation of a vigorous and well-principled mind 
 could hardly support her, amidst the terrors of a scene which 
 might have appalled even the stoutest heart. Mr. Grey, ag- 
 onized with apprehensions for his daughter, which rendered 
 him almost insensible to personal danger, pressed her to his 
 bosom with the mingled sorrow and affection which the dan- 
 ger inspired, and, silently commending her to the protection of 
 Him who directs the storm, and controls the raging winds, he 
 applied himself, with all the promptitude and energy which 
 the exigency demanded, to guide the tossing bark, amidst the
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 101 
 
 jarring of the contending elements. Miriam Grey covered 
 her face with both her hands, if possible, to screen her eyes 
 from the threatening danger, though she could not shut her 
 ears against the terrific sounds ; and, endeavoring to collect 
 her agitated thoughts, and compose her mind to meet the will 
 of Providence, awaited in profound stillness the event. Ben- 
 jamin Ashly, who felt a double pang in prospect of the fate 
 which seemed to await himself and the woman whom he de- 
 votedly loved, feeling his affection rising above its usual re- 
 serve, approached with language that expressed his powerful 
 interest, and endeavored to inspire her with a hope which she 
 felt to be fast gliding away. 
 
 ' Leave me, I entreat you ! ' she faltered out ; ' as you value 
 our safety, suffer no thought, no fear, for me, to distract your 
 attention at this critical moment.' 
 
 Ashly pressed her hand with silent emotion. 
 
 ' God reward you for all your kindness to me, added the 
 maiden, the tears quickly coursing each other down her 
 cheeks ; ' and forgive me, Ashly, if I have at any time done 
 aught to give you pain.' 
 
 Before he had time to reply, Peregrine White exclaimed, 
 joyfully, 
 
 ' Yonder is a deep cove I know it well ; pull away like a 
 man, Ashly, and, if we can pass these breakers, with the help 
 of Heaven we shall find safe landing.' 
 
 The young man seized the oar, which Mr. Grey relin- 
 quished to him, and for one moment every heart beat high 
 with renovated hope ; the next, Ashly cried, in a tone of des- 
 pair, ' We are lost ! ' and at the same instant a loud crash, pro- 
 ceeding from the oar which had broken in his hand, struck 
 like a knell on every ear. The boat, propelled by the sudden 
 shock, swung swiftly round ; and, though Peregrine White, 
 wuh admirable presence of mind, endeavored to counteract 
 9*
 
 102 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 the danger by his skillful management of the remaining oar, 
 it was swept back by a tremendous wave rolling towards the 
 strand, and left fast grounded on a rock, surrounded by foam- 
 ing breakers, which threatened its speedy destruction. The 
 violence of the gale had passed away, and the moon, break- 
 ing through the clouds, served but to render their situation 
 more frightful, by exhibiting all its horrors, embittered by 
 their recent hopes of reaching the wished-for shore, that lay 
 at a short distance, now visibly inaccessible by reason of a 
 boiling surge. A deadly chill seemed to have seized on every 
 heart ; but the rushing of the waves, which soon began to fill 
 the shallow bark, renewed their energies with the additional 
 consciousness of their extreme peril. 
 
 ' Now may God have mercy on us ! there is no longer 
 any hope from man ! ' ejaculated Mr. Grey, in a solemn voice ; 
 and he folded his daughter in his arms with the tenderness of 
 a last embrace. 
 
 ' Say not so ! ' said Peregrine White, vainly endeavoring 
 to speak with firmness; ' we will not give up life without an 
 effort to preserve it : we can swim, and perhaps ' 
 
 4 And Miriam Grey,' interrupted Ashly in great agitati.on, 
 ' think you that she can struggle with these waves ? ' 
 
 ' If you can save my child,' exclaimed the father, * with 
 deep emotion, ' I shall die contented.' 
 
 No ! we will perish together,' said Miriam ; and she 
 twined her arms more closely around her father's neck. 
 ' Dearest father,' she added, ' it is but a brief, though stormy 
 passage, to a world where all will be sunshine and happiness 
 forever.' 
 
 Scarcely had she spoken, when the loud barking of a dog 
 was heard from the shore ; and, with a sudden revulsion of 
 feeling, every heart bounded with the hope of approaching 
 succor. A sound, as of some one plunging into the water,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 103 
 
 instantly followed ; and through the gloom they could perceive 
 a figure, buffeting with the waves ; another moment of ex- 
 pectation, and Miriam Grey felt herself gently, but firmly, 
 grasped, and a well-remembered voice said to her, 
 
 ' Fear not, but trust yourself with me, and you will soon be 
 in safety.' 
 
 ' Major Atherton ! is that you ? ' said Peregrine White. 
 
 ' Yes ; follow me, and we shall shortly reach the strand.' 
 
 Atherton leaped first into the surge, with his half-lifeless 
 burthen, whom he firmly supported with one arm, while with 
 the other he resisted the violence of the tide, and at length 
 reached the shore, though nearly exhausted by the effort 
 which his uncommon muscular strength alone had enabled 
 him to make. Atherton thought only of the lovely being 
 whom he had rescued from an early grave, and, wrapping his 
 warm and dry cloak around her, he gently seated her on a 
 bank at some distance from the water's edge, and, kneeling 
 by her side, supported her head against his shoulder, holding 
 her wet and chilled hands between his own. Miriam had 
 not fainted ; but conflicting emotions, and acute feeling, for a 
 time nearly deprived her of sensation ; and, when she began 
 to revive, it was with difficulty she could arrange her bewil- 
 dered thoughts, or comprehend her singular situation. Ath- 
 erton, by the imperfect light which still glimmered from the 
 heavens, watched with intense interest the returning anima- 
 tion of her countenance, and saw with delight a faint color 
 stealing over her pale features. 
 
 As Miriam revived to perfect consciousness, she withdrew, in 
 maiden bashfulness, from the support of Atherton, and, disen- 
 gaging her hand, which he felt slightly tremble between his own, 
 leaned against the trunk of a pine, at the root of which she was 
 seated. Atherton arose from his lowly posture, and respectfully 
 withdrew a few paces from her. Miriam also arose, and, in
 
 104 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 an instant, Atherton was again by her side. She looked at 
 him with a countenance full of gratitude, but felt that lan- 
 guage was powerless to express the deep emotions which his 
 disinterested exertions had inspired. In silent eloquence she 
 again offered him the hand that she had just withdrawn, and 
 Atherton pressed it to his heart with all the passion which his 
 native ardor and a newly-awakened enthusiasm could inspire. 
 Miriam bent her head upon her bosom : she could only artic- 
 ulate, in a tone of deep anxiety, ' My father ! ' and burst into 
 a flood of tears. 
 
 ' Your father is safe, I trust,' said Atherton ; ' I even now 
 hear his voice from the beach, and will go and bring him to 
 you ; ' and he left her, believing that, at such a moment, soli- 
 tude would be most acceptable to her. 
 
 The party had all reached the shore in safety ; and Ather- 
 ton found the young men reclining on the ground, and Mr. 
 Grey standing apart, with folded arms, while Rover lay, 
 motionless and panting, at his feet ; though, the moment he 
 saw his master, the faithful animal flew to meet him, wagging 
 his tail and whining, to attract his notice and caresses, as a 
 reward for his exertions. He had, indeed, been of essential 
 service to Mr. Grey, whom, with the sagacity of his nature, 
 he discovered to be the most indifferent swimmer, and, by 
 keeping fast hold of his clothes, had greatly assisted him in 
 struggling through the waves. Atherton patted him, with 
 many kind expressions, which the dog seemed perfectly to 
 understand ; but, at the sound of his voice, Mr. Grey started, 
 and turned suddenly round, with a degree of animation that 
 strongly contrasted with his usual calmness, and, grasping his 
 hand, he said, with energy, 
 
 ' To you, young man, under God, I am, this night, indebted 
 for the life of my only child ; accept a father's blessing, and 
 may the God of mercy reward you.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 105 
 
 ' You esteem my services too highly, sir,' said Atherton ; 
 ' they were nothing more than duty and humanity enjoined ; 
 and I shall ever bless God for conducting me hither, in such 
 an hour of need.' 
 
 1 Again I thank you, young man,' said Mr. Grey, in an ac- 
 cent of strong feeling ; ' and I trust we shall shortly meet 
 again ; but, at present, my heart yearns to behold my 
 daughter.' 
 
 ' I will conduct you to her, sir,' returned Atherton ; and he 
 led the way to Miriam ; but, without intruding upon their in- 
 terview, immediately returned to the beach. 
 
 ' You have done us good service to-night, Major Atherton,' 
 said Peregrine White, rising to meet him, with extreme seri- 
 ousness; ' and I hold myself deeply indebted to you.' 
 
 ' To your own exertions, rather say,' replied Atherton; ' you 
 must have managed skillfully to keep afloat so long, on such 
 a sea.' 
 
 ' Ah ! but when we struck on that rock ! ' answered Pere- 
 grine ; 'I shall never think of it without shuddering; and, I 
 am sure, we should never, all of us, have got away from it, 
 but for your assistance. As for Mr. Grey, he would not have 
 held out long, but for the help of your dog ; and I am sure 
 none of us could have beat the waves, as you did, with Miri- 
 am tugging at your arm.' 
 
 ' You speak without knowledge, Master Peregrine,' said 
 Benjamin Ashly, who, perhaps, felt a twinge of jealousy at 
 Atherton's success ; ' of this be assured, that my arm should 
 not have been slack to uphold the maiden, amidst the buffet- 
 ings of the waves.' 
 
 1 Your arm ! Master Ashly,' said Peregrine, losing his brief 
 fit of gravity ; ' why, you puffed like a porpoise, man and, 
 moreover, pulled at my arm, ever and anon, to keep your nos- 
 trils out of water, so that, for my own safety, I was obliged to 
 shake you off, as the Apostle Paul did the viper.'
 
 106 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 1 It is your custom to use unseemly jests, Peregrine White,' 
 answered the other, somewhat disconcerted ; ' but, neverthe- 
 less, I tell you that I would have saved the damsel, Miriam 
 Grey, or perished with her.' 
 
 'Now, from the last mentioned act of kindness, Mr. Ashly,' 
 said Peregrine, ' I think she would hold herself excused ; it 
 is my mind, that she has seen enough of you in this world, 
 without going out of it in your company. So, after all, we 
 are obliged to my friend, Major Atherton, for his assistance.' 
 
 ' Truly, I esteem him for his works' sake,' returned Ashly, 
 and he turned rather stiffly to Atherton ; ' yet we are bound 
 to remember that we are but as " clay in the potter's hand," 
 and, after all we can do, it is " of the Lord's mercies that we 
 are not consumed." ' 
 
 ' Consumed ! friend Ashly,' said Peregrine ; ' say drowned, 
 washed away, any thing but consumed : it is a most far- 
 fetched word in this frozen region though I wish, most truly, 
 that some of these trees were consuming, for us to warm our- 
 selves by. I am shivering with the cold ; ' and, as he spoke, 
 his teeth began to chatter violently. 
 
 ' Our quarters are indeed uncomfortable,' said Atherton ; 
 ' and, in our wet condition, it is perilous to remain here long. 
 We had better make some arrangements to depart.' 
 
 1 If yonder good man has done rejoicing over his lost sheep,' 
 returned Peregrine, ' we will consult his pleasure, though we 
 are in none of the best plight, either to go or stay.' 
 
 ' The wind has subsided, and the tide is going down,' said 
 Atherton ; ' perhaps, we can get the boat off, and return in 
 it.' 
 
 ' It has got itself off,' replied Peregrine, went to pieces, as 
 my last leg came out of it ; so that scheme is up ; we must 
 walk round by the beach; but there is Miriam, poor thing! 
 tired enough, I suppose, and soaked through like a sponge,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 107 
 
 withal. I doubt, Major, you did not bring her through the 
 water dry, though you darted along like a flying fish with a 
 bug in its mouth ; and, I think, too, you must have flown to 
 this spot, just in the time of need ; for I left you far off, plod- 
 ding alone through the woods.' 
 
 Atherton smiled, but made no answer ; for they at that in- 
 stant reached the spot occupied by Mr. Grey and his daugh- 
 ter; the latter on seeing them approach, flung back from her 
 face a profusion of dark brown hair, out of which she had 
 been wringing the moisture ; and drew the cloak more close- 
 ly around her, to conceal her wet and disordered dress. Ro- 
 ver, who preceded his master, began to fawn about her feet. 
 
 ' This is one of our deliverers, Miriam,' said her father ; 
 ' and he craves your notice for his late services.' 
 
 ' Thou art a brave fellow,' said Miriam, stooping down to 
 caress him; 'and I can never, never forget thy services; but 
 to-night I feel unable to express my obligations as I ought to 
 any one.' She stole a timid glance at Atherton, and again 
 bent her face upon the short curly hair of his dumb favorite. 
 
 ' What arrangements shall we make, sir, for our return 
 home ?' said Atherton, addressing Mr. Grey ; 'If we can en- 
 dure cold and wet, I fear your daughter will suffer severely 
 from this long exposure.' 
 
 ' I find a warm shelter within your cloak,' said Miriam ; 
 ' though I ought not perhaps to deprive you of its comforts.' 
 
 ' It would be rather an incumbrance to me,' replied Ather- 
 ton ; and I fear you will hardly endure its weight in walking"; 
 it was made for a soldier's wear, rough weather and a camp, 
 not to shield the delicate form of woman ; though I am most 
 happy if it can contribute to your comfort or protect you from 
 danger.' 
 
 A short consultation was then held ; but it was presently 
 broken off by the unexpected appearance of a bright flame
 
 108 PEEP AT THE PILGKIMS. 
 
 rising at a short distance from behind a copse of evergreens, 
 and flashing its red light upon the still troubled waters. 
 While they were yet looking and wondering, Peregrine White, 
 whose absence for a few moments they had scarcely observed, 
 came running towards them with an exulting air. 
 
 ' Come and warm yourselves,' said he, ' I found a few em- 
 bers which were doubtless left by some charitable fishermen 
 for our use, and have kindled a fire to cheer us before we take 
 up our line of march.' 
 
 So saying, he seized the arm of Miriam Grey, and hurried 
 her along with great velocity in spite of the cumbrous cloak 
 which impeded her progress ; the rest of the party followed 
 more leisurely, and found a huge pile of underwood and dried 
 branches lighted up, which soon rendered them dry and com- 
 fortable. 
 
 ' Here are some of the planks of our poor boat,' said Pere- 
 grine, ' which the sea has washed ashore, and we may be 
 thankful that none of us are clinging to them ; but they make 
 a bright flame to warm us.' 
 
 ' Master White,' said Mr. Grey, ' methinks your levity is 
 ill-timed and unbecoming, after the signal mercy we have this 
 night experienced ; it behooves us to show our thankfulness by 
 a composed and cheerful deportment, but not to indulge in idle 
 mirth.' 
 
 ' I was never more serious in my life, sir, than I have been 
 to-night,' returned Peregrine ; ' and that for an unusual length 
 of time. But now, like David of old, I have washed myself, 
 and would like him eat and drink with a hearty good will, if 
 there was any thing to set before me.' 
 
 ' Hark !' exclaimed Atherton, starting up, ' if I mistake not, 
 I hear the distant sound of oars.' 
 
 ' It is so,' said Ashly, 'and yonder is a boat moving over^ 
 the waters.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 109 
 
 ' You must be akin to the owl, Master Ashly, if you can 
 see so far in the dark,' said Peregrine ; ' but blow up the flame 
 for a beacon, and I will crawl up the Gurnet's Nose with this 
 brand ; it would be a bad joke if they should pass us.' 
 
 Snatching a flaming stick from the fire, he ran quickly up 
 the highest eminence, where now stands the light-house, and 
 waved it aloft as a signal of distress ; and they soon saw a 
 stout boat with three men in it, advancing towards the cove, 
 which they had vainly endeavored to reach before striking up- 
 on the rock. Every one approached the spot with more or less 
 haste, except Miriam Grey, who retained her station on the 
 trunk of an uprooted pine, from whence she could distinguish 
 the various figures in the broad glare of the flame and distinct- 
 ly hear most of their conversation. Atherton was the last to 
 leave her ; indeed he lingered near the spot under various 
 pretexts till Miriam observed, with a smile, 
 
 ' I suspect, Major Atherton, you fear from my drowsy coun- 
 tenance, that I shall fall asleep by this warm fire ; but curios- 
 ity will keep me wakeful, for I am really all eagerness to 
 learn who has visited our barren island.' 
 
 ' Some one I hope who will soon convey you to a comfort- 
 able shelter,' said Atherton. ' Your looks do indeed betray 
 your fatigue and need of repose.' 
 
 ' Nay, but you pay me an ill compliment,' returned Mir- 
 iam, playfully ; ' though I have no glass to consult, I had fan- 
 cied this cloak extremely becoming ; and thought that bright 
 flame would not djeny me the ruddy tinge it lavishes so free- 
 ly on every other object.' 
 
 1 Shall I be more gallant then,' replied Atherton, ' and de- 
 clare that Miriam Grey can require no artificial aid to render 
 her lovely.' 
 
 ' No,' returned Miriam, in some confusion, ' I did not intend 
 to extort flattery from your lips.' 
 10
 
 HO PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 The language of flattery is unknown to me,' said Atherton, 
 turning his dark eyes full upon her blushing face ; ' I speak 
 only what truth and feeling dictate;' and bowing low he re- 
 luctantly quitted her. 
 
 Miriam Grey looked after him a moment with a thoughtful 
 air; then leaning back her head, seemed to regard attentively 
 the wild scenery which surrounded her ; and particularly the 
 group collected on the shore, where the crimson flame glanc- 
 ed brightly, giving a peculiar and fantastic expression to their 
 features, and reflecting their dark shadows in the broken 
 waves.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. Ill 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Mild hospitality spreads wide her door, 
 
 And, with the loaded banquet, courts the stay 
 
 Of passing stranger. 
 
 COTTLE. 
 
 ' WELL, how now,' exclaimed Captain Standish, springing 
 from the boat, ' what sort of a frolic is this, good people ? a 
 pretty tune you have made us dance to this stormy night !' 
 
 ' One of Beelzebub's tunes I think, Captain, '[said Peregrine 
 White ; ' and here is Hobamock, on my life, looking like one 
 of his fiddlers, with the blaze dancing on his copper-colored 
 visage !' 
 
 'Explain boy, explain,' said the Captain, impatiently, 'or 
 hold your peace, and let some one older and wiser speak for 
 you. But what means this ? cousin Atherton here too !' and 
 he looked in surprise, as his kinsman that moment approach- 
 ed the spot. 
 
 ' Yes,' resumed Peregrine ; ' he has been chief actor in the 
 tragedy.' 
 
 ' Tragedy ! ' interrupted the Captain ; ' I can well believe, 
 jackanapes, that you would keep away from any thing tragic ; 
 so now you mean to tease us with your nonsense.' 
 
 'He jumped into the sea,' pursued Peregrine, with the ut- 
 most gravity, ' seized the damsel and swam off with her like a 
 fish.' 
 
 ' Who ? Miriam Grey ? where is she, where is my rose- 
 bud ?' said the Captain, quickly ; ' I hoped they had kept her 
 on solid ground, this dark night.'
 
 112 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 'My daughter,' said Mr. Grey, ' is safe and well, thanks to 
 Heaven, and the courage of your young kinsman, who has, 
 indeed, stepped between us and death.' 
 
 You have done well, Edward,' said the Captain with 
 warmth ; ' as I said before, you have Standish blood in your 
 veins ; and ne'er a one of us has ever yet turned his back up- 
 on danger ! But I must know all, every thing that has hap- 
 pened.' 
 
 'The substance of the matter is this;' answered Peregrine 
 "White ; ' our boat was driven on a rock by a violent head 
 wind, and stove to piecee ; and so being all fairly ducked in 
 the sea, we made use of our fins to good advantage, and with 
 the help of Major Atherton and his dog, who chanced to be 
 near, I know not how, we reached this Melita, safe and sound, 
 but unluckily found no " barbarous people " to " shew us 
 kindness." ' 
 
 'You were not in the boat then, cousin Atherton,' said the 
 Captain; 'and how came you near them in their distress?" 
 
 'I was wandering on the beach,' said Atherton, evading a 
 direct answer; 'and fortunately perceived their danger in 
 time to render some assistance.' 
 
 ' You missed the road I suppose,' returned the Captain, 
 ' and it is no odd mistake for a stranger ; we have not made 
 broad English highways through our woods as yet ; and you 
 would hardly understand our rustic land-marks.' 
 
 'To what cause,' asked Atherton, 'are we indebted for the 
 unexpected pleasure of seeing you ? ' 
 
 'Principally to Mr. Calvert,' replied the Captain, 'with 
 whom I must make you acquainted ;' and he turned to ad- 
 dress a young man who had accompanied him in the boat and 
 was talking apart with Mr. Grey and Benjamin Ashly. 
 
 ' Calvert !' repeated Atherton thoughtfully ; for the name 
 sounded familiar, and he regarded with more attention the
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 113 
 
 stranger whom he had before scarcely remarked. His figure 
 was slight, but peculiarly graceful; his complexion sallow ; 
 his countenance strongly marked, and animated by intelligent 
 features and piercing black eyes, with hair of the most jetty 
 hue. There was a degree of singularity in his appearance 
 rather attractive than pleasing ; and Atherton as soon as he 
 had heard his voice, identified him as a native Virginian who 
 had been sent to England for education, and served some time 
 as lieutenant in the same regiment with himself; but quitted 
 the profession about two years previous, being recalled by the 
 death of his father, to take possession of a valuable planta- 
 tion. Major Atherton knew that he was insinuating and un- 
 principled, and master of those specious talents and artful 
 manners which enabled him to support any character that 
 suited his inclination ; and he was therefore not surprised to 
 find him treated with marked attention even by the scrupulous 
 Mr. Grey. 
 
 As Atherton advanced towards Mr. Calvert he expressed 
 his recognition by politely bowing, which the latter instantly 
 returned, at the same time observing, 
 
 ' I did not anticipate the pleasure of meeting with Major 
 Atherton in this new world.' 
 
 ' And the pleasure of seeing you, sir, was equally unex- 
 pected,' returned Atherton. ' A voyage from your distant 
 Province I have always considered nearly as formidable as one 
 from the parent country. 
 
 ' We endeavor to keep up a good neighborhood,' said Cal- 
 vert ; ' and it is quite a deed of charity, to convey intelligence 
 occasionally through our thinly scattered settlements; not to 
 mention the powerful suggestions of interest, or the old-fash- 
 ioned claims of friendship.' 
 
 ' It was a good chance at any rate which brought you here 
 to-night,' said Peregrine White ; ' for though 1 don't exact- 
 10*
 
 PEEP AT THE 
 
 ly know how, the Captain says we are indebted to you for 
 succor.' 
 
 Not exactly so ;' returned Mr. Calvert. ' I arrived at Plym- 
 outh about noon to-day ; and early in the evening crossed the 
 Bay to visit Captain Standish. I found him very uneasy about 
 his friends ; and as I had felt the violence of the wind in my 
 short passage which boded no good to so light a skiff as he 
 told me you were in, I proposed enlisting Hobamock in my 
 service and sailing out in quest of you. The Captain insist- 
 ed on accompanying me, and we were soon directed in our 
 course by your blazing watch-fire, though it also excited con- 
 siderable anxiety respecting your situation.' 
 
 ' We have cause to regret the trouble and concern you have 
 sustained on our account,' said Mr. Grey, ' though Provi- 
 dence has doubtless permitted it for some wise and benevolent 
 purpose.' 
 
 ' Peradventure for the trial of our faith and love,' said Ben- 
 jamin Ashly. 
 
 1 1 dare say there will some love come out of it,' whispered 
 Peregrine White to Atherton ; ' and I do believe after all, 
 Master Ashly would rather have been drowned with Miriam 
 than have had you save her.' 
 
 'It is my mind,' said Captain Standish, 'that we had better 
 think of returning home ; the night wanes, and my little rose- 
 bud I know begins to droop her head.' 
 
 So saying he walked with hasty steps to Miriam Grey, 
 and had exhausted a score of congratulations before his more 
 tardy companions could overtake him ; though the echo of a 
 hearty salute, which he bestowed on her cheek, reached them 
 even at a distance. 
 
 1 That went off like a cannon ball !' cried Peregrine White. 
 * I should think, Captain, you were charging the enemy with 
 a full round of grape shot !'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 115 
 
 ' Have a care, young man,' said the Captain, or I will give 
 you a shot about the ears, that will make you cry out for quar- 
 ter, before you can have time to retreat.' 
 
 Miriam at that moment, rose to receive Mr. Calvert, who 
 greeted her with the familiarity of long acquaintance ; and 
 taking her passive hand, conveyed it to his lips, with the most 
 easy gallantry, leaving Atherton at a loss, whether the bright 
 blush which mantled her cheeks, was excited by pleasure or 
 bashfulness ; and before he could solve the doubt to his own 
 satisfaction, she was leaning on her father's arm, and direct- 
 ing her steps to the boat. The sea was still rough, and the 
 wind keen, though it had tacked about to a point more favor- 
 able for their progress ; but Miriam could not avoid shudder- 
 ing as she entered the boat, and again entrusted her safety to 
 the keeping of the elements, from whose wrath she had so se- 
 verely and recently suffered. These natural emotions were, 
 however, transient, and passed away even before the bark 
 had glided from the cove, \\hich was still burnished with 
 the light of the expiring fire. 
 
 Captain Standish would allow no one to share with himself 
 and Hobamock the toil of rowing, insisting that they were 
 fresh and vigorous, and the others wearied by exertion ; and 
 claimed, as his only recompense, that they would proceed no 
 farther than his house that night ; where he had ordered 
 preparations to be made for their accommodation, in case of 
 need. His hospitality was cheerfully accepted by all, but Mr. 
 Calvert, whose affairs obliged him to return to Plymouth ; and 
 it was agreed that Hobamock should go with him, to con- 
 vey intelligence of their safety,, to the friends of those who 
 remained behind. 
 
 The little party then sunk into almost total silence, each 
 apparently exhausted inspirits; and the boat moved slowly 
 over the heavy waves, while at intervals, the Indian burst in-
 
 116 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 to a low, solemn chaunt, in the harsh and guttural language 
 of his nation. The animated voice of the Captain, at length 
 roused them. 
 
 ' Haul up, Hobamock,' he said ; ' here we are safe and rea- 
 dy to land.' 
 
 As he spoke, the boat was made fast to the shore, and all, 
 except Mr. Calvert and the Indian, leaped from it with joyful 
 hearts, and proceeded to the house, which stood at no great 
 distance. 
 
 Mistress Saveall, Captain Standish's provident housekeeper, 
 rightly judging, from her master's prolonged absence, that 
 he would not return unaccompanied by those whom he went 
 out to succor, had piled high the blazing logs in the ample 
 fire place, and marshaled round it a goodly row of comforta- 
 ble elbow chairs, ready for their reception. As they entered 
 the room, she was with bustling activity, preparing a liberal 
 table to satisfy their farther wants, though the disorderd ap- 
 pearance of the guests so strongly excited her curiosity, and 
 her ears were so fully engrossed by the conversation, from 
 which she hoped to gather an account of what had passed, 
 that her task proceeded very slowly, when a sharp rebuke 
 from the Captain, whose commands were equally peremptory 
 in his house and garrison discharged her from the room with 
 the swiftness of an arrow, though her countenance for some 
 time, marked her resentment of the indignity. In a few min- 
 utes, a substantial repast engrossed the attention of every one j 
 and the culinary skill of Mistress Saveall was discussed, so 
 much to her satisfaction, for the worthy dame was seldom 
 out of hearing, that her smiles and exertions were speedily 
 redoubled, and the late affront seemed quite forgotten. 
 
 1 Let Mistress Saveall alone for cooking, to my liking, at 
 least,' said the Captain ; ' she has a curious way of season- 
 ing her viands, just to suit the palate, and if you have a mind
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 117 
 
 to take some lessons of her, Miriam, I'll be bound they will 
 stand you in good service, when you have a house of your 
 own to look after.' 
 
 ' I am an experienced housewife, already, sir,' replied Mir- 
 iam ; ' and I believe my father is very well satisfied with my 
 abilities.' 
 
 ' With the help of your cousin Lois, said Mr. Grey, ' you 
 have hitherto been pretty expert in the duties of your sex.' 
 
 But Mistress Lois will not be with you long, I suppose, 're- 
 turned the Captain ; ' and we shall see if the garrison is well 
 victualed, and fit for duty then." 
 
 ' I doubt not,' Benjamin Ashly ventured to say, 'that Mir- 
 iam Grey is competent, albeit alone and unassisted, to manage 
 the affairs of a household with discretion. 
 
 'And so you have a mind, 'said Peregrine White, 'to make 
 her chief ruler over your affairs ! ha, master Ashly ?' and he 
 added in a whisper, though loud enough to be heard by all at 
 table, ' But, the deuce take me, if you don't find it hard tug- 
 ging to get the pinnace into that harbor !' 
 
 Mr. Ashly colored with resentment, but made no answer ; 
 aware, from experience that it would only provoke a re- 
 tort ; nor could Atherton refrain from smiling, as he glanced 
 from him to Miriam Grey, whose countenance evinced a slight 
 degree of vexation, mingled with an expression of archness, 
 which increased, as she stole a glance from under her long 
 eye lashes at her abashed lover ; while Captain Standish in- 
 dulged in a long and loud laugh. 
 
 ' You whisper over loud, master Peregrine,' he said at its 
 conclusion; ' but we never mind you ; so no offence. And 
 now lay your mirth aside, and help Miriam to a slice from 
 that sirloin by you.' 
 
 'I should prefer a share of that dish, which you seem to 
 keep for your sole benefit, Peregrine,' said Miriam.
 
 118 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 'Of the dish? the corn that is in it, you mean,' replied 
 Peregrine ; ' though, if you had spoken a moment later, I 
 doubt if there would have been any thing left but the platter,' 
 and as he heaped her plate with a quantity of broken corn, 
 boiled, and called Samp, or Nasaump, by the Indians, he 
 continued, 
 
 ' I dare say, Captain, this corn is descended from the very 
 ears, you had the Christian charity to steal from the poor In- 
 dians, when you first landed in their dominions.' 
 
 ' Young man,' said Mr. Grey, in a severe tone, ' you 
 speak lightly, or are ill-informed of that which your fathers 
 have done in this wilderness. Providence, which manifestly 
 brought us out from our native land, and watched over us in 
 all our straits, was pleased in our hour of extremity, to avert 
 the horrors of famine, by conducting our steps to the subter- 
 ranean granaries of the idolatrous heathen, whereby we were 
 supplied with food to eat, and seed for the future harvest.' 
 
 ' And left the owners thereof to starve,' returned the una- 
 bashed youth. ' That was a way of cutting off the enemy, 
 without the trouble of driving them out before you, to come 
 into possession of their goodly inheritance.' 
 
 ' We did them no injustice,' resumed Mr. Grey ; ' we found 
 the country desolate and deserted for many leagues from the 
 coast, as we afterwards learned, by reason of a great plague, 
 which the Lord had visited upon this people who knew him 
 not. In the succeeding autumn we sent an embassy to As- 
 pinet, sachem of the Nauset tribe, from whom we had taken 
 the corn, to repay them from our substance that which they 
 demanded as recompense ; and they having sufficient left for 
 their own use, were well satisfied to truck with us.' 
 
 ' I suppose,' said Peregrine, ' you paid them for their grain 
 with rusty pen-knives and glass beads.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGKIMS. 119 
 
 1 They have found to their cost,' replied the Captain, ' that 
 we know how to pay off our debts, even with good round 
 shot and cold steel. It is my mind, they would not greet us 
 again with a shower of arrows, when we came to take peace- 
 able possession of the land in God's name and the king's.' 
 
 ' Strange enough,' observed Peregrine White, ' that the 
 dusky rascals should not be willing to give up their rights to 
 us comely white people !' 
 
 ' At least,' said the Captain, ' they have learned to fear us, 
 and that with a very few lessons ; aye, they took to their heels 
 at the first musket shot, only one fellow dared defend himself, 
 behind a tree, and he soon ran after the rest, with half a 
 score of our bullets in him.' 
 
 ' Hark ! it is raining fast,' exclaimed Peregrine White, ' I 
 am right glad that we went no farther to-night.' 
 
 ' I wish we had prevailed on Calvert to remain,' said the 
 Captain ; ' he will be half drowned ere he get to Plymouth.' 
 
 ' Why did you not persuade him to stay, Miriam ?' asked 
 Peregrine. 
 
 ' To tell the truth, I scarcely thought of it,' returned the 
 damsel ; ' and if I had, should probably have had no interest 
 with him.' 
 
 ' Do you think so ?' said Peregrine, significantly ; ' with 
 your leave, I should like to whisper a word in your ear.' 
 
 ' You will not have my leave to be so uncivil,' said Miri- 
 am, smiling ; ' besides, your whispers are apt to be very 
 
 audible.' 
 
 ' Another time will do, then, returned Peregrine, as they 
 
 all rose from the table ; and soon after Captain Standish 
 caused his household to assemble and close the day with their 
 customary devotions, which on that evening were rendered 
 peculiarly impressive, by the circumstances of danger and 
 difficulty from which so many present had been providentially
 
 120 PEEP AT THE PILGKIMS. 
 
 delivered. The psalm selected as a portion of the exercise, 
 chanced to be one which Atherton had ofien heard warbled 
 from the lips of his mother; and it awakened associations 
 that thrilled his heart with sad, yet pleasing recollections, and 
 compelled him, almost involuntarily, to unite in the song of 
 praise and thanksgiving, which arose like a cloud of incense 
 from the family altar of the Puritans. He caught the eye of 
 Miriam Grey, as his fine and manly voice mingled with her 
 own, and a false note from which she instantly recovered, 
 showed a momentary abstraction of mind, that was however, 
 perfectly natural, and perhaps shared with her by all who 
 heard him ; for in those days of rigid separation, when every 
 sect proclaimed by actions, if not in words, ' stand off, for I 
 am holier than thou,' the act of countenancing, much more 
 of assisting each other in their different forms of worship, ar- 
 gued an unusual degree of lenity or an unpardonable indif- 
 ference to prevailing modes and opinions. The family and 
 guests soon after separated for the night ; and Mistress 
 Saveall insisted on attending Miriam Grey to her chamber, 
 to administer a composing draught which she had prepared, 
 to ward off the effects of her recent exposure. 
 
 The opening and closing of doors, and tread of footsteps 
 above and around the apartment of Major Atherton, was suc- 
 ceeded by a profound silence throughout the house, long be- 
 fore he could divert his thoughts from the events of the 
 evening ; and the occurrences of the few last weeks, which 
 had so strongly impressed his imagination, as to banish from 
 his pillow the repose which his late exertions rendered ne- 
 cessary. The situation into which he was so unexpectedly 
 cast, possessed a tinge of romance peculiarly calculated to 
 excite the enthusiasm of his character, at a moment, too, 
 when he was gradually recovering from a deep depression of 
 spirits, occasioned by the loss of a parent whom he devoted-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 121 
 
 ly loved, and the subsequent abandonment of a profession, on 
 which he had, with well founded ambition, rested his future 
 hopes of glory and advancement. 
 
 Till that period, arms had been his passion, and fame his 
 mistress ; and when obliged to relinquish them, he had 
 turned with restless eagerness to the shores of the new world, 
 as a scene where he might again find exercise for the energy 
 and activity of his mind. At a distance, he had listened 
 with interest to descriptions of its local advantages, its ma- 
 jestic scenery, and its rising importance. He had regarded it 
 as an asylum for the persecuted, and the future home of a 
 free and virtuous people. On a near approach, he found that 
 description had fallen short of reality ; and fancy but faintly 
 portrayed the magnificence of its untamed landscapes. He 
 viewed with astonishment and admiration, its gigantic moun- 
 tains, its lofty hills and fruitful valleys ; its boundless forests, 
 its dashing torrents, and broad and fertilizing rivers. Where 
 the wildness of nature had yielded to the hand of cultivation, 
 villages were arising, and the soil teemed with all the rich 
 and varied bounties which could spring up to reward the la- 
 bors of the husbandman. He regarded too, the men whom 
 the prejudiced and worldly minded stigmatized as bigots, and 
 seditious enthusiasts ; they were men who had forsaken 
 power, and riches, and distinction, for the ' gospel's sake ;' 
 who with holy lives and blameless conversation, shared with 
 each other the tender charities of life, and the sweetness of 
 social and domestic intercourse ; while many whom opportu- 
 nity favored, had drunk deeply at the fountain of intellectual 
 knowledge. He admired the wisdom of their political com- 
 pact, which, while it rendered them subservient to the laws 
 of England, provided for the internal peace and prosperity of 
 the colony, the administration of justice, and the promotion of 
 order, piety and learning. If their doctrines were censured 
 11
 
 122 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 as intolerant, and their morals as too rigid, it was an extreme 
 produced by the spirit of the times, and which might 
 naturally appear essential to those who had separated them- 
 selves from a church, which, under the influence of a disso- 
 lute court and vindictive prelacy, openly countenanced vice, 
 and secretly connived at bribery and corruption. 
 
 Yet there were softer thoughts, and fairer images imprinted 
 on the mind of Atherton. The lovely figure of Miriam 
 Grey, her playful sweetness, the brilliant beauty of her coun- 
 tenance, its spirit and intelligence, the graceful timidity and 
 unaffected artlessness of her manners, were all registered in 
 his memory, and delineated on his heart. In his native land, 
 he had seen as fair, perhaps fairer maidens : the gay, the 
 beautiful, and high-born ; the smiling idol of a courtly throng, 
 and the rustic belle, whose charms relieved the dullness of 
 country quarters, had alternately claimed from him the brief 
 homage of a compliment, or the passing tribute of a sigh; 
 but never till now, had he felt the sorcery of a woman's eye, 
 or the resistless spell which sports in her smile and lurks 
 beneath her blushes. Romance lent her aid to heighten the 
 enchantment, and involved him in her shadowy but delightful 
 mazes. A lover of music, and himself well skilled in the 
 harmony of sweet sounds, from the moment he had listened 
 to the voice of Miriam, on the evening of his arrival, his 
 curiosity had been awakened, and the transient glimpse he 
 soon obtained of her, deepened that curiosity to a pow- 
 erful interest. It was a vision, of which he had never 
 dreamed, and least of all, expected to realize, amidst the wild 
 scenery of New England. Every succeeding interviw in- 
 creased his interest, and the late scene, which seemed so 
 closely to connect them, kindled the latent spark into enthu- 
 siasm. As yet, however, it had not become a sentiment, but 
 a pleasing fancy, which future circumstances were to enliven
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 123 
 
 or destroy ; but it was already sufficiently powerful to engross 
 his midnight thoughts, and the rain had ceased to beat against 
 the casements, and the moon shone brightly on his uncur- 
 tained bed, long before his eyelids were closed in slumber. 
 
 Major Atherton slept long enough on the following morn- 
 ing, to make amends for the restlessness of the night ; and 
 Captain Standish and his guests had been some time assem- 
 bled, before he joined them in the breakfast room. He was 
 apprised of his remissness, as he was descending the stairs, by 
 the impatient voice of Mistress Saveall rising from the 
 kitchen, who declared to David, that ' the venison steak 
 were well nigh done to death, and all because the Captain 
 would wait for the young Major to get up.' 'And lam 
 sure ' responded David, who was pounding corn with all his 
 might between two stones, ' if Master Ashly should be for 
 making one of his long prayers, the chocolate will be clear 
 boiled away. ' 
 
 Major Atherton, thus warned of his tardiness, expected to 
 be greeted with raillery by his kinsman, but the Captain 
 was struck with the unusual langor of his countenance, and 
 as he entered the parlor exclaimed, 
 
 ' Well, cousin Atherton, I thought something must ail you, 
 to keep you in bed so long ; and here you are, looking as 
 pale as a Dutch ghost.' 
 
 ' I know not how I could oversleep myself so strangely, on 
 so bright a morning as this,' returned Atherton ; ' you have a 
 capricious climate, Captain, and storms and sunshine succeed 
 each other so rapidly, that we have scarcely time to guard 
 against the one, or enjoy the other. Last evening, I scarcely 
 expected to see blue sky again for a week, at least.' 
 
 ' Our southerly gales,' said the Captain, ' are short and 
 violent ; and had you asked me, I could have told you, last 
 night that it would be fair weather to-day. But that is
 
 124 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 nothing to the purpose ; so tell me truly now, if that con- 
 founded game of swimming has not washed away your color, 
 and given you a cold.' 
 
 ' I am perfectly well,' replied Atherton ; ' and I believe my 
 color is not on the surface, to be rubbed off so easily.' 
 
 ' As for that,' said the Captain, ' my little rose-bud here, 
 has generally as bright a tinge as most damsels, on her 
 cheek ; but just look at her now, she is as wan and drooping 
 as a lily.' 
 
 Atherton was looking at her, and with an anxious expres- 
 sion, which, as his eyes encountered those of Miriam Grey, 
 suffused her face with the deepest blush, which again gradu- 
 ally faded into its former paleness. 
 
 ' How now ?' said the Captain, regarding her with atten- 
 tion ; 'I believe the girl is feverish, such a flush, and all for 
 nothing ; Mistress Saveall must steep you some more of her 
 herbs, and mess you up, in her way.' 
 
 ' No, no,' said Miriam, laughing, I only wanted to contra- 
 dict you, Captain, and not daring to do it with my lips, 
 conjured up that color, which was a modest way of saying 
 you are mistaken, sir.' 
 
 ' And a very pretty way, truly,' returned the Captain, ' and 
 if I were a few years younger, Miriam, there is no knowing 
 what effect it would have upon my heart.' 
 
 ' Now I pray you, Captain,' said Miriam, blushing more 
 deeply than before, probably from observing the gaze of Ath- 
 erton, who was admiring the bright glow ' do not give me 
 the trouble of trying it again ; to tell you the truth, I have a 
 keen appetite this morning, and have been wishing for break- 
 fast, for the last half hour or two.' 
 
 ' I am sorry to have caused so much delay by my indo- 
 lence,' said Atherton.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 125 
 
 'Nay,' said Miriam, gaily, 'but you must take more 
 leisure, if you mean to apologise, Major Atherton ; there is 
 Master Peregrine, looking very hungry ; and my father, I 
 know, is in haste to return home.' 
 
 Mr. Grey had expressed a wish to return, as early as pos- 
 sible to Plymouth. Captain Standish, therefore ordered a 
 boat to be prepared ; and soon after breakfast, they were all 
 in readiness to depart. Atherton felt a strong desire to go 
 with them, which he was hesitating to make known, when 
 the Captain said, 
 
 ' I had thoughts of taking a trip with you, Mr. Grey, if it 
 please you to accept my company, and cousin Atherton's; but 
 on second thoughts, he had enough of the water, last night, 
 and had better rest awhile.' 
 
 ' Indeed, sir,' replied Atherton, ' I am perfectly well ; and 
 if not, this elastic air might restore health to an invalid.' 
 
 'We have many such days in autumn,' said the Captain ; 
 ' and if Hobamock were here, I think he would predict an In- 
 dian summer to us, after this storm ; so we will see you soon, 
 Mr. Grey, and I will teach Major Atherton to harvest corn, 
 this morning.' 
 
 Atherton tried not to look vexed, though he really felt so ; 
 and Mr. Grey, with much cordiality, expressed a hope that 
 he should see him as soon, and as often as he could find it 
 convenient ; a hope which Atherton fancied was confirmed 
 by Miriam's eyes, and to which he yielded a ready assent. 
 
 ' All's ready,' said Peregrine White ; ' so good-bye to you 
 all ; and now away, Master Ashly ; but take care that you do 
 not break the oar, and set us all adrift again :' and, looking 
 back, he called out, ' I pray you, Captain, to look sharp at 
 your corn, and not teach Major Atherton to bind it into 
 sheaves, like wheat, as you did me once, I can tell you, the 
 Governor had some trouble to unlearn me.' 
 11*
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' It would be well, if he had no other trouble with you,' 
 said the Captain. 'Master Peregrine,' he added, to Ather- 
 ton, 'is like a king's jester, privileged to say aught that 
 pleases him, without giving offence; and if he is rude at 
 times, we don't mind him ; for the lad means well and is kind 
 at heart, though he has come near being spoiled by indul- 
 gence. His father died soon after his birth, and I suppose the 
 Governor does not care to meddle much with his mother's 
 management.' 
 
 ' It is natural, that he should not,' said Atherton, who 
 answered almost mechanically ; for his eyes were following 
 the boat, as it shot rapidly across the bay ; and he was, per- 
 haps, admiring the deep blue of the heavens, the glassy 
 smoothness of the waters, dimpled by the dipping oars, 
 and slightly furrowed by the track of the light vessel, which 
 soon dwindled to a fairy skiff. The figure of Miriam Grey 
 was no longer distinguishable, and Atherton, whistling care- 
 lessly to his dog, returned to the house.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 127 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 What is fanatic frenzy, scorn'd so much, 
 And dreaded more than a contagious touch ? 
 I grant it dang'rous, and approve your fear, 
 That fire is catching, if you draw too near ; 
 But sage observers oft mistake the flame, 
 And give true piety that odious name. 
 
 COWPER. 
 
 As Captain Standish was reviewing the labor of his fields 
 after dinner with Major Atherton, they observed Hobamock 
 approaching towards them, on the road from Plymouth. 
 
 ' There comes my trusty messenger,' said the Captain ; ' I 
 wonder what brings him back here to-day.' 
 
 'He seems swift-footed,' returned Atherton; 'and you 
 must find him very serviceable in your colony.' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied the Captain, 'and he is shrewd and faithful, 
 and moreover exceedingly brave, being what the Indians call 
 a Paniese, which means a chief of great courage who, they 
 think, has had intercourse with the devil, to render him in- 
 vincible.' 
 
 ' Has he resided long with you ? ' asked Atherton. 
 
 'He came to us, within a year after we landed and we have 
 since employed him in our service. He has been our inter- 
 preter and guide, amongst the savage tribes, and a good sol- 
 dier too, after his manner, in all our engagements. But he 
 begins to lose the agility of youth. I doubt civilization does 
 not agree with him.' 
 
 Hobamock, at that moment, stood before them bowing with 
 profound respect.
 
 128 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Well Hobamock, what news do you bring us ? ' said the 
 Captain. 
 
 ' No news, Captain ; come to walk, and see if you want 
 me for do any thing.' 
 
 ' No, nothing ; ' returned the Captain ; ' but stop ; have any 
 vessels come into Plymouth, this day or two ? ' 
 
 'Yes, one last night, from the Massachusetts; and young 
 Master Weldon, come in him.' 
 
 ' Master Weldon, ha ! well we must brush up for a wed- 
 ding, Edward ; that is Lois Grey's lover. You may go into 
 the house, Hobamock, and tell Mistress Saveall to give you 
 something to eat.' 
 
 The Indian obeyed with alacrity. 
 
 ' I think,' continued the Captain, ' if you please, cousin 
 Atherton, we will go to the old town, this afternoon ; I should 
 like to see Henry Weldon, and it is long since we were at the 
 Governor's.' 
 
 ' I will go with pleasure ; ' said Atherton ; ' do you try the 
 land or water ? ' 
 
 ' Land, I think,' replied the Captain,' I have two horses, 
 and you may take your choice of them.' 
 
 In a short time they were both mounted, and on the way to 
 Plymouth ; and quickly clearing the intermediate woods, the 
 village and harbor lay in full prospect before them. 
 
 ' There is the Massachusetts' shallop," said the Captain ; 
 ' she has been here before, on trading voyages, and that stout 
 pinnace, at anchor near her, must be the Virginian. I will 
 warrant, there is a goodly hoard of tobacco stowed away in 
 her.' 
 
 ' Mr. Calvert seems well known to you,' said Atherton ; 
 ' has he made frequent voyages to New-England ? ' 
 
 ' Only one, about a year since ; but he cultivates a large 
 plantation, and has often sent vessels here, and to the Massa-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 129 
 
 chusetts. He has ever dealt honorably with us, and conducted 
 himself discreetly, so as to gain the good will of the people ; 
 but you probably know more of him than we do ? ' 
 
 ' I saw him seldom, except on duty, even when we served 
 together ; ' said Atherton. But here are two roads, which of 
 them shall we take ? ' 
 
 ' You can go on to Mr. Grey's, if you like,' returned the 
 Captain, and I will shortly join you there ; I have some busi- 
 ness that leads me first in the opposite direction.' 
 
 They accordingly separated, and a few moments brought 
 Major Atherton to the residence of Mr. Grey. He alighted 
 and fastening his horse to the wooden paling, knocked at the 
 outer door. No one appeared, and after repeating the knock 
 several times, without being heard, he ventured to lift the 
 latch, and enter a small apartment, which seemed to be the 
 usual sitting room. It was extremely neat, and conveniently 
 furnished but unoccupied; and Atherton, while waiting for 
 some person to answer his summons, had leisure to examine 
 every object which it contained. True, there was nothing re- 
 markable in it; the heavy chairs, the wooden-framed looking- 
 glass, and carved oaken table, though brightly polished by 
 time and industry, might be seen in any other place ; there 
 was a beaufet too, carefully decorated with china and a few 
 vessels of massive plate ; and over the fire-place hung a piece 
 of embroidery, representing the garden of Paradise, in all its 
 original splendor. It was crowded with a gay assortment of 
 colors, wrought into flowers and birds, and ' all manner of 
 four-footed beasts,' and some with no feet at all, with our 
 first parents standing under the 'tree of good and evil,' which 
 spread forth its goodly branches, loaded with a kind of non- 
 descript fruit, of a tempting red and yellow. Around the trunk, 
 a serpent of prodigious dimensions had awfully twined him- 
 self, stretching out his head to gaze at the guilty pair, with 
 eyes that resembled bullets.
 
 130 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 This ingenious specimen of female industry bore the date of 
 1616 ; it could not, therefore, be the production of Miriam's 
 needle ; and Atherton, in turning from it was attracted by a 
 small Indian basket of curious workmanship. Some unfin- 
 ished work lay in it, with several implements of housewifery, 
 as if recently left, and probably he thought by Miriam her- 
 self. He had taken up, and was examining with the eye of a 
 connoisseur, a pocket-book of famous tent-stitch, when the 
 door opened, and not Miriam but a tidy looking house-maid 
 entered. She started with some surprise on seeing a stranger, 
 and so employed, and Atherton hastily replacing the basket 
 and its contents, inquired for Mr. Grey. The family were all 
 from home, and it was uncertain when they would return. 
 
 Atherton left the house in disappointment ; and remounting 
 his horse, struck into a by-way which led in a circuitous 
 route to the Governor's. He was presently surprised to hear 
 the quick trampling, as of several horses approaching him, in 
 that unfrequented road ; and on turning a sudden angle, he 
 came in full view of two damsels mounted on a spirited pal- 
 frey ; nor did it require a second glance, to convince him, that 
 the light maiden who rode with so much grace, and man- 
 aged her steed with such ease and dexterity, was Miriam 
 Grey; and, on a pillion behind her was her cousin Lois. 
 Mr. Calvert, apparently in high spirits, followed close in the 
 rear, for there was not room for two abreast ; and Atherton 
 caught the gay tones of his voice as Miriam at the moment, 
 looked back to speak with him. 
 
 Major Atherton drew up on one side to let them pass ; and 
 Miriam, as soon as she saw him, checked her horse and 
 looked, as if hesitating whether to speak or wait for him to 
 address her. But, Atherton, from one of those unaccountable 
 sensations, peculiar to lovers, particularly in the incipient 
 stages of their disease, contented himself with a passing sa- 
 lute, and continued his course in silence.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 131 
 
 Miriam seemed to regard him with surprise and perplexity ; 
 she however courteously returned his salutation ; but as they 
 passed each other, with some difficulty, in the narrow defile, 
 her slender foot caught in the stirrup of his saddle. He in- 
 stantly stopped, but she extricated herself before he had time 
 to assist her, or even speak as he then felt strongly inclined ; 
 and slightly touching the curved neck of her steed, she set off 
 with a speed that almost alarmed Atherton for her safety. 
 He bit his lip with vexation, and vainly deprecated the per- 
 verse feeling which had suffered him to pass her in silence. 
 He looked back again ; she maintained her seat with the ut- 
 most firmness, and in another moment had passed beyond his 
 sight. Atherton sunk into a deep reverie ; and the animal 
 he rode, which had been used to a plough, and thereby lost 
 the exuberance of his spirits, and become fond of his ease, 
 and encouraged by the lenity of his rider and attracted by a 
 spot of fresh grass, endeavored, by a vigorous shake, to free 
 himself from all incumbrances, to enjoy the tempting morsel 
 at his leisure. But Atherton, completely aroused by the ex- 
 ertion, plunged his spurs into the sides of the reluctant beast, 
 and urged him to a gallop which soon brought him to Mr. 
 Winslow's gate. 
 
 Peregrine White saw him approaching from a window, and 
 hastened to the door to welcome him. , 
 
 ' I am heartily glad to see you, Major,' said he, ' though 
 methinks you might as well have come with us in the morn- 
 ing, as to burthen this miserable old sheep, which looks as if 
 it was going to baa, at this very moment. The Captain has 
 a high mettled steed, that he might have lent you, instead of 
 this shaggy thing.' 
 
 ' I had my choice of the two,' returned Atherton ; ' but 
 as he was coming with me, I left the best for his own use.'
 
 132 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' That was vastly civil of you,' said Peregrine ; ' but if you 
 had been with us, I would have treated you with some rare 
 sport.' 
 
 4 You are very liberal with such entertainment,' said Ath- 
 erton ; ' how was it served up this morning ? ' 
 
 ' Oh, it was Benjamin Ashly's own contrivance. You must 
 know, that he was the last to leave the boat, and twisting 
 about in his clumsy fashion, he tipped it on one side, and 
 went, souse into the water to his neck. I wish you could 
 have seen him ! there he stood, with his jaws distended like 
 a crocodile's, and croaking for all the world, like a frog.' 
 
 ' I suppose you had no hand in the accident ? ' said Ath- 
 erton. 
 
 'No hand in it, on my honor ; though I can't say but my 
 foot might possibly have touched the keel ; it was purely ac- 
 cidental, however.' 
 
 ' Oh, of course, we could not suppose you mischievous; 
 but I hope you helped him out of the difficulty.' 
 
 ' He crawled out like a great mud turtle,' said Peregrine, 
 ' and how he got home I know not ; for I came off with the 
 pretty Miriam, who could not, for her life help laughing, 
 though her father tried to frown us both into long faces to 
 suit the cut of the young deacon's woful visage.' 
 
 ' I should think Mr. Ashly would keep aloof from you,' 
 said Atherton ; ' you are apt to come into rude contact with 
 him. But we had better go into the house now, if you are 
 ready.' 
 
 ' Whenever you please ; but I forgot to tell you there is 
 some half dozen of good people in there, who seem very well 
 satisfied with themselves, but in my opinion are terribly 
 stupid.' 
 
 ' Perhaps I shall intrude on them,' said Atherton. 
 
 ' Oh no, you will not ; and it may be you will enliven 
 them a little ; I am sure I have been half asleep for an hour
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 133 
 
 past, and once do verily believe my head dropped on mistress 
 Rebecca Spindle's shoulder ; the last thing in the world I 
 should choose for a pillow.' 
 
 ' Let us go then,' said Atherton, ' they will wonder that we 
 stay so long on the threshold.' 
 
 ' No matter,' returned the careless youth; 'they have been 
 talking about you all the afternoon ; and it will give them 
 time to wind off with a good grace.' 
 
 So saying, he entered and threw open the parlor door, at 
 which Atherton was met by the Governor, with his habitual 
 courtesy, and introduced to his guests. Mrs. Winslow also 
 rose with matronly dignity to receive him ; and the usual 
 civilities being ended on all sides, she returned to her station 
 with her female friend?, who were seated in a formal row on 
 one side of the apartment, and the conversation was resumed 
 which had been suspended on the entrance of Major Ath- 
 erton. 
 
 The subject in discussion was certain heretical opinions, 
 that were said to be gaining ground in the Massachusetts 
 Bay; and, concerning which, reports, probably exaggerated, 
 had been received by the late arrival from that place. These 
 heresies were considered by all as dreadful, and till of late, 
 unheard of enormities, though their precise .nature seemed to 
 be imperfectly understood, and variously interpreted. That 
 a woman should become the promulgator of such doctrines, 
 was evidently no slight addition to the crime. 
 
 ' To think,' as Mistress Spindle, judiciously remarked, 
 'that a frail woman should take it on herself to set forth new, 
 and strange doctrines ! it was an awful thing ! ' 
 
 ' But,' said Peregrine White, who could seldom keep si- 
 lence, ' all women are not so frail, Mistress Spindle, as your 
 experience may lead you to believe ; and this Mrs. Hutchin- 
 son, we are told, has the sense and spirit of a lion.' 
 12
 
 134 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' The spirit of a devil ! ' exclaimed a little austere looking 
 man ; ' and when our youth rise up to defend such in their 
 apostacy, well may we tremble for the ark, which we have 
 builded here.' 
 
 ' My son did not mean to defend her principles,' said Mrs. 
 Winslow ; ' but with his usual haste, has spoken unadvisedly 
 with his lips.' 
 
 ' No, mother, I did not speak,' Peregrine began ; but the 
 Governor, in a mild, though decisive tone, interposed. 
 
 'We will waive that discussion, at present, Peregrine, and, 
 if it please you, attend to what Mr. Bradford hath to say.' 
 
 Peregrine yielded, with a very good grace : and Mr. Brad- 
 ford related the substance of certain information he had re- 
 ceived from Mr. Weldon, respecting the ecclesiastical affairs 
 of their Massachusetts' brethren ; and concluded with some 
 judicious remarks, which strikingly exhibited the candor and 
 liberality of his mind. 
 
 Mr. Bradford had been eminently useful in the settlement 
 and advancement of the Plymouth colony ; he was still in the 
 meridian of life ; his countenance and deportment were pre- 
 possessing, dignified, and grave, without austerity, and 
 strongly expressive of that good sense and benevolence, solid 
 judgment and fervent piety, which had early won the entire con- 
 fidence and affection of the people with whom he was associated. 
 Their unanimous suffrages had continued him in the executive 
 chair from the death of the lamented Carver, through sixteen 
 successive years ; with the exception of one only, when at his 
 own urgent request, he was permitted to resign it to Mr. 
 "Winslow. It cannot be supposed that the office of chief mag- 
 istrate was considered otherwise than as a post of honor, even 
 in that early period of the country ; but so far from being an 
 object of contention, or 'root of bitterness,' the humility and 
 disinterestedness of the primitive settlers induced them rather
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 135 
 
 to decline the distinction, and prefer others before themselves ; 
 insomuch, that an act of the general court was passed, impos- 
 ing a fine of twenty pounds on any one who should refuse 
 the office of Governor, unless chosen two years successively ; 
 and a penalty of ten pounds for rejecting an inferior office. 
 Could the venerable fathers of New-England look forth in 
 these degenerate times, how would they start back with 
 horror and amazement, at beholding the electioneering col- 
 umns of our modern newspapers ! 
 
 ' I am well-pleased,' said the Governor, when Mr. Bradford 
 had concluded, ' that young Weldon is so prosperous in his 
 worldly estate ; he seems modest and well disposed ; and is, 
 moreover, about to bear away from us one of our choicest 
 vines.' 
 
 ' I think,' returned the little man, ' we have no authority to 
 speak with confidence of him, seeing he is the blossom of a 
 strange branch, and but a stranger and sojourner amongst us.' 
 
 'We are bound, in the judgment of charity, to think well 
 of him, Mr. Scruple,' replied Mrs. Winslow; 'for he has 
 ever borne himself discreetly with us, and the church and peo- 
 ple with whom he dwells, bear testimony to the worthiness of 
 his character.' 
 
 ' And yet,' said Mistress Spindle, ' to think that Lois Grey 
 should be tempted by the love of man, to turn from our 
 " goodly tents of Kedar," and wander in the wilderness, 
 where the "dews of the sanctuary," cannot abide.' 
 
 ' Our God is not confined to any spot, but is found in every 
 place, by those who seek him aright,' replied Mr. Bradford ; 
 ' and even as Moses and Aaron led the children of Israel 
 through the desert of Sinai, so have those godly ministers 
 of the word, Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, led their congrega- 
 tion through a trackless wilderness, more than an hundred 
 miles from the spot which their hands had planted.'
 
 136 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' What,' asked Atherton, could induce them to remove so 
 far from their first settlement, and, it must be, into the midst 
 of savages ? ' 
 
 ' They went forth in the name of the Lord,' said Mr. Brad- 
 ford, ' and trusted in his mercy for protection. If you have 
 not visited our sister colony of Massachusetts, Major Ather- 
 ton, you can scarcely form an idea of its rapid growth and 
 prosperity. The foundations of many flourishing towns are 
 laid, even to the extremist limits of the patent ; and the in- 
 crease of cattle, with the great numbers who annually arrive 
 from England, has caused many to remove to distant parts. 
 Plantations are already formed on the banks of the great 
 river Connecticut, which, being beyond the charter of Massa- 
 chusetts, has been created a separate jurisdiction, and is gov- 
 erned by its own laws, without being considered amenable to 
 the mother colony.' 
 
 ' The church of Newtown, to which Mr. Weldon belongs,' 
 said the Governor to Atherton, ' was among the first that 
 contemplated a removal thither ; and, in the early part of 
 this summer, a new company arrived from England, which 
 purchased their estates, and left them at liberty to commence 
 their toilsome march. They penetrated through the pathless 
 wilderness, upwards of an hundred and twenty miles, to a 
 place called Suckiang, now Hartford, which they had fixed 
 upon for their abode, and to which they were nearly a fort- 
 night in traveling. They took with them their wives and 
 little ones ; their cattle and all their substance. Their only 
 guide was the compass ; the rocks were their pillows, and the 
 heavens their covering. They subsisted on the milk of their 
 kine, and the herbs and wild fruits of the earth ; they had 
 rivers to ford ; and deep morasses and high mountains beset 
 their path : nevertheless, the Lord watched over them, and led 
 them by the right way, and in peace to the desired land. Mr.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 137 
 
 Hooker, their minister, and Mr. Stone, teacher of their church, 
 went with them ; for in all their wanderings, our people of 
 New-England are encouraged and edified, by the presence 
 and counsel of the pastors, whom their own choice, and the 
 consent of the neighboring churches have connected with 
 them.' 
 
 ' Your civil and religious concerns, appear to be so closely 
 blended,' said Atherton, ' that the clergy must possess an in- 
 fluence equal, if not superior, to that of the secular rulers.' 
 
 ' It is an influence which we cheerfully yield to them,' re- 
 turned Mr. Winslow ; ' and which they must exercise, so 
 long as we retain the views and principles that led us to en- 
 dure reproach and exile, rather than submit to the disci- 
 pline of a church, which we consider unscriptural and cor- 
 rupt.' 
 
 'Your situation is peculiar,' resumed Atherton ;.' and so 
 far as my limited observation enables me to judge, your laws 
 and institutions approximate more nearly to the ancient patri- 
 archal government, than I should have supposed practicable 
 at this late period of the world.' 
 
 ' We may be said, almost to possess a world of our own,' 
 said Mr. Bradford ; ' we are so remote from the countries of 
 Europe, that the government, even of our own sovereign, can 
 only impose on us certain general laws, while the interior 
 regulations of the colony must rest entirely on ourselves; and 
 in this, and all our concerns, we endeavor to make the word 
 of God our rule and guide.' 
 
 'It is a guide, which every church professes to follow,' 
 said Atherton ; ' but its political code, I believe, has not been 
 found adapted to the genius of any nation, since the Christian 
 era.' 
 
 4 Yet, as far as circumstances permit,' returned Mr. Brad- 
 ford, ' we have followed the law of Moses, which, being de- 
 12*
 
 138 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 livered by the Most High, must be more perfect and better 
 suited to the capacity and wants of man, than any which hu- 
 man wisdom can devise ; and therefore most worthy the re- 
 gard of Christians, who wish to establish a colony, not from 
 motives of human ambition, but for the advancement of pure 
 religion.' 
 
 ' And the Lord has conducted us, even as he did the chil- 
 dren of Israel,' interrupted Mr. Scruple, ' and given unto us 
 the inheritance of Jacob, whom he loved.' 
 
 ' And made us a chosen people,' responded Rebecca Spin- 
 dle, ' to whom he delighteth to show favor.' 
 
 ' Those who are not of us, Mistress Spindle,' returned the 
 other, glancing at Atherton, ' understand none of these things 
 and our words seem unto them like idle tales.' 
 
 ' Perhaps, sir, your counsel may enlighten us,' said Ather- 
 ton, looking at the little man, who had evidently intended the 
 observation for him, and whose countenance expressed no 
 small degree of spiritual pride, with that long favored con- 
 traction, if the term may be allowed, which always arises 
 from sectarian prejudice. With undaunted self-complacence, 
 however, he replied, 
 
 ' They who willfully indulge the errors of prelacy, are like 
 as the " deaf adder, which stoppeth her ears against the voice 
 of the charmer, charm he never so wisely ;" and it is but 
 "casting pearls before swine," to intermeddle with them.' 
 
 Atherton could not repress a smile, but avoided any farther 
 controversy with one whose narrow intellect seemed to -ad- 
 mit but a single idea ; and an embarrassing pause of a mo- 
 ment was relieved by the entrance of Mr. Grey, and Captain 
 Standish. 
 
 ' Well, cousin Atherton,' said the latter when he had bow- 
 ed with military precision to the company, ' I expected you 
 would be here before me, I met my little rose-bud, just now, 
 riding off at full speed with the Virginian.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 139 
 
 ' And she told you,' interrupted Atherton, ' that I did not 
 find her, or any one at home.' 
 
 ' No, she did not ; ' replied the Captain. ' I asked her if 
 she had seen you, and she said that she had met your spirit 
 in the woods ; but it was dumb, so she put no questions to it.' 
 
 ' She seemed in haste,' returned Atherton, ' and both her 
 own horse and Mr. Cal vert's were fleet and spirited.' 
 
 ' This reminds me, sir,' said Mrs. Winslow, to Mr. Grey, 
 ' of a report in circulation, that Mr. Cal vert has returned hith- 
 er, in the hope of conveying your daughter back to Virginia 
 with him.' 
 
 ' And you gave no credit to such a rumor, I trust,' said Mr. 
 Grey. 
 
 ' I was loath to believe it, for a moment,' returned Mrs. 
 Winslow; ' I am sure Miriam would not willingly remove so 
 far from her father's house, and the privileges of her own 
 people.' 
 
 ' And to marry an idolatrous churchman,' said Mistress 
 Spindle, ' and go amongst those blind Egyptians, who know 
 not the ways of Zion !' But as the good woman concluded, 
 she recollected the presence of Atherton; and looking at him 
 with some confusion, hastily added ' I mean, touching their 
 outward observances; for some, doubtless, may have pure 
 hearts, though they are led astray to follow "cunningly devis- 
 ed fables." ' 
 
 ' This is a strange story,' said Captain Standish ; ' but I 
 well know, there can be no truth in it.' 
 
 ' You judge rightly, Captain,' said Mr. Grey; ' my daugh- 
 ter knows her duty too well, to enter into a covenant with the 
 enemies of our faith.' 
 
 ' Ay, I thought as much ; ' replied the Captain ; ' but Cal- 
 vert is a sober youth, and well-disposed, and withal, of an hon- 
 orable descent.'
 
 140 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' He claims kindred with the noble lord of Baltimore, I 
 think,' said the Governor, ' to whom the king has granted a 
 patent for the territory of Maryland.' 
 
 ' And who,' said Mr. Grey, ' has brought over the crafty 
 inventions of popery, to corrupt this new world, which might 
 otherwise, have remained free from such abominable delu- 
 sions.' 
 
 ' Yea,' rejoined Mr. Scruple, ' and did not the lord of Bal- 
 timore name his possessions in honor of the papist queen of 
 Charles ? and when his brother, the Governor Calvert, with 
 upwards of two hundred souls, landed in the province, with 
 idolatrous mockery they set up a cross, that relic of supersti- 
 tion, and ensign of the Pope, who is none other than the hor- 
 ned beast of the Revelations.' 
 
 ' But,' said Mrs. Winslovv, ' they appear to have been con- 
 scientious ; and certainly conducted their affairs with integri- 
 ty and wisdom, so as to give no offence, even to those who 
 differed from them in modes of worship ; and, if they act hon- 
 estly, according to the knowledge which is in them, nothing 
 more can be expected or required.' 
 
 ' It may be so,' returned the other, ' but it is an awful thing 
 to have the banner of the Pope, that prince of darkness, plant- 
 ed in the midst of our land, for an example to the heathen 
 and a stumbling block to weak brethren.' 
 
 ' It is well that you are not there to be tempted, Mr. Scru- 
 ple,' said Captain Standish ; ' I acknowledge, for my part, a 
 high respect, for the character of Governor Calvert, papist as 
 he is ; he has purchased the lands fairly of the natives, which 
 planters do not always think necessary, and established good 
 government, and granted liberty of conscience and equal 
 privileges to all sects of Christians, and what more or better 
 could be done, I pray you ?'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 141 
 
 ' Truly the outward part appeareth fair,' replied the other, 
 ' but the worshiping of saints and images I hold to be a cor- 
 ruption of " the faith once delivered to the saints." ' 
 
 ' He has brought forth good fruit,' said Mrs. Winslow ; ' and 
 it is not for us to judge his heart, or to speak uncharitably of 
 his actions.' 
 
 ' Spoken like a true woman and a good one,' cried the 
 Captain; 'what say you to that, Mr. Bradford?' 
 
 ' He has doubtless been an instrument in the hand of Prov- 
 idence,' said Mr. Bradford, 'of establishing a well-ordered 
 colony, and flourishing according to human wisdom ; but it 
 may be questioned if these benefits are not overbalanced by 
 the spiritual errors which are mingled with them.' 
 
 'We must humbly trust,' said Mr. Winslow, 'that these er- 
 rors will in time be washed away, even as they have gradual- 
 ly declined in the parent country.' 
 
 'And what has followed to fill up the breach?' asked Mr. 
 Scruple, ' even the blindness of prelacy, the putting on of 
 robes and mitres, and kneeling down to repeat prayers from, 
 printed books ; these are the gods to whom the people have 
 bowed down.' 
 
 ' Our ancestors those of us who had any,' said the Cap- 
 tain, 'were all Catholics; for which reason we are bound to 
 speak lightly of their errors. My great grandfather's uncle, 
 who was Bishop of St. Asaph in the reign of Henry the 
 eighth, was a learned prelate ; and I have too much respect 
 for his memory not to be in charity with his persuasion. But 
 here is Mr. Calvert, we will ask his opinion.' 
 
 ' You have come just in time, Mr. Gal vert, 'said Mrs. Wins- 
 low, ' to settle a disputed question.' 
 
 ' And what is it, madam ? ' ask Mr. Calvert. 
 
 ' It is,' said Mrs. Winslow, ' whether the settlement of 
 Maryland has been beneficial or otherwise to the country at 
 large ? '
 
 142 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 'No one would doubt the advantage, I think,' replied Cal- 
 vert, ' who could witness its rapid improvement in the short 
 space of the three years which have elapsed since the arrival of 
 the Governor and first planters ; and the wise administratioa 11 
 and salutary laws which have marked its progress.' 
 
 ' But the religion which they have established,' said Mrs. 
 Winslow ; ' have we not cause to dread its consequences on 
 our land ? ' 
 
 ' Of that I am incompetent to judge,' returned Calvert ; 
 'but I can say from personal observation that no Governor 
 south of New England has been more beloved and respected 
 by every sect and party. My opinion is disinterested, for the 
 patent of lord Baltimore has dismembered many fair acres 
 from our ancient colony ; and we have in vain sought redress 
 from the monarch, whose favor to that distinguished noble- 
 man is exercised in defiance of our superior claims.' 
 
 ' I think we need not quarrel about waste lands in this coun- 
 try till we have more hands to plant them ;' said Captain Stan- 
 dish; 'but I hope what remains of your fine province is in a 
 flourishing state ! ' 
 
 ' Extremely so,' returned Calvert ; ' though I am sorry to 
 say that our government has been less liberal than that of 
 Maryland, and that its recent laws against sectaries have caus- 
 ed many to abandon the territory, and prevented others from 
 coming into it.' 
 
 'In my humble judgment,' said the Captain, 'you Virgini- 
 ans have ever been a turbulent people, and apt to verge on 
 extremes. At one time you were almost exterminated by 
 famine, and when a supply reached you it was wasted in ex- 
 travagance ; again you were all running wild without gov- 
 ernment, moral or religious, and now you are for making ev- 
 ery man worship in your own way or pay a penalty.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 143 
 
 1 Spare us if you please,' said Calvert; 'it was in the days 
 of our infancy that we were so undisciplined; we are now 
 grown up into steady and orderly citizens, though it will per- 
 haps be long before we attain to the purity and strictness of 
 New-England principles.' 
 
 ' The early Virginia Companies,' said the Governor, 
 ' were too anxious for its rapid settlement ; and it must re- 
 quire many years to obliterate the t fleets of that blind policy 
 which induced them to transport dissolute and criminal per- 
 sons into a young country.' 
 
 ' And king James in later days,' said Calvert, 'graciously 
 improved upon the hint, and we have yet living mementoes 
 of his royal clemency which let loose upon our society the 
 malefactors destined for his own prisons.' 
 
 ' A less acceptable cargo, I suppose,' said the Captain, ' than 
 the young and handsome females whom the Company sent 
 over to be help-mates for your bachelors.' 
 
 'By far,' said Calvert ; ' Sir Edwin Sandys did justice to 
 Virginian gallantry in proposing so fair a freight ; and as 
 wives wer in great requisition at that time, a hundred and fifty 
 pounds of tobacco, the price demanded, was not considered 
 too much for a good one.' 
 
 ' I think though,' said the Captain, 'your treasurer should 
 have been more impartial ; and instead of culling all the 
 young and pretty maidens, have given a few old and ugly 
 ones a chance to get husbands in your ready market.' 
 
 ' I hope, Captain,' returned Calvert, ' that if your Plymouth 
 Colony should have recourse to a foreign traffic for wives, 
 you will adopt that amendment ; but I can answer for our 
 southern planters, that Sir Edwin's proposition is far better 
 suited to their taste.' 
 
 ' 1 do not doubt you,' said the Captain ; ' but I take it you 
 have enough of that commodity now for home consumption, 
 and have no need of an outward trade to supply yourselves.'
 
 144 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 * There is certainly no necessity for it,' replied Calvert ; 
 ' but it is well to keep up a friendly commerce with our neigh- 
 bors, particularly the few whom we can call such on this side 
 the Atlantic.' 
 
 Well, I heard Major Atherton talk about visiting Virgin- 
 ia the other day,' said the Captain ; ' but whether he intends 
 to turn merchant or married man, I havn't yet discovered.' 
 
 'Neither, at present,' returned Atherton; 'but I have ever 
 felt a strong curiosity to see that country, which from its first 
 discovery has excited so much interest in England, and is 
 moreover associated with many pleasing and romantic recol- 
 lections. The adventurous courage of Smith, the chivalrous 
 spirit of the unfortunate Raleigh, and the devoted heroism of 
 Pocahontas, would alone render it immortal.' 
 
 ' You should add the raising of tobacco, cousin Edward,' 
 said the Captain laughing. ' You know it is a favorite plant 
 of mine, and a great promoter of good-humor. I hope, Mr. 
 Calvert, it continues in demand and produces good crops.' 
 
 ' The crops are plentiful enough,' returned Calvert; ' but I 
 think, since King James' " Counterblast," is getting out of 
 date, it rather declines in value. Courtly opposition undoubt- 
 edly contributed to its circulation, and induced very many 
 persons to try the effect of a weed, which their sovereign 
 deigned to exercise his royal talents in writing a book to con- 
 demn.' 
 
 ' 1 never could agree with his Majesty on that subject,' said 
 the Captain, ' not to mention some others ; and I will not give 
 up my comfortable pipe of tobacco, though he is pleased to 
 say, it is only " fit to regale the devil after dinner." ' 
 
 A summons to Mrs. Winslow's hospitable supper, here in- 
 terrupted the conversation ; and, soon afterwards the company 
 dispersed to their respective places of abode.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 145 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 What ? do I love her, 
 That I desire to hear her speak again, 
 And feast upon her eyes ? 
 
 SHAKSPEARE. 
 
 ON the following afternoon, Captain Standish was obliged to 
 leave home on business ; and, having charged Alexander to 
 entertain Major Atherton till he returned, the lad proposed 
 his favorite amusement of fishing. They were soon launched 
 upon the Bay ; but, from whatever cause, the fish proved 
 shy ; which, however, only stimulated the perseverance of 
 Alexander, who toiled manfully ; and with much of his fa- 
 ther's ardor, applied himself to the task, as if his life de- 
 pended on success. 
 
 Atherton was certainly less zealous ; his eyes continually 
 reverted to the distant shores of the Gurnet, and his thoughts 
 were probably occupied by certain associations connected with 
 it; for his companion, while skillfully managing his own line, 
 observed that his kinsman's remained long in the water, and 
 only stirred by the dull motion of the waves. When he 
 finally drew it out, the hook was without bait, and Alexander, 
 who had seen it glitter before it reached the surface, ex- 
 claimed, 
 
 ' Upon my word, Major Atherton, that fish had a dainty 
 morsel from your hook, and he must have worked cautiously 
 to take it off, without pricking his gills.' 
 
 ' Really,' said Atherton, ' there is no sport for us to-day ; I 
 think the scaly race have all gone to bed in broad sun-shine.' 
 13
 
 146 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Look, here are two notable fellows I have caught,' re- 
 turned Alexander, ' and here comes another ; no, he has bit, 
 and gone off with himself.' 
 
 ' I should like to be off, too, Alexander, if it please you,' 
 said Atherton ; ' there is really more toil than pleasure in 
 this tedious angling.' 
 
 'I will land you, if you wish it,' said Alexander, ' and re- 
 turn here by myself; my father will laugh at us, if we carry 
 home no more spoil.' 
 
 'Yonder is Plymouth,' said Atherton, ' if we can push in 
 there, I will pass an hour or two, and be ready to return with 
 you.' 
 
 In a few moments, Major Atherton stood on the Plymouth 
 beach, and while deliberating what course to pursue, he 
 moved slowly on, and, as if unconscious what path his feet 
 had chosen, started at finding himself by the oak tree, which 
 shaded the dwelling of Mr. Grey. ' I will not call again to- 
 day,' he thought, and passed leisurely on, though not without 
 a strict survey of the premises. No person was visible ; and 
 Miriam's kitten, which lay sunning herself on the door-step, 
 was the only animated object in the vicinity. Retracing his 
 steps, Atherton was soon again on the sea-shore, and not far 
 from the Pilgrim's rock, close to which the Virginia pinnace 
 lay at anchor. Thin groves of trees were here and there scat- 
 tered along the shore, apparently the second growth of large 
 forests, which had undoubtedly once covered the plain where 
 the village now stood, and which, on the first arrival of the 
 colony, presented the appearance of a level field, though re- 
 taining vestiges of former cultivation, and bearing marks of 
 the rude implements with which the natives weie accustomed 
 to till their ground, and prepare the ridges for their corn plan- 
 tations. These appearances, confirmed the report of some 
 friendly savages, that it had once been the site of a flourish-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 147 
 
 ing Indian town, whose inhabitants were swept away by a 
 contagious malady, which had desolated the country, from 
 the Bay of Plymouth to the shores of the Narraganset. 
 
 As Major Atherton was passing a-long the skirts of a small 
 wood, a faint rustling among the withered branches, caused him 
 to look round ; and, at the same instant, the low humming 
 of a sweet female voice, directed his attention to a spot, where, 
 leaning carelessly against the trunk of a tree, his eyes rested 
 on the figure of Miriam Grey. She evidently did not see 
 him, and was busily arranging some gay autumnal flowers, 
 and fresh evergreens into a boquet, occasionally stopping to 
 examine them with minute attention, while her countenance 
 expressed the pleasure derived from her simple amusement. 
 It is uncertain how long Atherton might have continued to 
 admire in silence, the graceful negligence of her attitude, and 
 listen to the plaintive melody of her voice, if, in changing 
 her position, a corresponding motion on his part, had not ap- 
 prized her of his proximity. A vivid blush, which dyed even 
 her forehead with crimson, convinced Atherton that he was 
 observed, and her confusion was in a slight degree shared by 
 himself. In the first start of surprise, Miriam had dropped a 
 part of her nosegay ; and to relieve his embarrassment, at 
 which he felt surprised, Atherton sprang forward, and raising 
 it from the ground, returned it to her ; retaining, however, a 
 sprig of evergreen, which he gallantly placed in his own 
 bosom, without receiving even a reproving glance, unless a 
 still deeper glow could be interpreted as one. 
 
 ' I hope,' said Atherton, ' I shall not interrupt your employ- 
 ment, though I have sadly deranged the flowers which you 
 were assorting with so much taste.' 
 
 'It will only prolong my occupation,' returned Miriam, 
 which, trifling as it is, has served to pass away a few mo- 
 ments, while waiting for my cousin Lois, who has wandered
 
 148 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 away, I know not whither. But perhaps, you may have met 
 with her ? ' 
 
 ' I have not ; ' said Atherton, ' though, indeed, my walk 
 has not been extended far from this spot, at least, since I 
 caught the sound of your voice, which attracted me to it.' 
 
 'I was scarcely aware,' said Miriam, ' that my idle hum 
 rose into an audible sound, or I should have been more guard- 
 ed, in a place like this. 1 
 
 ' A place exposed to intruders, would you say ? ' asked 
 Atherton, smiling ' Believe me, my intrusion was unpre- 
 meditated, and I hope you will not punish me, by regretting 
 that you charmed me awhile, though unconsciously, with the 
 delightful melody of your voice.' 
 
 ' I should scarcely expect,' said Miriam, ' that our New- 
 England music could have any charms for you, who have 
 been accustomed to the skillful harmony of your own coun- 
 try.' 
 
 ' And yet,' replied Atherton, 'no music was ever so pleas- 
 ant to my ear, as the simple psalmody of your congregation, 
 which my mother used to sing, and delighted to teach me in 
 my childhood. It is long,' he added, after a brief pause, 
 ' since I listened to those strains which your voice recalls to 
 my memory, like the charm of renewed happiness.' 
 
 ' I fear it has also awakened unpleasant remembrances,' said 
 Miriam, who observed a shade of sadness pass over his coun- 
 tenance. 
 
 ' They are recollections of pure and heartfelt happiness,' 
 returned Atherton, 'and though alloyed by many painful 
 hours which have since intervened, I would not for worlds 
 obliterate them from my memory.' 
 
 ' But,' said Miriam, ' would it not be prudent to repel asso- 
 ciations which have at least as much pain as pleasure mingled 
 with them ? '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 149 
 
 ' Not if you exclude music,' said Atherton; ' that is one of 
 the last enjoyments I should be willing to sacrifice ; and never 
 has my heart more deeply felt its influence, than when list- 
 ening to the melody of untutored voices in your semblies, 
 and by your fire-sides.' 
 
 ' We humble puritans,' said Miriam, with arch gravity, 
 ' are a psalm-singing people, but our untaught harmony is 
 rarely honored vviih the approbation of those who chant to 
 the sound of the organ in high places.' 
 
 ' Their commendation,' returned Atherton, 'must at least 
 be sincere and disinterested.' 
 
 ' We regard it but as the incense of a vain sacrifice,' re- 
 plied Miriam, in the same tone ; and then quickly resuming 
 her usual manner, she added, ' but it will be night ere we 
 reach home, if we wait much longer for Lois ; I know not 
 but she may be already there, though she left me only to go 
 a short distance and promised to return directly.' 
 
 1 Shall I seek her, and tell her you have been waiting long 
 and patiently ? ' asked Atherton, who feared his presence em- 
 barrassed her, or might be considered improper, in a place 
 where strictness of manners was carried to an extreme. 
 
 ' I have not been very impatient,' returned Miriam, ' though 
 were it not for giving you so much trouble ' 
 
 ' Do not speak of trouble,' interrupted Atherton ; ' any 
 thing which obliges you will give me pleasure ; so farewell, 
 and in a few moments I hope to return successful.' 
 
 Atherton looked back more than once as he pursued the 
 way in the direction which Miriam pointed out, and saw her 
 still on the spot where he had left her, and again busied with 
 her flowers, until the windings of the path concealed her from 
 his view. But though her fingers were employed with the 
 flowers, her thoughts seemed wandering to other subjects ; 
 for she had plucked every blossom from its stem, and strewed 
 13*
 
 150 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 the ground with their leaves, and when only a single stalk re- 
 mained in her hand, she looked at it in surprise, and ex- 
 claimed audibly, 
 
 1 My beautiful flowers ! what have I done to them ? ' 
 
 ' And may I ask, fair Miriam,' said a voice behind her, 
 ' what subject of contemplation has so entirely absorbed your 
 mind ? ' 
 
 Miriam started, and turning round, saw Mr. Calvert by her 
 side; and with perfect calmness she replied, 
 
 'It would be difficult to answer your question, sir; I am 
 myself scarcely conscious what ideas engrossed me at the 
 moment you appeared.' 
 
 Perhaps,' said Calvert, in a tone of irony very usual with 
 him ; ' perhaps you were admiring the beauties of nature, or 
 drawing moral reflections from the fall of the autumnal leaf.' 
 
 'No,' said Miriam, pointing to the scattered flowers, 'I 
 was destroying the beauties of nature, instead of admiring 
 them, and my reflections were certainly less melancholy than 
 the season and this place are calculated to excite.' 
 
 'And what is there of melancholy connected with this 
 place?' asked Calvert; 'just now it seemed to me a scene 
 of happiness which almost excited my envy.' 
 
 Miriam, without noticing his last remark, pointed to a level 
 bank, which rose abruptly from the ocean directly at their 
 feet ; it appeared to have been once cultivated, but was then 
 covered with coarse grass, and a few stinted evergreens. 
 
 ' This,' she said, ' is the burial place where our poor colony, 
 during the dreadful winter which succeeded their arrival, 
 were obliged to consign more than half their number, who fell 
 victims to the distress and fatigue of their situation. Many 
 an honored and virtuous head reposes here, who, while their 
 memory is fading away on earth, are doubtless receiving a 
 bright reward for their sufferings and pious labors, where 
 there are no more trials, nor any change.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILQEIMS. 151 
 
 ' But I see no graves,' said Calvert ; ' not even a single 
 stone to mark it as a place of interment.' 
 
 1 No,' returned Miriam ; ' for so much were we reduced by 
 sickness and death, that it was thought expedient to level the 
 ground and plant it, lest the natives should discover our weak- 
 ness, and take advantage of it, when we were unable to resist 
 them. But the spot is no less sacred in our eyes, than if 
 marked by the most stately monuments of marble.' 
 
 ' In a few years,' said Calvert, ' all will be forgotten, and 
 even now the living have ceased to mourn for those who lie 
 here.' 
 
 ' They are no longer mourned,' said Miriam ; ' but their un- 
 timely fate cannot be remembered without feelings of tender- 
 ness and regret ; particularly by those who shared their dan- 
 gers, and were mercifully spared to longer and happier days.' 
 
 1 You have imbibed these feelings,' said Calvert, ' from the 
 gloomy traditions of the good people around you : you were 
 then an infant, and incapable of realizing dangers or misfor- 
 tunes.' 
 
 ' True,' said Miriam ; ' yet every affecting incident is im- 
 pressed upon my mind as strongly as if I had then been ma- 
 ture in age and reason ; and I should think even a stranger 
 would feel a touch of interest and sympathy in such calami- 
 ties.' 
 
 ' They do,' said Calvert, ' and none more deeply than my- 
 self, in all which concerns the colony, in all that interests you, 
 Miriam ; but pardon me, if I say this cloud of sadness is less 
 suited to your countenance than the smiles which usually 
 adorn it.' 
 
 ' Your trifling is ill-timed, sir ; ' replied Miriam, 'and we 
 will drop a subject that seems to have wearied you. Now, 
 that I have answered all your questions, may I be permitted
 
 152 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 to inquire what accident has brought you hither so unex- 
 pectedly.' 
 
 ' Accident,' said Calvert, 'has often fortunately conducted 
 
 me to you.' 
 
 ' Yesterday, for instance,' interrupted Miriam, ' when your 
 high-mettled steed came so suddenly upon us, to the great 
 alarm of my palfrey, and the imminent hazard of our necks.' 
 
 ' Yes, yesterday,' continued Calvert ; ' but to-day my in- 
 trusion is entirely voluntary ; and I confess I was drawn here 
 by a spell which my heart is unable to resist.' 
 
 A spell ! ' said Miriam with simplicity, really, Mr. Cal- 
 vert, I do not understand you.' 
 
 < Then you must be the only one who is ignorant of the 
 witchery of your charms,' said Calvert. 
 
 ' Have you witches in Virginia, sir ? ' asked Miriam, 
 gravely ; ' you seem familiar with such beings, but they have 
 not yet disturbed the peace of our colony.' 
 
 Calvert looked at her in some perplexity, to discover if the 
 grave simplicity of her manner was real or affected ; but before 
 his doubts were satisfied, she added, 
 
 ' Perhaps I am indebted to their counsel for the favor of 
 this interview.' 
 
 ' No,' replied Calvert, ' I .have long regarded you from my 
 pinnace yonder, and only waited till you should be left 
 alone before I joined you.' 
 
 ' Indeed ! ' said Miriam ; ' I was not aware of being a sub- 
 ject of observation ; but had you reached this place a few mo- 
 ments sooner, you would have conferred on Major Atherton, 
 as well as myself, the pleasure of your society.' 
 
 ' That,' said Calvert, ' can be desired by neither of us ; and 
 what I would say to you, Miriam, can concern yourself alone, 
 least of all, the person whom you have mentioned.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 153 
 
 1 1 must beg you to be brief then,' said Miriam ; ' for I mo- 
 mently expect his return, as he left me but to seek my cousin, 
 and methinks I now hear their footsteps.' 
 
 As she spoke, she turned from him with the air of one who 
 listens attentively ; and Calvert, with ill-concealed impatience 
 and vexation, retreated from her a few paces in silence. But 
 as no one appeared he presently returned, and looking at her 
 attentively, asked, 
 
 ' How fs it that a stranger like Major Atherton has excited 
 so much interest in this place, where till within a few weeks, 
 his very name was unknown ? ' 
 
 ' Like all other strangers of fair and honorable character,' 
 said Miriam, ' he has claims upon our hospitality which it is 
 our duty to discharge.' 
 
 ' And what evidence have you,' asked Calvert, ' that this 
 character belongs to Major Atherton ? ' 
 
 ' All that we can have of a foreigner,' said Miriam, ' the 
 evidence of those friends whose letters commended him to our 
 favor ; and his good conduct since he has been with us has 
 gained him the esteem of many, who are not used to bestow 
 it lightly and without cause.' 
 
 1 Not to mention his heroic attempt to save your life,' re- 
 turned Calvert, which has doubtless obtained your individual 
 regard.' 
 
 Miriam was about to reply when they heard the sound of 
 approaching voices ; and immediately Lois Grey, with Henry 
 Weldon and Atherton, emerged from the grove of trees, di- 
 rectly against them. Major Atherton who was speaking with 
 animation, stopped abruptly when he saw Calvert conversing 
 alone with Miriam ; and the idea that she had perhaps wished 
 his absence to receive the visit of another, excited feel- 
 ings which he could with difficulty repress. Calvert mark- 
 ed the variations of his countenance, which he considered a
 
 154 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 confirmation of suspicions he had before entertained ; nor did 
 he fail to notice the deep blush of Miriam, excited by the ap- 
 prehension that her situation might be misunderstood by one 
 whose good opinion she felt unwilling to forfeit. Shaking 
 off her confusion as much as possible however, she ad- 
 vanced to meet them, and taking her cousin's arm. said to 
 her, 
 
 'I have been long expecting you, Lois; but the delay is 
 sufficiently explained, since I find you have not been indulg- 
 ing a solitary ramble.' 
 
 ' No,' said Lois, ' I chanced to meet Mr. Weldon, and ' 
 
 ' And you walked on,' interrupted Miriam, ' quite forgetful 
 of your promise and my lonely state.' 
 
 ' I will not trouble you with an explanation,' returned Lois, 
 ' as you probably have been so agreeably engaged that my 
 absence was scarcely regretted.' 
 
 ' Well,' said Miriam, ' we must now hasten ; for it is 
 already past the time when we promised my father to be at 
 home.' 
 
 They shortly regained the highway, where Atherton sepa- 
 rated from the party, though urged by Lois Grey to return 
 with them ; pleading, as his excuse, that Alexander Standish 
 would be waiting for him. Alexander however was not on 
 the beach ; nor was his boat visible on the water ; and Ather- 
 ton concluding he had returned without him, determined to 
 walk back to Captain Standish's, which as he chanced to be 
 in a musing mood, was by no means a disagreeable alterna- 
 tive. 
 
 It was then nearly dark, and Atherton was passing hastily 
 along, when he met Mr. Calvert just issuing from the gate at 
 Mr. Grey's. Calvert looked at him in surprise. 
 
 ' I thought, sir,' he said, ' you were long since comfortably 
 seated in the Captain's warm quarters; you will be late if 
 you have all that distance to walk to-night.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 155 
 
 "' That is of little consequence,' replied Atherton, 'the path 
 is as familiar to me by night, as in the noon-day.' 
 
 ' But you have taken the longest way,' pursued Calvert ; 
 ' this road is leading you far from the direct route.' 
 
 ' It is a matter of choice,' returned Atherton ; ' and I presume 
 I am at liberty to take whichever suits my convenience or 
 pleasure.' 
 
 ' Certainly,' said Calvert, ' and I am myself too sensible 
 of the peculiar attractions of this, to be surprised at your pref- 
 erence.' 
 
 Calvert spoke in a sarcastic tone, which was calculated to 
 irritate the feelings of Atherton ; but he prudently refrained 
 from answering, and coldly bidding him good night, pursued 
 his solitary way. 
 
 Captain Slandish had been expecting the return of Major 
 Atherlon with some impatience ; and when he at last heard 
 him enter the house, he knocked the ashes from his pipe and 
 called loudly to bid Mistress Saveall put the supper on the ta- 
 ble instantly. 
 
 But Mistress SavealPs shrill voice answered from her do- 
 minions, that ' it took time for all things ; and master Alexan- 
 der's fish could not be fried in a minute.' 
 
 ' They have been at home a good hour, or more,' said the 
 Captain; 'and less time than that might suffice to make them 
 as brown as a hazle-nut.' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied the dame ; ' and as cold as a stone, withal : 
 and then who but me would be blamed when they were serv- 
 ed up, and not fit to eat.' 
 
 ' Use your hands, Mistress, instead of your tongue, and it 
 please you,' said the Captain ; ' these women can do nothing 
 without prating like magpies all the time about it.' 
 
 He pushed the door, not very gently, as he concluded ; and 
 the reply of the housekeeper, who, with the becoming spirit
 
 156 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 of her sex, seemed resolved to give the last word, was lost to 
 the ear of Atherton, who had been entertained by the rest of 
 the domestic dialogue ; from which he inferred, that his pro- 
 1 onged absence had been displeasing to all parties. 
 
 But the Captain's good humor returned the moment his 
 kinsman entered the room ; and rising from his elbow-chair, 
 he said, gaily, 
 
 ' Well, Edward, you are really taken with a roving spirit ; 
 but if you play the truant often, I fear good Mistress Saveall's 
 small stock of patience will be quite exhausted.' 
 
 ' Perhaps,' said Atherton, ' occasional exercise may strength- 
 en that valuable property ; and I think sir, you would have 
 reason to thank me for any improvement of the kind.' 
 
 ' Why, yes ;' returned the Captain ; ' but to tell the truth, 
 I am not over anxious to have my own patience put to the 
 test very often. I fear it would not come forth, like gold from 
 the furnace, purified by the trial.' 
 
 ' I believe the virtue is not apt to flourish well in our pro- 
 fession,' returned Atherton. 'But I have not yet explained 
 the cause of my absence, which, I am sorry to believe, has 
 kept you so long waiting for me.' 
 
 4 No matter,' replied the Captain ; ' it has given us better 
 appetites, and we can talk over the matter while eating our 
 supper.' 
 
 ' Here comes Alexander,' said Atherton ; ' and now I. may 
 hope to know if he forgot his promise to stop for me at the 
 beach.' 
 
 ' No,' said Alexander, ' I waited for you till almost sunset, 
 and then I met Hobamock, who told me he saw you in the 
 woods with Miriam Grey ; so I thought you would go home 
 with her, and it was of no use to stay longer.' 
 
 'I chanced to meet her, in walking, as I was about to in- 
 form you, Captain,' said Atherton, carelessly, and her cousin 
 Lois, with Mr. Weldon and Calvert.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 157 
 
 ' But Hobamock told me you were alone with Miriam,' re- 
 turned Alexander; ' and shall I tell you, Major, something 
 more that he said about you ? ' 
 
 ' No,' said Atherton, quickly ; ' Hobamock's eyes are wax- 
 ing dim, I fancy ; and he must have mistaken the rest of our 
 party for pine stumps, or savin trees.' 
 
 ' Hobamock's eyes are sharp enough,' said the Captain ; 
 ' but you say Mr. Calvert was there ? I think that young gal- 
 lant will find himself mistaken, if he hopes to carry away 
 our rose-bud from New England.' 
 
 ' Women are said to be fond of novelty and variety,' said 
 Atherton ; ' and perhaps she may prefer the warmer and 
 brighter climate of Virginia.' 
 
 ' No ; no such thing,' returned the Captain ; besides, Cal- 
 vert is a churchman, and her father would almost as soon see 
 her married to the Pope of Rome, if his Holiness might be 
 permitted to take unto himself a lawful wife.' 
 
 Major Atherton paused till he had twice measured the room 
 with his steps ; but willing to learn more of the Captain's 
 opinion on that subject, he at length said, 
 
 ' Calvert is insinuating in his manners and address, 
 and may overcome the scruples of Miriam, if not her fa- 
 ther's ; it is. hardly possible that Mr. Grey would withhold 
 his consent if the happiness of his only child were concern- 
 ed.' 
 
 ' Now, Edward Atherton,' said the Captain, smiling, '1 
 perceive you judge of us from your own good mother, who 
 was all mildness and charity ; she was a Puritan, too ; but 
 we, true Nonconformists, Separatists, Independents, or as god- 
 ly Mr. Cotton of the Massachusetts has at last styled us, Con- 
 gregationalists, hold it a sin to enter into a covenant with you 
 heretics and idolaters ; and believe me, Miriam Grey herself 
 would rather marry that prosing, preaching Benjamin Ashly, 
 than to choose from among the best of you.' 
 14
 
 158 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' Really, sir,' said Atherton almost indignantly, ' you would 
 give us an exalted idea of Miriam Grey's taste and discern- 
 ment.' 
 
 ' Not so,' said the Captain ; < but it is a part of her creed ; 
 and she would think it rebelling against the light of con- 
 science, to err one jot or tittle from that. I do not think, 
 though, that the girl has any fancy for Master Ashly, unless 
 it may be, to indulge her merry humor in laughing at him. 
 now and then ; for she hath a light heart ; ay, and as inno- 
 cent too, as the smile on her rosy lips. But here is a savory 
 smell of supper, and I think we may all do tolerable justice to 
 it to-night.' 
 
 ' I can answer for myself,' said Atherton, ' that it was never 
 more welcome ; a long walk certainly promotes the appetite 
 wonderfully.' 
 
 'A long walk and a long fast,' returned the Captain; 
 ' so now for a vigorous onset.' And, drawing their chairs 
 around the table, Mistress Saveall's choice dishes and good 
 cookery soon diverted the conversation to more epicurean 
 topics. 
 
 But the interesting subject which had previously engaged 
 them was still predominant in the mind of Atherton, and fol- 
 lowed him even to the retirement of his own apartment. The 
 incipient predilection which he had imbibed for Miriam Grey 
 was heightened by a renewed opportunity of seeing and con- 
 versing with her ; and the undisguised admiration of Calvert, 
 which seemed to set every competitor at defiance, only stimu- 
 lated his interest. While both pride and affection shrunk 
 from the idea of yielding to his claims, or being superseded 
 by his superior address, his heart became insensibly animated 
 with the hope of success, and every obstacle served only to 
 increase the ardor of his pursuit. The religious prejudices 
 of her father, and perhaps her own, Atherton considered but
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 159 
 
 too lightly, and in spite of all that Captain Standish had said, 
 with the sophistry of love he persuaded himself that, could 
 he win her affections, it would be easy to remove every doubt 
 and difficulty from her mind. He remembered the happy 
 union of his parents, which their difference of faith had never, 
 for an instant, interrupted ; and the slight barrier of a creed 
 appeared to him too vain to excite any serious uneasiness. 
 His imagination glowing with enchanting hopes and visions 
 of happiness, he resigned himself to repose, and in sleep 
 pursued the airy dreams which had occupied his waking 
 thoughts. 
 
 The next day and the next passed away, and Major Ather- 
 ton was prevented by a variety of circumstances from revisit- 
 ing Plymouth ; but on the afternoon of the third, which was 
 Sunday, he recollected to have been particularly edified by the 
 preaching of Mr. Reynal, and expressed to the Captain a 
 wish to hear him again. 
 
 'Just as you please, cousin Atherton,' said the Captain, 
 1 Mr. Reynal is a sound and orthodox divine ; and perhaps his 
 wholesome doctrine may help to settle your doubts, if you 
 have any, and lead you into the right way. But I hope be- 
 fore long, we shall have a worthy minister of our own ; it is 
 now four years since we separated from the church of Ply- 
 mouth, and in all that time we have had only the prophesy- 
 ings and exhortations of the gifted brethren, for our public 
 teaching.' 
 
 Atherton declined the Captain's offer of his best horse, 
 which he would fain have pressed into his service ; and hav- 
 ing become well accustomed to the way, he walked on at a 
 brisk pace, and reached the place of his destination just as 
 the people were assembling for the afternoon service. As he 
 mingled with the congregation who were ascending the hill 
 leading to the place of worship, he observed Mr. Calvert at 
 a short distance, apparently endeavoring to overtake him.
 
 160 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Atherton did not wish to avoid him ; he therefore slackened 
 his pace, and in a moment was joined by Calvert. 
 
 ' Really, Major Atherton,' said Calvert, < you must be mar- 
 velously fond of exercise, to walk hither so very often.' 
 
 ' And you,' returned Atherton, ' seem equally averse to it ; 
 Captain Standish was only yesterday remarking on your long 
 absence from his house.' 
 
 * I have business and other affairs which engage my time,' 
 said Calvert, carelessly ; ' but pray tell me, Major Atherton, 
 if you have turned puritan in good earnest ?' 
 
 ' Why do you ask me that question, sir ? I have never 
 avowed any deviation from the principles in which I was ed- 
 ucated.' 
 
 ' And being educated by parents of different persuasions,' 
 replied Calvert, ' you were probably instructed in the faith of 
 both, and feel at liberty to adopt whichever shall suit your in- 
 clination ; at present you seem much inclined to favor the re- 
 ligion of this land.' 
 
 ' I have ever followed the faith which my father professed,' 
 said Atherton, ' though I am not so bigoted as to absent my- 
 self from the worship of those who differ from me.' 
 
 ' It is a good rule,' returned Calvert, with a smile of pecu- 
 liar meaning, ' to conform in matters of such trifling impor- 
 tance, and doubtless very politic in certain cases.' 
 
 ' I do not perfectly comprehend you, sir,' said Ather- 
 ton ; and if it is not too much trouble, must beg you to ex- 
 plain.' 
 
 ' Oh, I dislike explanations above all things,' said Calvert ; 
 ' but now be candid, Major, and tell me if you really came 
 eight miles to hear good Mr. Reynal's long sermon, or to catch 
 a stray beam from certain bright eyes, which may chance to 
 wander this way ? '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 161 
 
 * Probably, sir, you judge of my motives ' from your own 
 feelings and wishes,' said Atherton, coloring highly. 
 
 ' Very likely,' returned Calvert, coolly, ' and I know of no 
 more rational way of judging of what lies beyond our obser- 
 vation.' 
 
 'In that case,' said Atherton, 'I should choose to know 
 that my judge was a man of correct and honorable feel- 
 ings.' 
 
 ' Certainly,' replied Calvert ; ' and of course you will not 
 dispute my pretentions to the office, though I never set my- 
 self up for a miracle of goodness, as some officers in our reg- 
 iment did ; there was Captain R for instance, not to men- 
 tion one or two others.' 
 
 ' I believe you were never accused of raising your standard 
 of perfection too highly,' said Atherton. 
 
 ' No, I hate canting, and never try to pass for better than I 
 am,' said Calvert, pointedly ; ' except,' he added, ' in cases of 
 necessity ; for instance, here we are at the entrance of the tab- 
 ernacle, and must strive to look as demure as possible ; for it 
 is as much the fashion to wear long faces in a puritan meet- 
 ing house, as it is to practice smiles and bows at court.' 
 
 As he finished speaking, they both entered the house, and 
 accepted of seats which were civilly offered them near the 
 door. A moment after Mr. Grey and his family came in, and 
 passed on to their usual places. This circumstance seemed 
 unnoticed by Calvert, till the eagerness with which the eyes 
 of Atherton pursued them, excited a transient smile ; and dur- 
 ing the remainder of the services, his countenance was mark- 
 ed by a gravity which might have passed for the expression 
 of a serious and devout mind. As soon as the congregation 
 was dismissed, he took the arm of Atherton, who was dispos- 
 ed to linger behind, and walked to the bottom of the hill
 
 162 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 with him, where they stopped by mutual, though tacit con- 
 sent. 
 
 ' May I ask what direction you are about to take ? ' said 
 Mr. Calvert. 
 
 ' Home, that is to Captain Standish's,' replied Atherton ; 
 ' and if you are disposed to return with me, I will promise 
 you a welcome reception from my host.' 
 
 ' Another time I will try it,' said Calvert ; ' but now I am, 
 going to our friend Mr. Grey's, and will make you the tempt- 
 i&g offer to accompany me ; now do not say you have no wish 
 to go there.' 
 
 '''*! shall not,' returned Atherton; 'on the contrary, it 
 would give me pleasure ; but they are accustomed to keep 
 this day so sacred, that the visit of a stranger might not be 
 acceptable.' 
 
 ' As you please,' said Calvert ; ' but I have never been re- 
 ceived otherwise than graciously, at any time.' 
 
 ' If,' said Atherton, ' you can suit your conversation to cir- 
 cumstances, as well as you have your countenance this after- 
 noon, I am not surprised at their forbearance.' 
 
 ' Far better,' replied Calvert. ' I discourse of theology 
 with the father, and settle all controverted points to his full 
 satisfaction ; and sing psalms with the daughter and niece, 
 till they believe me on the point of abjuring the mother church, 
 with all her pomps and ceremonies ; and if they don't end by 
 begging me to crop off my hair, and round off my ears, I shall 
 be satisfied.' 
 
 ' And that is not trying to appear better than you are, is it ?' 
 asked Atherton. 
 
 ' Not better, only a little different,' said Calvert; 'besides, 
 you forgot my saving clause, and this is a case of necessity. 
 But hush ! they are close by us, even now.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 163 
 
 Atherton looked round, and saw Miriam and Lois Grey, al- 
 most at his side ; but they were busily engaged in conversa- 
 tion, and did not observe them, till Miriam accidentally drop- 
 ping her handkerchief, Atherton and Calvert, at the same in- 
 stant, stooped to raise it from the ground. The latter gained 
 the prize, and Miriam received it from his hand with a smile ; 
 though Atherton fancied a still brighter one animated her fea- 
 tures, as she returned his salutation ; and the idea lessened , 
 the mortification of his defeat, and the reluctance he felt to 
 part from her. Calvert bade him farewell, with an air of 
 triumph, which seemed to say, ' I have the advantage over 
 you ; ' and Atherton, conquering a strong inclination to join 
 them, turned into another direction, and was soon in the 
 well-known path, which led to the residence of Captain Stan- 
 dish.
 
 164 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 ' Ah ! si vons ponviez comprendre 
 
 Ce que je ressens pour vous, 
 L'amour meme n'a rien si tendre, 
 
 Ni ramitie" de si doux. 
 Loin de vous, mon caeur soupire, 
 
 Pr4s de vous, je suis interdit ; 
 Voila ce que j'ai a vous dire, 
 Helas ! peut-etre, ai je trop dit !' 
 
 ON the ensuing week, Major Atherton was an almost daily 
 visitant at the house of Mr. Grey. Every morning he found 
 some excuse for going to Plymouth ; and Captain Standish, 
 who was at that time particularly occupied with some affairs 
 of his own, was pleased to hear of his kinsman's frequent en- 
 gagements at the Governor's, or Mr. Bradford's ; though not 
 always aware that these engagements'" were concluded in the 
 society of Miriam Grey. He was received by every member 
 of the family with the utmost cordiality ; and the eloquent 
 blushes of Miriam, the engaging confidence and graceful 
 timidity which alternately marked her manner towards him, 
 encouraged his hopes, and increased the attachment he cher- 
 ished for her ; which became deeper and stronger, as every 
 interview disclosed to him some new charm in her mind and 
 character. There was, also, enough of variety, uncertainty 
 and doubt, to create perplexity and induce him to conceal his 
 sentiments, till more fully convinced that they would meet 
 with a favorable reception. 
 
 The conduct of Mr. Calvert was well calculated to render 
 Atherton mistrustful of Miriam's affection ; he was continu-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 165 
 
 ally near her ; and Atherton often sighed as he observed her, 
 with apparent pleasure, enter into conversation with him, 
 and listen to his descriptions of foreign countries, and the ad- 
 ventures of other days, which he had always at command, 
 and possessed the pleasing art of relating with a spirit and 
 humor that could not fail to amuse. 
 
 Atherton, like other lovers, was ingenious in tormenting 
 himself with visionary fears, and too little skilled in the fe- 
 male heart, to detect the subtle evasions to which it has 
 recourse to conceal an acknowledged prepossession : his hopes 
 were constantly fluctuating ; and often depressed by circum- 
 stances, from which, with more experience, he would have 
 drawn the most flattering inferences. Calvert always as- 
 sumed the aspect of a favored lover : conscious of his 
 advantages, he seemed secure of conquest; or, if at any time 
 uncertain, he artfully concealed it, and wore an air of pre- 
 sumption, from which the more delicate and honorable mind 
 of Atherton revolted. He was evidently no stranger to the 
 views and feelings of his rival ; but he appeared totally to 
 disregard them, and resolved not to admit the possibility, that 
 he could become a successful candidate for the favor of his 
 mistress. His manners were frank and careless ; but Ather- 
 ton, as his visits became more frequent, remarked an occa- 
 sional caprice and coldness ; he also fancied that Mr. Grey 
 began to regard the attentions, which both himself and 
 Calvert directed to his daughter, with a suspicious eye. He 
 had no wish to conceal his sentiments, and only waited for a 
 favorable opportunity to disclose them, both to Miriam and 
 her father. 
 
 Atherton called at the house one evening, and was not dis- 
 pleased, on entering the parlor, to find it occupied by Miriam 
 alone. She was carelessly reclining in a huge elbow-chair, 
 with her eyes fixed on the blazing fire, which glanced brightly
 
 166 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 on her figure and countenance, and revealed an expression of 
 unusual pensiveness. Without raising her eyes, as he entered, 
 she continued to hum the air of a tune which Atherton had 
 himself taught her, and of which he was particularly fond, 
 because it had been a favorite with his mother. It was a 
 beautiful sacred melody, that even Mr. Grey approved ; and, 
 though the flageolet on which Atherton played with uncom- 
 mon skill, was not of puritanical invention, he had frequently 
 listened with pleasure, as its soft melody mingled with the 
 sweet and rich tones of his daughter's voice. 
 
 Miriam however perceived Atherton even sooner than he 
 wished ; and, hastily rising, she offered him a seat, saying 
 with a smile, 
 
 ' Excuse my inattention, sir, but I thought it was Lois 
 who entered.' 
 
 ' And you, I hope,' said Atherton, ' will forgive my inter- 
 rupting the reverie which you seemed to be enjoying.' 
 
 ' The interruption is quite fortunate,' returned Miriam ; ' for 
 I was at that moment attempting your favorite air, and need 
 your assistance to go through with it. I fear my ear must 
 be growing dull, for I never made so much discord in a 
 simple tune.' 
 
 ' Mine must be dull, indeed, if you did,' said Atherton, for 
 I was admiring the ease and correctness with which you sung 
 it. But you must allow me to hear you again, in order to 
 judge which of us is mistaken.' 
 
 ' If you will accompany me,' replied Miriam, ' and in the 
 mean time, some lights will look more cheerful than this 
 fitful blaze.' 
 
 ' They will spoil this pleasant twilight, which is the most 
 delightful season of the day,' said Atherton. 
 
 He took the flageolet from his pocket as he spoke, and Mir- 
 iam, who had nearly reached the door, returned ; and, after
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 167 
 
 stirring the fire into a brighter glow, commenced the song, 
 which she executed without a single false note ; though the 
 sound of the instrument often died away, as Atherton, in 
 listening to her, seemed fearful that the softest breath might 
 interrupt the harmony which she created. 
 
 Major Atherton was at all times strongly alive to the 
 charms of music ; but the voice of Miriam Grey had ac- 
 quired an influence over his feelings, at which he was often 
 surprised, yet seldom endeavored to resist. As soon as she 
 had finished, he rose abruptly from his chair, and for several 
 moments paced the room in silence. Miriam, perplexed at 
 his conduct, regarded him almost with alarm ; but she at 
 length ventured to say, in a timid accent, 
 
 ' I fear I have done wrong, Major Atherton, and again, un- 
 fortunately awakened some painful remembrances.' 
 
 Atherton suddenly stopped, and advancing towards her, 
 took her hand, and looking earnestly in her face, replied, 
 
 You do wrong, Miriam ? you awaken painful remembrance ? 
 no, believe me ; when with you, the past is forgotten, and 
 my presumptuous hopes dare to image scenes of future hap- 
 piness, which your smiles have encouraged, and your lips 
 alone can sanction.' 
 
 Miriam, in silent confusion, averted her blushing face from 
 his ardent gaze ; but, as he eagerly watched the variations of 
 her countenance, the brilliant glow faded into a deadly pale- 
 ness, and with a look of alarm, she hastily withdrew her 
 hand, which he still retained within his own. Atherton fol- 
 lowed the direction of her eyes, and with a start of surprise, 
 beheld Mr. Grey, who had entered unperceived, standing 
 with folded arms, and regarding them with severe and fixed 
 attention. Atherton instantly recovered his self-possession, 
 and with the calmness of conscious integrity, awaited the 
 expected reproof. But Mr. Grey, after the first scrutiny, re-
 
 168 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 sumed his usual gravity, and taking a chair, he coolly 
 said, 
 
 ' 1 would not interrupt you, Major Atherton ; you would 
 doubtless say nothing to my daughter, which may not reach 
 my ear, also.' 
 
 By no means, sir ;' returned Atherton ; ' and I have long 
 wished for an opportunity to explain myself on a subject, 
 which nearly concerns my happiness.' 
 
 ' It is a subject to which I may not listen,' said Mr. Grey. 
 ' You-ng man,' he added, emphatically ; ' you have gained 
 my esteem, and I owe you a debt of gratitude, which can 
 never be canceled ; yet my religion and my principles are 
 more precious unto me, than the gratification of any worldly 
 feelings, the enjoyment of any temporal pleasure ; even than 
 the earthly happiness of my child. Deceive not yourself, 
 therefore, with the vain belief, that I shall sacrifice my duty 
 to the idle wishes of an indiscreet and youthful passion.' 
 
 Mr. Grey spoke with mildness, but in a tone of decision, 
 which chilled the ardent hopes of Atherton, who was about 
 to answer, and plead his suit, with the earnestness of passion- 
 ate feeling, when a glance of entreaty from Miriam, checked 
 his utterance ; and the entrance of Lois Grey, at the same 
 moment, determined him to defer the conversation till a more 
 fitting time. He was, however, too much disturbed to enter 
 into general discourse, and soon after took his leave ; de- 
 pressed in spirits by his unexpected repulse, though still re- 
 solved to bear up against all difficulties, and if possible, to 
 overcome them. 
 
 Mr. Grey, after the departure of Atherton, remained a 
 few moments absorbed by his own reflections ; and then seat- 
 ing himself by his daughter's side, he fixed his eyes upon her 
 as if searching her inmost thoughts.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 169 
 
 1 Why do you look at me so earnestly, sir ? ' asked Miriam, 
 endeavoring to shake off the embarrassment which his man- 
 ner, combined with recent circumstances, had caused. 
 
 ' I have ever been accustomed, Miriam,' he replied, ' to read 
 in your countenance the feelings of your heart ; I would 
 learn, if I may still rely on it, and expect your confidence.' 
 
 ' Can you doubt it ? ' said Miriam ; ' till I have once de- 
 ceived you, father, you cannot, ought not, to suspect me.' 
 
 ' I do not, my child. Major Atherton, too, is candid, and 
 he has not sought to disguise his sentiments, which were ap- 
 parent to me, even before the events of this day.' 
 
 'Dear father,' said Miriam, deeply blushing, ' you mistake ; 
 he has not, he only ' 
 
 ' I will spare your blushes, Miriam,' interrupted Mr. Grey. 
 ' It is not my intention to question you concerning what he 
 said ; though had I not unexpectedly heard his words, the 
 confusion which my presence excited could not be mistaken.' 
 
 ' You regard the subject too seriously, sir. I beg it may not 
 occasion you one moment of anxiety.' 
 
 ' Did it concern you less deeply, Miriam, it would not; but 
 the dread that your affections may become engaged to one 
 with whom you can have no connection, has already given me 
 muoh uneasiness.' 
 
 ' I trust my inclination will never render me forgetful of my 
 duty,' said Miriam ; but less firmly than she had before 
 spoken. 
 
 ' Most fervently do I hope so,' returned Mr. Grey, again re- 
 garding her with attention; 'and I place much confidence, 
 Miriam, in the strength and rectitude of your principles ' 
 
 ' I do not think they will be tried, very severely, in this in- 
 stance,' said Miriam, smiling. 
 
 ' Take heed, lest you fall into a snare through presumption 
 and vain self-confidence, Miriam,' said her father. ' I have 
 15
 
 170 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 forewarned you of the danger, and it remains with you to 
 avoid or overcome it.' 
 
 ' I know not how to avoid it,' said Miriam, gravely ; ' but it 
 is written, " Resist the devil, and he will flee from you ; " and 
 I think, father, Major Atherton cannot prove more irresistible 
 than he.' 
 
 ' If you rely on your own strength alone, Miriam, you may 
 find too late, that you have " leaned on a broken reed." ' 
 
 ' Dear father.' said Miriam, archly, ' do you think Major 
 Atherton so very attractive, that I cannot ee him, without 
 danger of admiring him, more than you approve ? ' 
 
 ' You know that I regard him highly, Miriam ; and, in his 
 outward conduct, since he has sojourned amongst us, have 
 seen much to commend ; but had there been less, I would not 
 withhold my gratitude from the preserver of my child.' 
 
 ' And has not that entitled him to my esteem and grati- 
 tude, likewise ? ' asked Miriam, with emotion. 
 
 ' Most assuredly it has j ' said Mr. Grey, ' nevertheless, 
 Miriam, we do endanger our faith, by holding familiar inter- 
 course with the zealots of a perverse and anti-christian church ; 
 with whom we are commanded to have no fellowship, but 
 rather to reprove them ; except, as the Apostle doubtless 
 meant, so far as the laws of hospitality and courtesy shall re- 
 quire.' 
 
 ' But, sir, we know that Major Atherton has been taught to 
 respect our opinions, and even imbibed from his mother a preju- 
 dice in their favor ; and, at all times he has cheerfully con- 
 formed to our customs, and devoutly joined in our worship.' 
 
 ' We can place no dependence, my child, on an outward 
 conformity, without some evidence of a willing spirit, and 
 this external reverence is most likely to mislead your inexpe- 
 rience and conceal the real danger.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 171 
 
 'Dear father,' said Miriam, earnestly; 'you shall find I am 
 not so very weak and irresolute, but that, though only a timid 
 girl, I possess some portion of the resolution which enabled 
 you to endure and overcome so much, for the establishment 
 of that pure religion which you have taught me, by precept 
 and example, to prize so highly. No,' she added with a 
 blush; 'even should your fears be realized, I could never 
 become an apostate from the faith which I have received from 
 you.' 
 
 ' Continue to value it more dearly than your life,' said Mr. 
 Grey ; ' and never for an instant, place it in competition with 
 any earthly passion. However firm, however sincere, you 
 may now feel yourself to be, believe me there would be no se- 
 curity for your principles if the sophistry of love were united 
 with the perverse, but plausible arguments which the sons of 
 prelacy can so well command and urge for their subversion.' 
 
 ' And do you believe, father, that the truth can so readily 
 yield to error and falsehood ? ' 
 
 ' Women are born to submit,' returned Mr. Grey ; 'and as 
 the weaker vessel, it is meet they should be guided by those 
 who have rule over them. I well know how easily they be- 
 come converts to such as they regard with affection. Your 
 mother, Miriam, was wandering in the mazes of error when 
 I first beheld her ; and though Providence was pleased to give 
 me favor in her eyes, and to make me the instrument of pluck- 
 ing h^r, as a brand from the burning ; yet but for the love 
 which she bore me, she would probably have lived and died 
 in the bosom of an idolatrous church.' 
 
 ' You were armed with the weapons of truth,' said Miri- 
 am, ' and she could not resist their force ; but you will not, 
 father, deny the influence of our sex. If the entreaties of Da- 
 lilah could subdue Samson, how much more powerful must 
 be the arguments of religion from the lips of a virtuous wo-
 
 172 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 man. Even the Apostle saith, " The believing wife shall sanc- 
 tify the unbelieving husband." ' 
 
 ' It may have been so, my daughter ; but the same Apostle 
 also saith, " Be ye not yoked together with unbelievers ; " 
 which is but to provoke the displeasure of Heaven, and incur 
 its judgments as did the children of Israel, when they took 
 them wives from the daughters of the land.' 
 
 ' Yet, father, did not Moses marry an Ethiopian woman ? 
 and was not Miriam, the prophetess, reproved, and smitten 
 with leprosy, because she spake evil against it ! ' 
 
 ' That cannot be an ensample to us,' said Mr. Grey, ' to 
 whom the Lord doth not, as unto his servant Moses, speak 
 face to face ; and though your temporal happiness is most dear 
 to me, Miriam, never could I consent to promote it by permit- 
 ting your union with one, who might endanger your eternal 
 interests by leading you to trust in baseless ceremonies and to 
 bow down to the graven images of Episcopacy.' 
 
 ' Fear not for me, father,' said Miriam ; ' I have at present 
 no wish to change my situation ; and if I ever shall be in- 
 duced to quit you, it must be with your free consent, your 
 full and decided approbation.' 
 
 ' I fully trust your word, Miriam ; yet I wish not, like un- 
 happy Jephtha, to bind my daughter to a state of celibacy. 
 I would rather urge you to increase your usefulness by a wor- 
 thy choice, and like a true " mother in Israel," faithfully dis- 
 charge the duties of your sex and station ; that before my 
 eyes are closed, I may have the satisfaction of seeing my 
 descendants rising up to honor and advance those civil and 
 religious institutions, of which we, " through much tribula- 
 tion," have laid the " foundation stone." ' 
 
 Miriam made no reply ; and after a few moments of un- 
 broken silence, Mr. Grey resumed the discourse.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 173 
 
 ' I feel my heart eased of a heavy burthen by this conver- 
 sation with you, Miriam ; and in the strengthened conviction 
 that you have sufficient discretion and virtue to direct you, I 
 shall commence my voyage with more resolution, and feel the 
 pain of parting from you less severe.' 
 
 ' If I could be permitted to go with you ! ' said Miriam ; 
 ' indeed, father, I cannot reconcile myself to the thought of a 
 separation ; but I can submit to any thing if you will only 
 take me with you.' 
 
 ' It is impossible,' said Mr. Grey : the difficulties of the 
 voyage, the persecutions which still await our devoted sect, 
 every thing forbids it. You must remain here, Miriam, 
 and strive not to indulge any anxious thoughts or repining 
 wishes.' 
 
 ' But so many long months must pass away before you will 
 return, father ! and till now you have never gone from me 
 scarcely for one short week.' 
 
 ' The time will fly swiftly, my child, though it seems long in 
 looking forward ; and with your cousin Lois, who has ever 
 been dear as a sister to you, it cannot pass unhappily. I feel 
 comforted in leaving you with her ; she is older and more ex- 
 perienced than yourself, and fully competent to advise you in 
 every circumstance and situation.' 
 
 ' But Lois will soon have other claims on her affection,' 
 said Miriam ; ' and I begin already to fear that Mr. Weldon 
 will engross more than his share.' 
 
 ' You need have no fear on that subject, Miriam,' said Lois, 
 who had hitherto remained silent. ' I think my heart is large 
 enough to contain more than one object of affection.' 
 
 ' But there is one whom I need not name, Miriam,' said 
 Mr. Grey, with some hesitation, ' whose heart has long been 
 bound to you ; and I would fain see you disposed to reward 
 his faithful love with the favor it has merited.'
 
 174 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' Indeed, father,' said Miriam, ' I would be contented with 
 the smallest corner of Lois's heart, rather than to possess the 
 whole of his.' 
 
 ' You always speak lightly on this subject, Miriam ; yet you 
 know it is one which I have long regarded with satisfaction ; 
 and I do still hope that you will not always remain willfully 
 blind to the excellent qualities of master Ashly.' 
 
 * Now do not call me a stubborn girl, father ; but in truth I 
 cannot value his goodness as it deserves ; and it would be un- 
 just for me to snatch the prize from some maiden more en- 
 amored of his worth.' 
 
 ' Bring forth your " strong reasons," Miriam, and tell me 
 what you particularly object to in him.' 
 
 ' Nothing in particular, but every thing, in general ; for- 
 give me, father, but he has really no one quality, which I 
 should call agreeable.' 
 
 ' And is piety and sincerity nothing ? ' asked Mr. Grey ; 
 ' are integrity and uprightness of character so very disagree- 
 able ? ' 
 
 ' No, indeed, father ; but I would choose a companion who 
 has a lighter heart and less solemn countenance, to lead me 
 through the journey of life; I fear I should tire of virtue 
 itself, if always before my eyes in so ungentle a form. Mas- 
 ter Ashly is so image-like withal ; that though in no danger 
 of worshiping him, I might possibly commit the sin of con- 
 verting him into a laughing-stock.' 
 
 ' You cannot object to his person, Miriam,' said Mr. Grey, 
 with an air of displeasure ; ' the youth is well-favored, and 
 tall and comely as a cedar of Lebanon.' 
 
 ' Yes, quite tall enough,' returned Miriam ; ' and, as Cap- 
 tain Standish once said, as stiff as the ramrod of his musket. 
 Cousin Lois,' continued the laughing damsel, ' did it ever 
 strike you that Mistress Rebecca Spindle would make a suit-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 175 
 
 able help-mate for him ? a little too ancient perhaps, but oth- 
 erwise far better qualified than myself; and it may be less in- 
 clined to shun so advantageous an alliance.' 
 
 ' You are strangely perverse, Miriam ; ' said Mr. Grey ; 
 ' but I cannot suffer my worthy young friend to be thus trifled 
 with ; you must be unaccountably prejudiced, or else prepos- 
 sessed in favor of some other. I hope Mr. Calvert has not 
 caused you to misprise our plain New-England youths.' 
 
 ' No, sir ; ' replied Miriam ; ' Mr. Calvert is very well in 
 his way ; but he wants some of Benjamin Ashly's rare qual- 
 ities. I would choose a man more like, like myself, father, 
 with just a pleasant mixture of the good and agreeable.' 
 
 ' And the evil, you should add, child,' said her father, smil- 
 ing. 
 
 'I left that for you, father; and rightly judged that you 
 would not forget the addition.' 
 
 As she finished speaking, Mr. Calvert entered the room ; 
 he was less animated than usual, and seemed inclined to re- 
 main silent and thoughtful. 
 
 ' You are unusually serious to-night, Mr. Calvert,' said 
 Miriam ; ' and look like the bearer of ill-tidings ; pray let us 
 hear quickly if you have any thing to communicate.' 
 
 ' I have nothing to tell, nothing at all,' replied Calvert. 
 
 ' Are you unwell then? ' asked Lois Grey. 
 
 ' No, but to tell you the truth,' he said with an air of frank- 
 ness, ' I am rather out of temper.' 
 
 .' Oh, if that is all, we need not be alarmed,' said Miriam ; 
 ' it is not often a fatal malady, though I understand it is a 
 very common one in warm climates.' 
 
 'But the climate does not justify the offence,' said Mrj 
 Grey, < and the scripture saith, " He that ruleth his spirit is 
 better than he that taketh a city," '
 
 176 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 I find I must justify myself at all events,' returned Cal- 
 vert, ' though it is a foolish affair, and not worth mentioning. 
 I met Major Atherton as he came from here just now, and he 
 seemed in a very ill-humor, and resolved to quarrel with me ; 
 but I was fortunate enough to calm him, and save myself from 
 being run through with his sword.' 
 
 Calvert observed the complexion of Miriam vary as he 
 spoke ; and Mr. Grey in a tone of real concern inquired, 
 
 ' And what was the occasion of all this, sir ? ' 
 
 ' I really cannot tell,' said Calvert ; ' it seemed to arise from 
 a mere trifle, and I attributed it to some circumstance which 
 had taken place here.' 
 
 1 1 thought,' replied Mr. Grey, ' that Major Atherton had 
 better principles and more command over his passions than to 
 engage so lightly in a quarrel.' 
 
 ' As to that, sir,' said Calvert, carelessly, ' you know we 
 of the church are not all of us so strict as perhaps we 
 should be ; and the Major has been in the army quite long 
 enough to acquire high notions of honor and a love of fight- 
 ing.' 
 
 ' I will speak to him touching this matter,' said Mr. Grey. 
 ' A word in season is " like apples of gold in pictures of sil- 
 ver," and a friendly admonition perchance may prove of ser- 
 vice to him.' 
 
 'I think, sir,' said Calvert, 'it can be of no avail, and all 
 will be forgotten between us in a few days. Major Atherton 
 is hasty, but not ill-disposed, and it is very possible I may 
 have said something to vex him.' 
 
 After this apparent frank apology and concession, which 
 were certainly calculated to set his own disposition in a favor- 
 able point of view, Mr. Calvert immediately changed the con- 
 versation. He hoped he had said sufficient to impress the 
 mind of Ms. Grey unfavorably towards Atherton, whose
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 177 
 
 growing intimacy in the family he viewed with jealousy, and 
 began to entertain serious apprehensions that he would event- 
 ually interfere with his plans, and supersede him in the affec- 
 tions of Miriam.
 
 178 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Slunk from the cavern, and the troubled wood, 
 See the grim wolf; on him his shaggy foe 
 Vindictive fix, and let the ruffian die. 
 
 THOMSON. 
 
 MAJOR ATBERTON had quitted the house of Mr. Grey with 
 feelings of chagrin and disappointment more keen than 
 he had ever before experienced. It was true, in the blushing 
 confusion of Miriam he had read nothing to reprove his pre- 
 sumption, or discourage his hopes ; but the language of her 
 father, too plain to be misunderstood, convinced him that he 
 would never sanction the marriage of his daughter with one 
 whom he considered willfully bound in the fetters of error and 
 superstition ; and under such circumstances he could scarcely 
 expect or even wish to attach the affections or receive the hand 
 of Miriam. These thoughts engaged his mind as he slowly 
 retraced his steps from the door, which he had recently en- 
 tered with very different feelings ; and his hand yet rested on 
 the wicket, and his eyes lingered on the casement still faintly 
 lighted by the blazing fire within, when he was startled by a 
 slight touch upon his shoulder, and turning quickly round, he 
 saw Mr. Calvert standing by his side. 
 
 'What is your will with me, sir? ' asked Atherton, in a 
 tone of impatience which he could not at the moment re- 
 press. 
 
 ' To pass through the gate when you see proper to quit 
 your hold of it,' said Calvert in his usual careless manner.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 179 
 
 ' It is entirely at your service now ; ' returned Atherton, 
 with recovered composure. ' I was not aware that I detained 
 you from entering ; ' and at the same time he threw open the 
 gate and walked on. 
 
 Calvert deliberately closed it and followed him. 
 
 ' We will let it rest for the present,' he said, ' though I ap- 
 prehended just now you were about to bear it away as Sam- 
 son did the doors of the Philistines. This seems a favorite 
 spot with you, Major ; it is not the first time 1 have found 
 you lingering about it.' 
 
 ' You do me great honor, sir, ' replied Atherton, 'by inter- 
 esting yourself so warmly in my concerns ; am I to under- 
 stand that you have become a spy upon my actions ? or do I 
 interrupt your own walks and arrangements ? ' 
 
 ' A little of both,' returned Calvert. ' As to the first, you 
 well know it is desirable to learn the force and position of an. 
 adversary whom one may be called to engage ; and for the 
 second, I believe we are both drawn hither by the same attrac- 
 tion, and it is a pity our plans should interfere.' 
 
 ' I have no wish to enter into competition with you, sir,' 
 said Atherton, haughtily ; ' and may I ask, how long I am to 
 be favored with your company ? ' 
 
 So long as we shall find it mutually convenient and agree- 
 able,' replied Calvert. 
 
 ' You will then excuse my saying, it is now time that we 
 should part,' returned Atherton. 
 
 ' Certainly,' said Calvert, with provoking sangfroid ; ' but 
 as all loyal subjects of our good king, are privileged to walk 
 in his highway, I shall take the liberty of going, wherever it 
 suits my pleasure.' 
 
 The manner, even more than the words of Calvert, irritated 
 the already harrassed feelings of Atherton, and stopping ab- 
 ruptly, he said,
 
 180 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 4 I would counsel you, to keep at my sword's length, sir, or 
 you may have cause to repent of your temerity ;' and as he 
 spoke, he laid his hand on the hilt of his weapon. 
 
 4 Nay,' said Calvert, composedly, ' If two cannot walk 
 without falling out by the way, it is indeed time to separate. 
 If this should reach the long-eared generation of Puritans, we 
 might be put in the stocks ; or perhaps be degraded from the 
 title of gentlemen, which is a marvelously ingenious punish- 
 ment of their own invention, for the special correction of all 
 naughty, grown-up boys.' 
 
 4 And perhaps deserve it, too ;' returned Atherton, almost 
 instantly repenting of his haste. ' I have no wish to signal- 
 ize my courage in a foolish quarrel with you ; and, if I mis- 
 take not, yours was sufficiently tested, by a duel, some few 
 years since.' 
 
 4 Yes,' replied Calvert ; ' and my sword is still of the same 
 good metal, and entirely at your service. Meet me in Vir- 
 ginia, England, or even here, when I am the husband, or re- 
 jected lover of Miriam Grey, and we will try our skill on the 
 most friendly terms ; but a rupture, at present, would at once 
 destroy all hopes of success.' 
 
 * Neither now or ever, shall I meet you in that way ; ' said 
 Atherton ; ' and I should despise myself, were I capable of 
 harboring a revengeful purpose, and delayed the execution, 
 from motives of policy, or through the mean hypocrisy of ap- 
 pearing better than I am.' 
 
 4 In plain words,' replied Calvert, ' you would say that you 
 despise me ; I admire sincerity, above all things, Major, and 
 thank you, heartily, for your opinion ; but to be consistent, 
 methinks, you should fly into a passion with the fair Miriam, 
 as you have with me ; it would impress her quite differently 
 from the sweet melody of your flageolet.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 181 
 
 ' Perhaps I shall, when she uses the insulting language 
 which you have holden to me,' said Atherton, with difficulty 
 bridling his indignation. 
 
 ' As to that,' replied Calvert, ' if you can obtain her hand, 
 trust me, you will be enough favored with such music ; these 
 sweet-tempered damsels, are mighty apt to become shrews, 
 when galled with the yoke of matrimony.' 
 
 ' If such are your ideas,' said Atherton, ' I wonder you should 
 court an evil, which it is so easy to avoid.' 
 
 4 One cannot well do without a wife, ' returned Calvert ; 
 ' and it is meet to choose from among the fairest and most 
 promising, to render the condition as easy as possible ; and 
 you will allow, Major, that a little timely competition, is a 
 wonderful stimulant in seeking such an one. I shall really 
 think myself irresistible, if my simple eloquence prevails 
 against you, aided as you are by that bewitching musical pipe, 
 whose silver tones, reached my ears just now, as you tuned it 
 to your mistress' praise.' 
 
 ' You can have been in waiting at the gate no short time,' 
 said Atherton, 'to have heard what passed within so long be- 
 fore I met with you.' 
 
 ' I was listening in silent admiration,' said Calvert, ' even 
 as the trees and stones of old, did to the lyre of Orpheus ; but 
 that heathenish comparison would be thought downright here- 
 sy here. I should say, like unto Saul, who was charmed by 
 the harp of David, when he played with his hand skilfully be- 
 fore him.' 
 
 ' And the evil spirit was not laid in either case it would 
 seem,' said Atherton ; ' but I should think you would have 
 been more comfortable, seated by a cheerful fire, on such a 
 chilly night as this.' 
 16
 
 182 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 * I was unwilling to interrupt a delightful scene,' returned 
 Calvert ; ' a forbearance which you would doubtless exercise, 
 in similar circumstances.' 
 
 ' I have certainly given you strong proofs of my forbear- 
 ance this evening,' replied Atherton. 
 
 ' Admirable !' said Calvert, ironically ; ' so I will no longer 
 oblige you to exercise it, but take your vacant seat by the side 
 of Miriam, and try to dispel the fascination which your mu- 
 sic may have thrown around her. Indeed, Major, that is love's 
 own language, and gives you a decided advantage over me, 
 I tell you frankly, I shall exert myself to counteract its influ- 
 ence.' 
 
 4 You will keep within the limits of truth, and honor, I 
 trust,' returned Atherton. 
 
 ' Of course,' said Calvert ; ' I think I shall have no occasion 
 to resort to stratagem, though you know, it is always consid- 
 ered allowable in love and war. So good night to you ; and 
 may pleasant dreams but not of Miriam Grey hover round 
 your bed.' 
 
 Atherton parted from him, with a hearty good will, and a 
 firm resolution, to avoid as much as possible so troublesome a 
 companion for the future; and he also resolved during his 
 long walk, to abstain for a time at least, from the dangerous 
 society of Miriam Grey. 
 
 But the following morning was so mild and brilliant, that 
 Major Atherton was strongly tempted to resume his pedestri- 
 an habits ; and, though still determined to shun the presence 
 of Miriam Grey, he was soon after breakfast, far advanced on 
 the road to Plymouth. He had gained the midst of the woods, 
 through which his path lay, when he heard the sound of sev- 
 eral voices, and particularly distinguished that of Peregrine 
 White, which rose above the others ; and in an instant the 
 young man perceived and called to him.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 183 
 
 ' You are the very person I was seeking,' he exclaimed, 
 springing over the under-brush to meet him ; ' and now you 
 make good the old proverb, " the devil is always nearest when 
 you are speaking of him." ' 
 
 ' I thank you for the flattering comparison,' said Atherton ; 
 ' but why is my presence so much desired, just now? You 
 seern to have a goodly band of attendants, already, and collect- 
 ed for some warlike purpose, I should judge from their ap- 
 pearance.' 
 
 As he was speaking half a dozen young men joined them, 
 all armed with muskets, among whom were Mr. Calvert and 
 Benjamin Ashly. 
 
 ' We will choose you for our leader, Major Atherton,' said 
 Peregrine White, ' so put yourself at our head, and give the 
 word of command.' 
 
 ' Perhaps we shall not all obey it,' said Calvert ; ' and I, for 
 my part, nominate Mr. Ashly for Captain General.' 
 
 ' I am a man of peace,' replied Ashly, ' and unused to wield 
 the weapons of carnal warfare ; being called only to maintain 
 a strife with the foes that are within me.' 
 
 ' You must be a valiant warrior if you can keep them all in 
 subjection,' said Peregrine White; 'I would rather under- 
 take to conquer a whole tribe of Indians.' 
 
 ' But what enemy are we to attack, now ?' asked Atherton, 
 1 is it visible or invisible, man or beast?' 
 
 ' Nothing more or less, than a half-starved wolf,' returned 
 Peregrine, ' which has taken up his abode in these woods, and 
 having, probably, heard of Master Ashly's hospitable disposi- 
 tion, and finding his house convenient, has paid several visits 
 among his sheep, and last night made bold to feast on the 
 fatted calf.' 
 
 ' A troublesome enemy, truly ! ' said Atherton ; ' and I 
 would gladly help you to get rid of him, but there are already
 
 184 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 so many of you, that my presence would be quite useless, 
 particularly, as I have no fire-arms with me.' 
 
 ' No matter,' returned Peregrine, ' you must go with us, if, 
 it is only to see our sport ; though I dare say Master Ashly 
 will lend you his gun ; for he scarcely knows which end to 
 fire out of, and, in case of danger, he can run up into a tree 
 and look on. 
 
 ' You speak without knowledge, Master Peregrine,' said 
 Ashly ; ' for, though I was not bred a soldier, I have been 
 well instructed how to carry a musket.' 
 
 1 How to carry it is one thing, and how to use it another,' 
 returned Peregrine. 
 
 ' But I will use it,' replied Ashly, doggedly, ' against the 
 destroyer of my flocks and herds, even as David, who rose up 
 and slew the bear, that stole the lambs from his father's sheep- 
 fold.' 
 
 ' Oh that was nothing,' said Peregrine, 'compared with 
 this wolf, which is the fiercest beast of the forest ; have a 
 care, Master Ashly that you do not turn your back upon him, 
 or you may chance to have an unpleasant gripe from his 
 tusks.' 
 
 ' I trust we shall be preserved from his rage,' said Ashly, 
 ' like as the prophet Daniel was saved from the jaws of the li- 
 ons, in their den.' 
 
 'I begin to be of Major Atherton's opinion,' said.Cal- 
 vert, ' that there are too many of us ; seven armed men 
 against one or two poor beasts, is quite unmerciful, besides 
 the danger of frightening them into their strong holds ; 
 and so, Major, if you are inclined to turn back, I will 
 accompany you ; and, I fancy, I can guess whither you are 
 bound.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 185 
 
 ' I have decided to remain here,' relumed Atherton ; 'but, 
 if you intend to return, and will trust your gun with me, I 
 will engage to make a good use of it.' 
 
 ' Excuse me,' replied Calvert ; ' it was merely in the wish, 
 of enjoying your society, that I made the proposal; but I 
 am too accommodating to be repulsed by trifles ; and since 
 you conclude to proceed, whither you go, there will I go like- 
 wise.' 
 
 ' Your extreme complaisance quite perplexes me,' said 
 Atherton ; ' and I feel totally unable to return it as it de- 
 serves.' 
 
 ' Pray do not trouble yourself,' replied Calvert; ' I would 
 not have you for a competitor, in every thing ; and it quite en- 
 courages me, to hear so formidable a rival acknowledge his 
 deficiency, even in trifles.' 
 
 ' I confess my deficiency in many things, in which you 
 seem to excel,' said Atherton, ' though I certainly do not, at 
 present, feel any desire to attain them.' 
 
 ' That last clause in your sentence,' said Calvert, ' has quite 
 cancelled my gratitude, for the compliment contained in the 
 first ; I presume you do not always deem it expedient to ad- 
 minister an antidote against the poison of your flattery ?' 
 
 1 1 never make use of the latter,' replied Atherton, 'and of 
 course, have no occasion for the former.' 
 
 ' You must possess a rare talent of pleasing the fairer 
 sex, if you can dispense with so powerful an auxiliary,' said 
 Calvert. 
 
 ' I have never found it essential ;' replied Atherton ; ' and 
 I believe there are few females, worthy of our regard, who do 
 not prefer the language of the heart.' 
 
 'You may call it the language of the heart,' said Calvert; 
 ' but it must pass through the lips, embellished by a few tropes 
 and figures, drawn from the fountain of their charms, and 
 16*
 
 186 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 kindled by the brilliancy of their eyes ; or, hang me, if you 
 ever reach their hearts, or receive one smile for your trou- 
 ble.' 
 
 'If that is your real opinion,' returned Atherton, 'your in- 
 tercourse with them must have been very limited or confined 
 to the weak and vain, ' 
 
 4 Which is no small proportion of the sex ;' said Calvert, 
 laughing; 'but remember, Major, lam not gifted with the 
 power of creating sweet sounds, at will, and must therefore 
 use my voice to the utmost advantage, in whatever it is capa- 
 ble of being exercised.' 
 
 ' I am sure, Mr. Calvert,' said Peregrine White, ' I have 
 heard you sing psalm tunes, like a deacon, many a time, 
 since you have been here, at meeting and elsewhere ; though, 
 to be sure, you have not the unrivaled bass voice of our 
 friend Ashly.' 
 
 ' My voice would be admirable,' said Calvert, ' if I had 
 taken as much pains to trill and modify it, as some others 
 have ; but, as it is, I can fortunately get through your harmo- 
 nious tunes very well, and your good hem Mr. Ashly, 
 what say you ?' 
 
 ' I think it our duty to sing psalms in the congregation,' 
 said Benjamin Ashley, ' albeit our voices are not attuned to 
 harmony; we can, as the psalmist saith, "make melody in 
 our hearts unto the Lord." ' 
 
 'I have been accustomed, Master Ashly,' said Calvert, 
 gravely, ' to chaunt the anthems of our excellent liturgy, as 
 the service of our holy Church requires.' 
 
 ' That is but an abomination offered unto idols,' said Ash- 
 ly, regarding Calvert almost with horror ; ' and though, 
 peradventure I may offend, it must be that I lift up my voice 
 against it.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 187 
 
 ' Another time, if it please you, Mr. Asbly,' said Calvert, 
 ' or the enemy may take advantage of our controversy to 
 steal some one of us, as he did your sheep. But, hark ! the 
 hounds are barking, and I'll warrant have got scent of 
 him.' 
 
 This sound was a signal for a general onset ; and in a mo- 
 ment, the whole party were on the alert to discover the track 
 of the animal. Benjamin Ashly was the least forward in the 
 chase ; quite unaccustomed to such scenes, he seemed in- 
 stinctively to shrink from the encounter, till Peregrine White, 
 who observed him loitering behind, called out, 
 
 ' Move your legs faster, Mr. A&hly ; if ever they were of 
 use to you, they may be so now.' 
 
 ' The Lord taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man,' re- 
 plied Afehly ; 'but he directeth us whithersoever he will.' 
 
 ' Such snail's legs as yours, I should think were neither for 
 use or pleasure,' returned Peregrine ; 'but have a care, Mas- 
 ter Ashly, that your musket balls don't fly out amongst us ; and 
 remember, if you stray into the wolfs mouth, your texts of 
 scripture won't bring you out with a whole skin.' 
 
 So saying, he ran swiftly after his companions, followed 
 more leisurely by Mr. Ashly, who had no mind to be left far in 
 the rear. The wolf was by this time started from his covert, 
 and pursued at full speed by dogs and sportsmen, though the 
 numerous impediments of trees and underwood, prevented 
 the latter from gaining upon the animal, which contrived to 
 escape their fire and elude the fangs of his canine enemies, 
 by crouching in the lurking places of the forest, till again dis- 
 covered, and compelled to have recourse to flight for 
 safety. 
 
 In the heat of the pursuit, Major Atherton and Peregrine 
 White, who chanced to be near together, were suddenly 
 startled by a voice, as of some one in distress ; and after
 
 188 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 listening a moment, they heard their own names distinctly 
 repeated. 
 
 4 It is Benjamin Ashly,' said Peregrine, ' confound his slow 
 motions ; I have a mind not to wait for him.' 
 
 4 He must be in some difficulty,' returned Atherton ; 4 we 
 had better go to his relief.' 
 
 He deserves it, for keeping back like a cowardly loon,' 
 said Peregrine ; * but come on this way, only hear him, he is 
 roaring like a wild bull of Bashan.' 
 
 4 Here he is,' cried Peregrine White, after he had retraced 
 his steps for a short distance ; and a loud burst of laughter 
 succeeded the exclamation. Atherton quickened his pace to 
 overtake Peregrine, who had outstripped him, and learn the 
 cause of his merriment; nor could he refrain from joining in 
 it, though less loudly, when he beheld the tall, stiff figure of 
 Benjamin Ashly entangled in an Indian deer-trap, which 
 springing as his feet became fastened in the noose, had lifted 
 his heels high in the air, leaving his head scarcely resting on 
 the earth. He was struggling lustily, and at the same time 
 with dismay painted on his countenance, calling loudly for 
 assistance to liberate him from his unpleasant but ludicrous 
 predicament. 
 
 4 How is all this, Master Ashly,' said Peregrine, as soon as 
 he could compose himself; ' you have been directed with a 
 witness to fall into this snare.' 
 
 4 The wicked have spread their gins for me, and I have 
 fallen into the net of the ungodly,' replied Ashly, with a truly 
 woful tone and expression. ' 
 
 4 1 think it was put here to entrap a more savory animal,' 
 returned Peregrine ;' and in my mind they would not be 
 well pleased to find you kicking about, in the room of a good 
 fat buck. But how did you contrive to get caught so neat- 
 ly ?'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 189 
 
 ' I took not heed to my ways,' said Ashly, ' neither ponder- 
 ed the path of my feet, and the adversary hath taken me at 
 will.' 
 
 ' Good !' exclaimed Peregrine White, rubbing his hands, 
 and retreating a few steps to examine him at all points ; ' I 
 would Mr. Calvert and the others were here to help us admire 
 you. But is not your head dizzy, Master Ashly? If the 
 wolf had chanced to come this way, he might have had a glo- 
 rious pull at it.' 
 
 Benjamin Ashly seemed to shrink at the idea ; but redden- 
 ing with vexation, he said, 
 
 ' Will you not help me out, Master Peregrine, Major Ath- 
 erton ? It is written, " he that is glad at calamities shall not 
 go unpunished." ' 
 
 'All in good time,' said Peregrine, detaining Atherton, who 
 was about to release him ; ' but we want to examine this 
 cunning device a little longer ; your legs do not ache, I hope ?' 
 
 ' Truly, Master Peregrine, my " legs are not of brass, nor my 
 sinews of iron," that they should endure forever ; and verily 
 they do weary of this bondage.' 
 
 At that instant, a loud shout was heard from a distance, 
 mingled with the report of fire arms. 
 
 ' There, they have killed the wolf,' exclaimed Peregrine, 
 impatiently, ' while we have been watching this game that can 
 be got at every day and we choose.' 
 
 A brief silence however which ensued, was again broken 
 by the howling of the savage beast, and Peregrine White 
 bounded forward, exclaiming as he. went, 
 
 ' We may be there in season, yet ; and so good bye to you, 
 Mr. Ashly.' 
 
 ' Truly, the voice of the beast is like the rushing of migh- 
 ty winds,' said Benjamin Ashly, casting his eyes fearfully
 
 190 PEEP AT TEE PILGRIMS. 
 
 around, and then almost in despair at his imprisoned feet, ' I 
 will go with you, if ' 
 
 ' If you can be free,' interrupted Atherton, at the same time 
 releasing him from bondage ; ' and perhaps we shall need 
 your assistance in the contest, Mr. Ashly.' 
 
 Mr. Ashly, happy to be released, righted himself with all 
 convenient speed, and having rubbed his feet and ancles with 
 great care, moved briskly from the spot, often applying his 
 hand to his head as he went along, probably to allay the un- 
 easy sensation occasioned by the inverted position which had 
 distended every vein, so that they appeared starting through 
 his scanty crop of hair. 
 
 The trap which had so unluckily mistaken its prey, was in 
 itself a curious specimen of savage ingenuity. It was formed 
 by a young sapling bent to the ground like a bow, with acorns 
 strewed under it, to decoy the deer ; and so contrived with a 
 noose attached to it, that when the nimble footed animal came 
 near enough to taste the food, his movements disengaged the 
 fastenings, and the pliant tree suddenly springing up, held 
 him entangled beyond the power of escape. 
 
 When Atherton had sufficiently admired this sample of In- 
 dian sagacity, he hastened after his companions ; and direct- 
 ed by their voices, found them arranged in a semi-circle, 
 awaiting the motions of the wolf which they held at bay, 
 though he had found refuge from their immediate attack, 
 within the shelter of a narrow cave. 
 
 ' Where are your spoils, Mr. Calvert ? ' asked Atherton ; 
 ' from the noise of your firing just now, I was fearful of com- 
 ing too late to share the victory.' 
 
 1 No ; he is safe yet,' said Calvert, 'and stands bullets, as 
 if dressed out in a coat of mail. But I understood,' he ad- 
 ded, lowering his voice, ' that you have been viewing a differ-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 191 
 
 ent sort of game ; it must have been rare sport to see master 
 Ashly rolling his clipped head on the ground.' 
 
 ' Better sport to us than to him, I suspect,' said Atherton ; 
 ' but where is the wolf? not slipped from you, I hope.' 
 
 4 No, but almost as bad,' said Calvert ; ' we had got him 
 fairly in the chase,, and fired off our muskets with deadly aim, 
 as we thought, when, all at once, this confounded cave came 
 in his way, and he retreated quietly into it.' 
 
 ' Not very quietly, I think,' said Peregrine White ; ' for we 
 heard his roaring afar off; but at any rate, it was more con- 
 venient than a deer trap would have been ; don't you think so, 
 Mr. Ashly?' 
 
 But Mr. Ashly was conveniently deaf at the moment ; an 
 infirmity which often seized him, on like occasions, and which 
 generally served to increase the mirth of Peregrine White. Ev- 
 ery one was now engrossed by the common enemy, which had 
 kept close in his retreat, till impatient of the delay, some pro- 
 posed firing into the narrow aperture, and others suggested 
 expedients to draw him from it. 
 
 ' Wait a little longer,' said Calvert, who was the most ex- 
 perienced sportsman in the group, ' and I can answer for it, 
 he will put his nose out to look at us, when we will give 
 him a pinch of gunpowder to smell off.' 
 
 And in fact, he had scarcely done speaking, when the 
 animal, which was confined within narrow limits, and prob- 
 ably alarmed by the noise around him, came to the entrance 
 of the cavern, and with a hideous growl, and eyes flash- 
 ing like balls of fire, stood surveying them with fierce and 
 determined courage. On a given signal every gun was 
 at once discharged ; but at the first flash, he darted back 
 into the cave, though not without receiving a severe wound ; 
 and mad with pain, he returned to the combat, and crouch- 
 ing low, prepared to spring upon his antagonists. At that
 
 192 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 instant, before the party had time to reload, another piece 
 was presented, and with surer aim ; the ball pierced his 
 breast, and prevented the meditated attack. 
 
 The wounded animal rolled in agony on the ground, 
 which was already dyed with his blood; and then, as if 
 exerting the last energies of despair, raised himself in a 
 menacing attitude, and grinding his tusks with mingled 
 rage and pain, he seemed making a final effort to revenge 
 himself on his assailants. But a second and more effectu- 
 al volley decided the conflict, and put a speedy end to the 
 sufferings of the victim. 
 
 ' We have done it now,' said Captain Standish, coming for- 
 ward into the circle ; ' but the old veteran of the woods fought 
 it out bravely to the last.' 
 
 ' So it was you, Captain, who did us that good service just 
 now,' said Peregrine White ; ' I thought it must be an experi- 
 enced hand to take such deadly aim.' 
 
 ' Yes, 1 have had long experience among the beasts of the 
 forest, of every description ; ' returned the Captain ; ' these 
 ugly wolves used to prowl round us, without ceremony, and 
 grin at our very feet, when we first came over ; but we soon 
 taught them better manners; and it is long since one has been 
 so bold as this grim monster. Master Ashly's barn-yard must 
 have been very tempting I think.' 
 
 ' We have at least had good exercise on this cool morning,' 
 said Atherton ; ' but, may I ask, Captain, how you came here 
 so opportunely ? ' 
 
 ' tjobamock told me what sport you were engaged in,' said 
 the Captain, 'and I had a mind to join you. But where is 
 Master Ashly, Peregrine ? I do not see him here.' 
 
 ' I don't know what has become of him,' said Peregrine ; 
 ' I saw him just now, behind that big tree, pointing his gun 
 to the clouds, I think.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 193 
 
 ' You speak that you do not know, Master Peregrine,' said 
 Ashly, emerging from the shelter of some trees, ' I leveled 
 my gun fairly at the beast, and did but step behind that tree 
 to save myself from the jaws of destruction, when the terrible 
 creature glared upon me, and seemed to single me out for his 
 prey.' 
 
 ' Perhaps,' said Peregrine, gravely, ' he mistook you for 
 another calf.' 
 
 ' Touching thy foolish talking, Master Peregrine,' returned 
 Ashly, ' it harms me not ; neither thy jesting, which is not 
 convenient.' 
 
 ' Not convenient to you, perhaps,' replied Peregrine ; ' but 
 as we walk along, I will show Captain Standish that cunning 
 trap, which caught you like a "ram in the thicket," just 
 now.' 
 
 What ! ' said the Captain, laughing, ' Mr. Ashly caught 
 in a deer-trap ! I would I had been here sooner ; methinks 
 it must have been worth the looking at.' 
 
 ' It is a pit into which we may all be left to slide,' said Ben- 
 jamin Ashly ; ' and let him that " thinketh he standeth, take 
 heed lest he fall." ' 
 
 'And pray, Master Benjamin,' asked the Captain, 'were 
 you stooping to pick up acorns or how came you into the 
 snare ? ' 
 
 ' No,' replied Peregrine, ' it took him at the lower extre- 
 mity, and lifted his legs up between heaven and earth, leav- 
 ing his head resting on a soft pillow of chesnut burs. But 
 look. Captain ! here is the unlucky place ; and the trap 
 quite spoiled for further use.' 
 
 ' I have often seen them,' said the Captain. ' These sava- 
 ges are ingenious enough; but so improvident, that they are 
 content to live on what they can find one day, and run the 
 risk of starving the next. Mr. Bradford got entangled in a 
 17
 
 191 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 trap like this, in one of our roving excursions, to search the 
 country, and was laughed at almost as much as you have 
 been, Master Ashly ; so you need not mind what this wild 
 boy, Peregrine, says to you.' 
 
 ' I regard it not,' returned Ashly ; ' it is as idle as the 
 " crackling of thorns under a pot," and forgotten as soon as 
 it entereth into my ears.' 
 
 ' Perhaps it is lost while going in there,' said Peregrine ; 
 ' they are stately portals to pass through,' and he glanced his 
 mirthful eyes at Benjamin's prominent ears. 
 
 ' Come, come,' said the Captain, ' we must quicken our 
 pace, my lads, if we would reach home in season for dinner; 
 I wish that were a fat deer instead of a carrion wolf we killed 
 yonder ; we might have a dainty feast from it.' 
 
 4 If you keep on at this quick march, Captain,' said Pere-- 
 grine White, ' I, for one, shall hardly live to eat my dinner; 
 I have been ranging about since sunrise, and begin to wax 
 faint and weary ; good Master Ashly, we are commanded to 
 " bear another's burthens," and I would you were inclined to 
 obey, and relieve me of my musket for a season.' 
 
 ' Let every man provide for himself, Master Peregrine,' re- 
 plied Ashly, with unusual asperity ; 'and I exhort you to mind 
 your own affairs, and leave me in peace.' 
 
 'You speak most wisely,' returned Peregrine; ' but never- 
 theless, I must admonish you to take heed to your ways, and 
 fall not into another deer-trap.' 
 
 Mr. Ashly deigned no further reply, and the party soon 
 after left the woods, and dispersed to their different abodes. 
 Captain Standish proposed calling a few moments at Mr. 
 Grey's, and both Atherlon and Calvert readily consented to 
 accompany him. But Major Atherton fancied himself re- 
 ceived less cordially than usual by Mr. Grey, while Miriam, 
 from whatever cause, evidently shunned his attentions, and
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 195 
 
 with her usual gayety, conversed almost entirely with the 
 Captain and Mr. Calvert. Rejoiced that the interview proved 
 short, Atherton left the house depressed in spirits, and strongly 
 inclined to accuse the father of injustice, and the daughter of 
 caprice ; and for the first time, was heartily sorry that he had 
 ever touched the shores of New-England.
 
 196 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Come, haste to the wedding, ye friends and ye neighbors, 
 The lovers their bliss can no longer delay, 
 Suspend all your sorrows, your cares, and your labors, 
 And let every heart beat with rapture to-day. 
 
 NEW-ENGLAND SONS. 
 
 MAJOR ATHERTON, for three succeeding days refrained from, 
 visiting Plymouth; a sacrifice of inclination which cost him 
 no inconsiderable effort, though he endeavored to conceal his 
 uneasiness from the keen eyes of Captain Standish, and busied 
 himself, almost constantly, in writing letters to his friends in 
 England. Captain Martin, who was to be the bearer of them, 
 and had just returned from a trading voyage to the Massachu- 
 setts Bay, expected shortly to sail from Plymouth, and Mr. 
 Grey had taken passage in his vessel, being constrained to 
 visit England, on some business which required his personal 
 attention. It was, however, with feelings of regret rather 
 than pleasure, that he anticipated a return to his native land 
 after an absence of so many years, during which he had be- 
 come weaned from all the friendships of his youth, and bound 
 by every tie of affection to his adopted country. 
 
 Mr. Grey had in early life formed an attachment for a 
 young woman of respectable family, and whose personal at- 
 tractions, though great, were surpassed by the purity and ex- 
 cellence of her mind and character. But her friends, who 
 had at first sanctioned his addresses, withdrew their approba- 
 tion, when in subsequent years, he became a convert to the 
 opinions of the Brovvnists, and exerted his utmost influence 
 to induce her to embrace the same tenets. Yet, though these
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 197 
 
 tenets were at that time too obnoxious to harmonize with her 
 feelings, his change of faith did not remove the deep-rooted 
 affection she cherished for him ; and persisting in her resolu- 
 tion to become the wife of no other man, her father at length 
 yielded a reluctant consent to their union. But his prejudice 
 against the religion of Mr. Grey was insuperable, and from 
 that time his tenderness for her seemed to diminish ; and as 
 the arguments of the husband proved more persuasive than 
 those of the lover, and the spirit of persecution had already 
 commenced its reign, Mrs. Grey was induced to join the Pu- 
 ritans, who fled for safety to Holland, and united with a 
 church at Ley den. Mrs. Grey, however, after their removal 
 to America, had the satisfaction of receiving many affectionate 
 letters from her father, whose displeasure at her marriage was 
 gradually softened by time, and the intercession of his eldest 
 daughter, who discreetly pleaded the cause of her absent sis- 
 ter, to whom she was devotedly attached. On the death of 
 Mrs. Grey, this attachment was transferred to Miriam, whom 
 she loved for her mother's sake, and wished to adopt as her 
 own child; but the objections of Mr. Grey were invincible, 
 and too reasonable to be disputed. Still, Miriam was con- 
 stantly receiving from her aunt, tokens of kindness and re- 
 membrance ; and though her father sometimes thought them 
 too costly or too gay, yet if any feeling of worldly pride ever 
 entered his breast, it was when he saw the native charms of 
 his daughter enhanced by a becoming dress, suited to her age 
 and station ; and her own sens.e of propriety, as well as his 
 peculiar notions of duty, rejected whatever was superfluous. 
 On the death of his father-in-law, Mr. Grey became trustee 
 of the property which Miriam received from him, in her mo- 
 ther's right ; and it was somewhat relative to the set'tlement 
 of it, which obliged him to encounter the fatigues of a voyage 
 to England. 
 
 17*
 
 198 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Major Atherton, in the meantime, became weary of his vol- 
 untary exile from Plymouth ; and on the fourth day, after re- 
 volving the subject in his mind, had just persuaded himself 
 that it was indispensable to pay his parting respects to Mr. 
 Grey, when his meditations were suddenly put to flight by 
 the entrance of Mr. Calvert, who saluted him with his usual 
 freedom, and even more than his usual cordiality. 
 
 ' I have come all this way, Major, to learn what has become 
 cf you,' he said. ' I have not encountered you by a certain 
 gate, for four days past ; and I thought that nothing short of 
 drowning or shooting yourself could keep you so long away.' 
 
 ' It is not the first time I have remained here even longer,' 
 replied Atherton ; ' mine host is a most agreeable compan- 
 ion, and Alexander is at all^ times ready to hunt or fish with 
 me.' 
 
 ' Are there any bright eyes to hunt after, here ? ' asked Cal- 
 vert. ' If there are, I pray you let me join the chase ; for it 
 is tiresome to gaze forever on one face, be it ever so beautiful.' 
 
 ' I have seen none peeping from wood or brake ; nor yet 
 sporting on the glassy waves,' said Atherton ; ' Dryads and 
 Naiads, I suspect, are all frighted from this rugged clime, by 
 these cold autumnal blasts.' 
 
 ' You have grown enamored of solitude then ? That is a 
 bad sign,' said Calvert; ' but if you would turn recluse, Ma- 
 jor, I pray thee go for the whole ; my bead-telling kinsman of 
 Maryland will give thee good thanks to establish a monastery 
 of holy friars in his fair province.' 
 
 ' Ah ! Mr. Calvert,' said the Captain, who had just entered, 
 'nobody but you would dare to speak openly of such papisti- 
 cal things in this region of the world ; but tell me whence you 
 come, and whither you are going? Sit down first, though, 
 if it please you.' 
 
 It would please me to sit a long time,' replied Calvert ; ' but
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 199 
 
 I can stay only a moment, I shot across the Bay in a high 
 wind and light skiff, and came to tell you Mr. Grey hopes to 
 see you all tomorrow. The banns are published, the priest 
 is ready, and demure Mistress Lois is waiting to become a 
 bride. I promised to deliver the tidings to you, so witness 
 all, that I have done it and now, good bye to you.' 
 
 ' Soft and easy, good sir,' said the Captain. ' You have 
 but half done your duty, if you wait not for an answer to 
 your message ; mine is plain yes, and a merry wedding to 
 them ; and, though cousin Atherton seems to be deliberating, 
 I think I may vouch for his attendance also. Am I right, 
 Edward ? ' 
 
 ' Certainly, sir,' said Atherton ; ' I have no excuse to offer 
 if I were disposed to decline.' 
 
 ' Perhaps we can frame one for you if you are very reluc- 
 tant to go,' said Calvert. 
 
 ' So far from it,' returned Atherton, ' I would not any ac- 
 count forego the expected pleasure.' 
 
 ' I should think it strange if you would,' replied Calvert, 
 ' when there are so many attractions to allure you there.' 
 
 ' We all know your opinion on that subject, Mr. Calvert,' 
 said the Captain; 'but methinks a tongue so eloquent as 
 thine should have won your cause ere this.' 
 
 ' I am proof against flattery in all its forms, Captain ; so do 
 not try to excite my vanity.' 
 
 ' Never fear,' said the Captain ; ' there have been enough 
 before me to do that, and with good success I should judge ; 
 so I will deal to you a simple truth ; the boldest wooer is not 
 always successful.' 
 
 'Thank you, sir; ' returned Calvert ; 'but lest you should 
 depress my courage too much, I will be off for Plymouth 
 again.' 
 
 ' Bear my best wishes to my little rose-bud,' said the Cap-
 
 200 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 tain ; ' and bid her take counsel from her cousin Lois on this 
 occasion.' 
 
 ' With all my heart,' returned Calvert ; ' and so once more, 
 fare thee well.' 
 
 ' Calvert is a clever fellow,' said the Captain, when he was 
 gone ; ' but I hope the girl will not be foolish enough to marry 
 him.' 
 
 ' And why do you hope so, sir ? ' asked Atherton. 
 
 ' Because she is the pride of New-England,' said the Cap- 
 tain, ' and I would not have her transplanted to the tobacco 
 fields and rice plantations of Virginia ; besides ' 
 
 The Captain suddenly stopped, and looking through the 
 window seemed watching the motions of Calvert, who had 
 again entered the boat and was pushing from the shore. 
 After a moment's silence he turned quickly to Atherton, and 
 looking steadily in his face inquired, 
 
 'And what do you think of Miriam Grey, Edward Ather- 
 ton?' 
 
 ' Think of her? ' said Atherton, startled by the abruptness 
 of the question. ' She is as beautiful and lovely as an angel ; 
 and I think her a jewel worthy the diadem of a prince.' 
 
 ' Pretty high flown, on my word,' said the Captain laugh- 
 ing. ' I don't think I could have done better myself, even at 
 your age, Major ; and so I suppose if she were not a Puri- 
 tan you might be inclined to take her " for better for worse," 
 as your crafty prayer-book hath it.' 
 
 ' Really sir,' replied Atherton, 'to be frank with you, that 
 would be a very slight objection in my mind.' 
 
 ' That is right, Edward,' returned the Captain. ' I love a 
 candid liberal spirit; but let me tell you, they are not often 
 to be met with ; and if you will take this jewel to yourself, 
 you must believe with the rulers of the land,' 
 
 'I would not,' said Atherton, ' for any personal advantage
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 or gratification sacrifice my religious opinions till convinced 
 they are incorrect ; and at present I am far from being so.' 
 
 ' You are right again, cousin,' replied the Captain ; ' yet 
 after all it is but rejecting a few idle ceremonies, which have 
 no authority in Scripture ; and we all believe alike at the bot- 
 tom.' 
 
 'We all believe the Bible,' returned Atherton, 'or profess 
 to believe ; but there are different ways of interpreting it; 
 and our church considers certain articles and forms essential, 
 which you denounce as idolatrous.' 
 
 ' Well,' said the Captain, ' you must get our minister or 
 elders to discuss these points with you ; or Mr. Bradford, who 
 is as knowing as any of them on such subjects, and can bring 
 forward arguments like a Bishop. He even learned the He- 
 brew tongue, purposely, as he says, that he might read with 
 his " own eyes the ancient oracles of God in their native 
 beauty." 
 
 ' I am afraid it would be dangerous to encounter so skill- 
 ful an antagonist,' said Atherton, smiling; 'for I already ad- 
 mire the simplicity of your worship more perhaps, than most 
 of my English friends would approve.' 
 
 ' So much the better,' replied the Captain ; ' and we will 
 leave you to time and opportunity, hoping they will bring you 
 into the right way at last; and then, Major, some other plans 
 can be settled at leisure.' 
 
 ' I have a plan in my head now which I would mention to 
 you, Captain ; for I believe it is nearly time to put it in exe- 
 cution.' 
 
 ' Well, speak it out, cousin Atherton ; but I hope it will 
 not take you away from us.' 
 
 ' Only for a season, to the Massachusetts. I have a strong 
 inclination to see that place, which rumor seems so fond of
 
 202 PEEP AT THE PILGKIMS. 
 
 magnifying, and propose to visit it shortly if a convenient op- 
 portunity should offer.' 
 
 ' Not at this season of the year ! ' said the Captain, ' You 
 can see nothing but the frozen ground and leafless trees ; but 
 wait till spring and I will go with you.' 
 
 ' That is certainly a very tempting proposal, Captain; but 
 I may then be compelled to make a longer voyage, even to 
 the green shores of England.' 
 
 ' Any other spring will do as well, and better than the next 
 for that voyage ; ' said the Captain ; ' so I pray you give up 
 your scheme for the present.' 
 
 ' I will take it into consideration, and give you season- 
 able notice of my departure,' returned Atherton. ' But I 
 must leave you now, Captain, to prepare my packet for Cap- 
 tain Martin.' 
 
 ' Well, have all things in readiness for tomorrow,' said the 
 Captain ; ' remember I am a punctual man, and it would not 
 be handsome to keep the good people waiting on such a joy- 
 ful occasion.' 
 
 But it was not necessary to remind Major Atherton of his 
 duty in that particular ; he was equipped in excellent season 
 on the following day, and waiting with some impatience for 
 the appointed hour. This was as early as could reasonably 
 be expected, even in an age, when it was the fashion to visit 
 in the afternoon, and return with the setting sun, instead of 
 trespassing as now, upon the hours of night, and prolonging 
 the dance and revel till the dawning of the morn. Captain 
 Standish, who exercised a sort of military precision, even in 
 the minute affairs of life, was extremely punctilious in regard 
 to time on so important an occasion ; but his calculations were 
 defeated by the perversity of the wind, which died into a calm 
 as they were crossing the Bay, and their progress was so re- 
 tarded by the unlucky accident, that the company were all as-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 203 
 
 sembled, and waiting at Mr. Grey's when they arrived at his 
 house. 
 
 The room was well filled with guests, among whom Ather- 
 ton recognized the Governor and his family, and many others 
 who were slightly known to him ; but Miriam Grey engrossed 
 his whole attention, and her cordial smiles quickly effaced the 
 remembrance of her late fancied indifference. She, however, 
 soon left the room, and the slight bustle which had prevailed, 
 was succeeded by a general pause ; the men looked grave, 
 and even the goodly row of matrons and maidens was hushed 
 to silence as if awaiting some important event. Every eye 
 was turned expectantly towards the door ; and in a few mo- 
 ments Miriam Grey re-entered, accompanied by the bride and 
 bridegroom, who advanced to seats left vacant for them, at 
 the upper end of the apartment, where the clergyman and 
 magistrate stood ready to officiate. Lois Grey sustained the 
 gaze of observation with modest firmness : she wore the sim- 
 ple but not unbecoming gnrb of her sect, with no adornment 
 except the native charms of an intelligent and ingenuous 
 countenance ; and throughout acquitted herself with a de- 
 gree of propriety and composure, which could only result 
 from deliberate reflection on the step she was about to take, 
 and a perfect confidence in the man to whose keeping she had 
 entrusted her earthly happiness. 
 
 Among many of the early non-conformists, and particu- 
 larly throughout the Massachusetts' settlements, marriage 
 was regarded merely as a civil contract; and accordingly, the 
 ceremony was always performed by a magistrate instead of a 
 minister of religion. As Mr. Weldon had imbibed that opin- 
 ion, the Governor was requested to conduct the marriage ser- 
 vice, though in compliment to Mr. Reynel, the clergyman 
 who was present, he was invited to make the concluding 
 prayer and offer some advice adapted to the occasion.
 
 204 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 The short, but deeply interesting ceremony was soon con- 
 cluded ; and the whole company successively approached the 
 new-married pair to present their compliments and congratu- 
 lations. The long established custom of saluting, and being 
 saluted was not forgotten. Mr. Winslow, in virtue of his 
 office set the example by touching his lips to the blushing 
 cheek of the bride, while Mrs. Winslow received the saluta- 
 tion of the bridegroom. They were followed by the elder 
 part of the company in due order, each leading forward his 
 spouse ; and finally the young people succeeded them in high 
 glee, and bandying jokes, which were doubtless considered 
 excellent at the time; but are now unfortunately for posterity, 
 entirely forgotten. 
 
 Peregrine White not quite satisfied with kissing the bride 
 alone, seemed strongly inclined to extend the practice more 
 generally ; and was so far encouraged by a nod of approba- 
 tion from Captain Standish, that he turned suddenly to Mis- 
 tress Rebecca Spindle, who chanced to be next him, and be- 
 fore she was aware of his intention, startled her by a hearty 
 salute. 
 
 ' La ! Master Peregrine,' exclaimed the spinster, ' you al- 
 ways take one so at unawares !' 
 
 But Peregrine had already fixed his eyes on the rosy cheek 
 of a laughing girl ; though before he could approach her or 
 his companions had found courage to imitate his boldness, the 
 amusement was interdicted by a grave elderly man, who with 
 an air of authority not to be disputed, remarked, that the 
 custom of indiscriminate salutations between young men and 
 maidens, ought not to be tolerated in a Christian assembly, 
 since it was no where authorized in Scripture, except where 
 the Apostle commanded the brethren to " greet one another 
 with a holy kiss," which could not be interpreted to sanction 
 a frolic introduced like the present, by a giddy youth.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 205 
 
 This appeal was considered unanswerable by a majority 
 of the guests ; but Peregrine White whispered apart to Ath- 
 erton, 
 
 ' I think that long exhortation might have been spared, 
 when we have met to together on purpose to make merry; 
 but I wish I had begun with some one more tempting than 
 Mistress Spindle ; I would, had I known my sport was to be 
 ended so speedily.' 
 
 But the low murmurs of his discontent were happily inter- 
 rupted by the distribution of cake and wine ; from time im- 
 memorial as indispensable at a wedding festival as the nuptial 
 benediction. The health and happiness of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Weldon were cheerfully pledged by each individual; some 
 adding to the compliment a sententious remark, or a word of 
 advice adapted to their new situation ; while those to whom, 
 it was addressed, agreeably to the usage of the times, main- 
 tained their station by each other as immovably, as if the 
 words which pronounced them man and wife, had actually 
 made them one person. 
 
 Miriam Grey retained a seat by the side of Lois, occasion- 
 ally mingling with the guests as civility required ; and Major 
 Atherton, whose eyes continually followed her, fancied her 
 countenance was less animated and her smile more pensive 
 than usual. It was natural that she should feel a degree of 
 sadness on an event so replete with solemn interest to her 
 cousin ; and which, she was aware, would soon remove from 
 her the long tried and beloved friend of her childhood and 
 youth. Miriam however endeavored to repress these feel- 
 ings ; and Mr. Calvert, who perhaps also observed the shade 
 on her open brow, exerted his peculiar address to engage her 
 in conversation, and call forth the usual gaiety of her spirits. 
 
 'I hope, cousin Atherton,' said Captain Standish, who saw 
 18
 
 206 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 him regarding them attentively, ' you do not envy the bride- 
 groom that you look so long and earnestly in that direction.' 
 
 ' Not in the least, sir,' said Atherton ; ' though he appears 
 so happy that one might almost be tempted to do so ; but I 
 was not even thinking of him just then.' 
 
 4 No, I'll engage you were not,' said Peregrine White ; 
 ' and I think Captain, if the Major was envying any one, it 
 must have been Mr. Calvert.' 
 
 ' You take it upon yourself to think at all times, and for 
 every body, Master Malapert,' said the Captain ; ' but what 
 were you thinking of when you ventured to offend Mistress 
 Spindle by kissing her ? ' 
 
 ' I was thinking of a fairer cheek beyond her,' replied Pere- 
 grine, laughing; 'but thought it would not be courteous to 
 pass by hers ; and I believe, she has very graciously pardoned 
 the offence.' 
 
 ' Fairly done,' said the Captain, ' and I think no one will 
 contest your choice, Peregrine. But come with me, Major 
 Atherton ; we will draw nearer the happy couple since they 
 are tied up so that they cannot come to us.' 
 
 ' I will follow with your leave ; ' said Peregrine. ' Miriam 
 looks this way as though she had something to say to me ; or 
 it may be to you, Major Atherton.' 
 
 ' I have been half inclined to forbid your banns, Mr. Wei- 
 don,' said the Captain, as he drew near him. ' Methinks it is 
 hardly lawful in you to leave your distant province of Con- 
 necticut, and steal away a fair daughter from our land.' 
 
 ' The theft was committed with the consent of all parties 
 concerned,' returned Mr. Weldon ; ' and it is now too late 
 to enter a protest against our proceedings.' 
 
 ' Yes, you are pretty sure of your prize now,' replied the 
 Captain; 'but I am glad to hear you intend to remain at
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 207 
 
 Plymouth for this winter, were it only for the sake of Miriam, 
 who could hardly do without her cousin at this time.' 
 
 ' I should be unwilling to expose her to the privations and 
 hardships of a new colony in the wilderness, at this season of 
 the year,' replied Mr. Weldon ; ' but if we are preserved until 
 the spring, I think we may venture there with a fair prospect 
 of success and happiness ; and our cousin Miriam has prom- 
 ised to be quite reconciled to her removal then.' 
 
 ' As much as I can be, you mean,' said Miriam ; ' and on 
 condition that you wait until my father returns.' 
 
 ' Perhaps we may yet induce you to go with us,' said Lois ; 
 ' will you not assist us to persuade her, Captain Standish ? ' 
 
 ' Not I,' replied the Captain; ' it is quite enough to lose 
 you, and we will not suffer Miriam to go, even for a short 
 time.' 
 
 ' Not to such a place,' said Calvert, ' where the trees are 
 yet scarcely felled, or the ground prepared to bring forth food 
 for the scanty inhabitants ; she might as well think of a voy- 
 age to the north pole.' 
 
 ' I suppose you would rather recommend the balmy breezes 
 of the south, Mr. Calvert,' said the Captain. 
 
 ' Yes,' returned Calvert, fixing his eyes on Miriam ; ' there 
 is some enjoyment in life, where the earth is ever verdant, the 
 flowers in almost perpetual bloom, and the trees laden with 
 delicious fruits.' 
 
 ' I should think one would grow weary from very same- 
 ness,' said Miriam ; ' and really my own climate of New- 
 England seems far pleasanter to me, even with its snow 
 storms and bleak winds, which but render the return of spring 
 more grateful.' 
 
 ' That is exactly what you ought to say and think, my little 
 rose-bud,' said the Captain. ' I have seen many countries, but 
 no one fairer than this, or more desirable ; so do not let Mr. Cal-
 
 208 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 vert persuade you there is any thing better to be found under 
 the hot sun of Virginia.' 
 
 ' There is no danger of it, sir,' replied Miriam ; ' I am very 
 incredulous on this subject, and cannot readily believe any 
 land happier or more beautiful than the one I have lived in, 
 almost from my birth.' 
 
 ' Not even Old England?' asked Peregrine White, archly. 
 ' Major Atherton can tell you wonderful stories about that, 
 Miriam ; and some which may change your mind, perhaps.' 
 
 'Not in the least,' replied Miriam, smiling, but deeply 
 blushing; 'it is our mother country, and I have always been 
 taught to love it, but ' 
 
 'Keep in your own colony,' interrupted the Captain, 'this 
 exploring the wilderness is a seeking out of new inventions, 
 which does not suit me, so long as we have room enough and 
 to spare about us.' 
 
 ' You did not think so, Captain,' said Lois, ' seventeen years 
 ago, when you used to toss Miriam in your arms, and run 
 after me round the deck of the Mayflower, in our passage 
 over from Holland.' 
 
 ' I was seventeen years younger then,' replied the Captain, 
 ' and you a romping child, instead of a grave matron, Mrs. 
 Weldon ; and we came for the rights of conscience, which you 
 cannot plead in excuse for removing farther off; but your hus- 
 band may be right for all that, Lois ; it is well to provide am- 
 ple space for a family ; and at any rate, you cannot mend the 
 matter now.' 
 
 ' I hope she will never have cause to wish it,' said Mr. 
 Weldon. 
 
 ' I hope not,' returned the Captain ; ' but repentance will 
 sometimes creep in after marriage ; it is a short ceremony, 
 but apt to bring a long reckoning.' 
 
 ' Yes,' said Calvert; ' you have invented a very summary
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 209 
 
 way of joining people together ; and it seems to me quite an 
 improvement on the ancient mode of our church ; one is saved 
 a vast deal of time, to say nothing of the formidable array of 
 book, ring, and kneeling.' 
 
 ' I am glad to hear you condemn such superfluities,' said 
 Mr. Grey, ' which savor much of the worldly spirit of vain 
 glory. I hope, Major Atherton, that you have judged as fa- 
 vorably of our forms ?' 
 
 ' I see nothing to condemn in the form,' returned Atherton ; 
 'but I must confess myself still prejudiced in favor of that 
 which I have been accustomed to witness ; and cannot but 
 consider it more solemn and impressive.' 
 
 ' Is there anything more binding,' asked Mr. Grey, 'in the 
 giving and receiving a ring, or in kneeling rather than stand- 
 ing ?' 
 
 ' No,' returned Atherton ; ' nor is the simple act of joining 
 the hands, which we all allow, in itself binding; yet custom 
 has equally sanctioned them with us ; and it is not easy to di- 
 vest one's self of its influence.' 
 
 ' Even as the children of Canaan clave unto their graven 
 images, so do the sons of prelacy put their trust in the vain 
 pomps and ceremonies of their religion,' said the elderly man 
 who had reproved Peregrine White, and now lent an attentive 
 ear to the conversation. 
 
 ' I hope, sir, you will absolve us from willful idolatry,' re- 
 turned Atherton ; ' we follow the path which our fathers 
 pointed out, as most congenial to the spirit of the gospel, and 
 the practice of its early followers.' 
 
 ' It is blindly building an altar to the " unknown God,'' ' re- 
 plied the other, 'and seeking to please him with offerings and 
 oblations, in which he hath no pleasure.' 
 
 ' I do not feel myself very bigoted to forms,' replied Ather- 
 ton, ' but some are undoubtedly expedient ; and long expe-
 
 210 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 rience has proved the efficacy of those which we have adopt- 
 ed.' 
 
 ' The wedding ring, for instance,' said Calvert, ' I should 
 hope some of our forms were more happy in their effects, than 
 that sometime proves to be.' 
 
 ' Major Atherton knows nothing of that yet,' said Captain 
 Standish, who had listened with evident impatience to his 
 kinsman's defence of such obnoxious ceremonies ; ' and I will 
 be bound for him, if he can get a wife to his liking, he will 
 not stand upon rings, or kneeling, or any such troublesome in- 
 ventions of priestcraft.' 
 
 1 Now who would think,' said Mistress Rebecca Spindle, 
 ' of using a ring and a book to be married with, unless it were 
 a papist, or some such like.' 
 
 ' And yet it is better than not to be married at all,' re- 
 plied Peregrine White ; ' don't you think so, Mistress Rebec- 
 ca?' 
 
 ' Heaven forbid, that I should uphold such idolatrous prac- 
 tices,' ejaculated the spinster. 
 
 ' But tell us now, Mistress Spindle,' returned Peregrine, 
 ' when are we to drink your health at your own wedding ? ' 
 
 ' It must be all in the Lord's own good time,' replied Re- 
 becca, in a tone of resignation. 
 
 1 But you doubtless pray that the time may be shortened,' 
 said Peregrine, gravely. 
 
 ' Be it sooner or later, matters little for me to know,' re- 
 turned the other, ' our times are not in our own hands.' 
 
 ' I think it cannot be much later,' replied Peregrine, ' what 
 say you, Miriam ? ' 
 
 ' Mistress Rebecca can best judge of that matter herself,' 
 said Miriam, ' unless you may feel inclined to decide it for 
 her.' 
 
 ' I had rather undertake to do it for you,' answered Pere-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 211 
 
 grine ; ' and I believe there would be more than one ready to 
 assist rne.' 
 
 ' No doubt of that,' said the Captain ; ' but I tell you, Mas- 
 ter Peregrine, Miriam does not need any of your interference ; 
 she is well able to take care of her own affairs.' 
 
 ' Thank you Captain,' said Miriam ; ' I must crave your as- 
 sistance oftener, to drill Master Peregrine into good behavior ; 
 he is very apt to rebel against me.' 
 
 ' It would be a good piece of service to us all, if I could do 
 so,' replied the Captain ; ' but I would sooner undertake to 
 discipline a whole regiment of recruits.' 
 
 ' I will remove myself before you begin,' said Peregrine ; 
 this seems a second part of the good man's discourse, who lec- 
 tured me about kissing just now ; and I will make room 
 for Master Ashly, who is coming this way, to hear the con- 
 clusion.' 
 
 ' Farewell,' said Miriam ; ' I hope the exhortation has prov- 
 ed a " word in season to you." ' 
 
 ' We will prove that by and bye,' returned Peregrine, ' when 
 I can get nearer to your lips, Miriam. Yonder is the Gover- 
 nor and all the grave personages of the land, preparing to de- 
 part; and peace go with them. You and I, Mistress Rebecca, 
 with the rest of the young people, will stay behind, and throw 
 the stocking.' 
 
 The guests at that moment began to separate ; and the el- 
 derly and married ones, after shaking hands with the bride and 
 bridegroom, and repeating their good wishes returned home, 
 leaving the younger part of the company, to pursue the amuse- 
 ments peculiar to the occasion, and indulge the mirth and gai* 
 ty which it inspired.
 
 212 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Oh why should fate sic pleasure have, 
 
 Life's dearest bands entwining ? 
 Or why sae sweet a flower as love, 
 
 Depend on Fortune's shining ? 
 
 BUKNS. 
 
 MAJOR ATHERTON was among the last who quitted Mr. Grey's ; 
 and, as the evening was rather advanced, he was readily in- 
 duced to return with Peregrine White and pass the night at 
 the Governor's. A strong north-west wind on the following 
 morning, proved favorable for the departure of Captain Mar- 
 tin's vessel; and soon after breakfast, Mr. Winslow proposed 
 calling to take leave of Mr. Grey, in the expectation that he 
 was about to sail. Atherton readily acceded to the proposal, 
 and unwilling to intrude on his domestic privacy, at the mo- 
 ment of separation from his family, they proceeded directly to 
 the vessel, intending to await his arrival there. They found 
 him already on board ; for Captain Martin, who had been long 
 detained by adverse winds, and found the winter approaching, 
 held every thing in readiness, to take advantage of the first 
 favorable breeze ; and was then preparing to weigh anchor 
 and depart. 
 
 Mr. Grey was standing on the fore-castle of the ship with 
 his eyes fixed on the shore, where his own house was just 
 visible in the distance ; and so engaged in meditation that he 
 did not perceive the approach of the Governor and Major Ath- 
 erton, till they stood directly before him. 
 
 'The Captain has been expeditious in making his arrange-
 
 PBEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 merits,' said Mr. Winslow; 'I hoped for a longer conference 
 with you, before your departure.' 
 
 ' Our farewell must be brief,' returned Mr. Grey ; ' I per- 
 ceive they are already waiting for us ; but it is well, perhaps, 
 that we have no longer time ; for I feel that the moment of 
 separation is too bitter to be prolonged.' 
 
 ' They whom you leave behind,' said the Governor, ' are 
 safe, I trust, in the protection of Heaven, and surrounded by 
 friends who will watch over their safety, and minister to their 
 comfort and welfare.' 
 
 ' That thought has power to console me,' replied Mr. Grey ; 
 1 while I cheerfully entrust my child to the guardian care of 
 Him, who is better than any earthly parent ; I feel persuaded 
 also, that I may confide in your friendship, should any unex- 
 pected misfortune arise to perplex or distress her.' 
 
 1 Suffer no anxious thought for her to disturb your mind,' 
 returned Mr. Winslow ; ' she shall be unto me as mine own 
 daughter, and to my wife she is no less dear.' 
 
 ' May God bless you, my friend,' said Mr. Grey, with emo- 
 tion ; ' and now, farewell ! Cease not to make mention of me 
 in your prayers.' 
 
 ' Farewell ! ' repeated Mr. Winslow ; ' and may He, who 
 commands the winds and stills the roaring of the waves, guide 
 and protect you in all your ways, and return you in safety to 
 us again.' 
 
 ' Amen,' said Mr. Grey, with solemn emphasis, as he slow- 
 ly released his hand from the Governor, and offered it to Ma- 
 jor Atherton, who had remained a silent but deeply interested 
 auditor ; and scarcely able to repress the impulse, which 
 urged him to confess his attachment for Miriam, and entreat 
 permission of her father, to become himself her protector and 
 husband. But the recollection of their late interview, with a 
 conviction that it would now be useless, and might increase
 
 214 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 his anxiety respecting her, dissuaded him from the attempt, 
 while, in some embarrassment he waited for Mr. Grey to ad- 
 dress him. 
 
 ' Major Atherton,' he at length said, ' I may meet with your 
 friends or kindred, whither I am going ; and if I can do you 
 aught of service with them, command me and I will do it 
 cheerfully ; for you have shown much kindness unto me and 
 mine.' 
 
 ' I have left few there to feel interested for my fate,' replied 
 Atherton ; ' and to them I have already written ; but there 
 are some valued friends of my mother, whom you may chance 
 to meet ; and if they inquire concerning me, say to them that 
 I am happy and contented.' 
 
 ' And shall I tell them,' asked Mr. Grey, ' that you will so- 
 journ yet a long time in this land ? ' 
 
 ' I am still undecided,' replied Atherton ; ' it may be but for 
 a few months, and possibly for many years.' 
 
 ' Commit your ways to Him, who ordereth all things for 
 the best ;' returned Mr. Grey ; ' and, if I meet you here on 
 my return Major Atherton, may it be in peace, and with 
 the same sentiments of regard and confidence, with which I 
 now part from you.' 
 
 ' I trust you will find no cause to withdraw your confidence 
 and regard from me, sir,' replied Atherton ; and the firmness 
 of his voice, and the calmness with which he sustained the 
 searching glance of Mr. Grey, seemed to reassure the latter, 
 who shook him cordially by the hand; and having exchanged 
 their parting adieus, the Governor and Atherton returned to 
 the shore. 
 
 Major Atherton soon after separated from Mr. Winslow, 
 and ascending a slight eminence, which commanded a view 
 of the noble Bay of Plymouth, he watched, with extreme in- 
 terest, the progress of the vessel, as with swelling sails she
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGEIMS. 215 
 
 rode proudly over the waves. It was nearly three months 
 since the same bark had brought him from the land to which 
 she was now returning, like a white winged messenger ; and, 
 ' why,' he asked himself, ' am I exiled from the country which 
 gave me birth ? why do I still linger on these shores, an un- 
 known individual, in a clime which yet scarcely bears a name 
 on the map of civilization ? ' He started, as these reflections 
 crossed his mind, and looked more eagerly upon the receding 
 ship, as if desirous that it should waft him back to the home 
 he had forsaken. But it was already far off in the distance ; 
 the busy hum of the sailors, the commanding voice of the 
 Captain, were borne away on the winds; and Atherton re- 
 peated, with a sigh, ' Why should I revisit the scenes of my 
 boyhood and youth ? where there is no loved voice to welcome 
 me, where all whom I held most dear, have been prematurely 
 snatched from my embrace, and where my ambitious hopes of 
 honor and distinction have been blighted in the bud. Here 
 there is at least one being to attach me, and here I will re- 
 main, until her lips decide my destiny.' 
 
 With this resolution, Major Atherton walked quickly on- 
 wards, till he found himself by the well-known wicket, which 
 led to the house of Mr. Grey. He looked earnestly at the 
 windows, but no person was visible ; and fearful that a visit 
 from him, at that time, would be unwelcome, he was passing 
 by with reluctant steps, when the door opened and closed 
 again, with some violence ; and looking round, he saw Mr. 
 Calvert coming from it and advancing towards him. 
 
 ' Upon my word, Major Atherton,' he said, ' you haunt this 
 spot, like the ghost of a despairing lover ; at morning, noon, 
 and night, I find you hovering round it, ' 
 
 ' Which proves your frequent visits also,' replied Atherton ; 
 ' and are they made in the same unhappy spirit which you 
 attribute to me ? '
 
 216 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' Entirely the reverse,' said Calvert ; ' besides, I am not al- 
 ways creeping around the borders, but enter boldly into the 
 bower of my pretty nymph.' 
 
 ' I should not take the freedom to enter, at a season like the 
 present,' said Atherton, ' when she can scarcely feel in spirits 
 to receive the visit even of a friend.' 
 
 ' Your scruples are certainly very delicate,' said Calvert, 
 sarcastically ; ' but my acquaintance, you will remember, is 
 of longer standing, which entitles me to greater freedom.' 
 
 ' And you are not very fastidious about trifles, I think,' re- 
 turned Atherton ; ' but, may I ask, how you found the family 
 within ? ' 
 
 * If you mean Mr. Weldon, and old Jemima, the house- 
 maid, they seemed as well as usual.' 
 
 ' Were your efforts at consolation directed entirely to them ?' 
 asked Atherton. 
 
 ' To tell you the truth, I saw no others to exercise it upon, 
 unless it were Miriam's kitten,' said Calvert, pettishly. 
 
 ' You did not see Miriam Grey, then ? returned Atherton ; 
 and he could not suppress a smile of pleasure. 
 
 ' You need not look so much pleased about it,' replied Cal- 
 vert. ' I am sure it is no strange thing for girls to show off 
 their importance, by such capricious airs ; and Lois would 
 doubtless like to display her authority, now she has become a 
 matron.' 
 
 * Did Mrs. Weldon prohibit Miriam from appearing ? ' in- 
 quired Atherton. 
 
 ' Very likely,' said Calvert ; ' but I did not see her either ; 
 they were wailing together, in some dark corner, for aught I 
 know ; but you had better go in, Major ; perhaps you will be 
 more successful.' 
 
 ' Excuse me ;' replied Atherton ; ' I am not fond of mak-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 217 
 
 ing experiments ; and it would be particularly rash, when you 
 have so recently failed.' 
 
 ' You are too cautious to be a dangerous rival,' said Cal- 
 vert; ' so I forgive your joy at my defeat just now; which 
 really does not cause me the least inquietude. Women are 
 fickle beings at the best; and may well be allowed their 
 whims before marriage, since no man of sense will indulge 
 them afterwards. And so, good morning to you.' 
 
 Major Atherton returned home, in unusually good spirits, 
 which led Captain Standish to remark, ' that the wedding had 
 produced a wholesome effect on him ; and that he hoped to 
 congratulate him on his own before long.' 
 
 Atherton was not displeased at the wish; nor at a succeed- 
 ing proposition, that they should, the following day, pay their 
 respects to Mrs. Weldon and see how Miriam fared in her 
 father's absence. 
 
 The visit was accordingly made ; and they found Miriam, 
 more cheerful than they expected, and almost reconciled to the 
 separation. Atherton spoke of her father, and mentioned that 
 he had seen him, at the moment of his departure ; a circum- 
 stance which seemed to give him additional interest with her; 
 and she asked numberless questions respecting him, that he 
 was never weary of answering. An hour or two passed by ; 
 and when the Captain spoke of their return, Atherton thought 
 them the shortest and most delightful he had ever spent; nor 
 was it without evident reluctance that he rose to accompany 
 him. 
 
 Another week glided away, almost the happiest of Major 
 Atherton's life; for some portion of every day he passed in 
 the society of Miriam, and his approach was welcomed by her, 
 with a brighter smile, and deeper glow than usually adorned 
 her countenance. These expressions of pleasure, of which, 
 with an artlessness that rendered them more attractive, she 
 19
 
 218 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 seemed perfectly unconscious, Atherton could not fail to re- 
 gard as indications that he had awakened some interest in her 
 affections ; and with the sanguine hopes which time had not 
 yet taught him to distrust, he indulged the most flattering 
 dreams, forgetful of her father's interdiction, and of every ob- 
 stacle which could oppose his wishes. Frank and undis- 
 guised in his disposition, Captain Standish easily penetrated 
 his views and feelings; but he made no comment on them ; 
 and only occasionally hazarded a jest on his frequent visits to 
 Miriam Grey. In these visits he was sometimes his com- 
 panion, and readily detected, through the delicate reserve, per- 
 haps consciousness, which led Miriam to direct her attentions 
 and conversation less freely to Alherton than any other ; 
 an incipient preference, which, thus disguised, might have 
 escaped an unobservant eye. 
 
 To the mind of Mrs. Weldori, the situation of her cousin 
 occasioned many anxious and perplexing thoughts. Too so- 
 licitous for her happiness, not to remark the attachment which 
 appeared to be daily strengthening, between Miriam and Ma- 
 jor Atherton, she yet felt unable to avert it, or to interrupt their 
 intercourse, which she knew must meet the disapprobation of 
 her father, and probably terminate in disappointment to them 
 both. Mr. Grey had ever placed unbounded confidence in 
 the discretion of his niece, and in the dutiful affection of his 
 daughter; and Lois felt a degree of responsibility during his 
 absence which increased her uneasiness, and determined her 
 to remind Miriam of her duty, and the submission which she 
 owed to the wishes of her father. 
 
 One day, when Major Atherton had not been with them as 
 usual, and Miriam discovered many symptoms of disappoint- 
 ment, Mrs. Weldon, after observing her for some time in si- 
 lence, at length said,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 219 
 
 ' You are unusually grave to-day, Miriam ; has any thing 
 happened to give you uneasiness ? ' 
 
 ' No, nothing, Lois,' said Miriam ; ' but I believe the dull- 
 ness of the weather affects my spirits.' And she arose from, 
 her chair, and crossing the room, seated herself by a win- 
 dow. 
 
 ' You did not use to regard such trifles, Miriam, but were 
 as cheerful in storms as in sunshine.' 
 
 ' Yes, when my father was at home ; but I cannot now 
 avoid many anxious thoughts respecting him. ' 
 
 ' And were you less anxious for him two days since, when 
 it stormed so violently ? ' asked Lois. 
 
 ' No, but Mr. Calvert was here then, and one cannot but 
 be gay where he is ; besides, he assured me that the vessel 
 was beyond the reach of our storms.' 
 
 ' And Major Atherton was here too,' said Lois ; ' did you 
 forget to mention him ? ' 
 
 Miriam made no reply, but looked . steadfastly upon the 
 leafless branches of the trees, which rustled against the case- 
 ment. 
 
 ' I did not think, Miriam,' continued Lois, ' that Mr. Cal- 
 vert would render you so entirely forgetful of Major Ather- 
 ton.' 
 
 ' You cannot believe, Lois,' said Miriam, turning to her 
 with vivacity, ' that I do, for a moment, prefer Mr. Caleert, 
 or even place him in comparison with ' She stopped abrupt- 
 ly, abashed by a smile which lurked on the countenance of 
 Lois. 
 
 'No, dear Miriam,' said Mrs. Weldon, after a moment's 
 pause, ' I only fear that you think too highly of Major Ather- 
 ton, and too frequently.' 
 
 ' And why should you fear that, Lois ? how often have I
 
 220 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 heard you speak warmly in his praise ; and surely he has 
 done nothing to forfeit your regard.' 
 
 ' Nothing, Miriam ; I believe him deserving of the high 
 opinion which we all entertain of him.' 
 
 ' Why then should we withdraw it, Lois ? I, at least, who 
 am indebted to him for my recovered life, should be ungrate- 
 ful to repay his kindness with cold indifference.' 
 
 'I would not have you ungrateful or indifferent, Miriam; 
 but guard your feelings, lest they betray you into warmer 
 sentiments than are consistent with your duty and happiness.' 
 
 ' Surely, dear Lois,' said Miriam with alarm, ' I have be- 
 trayed no undue partiality nothing which can be deemed 
 improper or unbecoming ! ' 
 
 ' I spoke of the future, not the past, Miriam. I would 
 awaken your prudence, not alarm your delicacy. Your own 
 discretion can alone direct you. Major Atherton seeks not to 
 disguise his affection for you ; and he hopes to obtain yours 
 in return.' 
 
 ' It cannot, must not be so ; ' replied Miriam, deeply blush- 
 ing ; ' and believe me, Lois, the wishes of my father shall not 
 be disregarded.' 
 
 ' Let them ever continue sacred to you ;' returned Lois ; 
 'remember your voluntary promise to consult his will, and it 
 may save you many unhappy moments, many painful reflec- 
 tions. And now, tell me, Miriam, that you forgive my inter- 
 ference ? ' 
 
 ' I thank you for it, dear Lois,' said Miriam ; ' and I be- 
 lieve you were in this, as in every other thing, actuated by 
 kindness to me. But I think,' she added, more gaily, 'you 
 have not exacted impossibilities from me.' 
 
 Mrs. Weldon looked a moment in silence, at her cousin's 
 varying complexion ; and then kissing her affectionately, left 
 her to the indulgence of her own reflections.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 221 
 
 Miriam stood at the window with her eyes fixed on the 
 passing clouds, till unconsciously they became filled with, 
 tears which gathered in large drops, and rolled unheeded 
 down her cheeks. But she was soon roused from this situa- 
 tion by the appearance of Major Atherton, who hastily flung 
 open the wicket, and with quick footsteps approached the 
 door. Miriam finding it impossible to retire without observa- 
 tion, endeavored to wipe away the traces of her emotion, and 
 receive him with her usual cheerfulness. For the first time, 
 however, her manner was constrained and embarrassed ; and 
 the animation of Atherton vanished, when he perceived the 
 dejection which her efforts were unable to disguise. 
 
 ' Dear Miriam, why are you so sad ? ' he asked, in a voice 
 of anxious tenderness, and thrown off' his guard by an ap- 
 pearance of melancholy so unusual to her. 
 
 ' I have been watching these watery clouds,' she replied, 
 averting her face from him, 'till they have imparted their 
 gloomy influence to me ; the angry tossing of the waves too, 
 as they dash against the rocks, remind me of the terrors and 
 perils of the sea.' 
 
 ' Nay then,' said Atherton, ' I must not allow you to look 
 on objects which fill your imagination with such sombre ima- 
 ges.' And he gently led her towards the fire, and seated 
 himself beside her. 
 
 ' But I can still hear the rushing of the wind,' said Miriam, 
 smiling, ' and the sound is scarcely less appalling to me.' 
 
 ' Its influence cannot extend beyond the coast,' returned 
 Atherton ; ' and I trust your father is now far distant beneath 
 a clearer sky, and borne on by favorable gales.' 
 
 ' But where all is uncertain,' replied Miriam, 'it is impos- 
 sible to exclude doubt and anxiety from the mind.' 
 
 'How happy should I be,' said Atherton, fervently, ' coujd 
 I ever hope to be regarded with so much interest.' 
 19*
 
 222 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' And do you feel so very destitute of friends,' asked Miri- 
 am, reproachfully, ' as to believe there are none here, who 
 would feel solicitude for your welfare and happiness ? ' 
 
 'I trust there are many, and those whose esteem I highly 
 prize ; ' returned Atherton ; ' but 'the favor of the whole world 
 were vain and joyless to me, Miriam, unless blessed with the 
 love which I so ardently aspire to gain.' 
 
 Miriam drooped her eyes beneath his impassioned gaze ; 
 but determined to conceal the emotions which really agitated 
 her, she resumed an air of unconcern, and with apparent gay- 
 ety, replied, 
 
 'And like Haman of old, every blessing is valueless in your 
 eyes, so long as one desire is withholden from you ! but re- 
 member his fate is recorded for our learning, on whom the 
 ends of the earth have come ! ' 
 
 Atherton looked at her in surprise and perplexity, as if 
 seeking an explanation of a levity so sudden and ill-timed ; 
 but deceived by her transient self-possession, and deeply 
 wounded by her supposed indifference, he hastily rose, and in 
 a voice of touching melancholy, replied, 
 
 'Pardon my presumption, Miriam; and when I am far 
 from you, think of me at least with kindness.' 
 
 ' Far from me ! when, whither are you going ? ' asked 
 Miriam, quickly ; and surprised out of her caution, by his 
 unexpected words and manner. 
 
 Atherton had turned from her, but the hurried and anxious 
 tone in which she spoke, revived his hopes, and instantly re- 
 called him. 
 
 ' You alone can decide for me, Miriam,' he said, eagerly; 
 ' for I place my destiny at your disposal.' 
 
 ' You have chosen a blind guide,' said Miriam, with recov- 
 ered composure, ' since I am entirely ignorant of your circum- 
 stances and designs.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 223 
 
 ' Why, Miriam,' returned Atherton, ' do you thus misun- 
 derstand me ? need you any further proofs to convince you, 
 that without you every place must become dreary to me, and 
 every enjoyment a source of bitterness ? ' 
 
 ' Suffer me not,' replied Miriam, with a flushed cheek, and 
 unsteady voice, ' to interfere with your pursuits, or interrupt 
 the plans of enjoyment which have drawn you hither.' 
 
 ' Happiness is the object of my pursuit,' said Atherton ; 
 'and I find it centered in you; restless and disappointed I left 
 my native land ; but in your presence, life has renewed the 
 sunshine and beauty which gladdened my early days, and 
 which, removed from you, would again wither and fade 
 away. Dearest Miriam, you alone are the inspirer and the 
 object of all my hopes; and surely you cannot, will not, con- 
 demn me to protracted misery and disappointment.' 
 
 ' Nothing in my power to grant,' said Miriam, with emo- 
 tion, ' would I willingly deny you.' 
 
 ' And are not your hand and heart at your own disposal ? ' 
 asked Atherton, with animation ; 'grant me these, dear Miri- 
 am, for these only can render me happy.' 
 
 ' They can never, never be yours ! ' replied Miriam ; and 
 hastily withdrawing her hand, she covered her eyes and re- 
 mained silent. 
 
 ' Have I been deceived ? ' asked Atherton, steadily regard- 
 ing her pale cheek and quivering lip. ' Oh no, I feel that 
 you love me, Miriam, and no cruel interdiction shall ever sep- 
 arate us.' 
 
 ' Leave me, Major Atherton,' said Miriam, mildly ; ' I have 
 not sought to deceive you ; but it is enough to know that our 
 fates can never be united.' 
 
 ' And would you thus banish me from your presence,' 
 asked Atherton, impetuously, ' without assigning the cause, 
 without one word of regret? No, Miriam, never will I leave
 
 224 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 you, unless your own lips pronounce that I am hateful to 
 you.' 
 
 ' And would that render you more contented ? ' asked Miri- 
 am, with a mournful smile, ' I would not part with you, but 
 with expressions of gratitude and kindness.' 
 
 ' And what would they avail me? ' returned Atherton, ' if 
 deprived of your society, and robbed of every hope which can 
 render life supportable ? ' 
 
 ' Would you reject my friendship, because you cannot re- 
 ceive my love ? ' asked Miriam. ' Has not our intercourse 
 been hitherto more rational, more delightful, than it can ever 
 be, when passions such as these agitate our interviews ? ' 
 
 ' Hitherto 1 believed my tenderness returned,' said Ather- 
 ton, ' and indulged the hope, that a closer union would at 
 length bind us to each other. Let me still indulge that hope, 
 Miriam, however distant the day, allow me still to believe my 
 constancy will be crowned with success, and I can patiently 
 endure the tortures of suspense, and the agony of protracted 
 hope.' 
 
 4 It is impossible,' said Miriam ; ' deceive not yourself with 
 an expectation which can never be realized ; forget that you 
 have ever known me, Atherton, or remember me only as a 
 friend, a sister.' 
 
 ' And is it you, Miriam, who thus condemn me to 
 despair ? and with a voice so gentle, a face so mild and benig- 
 nant ? Tell me,' he added almost wildly, ' is your heart im- 
 penetrable, or have you devoted it to another ? ' 
 
 ' Do not torment yourself with suspicions which are ground- 
 less,' replied Miriam; ' but should you feel more resigned, 
 Atherton, to believe your fancied unhappiness shared by me ? 
 would it be any alleviation to find me also doomed to struggle 
 against a passion which my reason would condemn, and my 
 duty could never sanction ? '
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 225 
 
 1 No, dearest Miriam,' said Atherton, ' I am not so very 
 selfish ; but tell me why should your reason and your duty 
 disapprove it ? and what is this mighty obstacle to our love? 
 can no sacrifice, no exertions of mine, remove it? ' 
 
 ' No, none which I can expect or desire from you,' said 
 Miriam. 
 
 ' Is it my religion alone ? ' pursued Atherton ; ' will your 
 father blast all the opening prospects of my life, because my 
 faith is different from his own ?' 
 
 ' Ask me not,' said Miriam, rising with agitation ; why 
 should we prolong a conference so painful to us both ? ' 
 
 ' Stay yet a moment longer,' said Atherton, earnestly; ' do 
 not reject me, Miriam, till your father returns, and I can 
 plead my cause to him. Tell me only, that if he does not re- 
 prove my wishes, you will listen to the pleadings of my love, 
 and I may yet look forward to success and happiness.' 
 
 ' You ask what I cannot, ought not to grant you,' replied 
 Miriam ; 'and why should you increase the bitterness of dis- 
 appointment, by vainly indulging hopes which can never be 
 realized ? ' 
 
 ' The cause exists in your own indifference,' said Atherton 
 vehemently ; ' why should I seek farther for it ? Every word 
 you utter, is but a new proof that I deceived myself in believ- 
 ing you honored me with your regard.' 
 
 ' Is there no medium,' asked Miriam, with a trembling 
 voice, ' between the extravagance of passion, and the coldness 
 of indifference ? but I forgive your injustice, Atherton ; in a 
 moment of cooler reason you will feel that I do not deserve it ; 
 that I am not so ungrateful as you now believe me.' 
 
 Miriam turned from him as she finished speaking, and bent 
 her head to conceal the tears which filled her eyes ; but Ma- 
 jor Atherton again seized her hand, and with all the incon- 
 sistency of passion, exclaimed,
 
 226 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 'Miriam, you cannot love me, or you would not yield thus 
 calmly to the cold dictates of rigid duty ; you would not 
 banish me from your presence without one word of hope, 
 one smile of encouragement ! Dearest Miriam, I could en- 
 dure every thing, were I only assured that you understood 
 my feelings and shared the bitterness of my regret.' 
 
 1 At least, believe,' said Miriam, mildly, ' that you have ex- 
 cited many anxious thoughts, many emotions that I would 
 fain avoid, by a display of impetuous and ungoverned feel- 
 ing, which I had not expected from you ; and pardon me, 
 Major Atherton, which I must consider unbecoming your 
 principles and character.' 
 
 ' I cannot endure your reproaches, Miriam,' replied Ather- 
 jon ; ' if you do not love, at least pity and forgive me. But 
 what avails it ?' he added, in a tone of sadness ; ' and why 
 should I still linger here ? Forget this interview if possible, 
 and think of me as you were wont to do, in the early days of 
 our acquaintance ; and now farewell, beloved Miriam ! per- 
 haps forever !' And he pressed her unresisting hand with 
 fervor to his lips. 
 
 'What mean you,' said Miriam, with quick alarm, 'and 
 whither are you going? surely you contemplate no rash 
 enterprise ?' 
 
 ' I go from you,' said Atherton, ' and where, it matters not ; 
 all places are henceforth alike to me.' 
 
 ' Say not so,' replied Miriam ; ' but rather exert the firm- 
 ness of your spirit and subdue a predilection, which it is your 
 duty and interest to repress, and which must yield at length 
 to the assuasive influence of time.' 
 
 ' Impossible ! it never can,' said Atherton ; 'do not seek to 
 move me from my purpose ; do not, Miriam, shake the 
 feeble resolution I have struggled to acquire ; here, I cannot
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 227 
 
 remain with safety ; and absence from you, may perhaps ren- 
 der my disappointment less insupportable.' 
 
 ' Go, then,' said Miriam, vainly endeavoring to speak with 
 composure ; ' and may God watch over you and protect 
 you.' 
 
 Atherton still held her hand, with deep but silent emo- 
 tion ; fearful to trust himself again to speak, yet reluctant to 
 tear himself from her presence ; when the sudden entrance 
 of Mrs. Weldon aroused him to immediate exertion. Too 
 much agitated however, to enter into an explanation, which 
 her looks seemed to demand, he rushed hastily past her, and 
 in a moment was in the open air. 
 
 The evening was closing in, shrouded with clouds and 
 gloom ; though some faint streaks of light which lingered 
 after the setting sun, seemed to give promise of a brighter 
 morrow. But Major Atherton felt this darkness far more 
 congenial to his feelings than the glare of day ; and closely 
 enveloped in his cloak, with even his face concealed within 
 its folds, he wandered on, he knew not, cared not whither, till 
 he found himself approaching the sea-shore. Atherton 
 threw back the cloak, and looked earnestly upon the restless 
 ocean : the monotonous moaning of the waves, as they broke 
 upon the pebbly beach, the whistling of the wind, and the shrill 
 cry of the sea-birds, as they swooped to dip their wings 
 in the watery element, and eddyed around his head in re- 
 turning to their craggy nests, dreary as were the sounds, 
 they combined to fill his mind with a melancholy, but sooth- 
 ing influence. As he stood thus, his eyes were involuntarily 
 attracted by a small vessel lying at anchor, from which pro- 
 ceeded the sounds of labor ; and in the imperfect twilight, 
 he perceived several persons busied at the hatchways, while 
 others were repairing the masts, apparently in prepar- 
 ation for an intended voyage. Atherton instantly recognized
 
 228 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 the Massachusetts bark, which had been some time in the 
 harbor ; and prompted by a sudden resolution', he sprang 
 upon a projecting rock and leaped from crag to crag, till he 
 came near enough to hail those on board. He was answered 
 by a respectable looking man, who seemed to be the master, 
 and of him, Atherton inquired if * they were bound to the 
 Massachusetts Bay ?' and received a civil reply in the 
 affirmative. 
 
 * And how soon do you intend to sail ?' pursued Atherton. 
 'Tomorrow, if the wind is fair, and it seems to be turning 
 
 about the right way.' 
 
 'Can you take a passenger with you, Master?' asked 
 Aiherton, 
 
 * We have room and to spare,' replied the man, ' if you 
 can put up with our poor fare and accommodations.' 
 
 ' I care not for that, friend,' returned Atherton, ' and shall 
 hold myself in readiness to depart with you.' 
 
 ' We will get things in the best order possible ; and the 
 king can do no better,' said the man ; ' and God willing, we 
 hope to clear out of port at an early hour.' 
 
 4 The sooner the better,' said Atherton ; ' and I owe you 
 thanks, Master, for your readiness to oblige.' 
 
 Considerably relieved by this unexpected arrangement, 
 Major Atherton hastened homewards ; but as he re-entered 
 the house he had lately quitted with such buoyant hopes, the 
 mental change which a few hours had produced, sensibly 
 affected him ; and yielding to the excitement of his feelings, 
 he threw himself into a chair and covered his face with his 
 hands. Captain Standish, whom in the agitation of the mo- 
 ment, he had not observed, alone occupied the apartment, and 
 regarded his unusual conduct with extreme surprise, not 
 unmixed with alarm.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 229 
 
 ' Cousin Atherton,' he at length said, ' are you stark mad, 
 or what in the name of wonder ails you ?' 
 
 Atherton started at the sound of his voice ; and after 
 struggling a moment to regain his firmness, replied, 
 
 'Excuse me, sir; but I did not see you; I could think of 
 nothing but my own selfish regrets and disappointments.' 
 
 4 Speak out frankly, like a soldier, Edward,' returned the 
 Captain; 'I am more in the dark than ever; but I always 
 thought you would get no good by going so often to Plymouth, 
 and taking such long walks in the night air.' 
 
 4 1 have indeed, met only with evil,' said Atherton, bitterly ; 
 ' but who could have believed it existed under so fair a 
 form? ' 
 
 'Ah! I begin to understand you,' returned, the Captain|; 
 'something about my rose-bud, I'll warrant you; a love- 
 quarrel perhaps; but it will soon be made up again, if I have 
 any skill in smiles and blushes.' 
 
 4 No, no,' said Atherton, quickly ; ' I shall never see her 
 more.' 
 
 4 You will think better of that tomorrow, cousin Atherton ; 
 and so bear up with a good heart, and remember girls are 
 apt to mean more than they say, and sometimes say more 
 than they mean.' 
 
 ' She does not, I know but too well,' replied Atherton ; 
 and after a short pause, he added, ' I wish not to withhold my 
 confidence from you, sir; but allow me to be brief. She has 
 slighted my love, rejected my hand, and what remains for me 
 to seek or enjoy ?' 
 
 He walked across the room with hurried steps, as he con- 
 cluded ; and the Captain, whose countenance expressed a 
 lively sympathy, took his hand kindly, and said, 
 
 ' This must not be, Edward ; depend upon it, there is some 
 mistake, some foolish whim, perhaps ; for Miriam may love 
 20
 
 230 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 to teaze as well as the rest of her giddy sex ; but suffer me 
 to speak with her, I can explain all, and it may yet be well 
 with you.' 
 
 1 It cannot be,' returned Atherton ; ' she will not listen to 
 you, neither can I suffer her to be persuaded, if her heart is 
 not interested to plead my cause. No, I would never endure 
 to receive her compassion, as a substitute for her love ; and, if 
 duty is the obstacle, I ought not, perhaps, to oppose it. I 
 thank you sir, for this, for all your kindness to me ; and 
 think me not ungrateful; but tomorrow, I must quit your 
 hospitable roof for a season. At present, I should but bur- 
 then you with my society ; and, in absence, I hope to subdue 
 a weakness, which I blush to expose. Nay, seek not to dis- 
 suade me,' he added, seeing the Captain about to speak, 
 ' and I must now beg permission to retire.' 
 
 Captain Standish offered no further remonstrance, aware of 
 its inefficacy, at the moment of keen excitement ; and hoping 
 he would be disposed to listen more favorably, after a night 
 of repose had in some degree soothed the irritation of his 
 feelings.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 281 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Methinks I have a curiosity 
 
 To know this country, that for ages past, 
 
 Lay hid, and you have now found out at last. 
 
 WOLCOTT. 
 
 CAPTAIN STANDTSH, on the following morning renewed his ar- 
 guments and entreaties ; but they proved equally ineffectual, 
 as on the preceding evening, to change the determination of 
 Major Atherton, though he had recovered his usual self-pos- 
 session, and even a degree of his customary cheerfulness. 
 Pride, alone, would doubtless have done much to sustain him 
 under his disappointment ; but in addition to this powerful 
 aid, he indulged a secret persuasion, that Miriam Grey was 
 actuated by duty, rather than inclination, in rejecting his suit; 
 and with it the hope that time would produce a change in her 
 decision, which at present he could not effect ; and situated as 
 she was, particularly during her father's absence, he, perhaps, 
 ought not to attempt. A few hours of cool reflection con- 
 vinced him of the weakness and folly of yielding to the im- 
 petuosity of his feelings ; and, happily, his mind had been 
 early regulated by principle and subjected to the government 
 of reason; while he possessed that elasticity of spirit, 
 which always rose with renewed energy from the pressure of 
 misfortune. 
 
 Captain Standish was pleased to find that the subject of 
 his intended visit to the Massachusetts, interested the mind 
 of Atherton, and readily consulted with him, on the most 
 probable means of rendering it useful and agreeable ; and al-
 
 232 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 so prepared several letters, which would introduce him toper- 
 sons of distinction there. These brief preliminaries being set- 
 tled, Atherton bade farewell to his kinsman, with the promise 
 of returning as soon as-circumstances would permit ; and mak- 
 ing a hasty call at the Governor's as he proceeded on his way, 
 before the hour of noon he was wafted from the harbor of 
 Plymouth. 
 
 Major Atherton sighed as he looked back upon the friendly 
 shore he was quitting; and the dreariness of nature, the leaf- 
 less trees, the stubble fields, the hills embrowned by frost, and 
 the valleys withered by the approach of winter, presented a 
 striking contrast to the same scene, as he had first observ- 
 ed it, when in the luxuriance of autumn, waving with the 
 golden harvest, rich with variegated foliage, refreshed by ver- 
 dure, and animated with flocks and herds. For a moment, 
 the gloomy analogy seemed applicable to the change produced 
 in his own feelings. But shaking off such melancholy re- 
 flections, he turned his eyes towards the Blue Hills of Massa- 
 chusetts, which appeared to dilate, as they approached near 
 and nearer; and the clouds that rested on their summits grad- 
 ually rolled away, unvailing their majestic proportions ; and 
 again the bewitching spirit of adventure, the all powerful charm 
 of novelty, took possession of his mind. The day, notwith- 
 standing, passed tediously away ; the after part of it became 
 cloudy, and their course was impeded by contrary winds ; 
 and chilled and weary, he retired early to the berth allotted 
 him. 
 
 As soon as Atherton awoke in the morning, he hastened 
 on deck, to note the progess they had made ; and with 
 delighted surprise, found the vessel just entering the har- 
 bor of Boston. So novel and beautiful was the scene pre- 
 sented to his view, that he could scarcely persuade himself,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 233 
 
 that he was not suddenly transported to the regions of fairy- 
 land. 
 
 A slight fall of snow, which descended during the night, had 
 invested the earth with its fleecy covering, and robed every 
 object with a drapery of dazzling white, finely contrasted to 
 the brilliant azure of the cloudless sky, and the deep green of 
 the ocean waves. The numerous islands, which gem the wa- 
 ters of the Bay, all wore the same unsullied vestment, while 
 each tree was tufted with the wintry foliage, which wreathed 
 the smallest spray, and every slender shrub and clustering 
 vine trembled beneath the feathery burthen. 
 
 But, even while gazing, the glittering .pageant faded from, 
 the eye ; the warm beams of the rising sun spread, like a 
 blush over the stainless surface; and yielding to their influ- 
 ence, the delicate frost-work melted from tree, shrub, and vine, 
 and descended in broken masses to the ground. As nature 
 threw off the fantastic dress she had assumed, Atherton was 
 powerfully struck by the grandeur of her form, and the end- 
 less variety of lineament which characterizes her, in a land 
 where the magnificent and the beautiful are blended, with 
 such exquisite and unrivaled skill. The vessel was passing 
 through the narrow channel, which forms the entrance to the 
 harbor, and then expands into a deep and capacious basin ; 
 on the left, the Blue Hills were still visible, forming a part of 
 the lofty range, which rises gradually from the shores of the 
 Massachusetts, almost encircling the coast, and broken at in- 
 tervals into deep ravines and extensive valleys, then almost in 
 the untutored wildness of nature ; where many a silver 
 stream rolled its fertilizing waves, unmarked by any eye save 
 that of the Indian hunter, and unimproved, but by the in- 
 dustrious beaver, who erected his ingenious habitation on its 
 bank. 
 
 Major Atherton gazed with unwearied pleasure on the 
 20*
 
 234 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 boundless prospect ; lovely and majestic in its outlines, though 
 the freshness and bloom of summer were wanting to complete 
 its attractions, and clothe with verdure the undulating forests 
 and fruitful plains. Near him were the commanding heights 
 of Dorchester, then unknown to fame : more distant, the wood- 
 crowned eminence of Noonantum, where soon after, com- 
 menced the missionary labors of the American Apostle, the 
 devoted Eliot, who there gathered around him the red children 
 of the forest, and instructed them in the duties of religion and 
 the arts of civilization ; nearer, again, arose the memorable 
 summit of Bunker Hill, where the first laurels were plucked 
 to garland the brow of liberty ; while far in the northern ho- 
 rizon, like floating clouds, were visible the stupendous moun- 
 tains, which pervade the then unexplored regions of New 
 Hampshire. Traces of cultivation were apparent within this 
 extensive range ; and that spirit of enterprise, which marked 
 the early settlers of New England, and has never deserted 
 their descendents, was already observable in the rapid im- 
 provements which their industry had accomplished. In many 
 places, the axe of the adventurer had felled the trees of the 
 wilderness ; and in their stead appeared at intervals, the clus- 
 tering tenements, the mud-walled church, and wooden palis- 
 ade, denoting the foundation of a town, or village, most of 
 which have since risen into wealth and importance. 
 
 But the attention of Atherton was confined to a narrower 
 circle, as they advanced into the harbor, and swiftly glided 
 on between the beautiful islands, which it embraces.- A few 
 of these were still in a state of nature ; some were barren 
 rocks, others thinly wooded, and several partially cleared and 
 improved. One, called the ' Governor's Garden,' and appro- 
 priated particularly to his use, and which is still in posses- 
 sion of the lineal descendents of the first Governor of Massa- 
 chusetts, was arranged with considerable regularity and taste,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 235 
 
 and prettily contrasted wiih the wild ness of those around it. 
 Noddle's island, on which was situated the mansion house of 
 Mr. Maverick, well fortified against hostile attack ; and Cas- 
 tle Island, with its fort and battlements, the crimson banner of 
 royalty floating from its walls, and the guards, in military 
 costume, pacing their rounds with measured steps, gave an 
 air of spirit and vivacity to the scene. 
 
 Boston, the now admired and celebrated capital of New- 
 England, then in its infancy, and presenting the appearance 
 of an inconsiderable hamlet, burst upon the view, with that 
 commanding grandeur and beauty of situation, which still dis- 
 tinguish it ; but almost in the rudeness of its native charms, 
 which have long since been exchanged for the garniture of 
 wealth, and the confusion of business and pleasure. Major 
 Atherton remarked every object with interest ; and though 
 now accustomed to the rural simplicity of American towns, 
 the local advantages and superiority of Boston over any that 
 he had yet seen, excited his admiration ; while his approach 
 to it renewed the novel and delightful sensations, which he 
 felt, on first viewing the coast of Plymouth. 
 
 It was yet early in the morning, when the little vessel an- 
 chored, not far from a cliff at the eastern part of the town, 
 which with two sister hills, formed a picturesque group, ob- 
 servable from a considerable distance, and originally gave the 
 name of Trimountain to the place. But succeeding genera- 
 tions have nearly leveled them, and their site is now covered 
 with broad and paved streets, and ornamented with the splen- 
 did mansions of the rich and fashionable, and the costly edi- 
 fices of public munificence. 
 
 Atherton gladly accepted the civilities of the master of the 
 boat, who offered to conduct him to the only inn which Bos- 
 ton then contained ; where he found decent accommodations, 
 and an apartment which was at least cleanly, and entirely at his
 
 236 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 own disposal. Having taken formal possession of his new 
 lodgings, Major Atherton ordered some refreshments, of which 
 he invited his guide to partake, whose decent manners and 
 obliging conduct, since they had been thrown together, he 
 deemed worthy of some attention. The invitation was accept- 
 ed, with many apologies, by his humble companion, who how- 
 ever seemed duly sensible of the honor, and resolved to show 
 his gratitude, by doing ample justice to the well-dressed vi- 
 ands set before them, which to Atherton particularly, formed a 
 welcome contrast to the coarse provisions, served up during 
 their voyage. The table was prepared in a room, apparently 
 set apart for the important business of eating and drinking ; 
 there were in it oaken tables of every size, and benches of di- 
 vers lengths, suited to the number of guests ; and moreover, 
 an abundance of wooden trenchers and pewter pots, in readi- 
 ness, at a moment's warning, with all the apparatus, liable to 
 be put in requisition, by the imperious cravings of hunger or 
 thirst. But on this occasion, the landlord had garnished the 
 board with his choice service of shining pewter ; having pre- 
 viously received information from the master, that Major Ath- 
 erton was a gentleman, and not sparing of his money; and, 
 withal a kinsman of the Plymouth Captain. Yet it behooves 
 us to add that the good woman, who ruled the household and 
 himself, refused to deliver up the platters, which she had 
 cleaned with her own hands, until by peeping through abroad 
 crack in the partition, she received occular demonstration that 
 he was a genteel and comely youth : from which, we may in- 
 fer, that even in the golden days of puritanism, women would 
 sometimes dispute the commands of that nobler sex, to whom 
 they owe the most dutiful submission. 
 
 They were scarcely seated at table, when Atherton observ- 
 ed a man of peculiar appearance, sauntering past the half 
 open door, and looking in upon them, with suspicious curios-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 237 
 
 ity. He was evidently of the lower order, and his large gaunt 
 figure was rendered more ungainly by a total disregard to the 
 outward man, touching the manner of apparel. His broad, 
 turned up nose, and thick lips, which seemed formed for vul- 
 gar good-nature, were drawn down to the utmost limits that 
 the longitude of his face would admit, and contracted into an 
 ascetic expression, not at all relieved by the ungracious leer 
 of his greenish eyes, which stood forth like the orbs of a bee- 
 tle, and were surmounted by a square built skull, clipped with 
 the formal precision of self-complacent sanctity. Having 
 passed and repassed the door several times, he boldly entered, 
 and threw himself on a bench with the air of one who is con- 
 scious of possessing authority, which he is nevertheless some- 
 what afraid of executing; and continued to regard Atherton 
 and his companion with immovable gravity, noting, with 
 particular attention, whenever they raised the cup to their 
 lips. 
 
 Major Atherton, for some time disregarded this scrutiny ; 
 but as the stranger discovered no disposition to retire, he at 
 length felt vexed with his impertinent intrusion, and endeav- 
 ored to reprove him, by a look of stern displeasure. For a 
 moment it proved successful ; he twisted on the seat, and with 
 some violence, twirled between his ringers a small baton which 
 he carried ; but as Atherton returned to his employment, in 
 the belief that he had effected his object, the other also resum- 
 ed his dull, gloomy composure, and again fixed his eyes on 
 him, in the most annoying manner. Atherton, provoked in 
 spite of himself, at the unmannerly inquisition, asked in a 
 tone of severity, 
 
 ' Is there aught you would desire of me, Master, that you 
 thus obtrude into my presence ?' 
 
 ' The godly rulers of our land,' replied the man, with a 
 slow, emphatic accent, 'have raised up me, their unworthy
 
 238 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 servant, to execute their will ; and, for this purpose have I 
 now come hither.' 
 
 ' And have they appointed you,' resumed Atherton, ' to 
 watch the motions of strangers, and thrust yourself upon them 
 undesired ? ' 
 
 ' Such is mine honorable employment,' returned the other ; 
 'even to purge iniquity from the land and preserve our city 
 from pollution.' 
 
 ' You have chosen a singular method to effect this salutary 
 purpose,' said Atherton ; ' but I must beg you to explain it 
 more at large to me.' 
 
 W ith the manner of one who is about to commence a hom- 
 ily, the stranger stretched out his hand and replied, 
 
 ' Who hath wo ? who hath sorrow ? who hath contentions ? 
 who hath redness of eyes? they that tarry long at the wine, 
 they that go to seek mixed wine.' 
 
 ' We are not among those " that rise up early" to " follow 
 strong drink ; " ' returned Atherton ; ' and the suspicions you 
 seem to entertain of us are quite unfounded ; we can there- 
 fore spare you the trouble of further attendance here.' 
 
 ' He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it,' replied 
 the other ; ' and therefore must mine own eyes be faithful 
 witnesses in the things whereunto I am called.' 
 
 ' Your lips would be the fitter vouchers in this instance,' 
 said Atherton, who began to feel his curiosity excited by the 
 singular character and employment of his new acquaintance ; 
 ' and you need but taste of mine host's home-brewed ale, to be 
 convinced he has paid due regard to the rules of sobriety in 
 the admixture of its ingredients.' 
 
 The stranger slowly waved his hand as if to repel the temp- 
 tation, and replied, 
 
 ' Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giv- 
 eth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright; which,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 239 
 
 as our worthy minister remarked when exhorting from that 
 text, is applicable unto any liquor that may tempt the un- 
 godly to drink to excess and surfeiting.' 
 
 1 And by what authority,' asked Atherton, ' are you em- 
 powered to scrutinize the conduct of individuals who may 
 chance to sojourn here ? ' 
 
 ' By the authority of those who are set as watchmen on the 
 walls of our Zion,' replied the other ; ' whose duty it is to 
 see that riot and drunkenness prevail not within the city of 
 their habitation.' 
 
 'I am not disposed to dispute your office,' said Atherton, 
 ' though it is so extraordinary that a stranger might well be 
 excused for doing so ; neither do I feel obliged to submit to 
 your judgment, or at all inclined to endure your intrusive ex- 
 amination.' 
 
 ' In which case,' replied the constable, ' the well-known 
 laws of the colony must be my refuge, seeing they will up- 
 hold me so long as I bear this staff, which, like the rod that 
 was borne by Aaron of old, is a just symbol of my power.' 
 
 ' And in all cases, if I understand you rightly,' said Ather- 
 ton, 'you are constituted a judge over the heads and con- 
 sciences of those who come here, and are entitled to decide 
 how much each can bear ? ' 
 
 1 It is even so,' replied the other, ' touching the strangers 
 who enter within our gates, and sit at our public boards ; they 
 being allowed to drink freely, what in my discretion I may 
 opine sufficient ; and no more is permitted to be given unto 
 them.' 
 
 ' You must exercise a thankless office,' said Atherton ; ' and 
 is any penalty attached to the violation of your commands.' 
 
 ' I am commissioned to apprehend such offenders, and de- 
 tain them until they deliver up the ordinary fine,' replied the 
 constable.
 
 240 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' You are witness that we have kept within the bounds of 
 temperance,' said Atherton, rising from table ; ' but at an- 
 other time I would rather pay a heavy fine than be vexed with 
 such troublesome company.' 
 
 Major Atherton left the room as he finished speaking, in- 
 tending to walk out and view the town ; and the moment he 
 had passed the outer door, the landlord, with a countenance 
 which had lost much of its placid expression, entered the 
 apartment still occupied by the constable, and in no very 
 soothing voice said to him, 
 
 ' Master Constable, you will not leave me a guest to sit at 
 my board, and you come here in such an unmannerly way to 
 gaze at gentle and simple.' 
 
 ' Master Cole, 'returned the other, ' we have heretofore had 
 divers words touching this matter ; but whether it is right to 
 give heed unto your request rather than to obey the will of 
 those I am bound to serve; judge ye.' 
 
 ' The Lord forbid I should seek to tempt you from your 
 duty,' returned the landlord, in a conciliatory tone; 'yet, 
 sure I am, friend, that you would not wish to deprive me of 
 my lawful gains, nor refuse to show me a kindness, which 
 could not harm yourself.' 
 
 ' Ye cannot serve God and mammon,' replied the immova- 
 ble constable ; ' and I will perform my duty like a faithful 
 steward, and not look on while the sons of Belial drain the 
 intoxicating cup, without lifting up my voice against it.' 
 
 ' Now prithee, Master Constable,' returned the host, ' must 
 you look at every thing before you ? instruct me and you can 
 in the needfulness of that? ' 
 
 ' Expound unto me first, if it please you,' said the other, 
 ' wherefore the eyes of man are planted like larrips in 
 his forehead, unless it be to discern between the evil and the 
 good ? ' 
 
 ' Methinks one of yours might suffice as well as two of or-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 241 
 
 dinary size,' returned the landlord ; ' and if you will shut the 
 other, friend, and let me keep on your blind side, in a neigh- 
 borly way, you will lose nought by your civility ; and I may 
 gain somewhat in these hard times.' 
 
 ' Get thee behind me, Satan,' replied the officer of justice, 
 rising, and striking his baton violently on the bench ; ' would'st 
 thou tempt me to do iniquity in order to gratify thy greediness 
 of gain ? ' 
 
 * Good Master Constable, thou dost altogether mistake me,' 
 returned the landlord, obtruding his head from behind a tall 
 elbow chair, whither he had retreated for safety. ' I do but 
 ask you to be civil to those who enter my doors, and for the 
 rest no man can say that I have not honestly abided by the 
 laws, albeit to the loss of my worldly profit.' 
 
 ' Is not drunkenness lifting up its voice in our streets ? ' re- 
 sumed the constable, striking the point of his staff emphati- 
 cally on the floor ; ' and did not your own brother, Richard 
 Cole, drink at your tap till he changed himself into a brute ? 
 and was he not for the punishment thereof, and for an en- 
 sample unto others, sentenced by the honorable court to wear 
 a red D about his neck for the space of one year? ' 
 
 ' What sort of an uproar have we here ? ' exclaimed the 
 landlady, entering with some haste ; ' is this the way you 
 keep the peace, Master Constable, making an outcry that is a 
 scandal in a gospel land ! ' 
 
 1 Avaunt woman,' said the constable, reseating himself com- 
 posedly, and motioning her away with his stick; ' we need 
 not your interference, nor any of your chattering sex, which 
 since the fall of Adam hath been the cause of strifes and dis- 
 sensions among the sons of men.' 
 
 * I wonder what you would do without us, poor shiftless 
 drones that you are ! ' replied the dame, ecornfully ; and ad- 
 vancing still nearer to the baton from which her husband had 
 
 21
 
 242 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 retreated ; ' And tell me now what you have been doing to 
 my good-man that he is skulking behind the chairs like a fox 
 in a hen-roost ? ' 
 
 ' Thine husband hath sold himself to do evil,' replied the 
 Constable, ' therefore did fear come upon him, when I lifted 
 up my rod of justice.' 
 
 'Out upon your false tongue now,' returned the woman, 
 ' is he not one who " escheweth evil," and withholdeth drink 
 from those who importune him, even to the measure which 
 you allow ? ' 
 
 ' All who come hither can bear me witness, that I have ever 
 kept a quiet and orderly house,' said Master Cole, venturing 
 forward, encouraged by the boldness of his help-male, ' and 
 whosoever affirrneth to the contrary, saith that which is false 
 and not true.' 
 
 ' Is it from a clear conscience, Master Cole, that you have 
 held back the cup from the drunkard ? ' -asked the Constable, 
 1 or from" the fear of man, lest you should lose your employ- 
 ment, by disobeying those, who have appointed me to deter- 
 mine the measure which shall be meted out ? ' 
 
 ' And is it not enough that you do that ? ' retorted Mistress 
 Cole, ' without thrusting yourself into the presence of gentle- 
 folk, and throwing your ungainly carcass in their way, all the 
 time that they are eating? I should not wonder if they came 
 not hither again, after such like mannerless behavior.' 
 
 ' It would be well if they did not,' returned the Constable, 
 ' our land hath been already too much infested with strangers, 
 and the upholders of prelacy, who have caused many to err 
 from the paths of knowledge.' 
 
 'Speak of that you know, Master, ' returned the dame; 
 ' there may be such among the base and low, whom you daily 
 see ; but it is not every day we have a discreet and handsome 
 young gentleman, like this Major Atherton, with us, who has
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 243 
 
 served too the king's majesty and his country. Is it likely 
 that such an one should be given to strong drink? ' 
 
 ' The high and low, dame Cole, are alike in the eye of the 
 law and the gospel ; neither is the rich a whit less given to ex- 
 cess than the poor ; and we, who are charged to execute the 
 laws, are bound to be no respecters of persons, but to give 
 unto each his portion in due season.' 
 
 4 "Well, well, do your own pleasure in that, 'said Mistress Cole, 
 ' but my good cooking, and good management will avail me 
 nought, so long as a clumsy brute, like you, is crowding into 
 every body's mess ; and look you to it, Master ; it shall not 
 be so again while I am Mistress in this house.' 
 
 She shook her hand with a menacing gesture as she con- 
 cluded ; and seizing her spouse by the arm, led him from the 
 room, and closed the door with some violence after her. 
 
 ' Mistress and Master too, I think ; ' muttered the offended 
 minister of the law, ' but am not I Jeremiah Handcuff, a C^n- 
 stable of this town of Boston, appointed by the most honora- 
 ble Governor, with the consent of his worshipful"* council ? 
 Yes, that I am,' he added, rising with an air of importance, 
 and balancing the insignium of his office upon his hand, ' and 
 so I will keep fast to my duty, come what may, and the law 
 will uphold me.' 
 
 Thus finishing his soliloquy, the Constable walked slowly 
 from the house ; but in passing through an adjoining apart- 
 ment, he again encountered the landlady, who, with arms 
 a-kimbo, stood directly in his way, apparently resolved not to 
 yield one iota of her dignity, or her room. Master Handcuff, 
 animated by the same accommodating spirit, brushed hastily 
 past her, and as he did so, knocked her round-eared cap com- 
 pletely awry. f 
 
 ' The Lord help us ! ' ejaculated the wrathful dame, as she
 
 244 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 adjusted her head gear, ' when some people get raised up to 
 office they take such airs upon themselves ! ' 
 
 ' If you had kept out of his way, Deborah,' said her hus- 
 band, ' the man would not have run against you.' 
 
 ' Sure now, Jacob,' returned the wife, ' wasn't it he that 
 came in my way ? but every body wouldn't sit still and see 
 their wife insulted for nothing, no, and you wouldn't once, 
 Jacob ; ' and she applied a corner of her apron to her eyes ; 
 but Master Cole could not perceive that it was at all wetted, 
 and calmly answered, 
 
 'You can stand your own ground pretty well, dame; and 
 it is only ill will that one gets by meddling in another's quar- 
 rels.' 
 
 ' It is well I can, Master Cole,' said the indignant dame, 
 twitching the apron from her eyes, ' and I wish some other 
 folk whom 1 could name, knew how to exercise a proper and 
 becoming spirit.' 
 
 ' There is more than enough to keep the house in a turmoil 
 from morning to night without my help; ' retorted the good 
 man ; and like a prudent general, he retired from the field to 
 avoid further contest and final defeat. 
 
 Major Atherton entered just as he quitted the room; and 
 dame Cole instantly resumed her smiles, with the facility so 
 natural to her sex on similar occasions.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 245 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 A robe of seeming truth and trust 
 
 Hid crafty observation ; 
 And secret hung, with poison'd crust, 
 
 The dirk of Defamation. 
 
 HYPOCBISY, A-LA-MODE. 
 
 THERE were few things, perhaps, in the early settlement of 
 New England, more calculated to. impress strangers with a 
 just idea of the extreme strictness of its government and man- 
 ners, than the rigid observance of the Sabbath day, which was 
 universal throughout every class of citizens. Fines and im- 
 prisonment awaited those who disregarded it. Every species 
 of labor during its consecrated hours was considered sacri- 
 legious, and the most distant approach to levity, almost to 
 cheerfulness of conversation or behavior, reprehensible in 
 the highest degree. It is even recorded of a worthy minis- 
 ter, that being led away by the suggestions of Satan, he was 
 thereby tempted to kiss his wife while arranging his bands in 
 preparation for the pulpit ; and was forthwith arraigned be- 
 fore a meeting of his church, and severely censured for the 
 ungodly deed. 
 
 Major Atherton, on arriving at Plymouth, had been struck 
 with this unusual respect for the institutions of religion, so 
 strongly contrasted with the practice in his native country ; 
 where the principles of church government admitted greater 
 license, and were particularly liable to abuse during a reign, 
 marked from its commencement by civil discord, and almost 
 freed from those moral restraints which the unfortunate 
 Charles might in happier times have suggested and enforced. 
 21*
 
 246 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 But in the Massachusetts' settlements this rigid discipline 
 was even more remarkable than in the sister colony of Plym- 
 outh ; and when Major Atherton arose on the morning of the 
 first Sabbath that he spent there, he was for some moments 
 unable to account for the perfect quiet which reigned in every 
 apartment ; so different from the bustle and confusion com- 
 monly attendant on a public house. The hum of business 
 was suspended, the tapster's room deserted by its daily visit- 
 ants, and in the kitchen the usual scene of bustling import- 
 ance the landlord was quietly seated with his folio bible, and 
 audibly perusing its sacred contents. He however occasioned 
 no interruption to his worthy dame, who having ranged her chil- 
 dren on a bench and commanded silence, proceeded in a still 
 more audible voice to catechise them, occasionally stopping to 
 give a hearty shake to some luckless urchin who betrayed signs 
 of heedlessness or stupidity, in order to stir up his mind by 
 way of remembering the oft-repeated task. Atherton thought 
 that even the cat moved round on tiptoe, and that the animals 
 in the cow-yard lowed with unusual gravity. The same mo- 
 notonous calm everywhere prevailed ; no persons were visible 
 at the windows of their dwellings or in the streets, until the cus- 
 tomary hour of public devotion arrived, when the inhabitants 
 of every description sallied forth, and proceeded to the place 
 of worship. 
 
 Boston at that time contained but one church, which stood 
 not far from the spot now occupied by the old state-house, and 
 was built with mud walls and covered by a thatched roof. Its 
 interior corresponded with the rude architecture of the out- 
 side ; and the unadorned pulpit, the low benches, placed in 
 rows to accommodate the Puritan congregation, alone distin- 
 guished it as a place of worship. To this humble temple, 
 where the Most High was adored perhaps with more fervor 
 and sincerity than in the gorgeous cathedrals of the old world,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 247 
 
 Atherton directed his steps, and reached the door at the mo- 
 ment the Governor and his retinue were entering. 
 
 Mr., afterwards Sir Henry Vane, who then held the office 
 of chief magistrate, assumed a degree of state hitherto un- 
 known in the colony, and which, though willingly conceded 
 to his rank by many, became to others a subject of offence ; 
 and his administration, at first exceedingly popular, began 
 shortly to fall into disrepute. The people were prejudiced in 
 his favor by an appearance of sanctity unusual a.t his age, 
 which did not exceed twenty-five ; and by his strict confor- 
 mity to the outward forms of the sect, which education and 
 habit taught them to prize so highly. He was preceded by 
 four sergeants, bearing halberds ; and his solemn deportment, 
 sheared head, and plain attire, with their grave aspect and or- 
 dinary apparel, might have suggested the idea of an inquisi- 
 torial judge and his attendant ministers of justice, preparing 
 to conduct the ceremonies of an auto-de-fe. This assumption 
 of dignity, however, appeared to Atherton almost ludicrous, 
 considering the infancy of the colony, and the simplicity, not 
 to say rudeness, of every thing appending to it, as well as in- 
 consistent with the contempt professed by all classes for out- 
 ward show and parade, and which they carried to an excess 
 in the ordinary concerns of life. 
 
 Mr. Wilson, the first minister of Boston, was absent on that 
 day, and the pulpit was supplied by Mr. Cotton, his assistant; 
 a man whose ' praise was in all the churches,' and whose 
 name will always hold a distinguished place among the New 
 England divines. Few perhaps,, ever possessed so great an 
 influence, both in ecclesiastical and civil affairs ; his discour- 
 ses often turned the tide of popular opinion, and soothed the 
 irritation which at that time disturbed the tranquillity of church 
 and state. His eminent piety, learning, and talents, insured 
 him the highest deference of all classes ; and it was no ordi-
 
 248 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS.- 
 
 nary mark of respect which induced the founders of Boston 
 to name the capital of their young colony after a town in Lin- 
 colnshire, then the field of his ministry, in the expectation 
 that he would shortly come over and labor amongst them. 
 
 Major Atherton listened to him with delight; he was mas- 
 ter of that persuasive eloquence which charms both the 
 learned and unlettered ; and his sermons, though calculated to 
 instruct and edify even the meanest capacity, by their strength 
 and originality gave pleasure to the most fastidious taste ; and 
 in spite of the many localities and personal allusions which 
 it was the fashion of the day to introduce into public dis- 
 courses, they were so skillfully intermingled with the leading 
 arguments and fundamental doctrines of Christianity, that 
 even a stranger could not complain that they were wearisome. 
 The form of worship was similar to that established at Plym- 
 outh, which the people of Boston professed to follow ; but 
 Mr. Cotton had introduced some slight variations ; and to 
 him also they were indebted for a particular discipline and 
 government of the churches from that time known by the 
 name of Congregational. 
 
 Atherton, on returning to his lodgings found that among 
 the duties of the Sabbath, fasting was not neglected ; though 
 his provident landlady had taken care to prepare a joint of 
 meat on the preceding day for his especial use, which was 
 served up cold, and without ceremony; it being, as she re- 
 marked, 'a sinful waste of holy time to be buiied about 
 worldly concerns on that day of rest.' Her children, with 
 each a slice of brown bread in their hands, kept peering at 
 him from an inner apartment, with hungry and longing eyes ; 
 for the scrupulous dame allowed none but her guests to eat of 
 the fat of the land on the -Sabbath, except when she saw fit 
 herself to take toll, in returning the fragments to her larder. 
 Atherton however,' observing a little girl with a finger in
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 249 
 
 her mouth, and her head on one shoulder, advancing cau- 
 tiously beyond what her brethren would venture, took her on 
 his knee, and offered her a share of his envied portion. But 
 afraid to disobey her mother, the child slid from his arms in 
 silence, though not without 'securing a piece of the meat in 
 her chubby hand, which she adroitly concealed under her 
 apron, aad ran off to devour in safety, behind a wooden paling 
 without the door. 
 
 Major Atherton attended divine service again in the after- 
 noon ; and though still powerfully interested by the eloquence 
 of the preacher, he could not entirely restrain his thoughts 
 from wandering back to scenes which his present situation 
 was particularly calculated to revive. It was about three 
 months since he had first passed the threshold of a New- 
 England meeting-house, then, as now, a stranger, seeking re- 
 pose of mind from change and variety ; and unknown to al- 
 most every individual it contained. The image of Miriam 
 Grey naturally blended with these ideas ; and even in mem- 
 ory, the tones of her voice as he had then heard them, as they 
 had since often been repeated, vibrated on every chord of his 
 heart. But determined to repel these dangerous reminiscences, 
 in which pleasure and pain were strangely intermingled, and 
 which he felt it weakness to indulge, yet almost hopeless to 
 subdue, he at length succeeded in fixing his mind on subjects 
 connected with the time and place, and joined both heart and 
 voice with the congregation, in their concluding psalm. 
 
 As soon as the assembly was dismissed, he disengaged 
 himself from the crowd, and striking into a narrow bye-path, 
 followed its course till it brought him to the base of a wooded 
 cliflf which overhung the eastern bank of the river Charles. 
 Beneath this cliff some of the early settlers of Plymouth had 
 moored their shallops, when sent thither on a trading voyage, 
 and landed near that spot, amidst a country inhabited by sav-
 
 250 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ages, and then governed by the Squaw Sachem of Massachu- 
 setts. But the seat of Indian empire since that time had 
 undergone a rapid transition ; and as Atherton looked round 
 from the summit of the hill, scarcely a vestige of the native 
 inhabitants remained throughout the Peninsula. Step by 
 step, they were still retreating before the advance of civiliza- 
 tion, and resigning their territories to the white people, who 
 regarded them with distrust and jealousy ; and sometimes it 
 is to be feared, added oppression and injustice to dislike. 
 
 On the opposite side of the river stood Mishawum, called 
 by the English, Charlestown ; and recently occupied by a 
 powerful tribe of Aborigines, who had also shrunk back, as 
 the wilderness was leveled before them, and the houses of the 
 European planters arose on the ashes of their humble wig- 
 wams. This neck of land stretching between the rivers 
 Mystic and Charles, was as yet but thinly peopled, although 
 one of the oldest settlements in the Massachusetts Colony. 
 But the ideas of policy or convenience, which induced the 
 first .settlers to separate at an early period, and form them- 
 selves into different societies, and establish numerous towns ; 
 though it perhaps more effectually spread the arts of cultiva- 
 tion, prevented the rapid growth of any particular place ; and 
 Boston itself, even then considered the metropolis, did 
 not contain more than twenty dwelling-houses. 
 
 Still as Atherton looked round and remarked with wonder 
 the progress which had been made within a few brief years, 
 he could not fail to regard it as a presage of future prosperity 
 to the land, which nature had so highly blessed, and even in 
 infancy stamped with the features of a great and powerful 
 nation. In musings of the past and future, he forgot the 
 lapse of time, till warned by the declining sun, which glanced 
 brightly on the winding stream, then nearly encrusted with 
 ice, except where the force of the current had broken a pas-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGKIMS. 251 
 
 sage towards its entrance into the ocean. Atherton descended 
 the hill, and pursued his way along the bank, ignorant where 
 his steps were leading him, and often stopping as his eyes 
 were attracted by the fantastic figures formed by fragments 
 of ice thrown up by the tide, and glittering with a thousand 
 different hues, from the refracted rays of the sun. The river 
 widening as it approached the sea, and gradually throwing 
 off its frozen fetters, was dyed with a saffron tinge, and im- 
 aged on its glassy waves, a stately range of trees which then 
 fringed the western shore, on the site now improved as an 
 important naval depot, from whence many of our gallant 
 ships have ridden proudly forth to gather renown on the high- 
 way of nations, and returned laden with honor and victory. 
 
 Major Atherton had not proceeded far, when he perceived 
 the constable who had annoyed him so much the preceding 
 day, approaching him, with the same measured step, and ex- 
 amining him with that unmoved countenance, and fixed stare, 
 which had then so severely put his patience to the test. He 
 turned into another direction, and quickened his steps, to 
 avoid a conference ; but his pursuer proved more nimble- 
 footed than his heavy appearance gave reason to expect ; and 
 accelerating his speed in proportion to Major Atherton's, he 
 shortly came directly in contact with him. Atherton took no 
 notice of him, and this silent disregard seemed for once, to 
 put the impenetrable constable to his wits' ends. He hemmed 
 thrice, in the hope that it would inspire him with something 
 with which to commence the conversation ; but he was still 
 unnoticed, even by a look of recognition. As a dernier re- 
 source, he stepped boldly up to Atherton, and taking hold of 
 his cloak addressed him, though with rather less than his 
 ordinary assurance. 
 
 ' Master Major Atherton, which I am informed is your
 
 252 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 name and calling, I must make free to tell you that I, Jere- 
 miah Handcuff, am a constable in this town of Boston.' 
 
 ' Of that I am already informed,' said Atherton, withdraw- 
 ing from his grasp with an air of dignity, which compelled 
 the other to retreat some paces. 
 
 Very like,' he replied, after a moment's deliberation, ' see- 
 ing that I am well known in mine office ; and though it doth 
 not become me to say it, of approved fidelity in the perform- 
 ance of my duty.' 
 
 ' In that your works praise you, Master constable ; but bear 
 in mind, I pray you, that there is a zeal which is not accord- 
 ing to knowledge.' 
 
 ' Which 1 have also well considered,' returned the consta- 
 ble, 'having been early instructed by my mother in the 
 sacred Scriptures, and with her help, enabled to repeat the 
 holy gospels and divers other inspired passages of the Old 
 and New Testament, even before I had attained unto my 
 twentieth year.' 
 
 ' And did that knowledge recommend you to your present 
 situation ?' asked Atherlon. 
 
 ' Doubtless it was of weight in the minds of our pious 
 rulers,' he replied,' ' who promote unto honor, such only as 
 obey the commandments of God and the king ; and renounc- 
 ing the errors of prelacy, walk honestly after the rules 
 of the gospel, and the instructions of our godly ministers.' 
 
 Atherton made no reply, but walked on still more rapidly, 
 not a little vexed to observe the constable following at a brisk 
 pace, until they came to a place where the road divided, when 
 Atherton suddenly stopped, and turning to him, said, 
 
 ' Will you inform me, Master Handcuff, which road you 
 intend to take ?' 
 
 ' Whichsoever may best suit your inclination,' he replied,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 253 
 
 ' seeing that it behooves me to follow you whithersoever your 
 steps may incline.' 
 
 ' To what purpose, and by what authority,' asked Atherton, 
 indignantly, ' do you thus presume to watch and obtrude upon 
 me ?' 
 
 'Master Major,' returned the other, in a soothing tone, 'it 
 would ill become me to give offence unto a gentleman of 
 honorable quality like yourself; but since our magistrates 
 have established laws, and set up such persons as in their 
 wisdom they deem meet to execute them, is it right for me 
 to fall back like an unfaithful watchman ? judge ye betwixt 
 thee and me.' 
 
 ' Of what,' asked Atherton, 'do you accuse me ? what law 
 have I been guilty of violating ?' 
 
 'It is written, "Thou shalt remember the Sabbath day 
 and keep it holy," ' returned the constable ; ' and our rulers, 
 for the furtherance of this Divine command, have been pleased 
 to ordain fines and punishments on such as are found guilty 
 of a breach in its observance.' 
 
 ' I am unconscious of having broken any law, human or 
 divine,' said Atherton ; ' and if I have, you must have regu- 
 lations for the observance of this day, unknown to other 
 Christian countries.' 
 
 ' Truly, our favored nation hath .cast off the unprofitable 
 works of darkness, which still cling unto the worshipers of 
 images, and the lovers of vain ceremonies ; and therefore 
 refraineth from all those sinful amusements which have 
 proved a stumbling block unto many weak brethren.' 
 
 ' Surely,' said Atherton, 'the innocent recreation of walk- 
 ing in a grave and orderly manner, is not included in your 
 list of offences !' 
 
 ' It is a trespass on holy time,' returned the other, ' to be 
 gadding abroad and seeking divertisement by means which 
 22
 
 254 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 are not appointed, on the Lord's day ; and the offender is 
 to be dealt with accordingly.' 
 
 ' I would recommend to your rulers,' said Atherton, ' to 
 make their laws more public; for they are too extraordinary 
 to be remembered and understood without much painful 
 study.' 
 
 ' They are written upon the hearts of this people,' said the 
 constable, '..and all others who reverence this day aright, will 
 be withholden from profaning it.' 
 
 'Our ideas on that subject,' said Atherton, ' may differ es- 
 sentially, and what you term profanation, may to me seem 
 perfectly harmless ; but be that as it will, my sojourn here 
 has been so brief, that I do not feel accountable for a 
 slight breach of local regulations, of which I was entirely 
 ignorant.' 
 
 ' Nevertheless, that doth not discharge me from my duty,' 
 replied the pertinacious officer ; ' nor can I suffer "sin upon 
 my brother," without incurring reproach from those who,per- 
 adventure, would gladly take occasion to deprive me of mine 
 office, which I make bold to say, I have maintained with cred- 
 it to myself and the town which I have served.' 
 
 ' Doubtless, Master Handcuff, you have done to the utmost 
 of your abilities; but I would learn from you, what penalty is 
 exacted from those who are found walking unnecessarily on 
 the Sunday ? ' 
 
 ' Say not Sunday,' replied the other, with a look of solem- 
 nity ; ' that being as our minister has instructed us, a super- 
 stitious and idolatrous word no longer used by true christ' 
 ians ; but the Sabbath, as it was called by God's ancient 
 people the Jews, and also by the apostles ; or the Lord's day, 
 so it is termed by many of his precious servants in these later 
 times.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 255 
 
 'Be it so then,' said Atherton, impatiently; 'and now have 
 the goodness to answer my question.' 
 
 ' Touching the penalty for profaning the Sabbath day, if I 
 remember rightly,' returned the other, ' it is for the first of- 
 fence a fine not exceeding ten shillings ; but if the offender 
 persist in his transgression, he is given over to the stocks or 
 the whipping post, or house of correction, according to the dis- 
 cretion of the magistrates, whose eyes are continually upon 
 evil doers.' 
 
 ' I thank you for your information,' said Atherton ; 
 ' which may prove of use to me hereafter ; and so wishing 
 you but few offices of the kind to perform, I will bid you good 
 night.' 
 
 Atherton passed on, and the constable stood irresolute, 
 apparently loth to proceed to extremities ; yet unwilling to 
 appear slack in discharging his duties ; but after a mo- 
 ment's hesitation he stepped briskly after Atherton, and el- 
 evating his black staff with an awkward attempt at dignity, he 
 said, 
 
 ' In the king's name, Major Atherton, I make bold to com- 
 mand you to stop.' 
 
 Atherton did stop involuntarily ; surprised and offended at 
 the unexpected summons. 
 
 ' Wherefore is this continued rudeness ? ' he asked. ' I 
 would advise you, Master, to retire in peace, and suffer me to 
 pursue my way unmolested.' 
 
 'There is no law which will uphold a man in resisting law- 
 ful authority,' replied the constable, resuming his customary 
 and grave pertinacity of countenance and demeanor; 'and 
 seeing that I have detected you in violating the laws of our 
 land, I would commend unto you, Master Atherton, to pay 
 the ordinary fine like an honorable gentleman ; and though 
 it doth not become me to intermeddle with " filthy lucre" on
 
 256 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 this holy day ; yet I may not suffer you to depart until I have 
 your word for a surety, that it shall be forthcoming at my fu- 
 ture demand.' 
 
 ' I care not for the money,' said Atherton. ' I would wil- 
 lingly give thrice the sum for any worthy purpose ; but it 
 shall not be extorted from me against my will, and for a sin of 
 ignorance.' 
 
 ' Just as you please,' replied the constable, sullenly. ' I 
 know well where to look for help, if so be I can't get it with- 
 out; but I hope your honor will not take offence at my walk- 
 ing behind you.' 
 
 ' Not so long as you remain peaceable,' said Ather- 
 ton ; ' and for my further instruction, I would ask you at 
 what time your Massachusetts' Sabbath is said to begin and 
 end?' 
 
 ' Truly,' replied the other, ' we are wont to lay aside our 
 worldly business at the setting of the sun on the last day of the 
 week, and we keep the time holy until the same hour on the 
 first day.' 
 
 -' When you may again engage in worldly concerns, if I 
 understand you light,' said Atherton. 
 
 1 In a moderate degree it is deemed allowable,' he re- 
 plied. 
 
 ' I think then, Master Constable, you have less hold of me 
 than you imagine ; for if I am not mistaken, the sun was 
 quite down before I had the good fortune to meet with you.' 
 
 ' Perchance it was so,' returned the constable, somewhat 
 disconcerted ; ' nevertheless, you have been wandering over 
 these fields and woods even from the time of the breaking up 
 of our devout assembly.' 
 
 ' And where were you, Master Handcuff, that you could 
 watch me for so long a time ? have a care that you do not turn 
 culprit as well as informer.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 257 
 
 ' Mine eyes did not behold you,' replied the other, 'albeit, I 
 am credibly informed of that which I affirm.' 
 
 ' I am little skilled in the law, especially on these subjects,' 
 said Atherton ; ' but I think you may as well withhold your 
 suit, friend, since you are likely to gather nothing but trouble 
 from it.' 
 
 ' We shall see,' muttered the constable, slackening his pace 
 a little ; and Atherton, resolved to break off the conference, 
 redoubled his speed and soon reached his lodgings. 
 
 He had, however, scarcely closed the door of his own apart- 
 ment, when the constable who had leisurely followed him, en- 
 tered the common room, and threw himself doggedly on a 
 bench. Mistress Cole, who was busily preparing the supper- 
 table, and in whose memory his late indignity still rankled, 
 said to him in no very courtly tone, 
 
 ' What brings you here again, Master Handcuff? is 
 it to stir up mischief betwixt my good man and his lodg- 
 er ? ' 
 
 ' Mistress Cole,' returned the constable, ' my peaceful dis- 
 position is well known ; and therefore I forgive your unchari- 
 table surmise; I have also other matters upon my mind, the 
 which it will be better to discuss with thy husband, seeing 
 that women have little knowledge of public affairs ; neither 
 are they gifted with understanding to comprehend them.' 
 
 ' Dear, now ! Master,' said the dame, in a soothing voice, 
 ' I can advise you better than my husband, who always com- 
 eth to me for counsel in matters of importance ; and I think, 
 Master Handcuff, it doth not become you to speak so light- 
 ly of women who are created to be faithful helps unto man- 
 kind.' 
 
 ' Truly,' said the constable,' ' God hath made all creatures 
 suitable for their place and station ; and it is well that he hath 
 not endowed women with wisdom equal unto us ; otherwise 
 22*
 
 258 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 their subtle and meddlesome nature would breed continual 
 mischief. But the matter of which I would speak, concerneth 
 your lodger ; of whom I would bid you take good heed ; for 
 I greatly fear he is a prelatist, and given to contemn our 
 wholesome laws.' 
 
 ' Wheugh man ! ' said the landlady, ' you are altogeth- 
 er mistaken ; did he not go to our meeting and hearken 
 to the preachment of the word ? and did not mine own 
 ears hear him sing the psalms, with the congregation of God's 
 people ? ' 
 
 ' It may be so, dame,' returned the other; 'but who knows 
 if he went not as a spy upon our actions, to report unto the 
 bishops and romanists of his own country?' 
 
 ' Fie, on your base suspicions, Master constable,' return- 
 ed the dame, sharply. ' I will be bound his handsome face 
 was not given him to cover a black heart ; so I prythee, do 
 not go for to infest my good man with any such foolish no- 
 tions.' 
 
 'Woman, thou art taken with his fair outside,' replied the 
 constable ; ' has he not been wickedly walking on this holy 
 day ? and has he not thereby contemned the laws of this 
 land ? ' 
 
 ' And how should he, a stranger that he is, poor young 
 man, know any thing about our laws ? ' returned the dame. 
 'I thought you were a sensible man, Master Handcuff; but 
 you are clean gone with the rest, in these idle whims.' 
 
 Major Atherton entered the room before the constable had 
 framed a suitable reply ; and Mistress Cole's supper being 
 ready, he was obliged to take leave without an opportunity of 
 resuming the conversation.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 259 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Their dauntless heart no meteor led 
 
 In terror o'er the ocean ; 
 From fortune and from fame they fled, 
 
 To heaven and its devotion. 
 
 PA IKE. 
 
 IN the course of the following day, Major Atherton repaired 
 to the house of Mr. Winthrop, the first Governor of Massa- 
 chusetts, to whom he was furnished with a letter of introduc- 
 tion. 
 
 Mr. Winthrop was one of the original patentees, who plan- 
 ned a settlement in the Massachusetts Bay, with a hope of en- 
 joying their religious opinions unmolested, removed from the 
 oppression of the English hierarchy, and the galling restraints 
 of the civil government. He was descended from respectable 
 ancestors, and inherited a valuable estate in Suffolk, which 
 he converted into money to promote the great objects of his 
 enterprise. Previous to embarking from his native land, he 
 was elected Governor of the future colony, by the unanimous 
 voice of his associates ; many of whom were gentlemen of 
 high birth, and noble alliance as well as of distinguished pie- 
 ty and abilities. Ten years after the settlement of Plymouth, 
 these adventurers landed on the shores of the new world ; al- 
 ready regarded by many intelligent and pious minds, as the 
 favored region where religion would at length find a peaceful 
 asylum, from the storms of party spirit and intolerance, which 
 had so long agitated the kingdoms of Europe. 
 
 Many circumstances render it doubtful whether the first 
 company of settlers had actually seceded from the church of
 
 260 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 England when they left that country ; but however that may 
 be, it is certain they immediately after entirely renounced its 
 authority and forms, and erected the platform of a new and 
 independent church, essentially different in its government 
 and principles. But in their solicitude to establish the inter-' 
 ests of religion on a solid basis, and to promote a spirit of 
 harmony, and create a bond of union in their worship, they 
 resolved that it should be done in their own way, and accord- 
 ing to their own ideas of right and wrong ; and thus, like oth- 
 er fallible and erring mortals, who often mistake the means in 
 their zeal to accomplish the end, they exhibited a spirit of per- 
 secution, which has entailed a lasting reproach upon their 
 memory. Scarcely absolved from the odious tenets and op- 
 pressive thraldom of the mother church, they in turn erected 
 an inquisitorial authority over the consciences of those, who 
 presumed to differ from them in judgment and opinion ; leav- 
 ing an example which has been followed by too many of their 
 posterity. 
 
 Yet we have reason to believe that they erred with good in- 
 tentions and upright hearts ; and every candid mind will find 
 a ready excuse for their failings, in the excitement of the 
 times, and the comparative darkness of the age in which they 
 lived ; an excuse inapplicable to those who indulge similar 
 prejudices and passions in this more enlightened period of the 
 world ; while the redeeming virtues so beautifully exemplified 
 in their lives, must at least command the reverence and admi- 
 ration of all. 
 
 Governor Winthrop, justly styled the father of the colony, 
 possessed in an eminent degree, that rare union of talents and 
 virtues, which fitted him for the station he was called to fill, 
 and insured him the respect and affection of the people he 
 governed. Yet his popularity, the prudence and moderation 
 of his character, and the disinterested liberality which indue-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 261 
 
 ed him to draw from his private fortune, to relieve the wants 
 of individuals and advance the public interest, could not shield 
 him from the arts of the jealous, and the cabals of the disaf- 
 fected. Under various pretences, they had twice succeeded 
 in procuring a vote against his election to the office of first 
 magistrate ; an office which he had held for several years 
 with equal ability and wisdom. 
 
 At the time of Major Atherton's arrival in Boston, Mr. 
 Winthrop filled the station of deputy-governor, having yielded 
 his claims a third time, and under circumstances particularly 
 painful to a noble mind, not to the wishes of the majority, 
 for they were in his favor, but to the artifice of a faction 
 which had risen up against him, and effected their designs 
 through that persevering and subtle intrigue, by which, in 
 elective governments, the minority are sometimes enabled to 
 counteract the efforts of a rival party. Strange as it may ap- 
 pear, the proximate cause of this revolution was supposed to 
 be a female, the noted Anna Hutchinson, whose religious opin- 
 ions had acquired great influence in the country; and among 
 whose adherents were found the supporters of Mr. Vane, the 
 successful candidate. It is however more probable that this 
 ascendency was produced by Henry Vane, himself, as- 
 sisted perhaps by the arts of Mrs. Hutchinson ; for he had 
 distinguished her by his attentions and zealously embraced 
 her tenets, which were extremely obnoxious to Mr. Winthrop. 
 The multitude were gained by the sanctity of his appearance, 
 his specious manners and address ; aided by superior abili- 
 ties, great fluency of expression, and the attractions of exalt- 
 ed rank. His father held a high station in the court of Charles ; 
 and there was a general belief in New England, that the young- 
 er Vane was sent over by royal authority. These adventi- 
 tious circumstances he improved to the utmost ; and by the
 
 262 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 exercise of a profound dissimulation, a sort of Jesuitical cun- 
 ning, he deceived the minds of many. 
 
 His election to the government of Massachusetts has ever 
 been considered a blot on the character of the times ; and it 
 undoubtedly blew the sparks of contention into a flame, which 
 all the prudence of his assistants and immediate successors 
 was scarcely able to extinguish. The Christian forbearance 
 and magnanimity of Mr. Winthrop were nobly displayed 
 in his readiness to accept an inferior office, under a man so 
 much younger in years and experience, and whom his judg- 
 ment could not approve. Influenced solely by the public good, 
 he laid aside all personal feelings and discharged his arduous 
 duties with a fidelity and perseverance which increased his 
 dignity, and recovered the esteem of those who had for a time 
 withdrawn from him. Upright and conscientious in every 
 relation of life, even those who differed from him in senti- 
 ments, could scarcely find a blemish to censure ; and when 
 one was summoned by the inveterate Archbishop Laud, to 
 speak against him before the king, his accusation proved a pan- 
 egyric, and his Majesty expressed his concern that a person 
 so worthy 6f trust and honor, should be no better accommo- 
 dated than in an American wilderness. 
 
 Something of this kind passed the mind of Atherton as he 
 approached Mr. Winthrop's house, which though commodi- 
 ous and respectable, seemed scarcely fitted to the dignified 
 station and ample fortune which he enjoyed. But he after- 
 wards learned to value this extreme simplicity as an instance 
 of the self-denial which Governor Winthrop wa < s accustomed 
 to practice; for he had early discovered the necessity of econ- 
 omy and temperance, to the prosperity of a feeble colony, and 
 became an example of these virtues in his own person and 
 family, though, at the same time the munificence and hospi- 
 tality of his spirit were fully known and appreciated.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 263 
 
 Atherton found Mr. Winthrop seated at a writing table, 
 with numerous papers spread before him, and still holding a 
 pen, though engaged in earnest conversation with a man who 
 stood beside him. There was an air of magisterial dignity, 
 and even severity on his features, which instantly gave place 
 to a smile of urbanity, as he rose to receive Major Atherton, 
 who immediately delivered the introductory letter of Captain 
 Standish. Mr. Winthrop hastily glanced over the contents, 
 and threw it by saying, 
 
 ' Your arrival has just been made known to me, Major Ath- 
 erton, and by one, who I fear has caused you some vexation 
 since your entrance into this land of strangers.' 
 
 Atherton, who had been diligently studying the countenance 
 of Mr. Winthrop, now followed the direction of his eyes, 
 which were turned towards the man whom he had before 
 scarcely noticed ; and in whose gaunt figure, grim visage, 
 and protuberant eyes, he identified his late acquaintance, the 
 persevering Constable. He looked even more gloomy than 
 usual, and without moving a muscle of his face, continued 
 standing as if resolved to await the conclusion of the conver- 
 sation. 
 
 ' My ignorance of your laws, sir,' said Atherton, ' may 
 have led me into a seeming contempt for them ; and if so, I 
 am ready to make any concession which you may deem nec- 
 essary.' 
 
 ' We are lenient towards those who err through ignorance,' 
 replied Mr. Winthrop, ' and in this instance must ask you to 
 pardon the indignity which has been offered you, through 
 Master Handcuff, who is somewhat apt to carry his zeal to 
 an extreme.' 
 
 'Truly,' said the undaunted Constable, 'it becometh me to 
 be " zealously affected in a good cause ; " for what saith the
 
 264 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 scripture " because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor 
 hot, therefore will " ' 
 
 ' Master Constable,' interrupted the magistrate, ' we now 
 give you leave to retire; and in future bear in mind, that we 
 expect no one under our authority, to transgress the laws him~ 
 self, in a vain pursuit after others whom he may chance to 
 deem worthy of reprehension.' 
 
 The Constable looked rather crest-fallen at this reproof; 
 but without offering a word in reply or defence, depressed his 
 black staff of office, and bowing profoundly, left the room. 
 
 ' I am afraid,' said Mr. Winthrop, as the door closed after 
 him, 'you will begin to think, Major Alherton, that our ene- 
 mies in England have some grounds for the railing accusa- 
 tions they have brought against us ; since you have been so 
 much troubled from our regard to matters commonly consid- 
 ered of little moment.' 
 
 ' If I had ever placed any reliance on their slanders,' re- 
 turned Atherton, 'my residence at Plymouth would have long 
 since undeceived me ; I have become a sincere admirer of 
 New England discipline, and truly wish that something 
 equally effective might be adopted to check the growing li- 
 centiousness of my native land.' 
 
 ' The change must be radical,' said Mr. Winthrop, ' where 
 the disease is of so long standing ; but the evils which you 
 allude to have suggested a useful lesson to the rulers of 
 this Colony ; and though we do not wish to be over-scrupu- 
 lous, yet the world is so much more inclined to excess on the 
 side of error than of truth ; that we conceive it incumbent on 
 those who are appointed to prepare laws for the government 
 of a new State, to render them conformable to the spirit and 
 letter of the word of God. Yet even those af e liable to abuse, 
 from the imprudence and want of judgment of some who are 
 appointed to execute them.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 265 
 
 ' Were all men,' said Atherton, 'as indefatigable and un- 
 discerning in their office, as the one who has just quitted us, 
 we should be less surprised at the misrepresentations of the 
 malicious and discontented.' 
 
 ' Those who choose to speak evil of us,' replied Mr. Win- 
 throp, ' do not lack either subjects or opportunities ; and since 
 the first planting of the Colony, such as came hither from mo- 
 tives of ambition and interest, and were disappointed in their 
 schemes, or reproved for their evil deeds, have not failed on. 
 their return to England, to use their endeavors to render our 
 government and character obnoxious.' 
 
 ' There, sir, I believe they have in general met with de- 
 served contempt,' said Atherton, ' except with those whose 
 prejudices, or self-interest were gratified by listening to such 
 calumnies.' 
 
 'And those are not a few; ' returned Mr. \Vinthrop ; 'we 
 have had to contend against public opinion and private inter- 
 est ; against religious dogmas, and worldly prepossessions ; 
 but I trust, the integrity of our conduct will at length put to 
 silence the reproaches of our adversaries. Our most inveter- 
 ate enemies are those, who have been themselves engaged in 
 forming plantations, which from the dissoluteness of the com- 
 panies soon fell to ruin ; and among these one Morton, " a . 
 pettifogger of Furnival's Inn," who began a settlement, with 
 some others, at a place which they called Mount Wollaston, 
 has never ceased to persecute us.' 
 
 ' Do you refer,' asked Atherton, ' to the people whose un- 
 principled conduct drew upon them the vengeance of the na- 
 tives, who demanded the death of one who had been detected 
 in stealing from them ; but, being a vigorous and useful man, 
 they were unwilling to lose him, and for a show of justice, or 
 to satisfy their revenge, cheated even the wary savages, by 
 hanging in his stead, a bed-rid and decrepid person ?' 
 23
 
 266 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' You allude to a still earlier period of our history,' said 
 Mr. Winthrop, ' the people who resorted to that ingenious ex- 
 pedient, which, with other misdemeanors, involved them in 
 deserved calamities, were associated with a Mr. Weston, and 
 seated themselves at Wesagusset, now called Weymouth.' 
 
 'I have heard the anecdote related at Plymouth,' replied 
 Atherton ; ' and it is probably blended in my mind with some 
 other transaction of the kind.' 
 
 ' Morton's company was not a whit better,' said Mr. Win- 
 throp. Captain Wollaston, their leader, retired to Virginia, 
 and the others led on by Morton, set up for liberty and equal- 
 ity, named the place Merry Mount, and committed every kind 
 of excess. Mr. Endicot, then recently arrived at Salem, vis- 
 ited them to reprove their folly, and cut down a May-pole 
 which they had erected ; but they soon returned to their for- 
 mer courses, and the various settlements uniting with Plym- 
 outh, at that time the most powerful, your gallant kinsman, 
 Captain Standish, with a few brave men were sent to them, 
 and on their refusing to surrender, the Captain with his usual 
 decision, took them prisoners and had them all conveyed back 
 to England.' 
 
 ' A mortification, sufficiently severe to silence them, I should 
 think,' said Atherton, ' and insure their good behavior in fu- 
 ture.' 
 
 ' They were dealt with very lightly by the council in Eng- 
 land,' replied Mr. Winthrop, ' and Morton has since returned 
 to this country and now dwells at Pascataqua, where he still 
 exercises the mean revenge of disturbing our peace as much 
 as lies in his power.' 
 
 ' Those two plantations are anomalies in the history of New 
 England,' said Atherton, ' the only ones which have yet cast a 
 blemish on its annals ; and it is easy to imagine the grief and
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 267 
 
 anxiety, which their settlement and progress must have caused 
 their more serious neighbors.' 
 
 ' It is well for the country that they were so speedily ended,' 
 said Mr. Winthrop ; ' for the contagion of their example was 
 greatly to be dreaded. But it is a satisfaction to reflect that 
 no other colonies have been founded here, which had merely 
 worldly gain ajid pleasure for their object. In every other, 
 we have reason to believe that religion, if not the moving 
 cause, was at least deeply considered ; and indeed, no other 
 principle seems sufficiently powerful to enable men, and even 
 delicate and timid women, to struggle with hardships and en- 
 dure and persevere with such heroic fortitude.' 
 
 ' It is in circumstances of difficulty and distress,' replied 
 Atherton, ' that the female character displays itself with pe- 
 culiar loveliness; and man, with all his boasted firmness and 
 snperiority, will often sink beneath the weight of trials, which 
 the unrepining constancy and unyielding patience of woman 
 enables her to overcome.' 
 
 ' I have seen instances of this,' returned Mr.- Winthrop, 
 ' which might silence the sarcasms of the cynic, and the jests 
 of the profligate, who have ever shown their spleen and emp- 
 tiness, by ridiculing those whose excellence they are too self- 
 ish to imitate and too proud to acknowledge ; and scarcely do 
 I think, that our labors in this wilderness would have been so 
 greatly prospered, but for the encouraging smiles of women, 
 whose cheerful spirits were buoyant, even in the midst of dan- 
 ger and distress, and whose undaunted minds, imparted 
 strength and resolution to the weary and faint in heart.' 
 
 ' I doubt it not, sir,' returned Atherton ^ ' and those refined 
 and exalted virtues, which might have slumbered in the wave- 
 less calm of prosperity, have here unfolded into beauty and 
 perfection. All that I have seen, every affecting incident 
 which 1 have heard, since I reached these shores, has in-
 
 268 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 creased my reverence and admiration for that gentle sex, to 
 whom we are indebted for so many bright examples, who are 
 often our guides, as well as pleasant companions, while travel- 
 ing together through this pilgrimage of life.' 
 
 Mr. Winthrop smiled at the enthusiasm of his countenance 
 and manner. 
 
 ' I am too sensible,' he replied, ' of the justie of your en- 
 comium to attribute it to the gallantry of a young man and a 
 soldier ; and I believe the most sceptical would become con- 
 verts to our opinion, were they but to judge impartially or 
 could they witness, as I have done, the equanimity and reso- 
 lution so often exhibited in the female character. Even while 
 quitting forever, the country endeared to them by every tie of 
 affection, to many the abode of distinguished wealth and en- 
 joyment, and about to encounter the dangers of the ocean, 
 and seek a place of residence in an uncivilized, almost un- 
 known world, their constancy remained unshaken, they had 
 " counted the cost," and were resolved to meet every event 
 without repining.' 
 
 ' It generally requires a stronger effort,' said Atherton, ' to 
 abide by a resolution, than merely to form even the most diffi- 
 cult ; and this then inhospitable coast must have presented 
 terrors to the most disciplined imagination, and have caused 
 the boldest spirit to waver.' 
 
 ' There were doubtless some,' returned Mr. Winthrop, 
 ' who remembered with regret the " leeks and onions of 
 Egypt ;" for even the meanest were reduced to straits un- 
 known to them before ; and the highest orders were compelled 
 to strive with difficuities for which the delicacy of their edu- 
 cation had ill prepared them. But He, who " tempers the 
 wind to the shorn lamb," was pleased to give them " strength 
 according to their day ; " and though sickness and death in- 
 vaded our feeble colony, and took from many of us the " de-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 269 
 
 light of our eyes," they died rejoicing that they had lived to 
 see a church planted in America, where their posterity might 
 enjoy their religious privileges, " with none to molest or 
 make them afraid." ' 
 
 ' The noble house of Lincoln,' said Atherton, ' I under- 
 stand has warmly patronized the cause of New England, and 
 contributed both in word and deed to its prosperity and ad- 
 vancement.' 
 
 ' Its most precious gift,' returned Mr. Winthrop, ' was its 
 virtuous daughters ; who though accustomed to the elegancies 
 and refinements of polished life, cheerfully " forsook all for 
 the gospel's sake ; " and without a murmur, endured the 
 wants and submitted to the privations which they were des- 
 tined to encounter in this distant land ; adding lustre to their 
 rank by the cheerful resignation with which they suffered ad- 
 versity, and the graceful sweetness and condescension of their 
 carriage towards those, whom Providence had placed in an in- 
 ferior station, but whom a common cause had united^ with 
 them in the bands of Christian fellowship.' 
 
 ' The circumstance of their quitting England,' said Ather- 
 ton, ' was familiar to me at the time ; and I well remember it, 
 as an occurrence, which was generally considered imprudent 
 and hazardous in the extreme.' 
 
 ' With those who are accustomed to connect passing events 
 with the things of this world only,' said Mr. Winthrop, ' that 
 opinion must still prevail ; and the result has, in some degree, 
 justified their prediction. The Lady Arabella, who was 
 united to Mr. Johnson, one of our assistants, a man of piety 
 and worth, fell an early victim to the hardships of her situa- 
 tion, and was shortly followed to the grave by her afflicted 
 partner. Her sister, the Lady Susan, who with her husband 
 and children arrived at a later period, is now residing at Sau- 
 gus : she enjoys a vigorous constitution and is happily sup- 
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 270 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ported under the fatigues and difficulties, which proved fatal 
 to so many of the early colonists. But you must pardon me, 
 Major Atherton, if I have trespassed on your patience ; every 
 circumstance relating to the characters I have loved and re- 
 vered, and every incident that has transpired in this country, 
 which I have seen dawning and rising into light, and where 
 my affections are now wholly fixed, are so interesting to my 
 feelings, that I am sometimes apt to dwell too long upon them, 
 and forget that to strangers they may be totally indifferent.' 
 
 ' They are not so to me,' returned Atherton ; ' I can never 
 listen but with pleasure, to aught that relates to this country, 
 where I have been received with a degree of kindness and 
 hospitality entirely unexpected, but which I shall ever remem- 
 ber with satisfaction, and number the months I have passed 
 here, among the happiest of my life.' 
 
 ' I had scarcely expected,' said Mr. Winthrop, ' that 
 the strictness of our customs and manners would be re- 
 garded with so much liberality by a stranger, and one too, 
 who has been accustomed to the freedom of a camp. I must 
 begin to think we are less gloomy than our opposers are 
 willing to allow, or perhaps I should attribute it to the can- 
 dor of your mind, which is inclined to color our New 
 England scenes as agreeably as possible.' 
 
 ' My early prejudices are enlisted in your favor,' returned 
 Atherton ; ' and I am here, continually reminded of scenes 
 dear to my recollection, by the simplicity of manners and 
 rectitude of principle of those around me, so congenial to 
 the. sentiments which my mother cherished, and endeavored 
 to instill into my youthful mind ; though I must acknowledge I 
 have been almost estranged from them since I first quitted my 
 paternal roof, and engaged in the active duties of my 
 profession.' 
 
 ' As you have retained this predilection,' said Mr. Win-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 271 
 
 throp, ' even amidst the bustle and gayety of a military life, we 
 may hope it will be strengthened by a more familiar acquaint- 
 ance with our opinions and pursuits, which, although they 
 may present little to dazzle the fancy, I trust will leave much 
 food for solid reflection, and that heartfelt satisfaction which 
 can never be derived from the vain and gaudy pleasures of 
 the world.' 
 
 1 My sentiments have been from childhood, divided on 
 these subjects,' replied Atherton ; ; ' and the habitual respect 
 and reverence which I have ever felt for my mother's creed, 
 has often weighed heavily against the force of education and 
 the strength of hereditary opinion, which attached me to my 
 father's principles. But I ought to apologize to you, sir, for 
 so long intruding on your time; I was not aware that the 
 moments flew so swiftly.' 
 
 ' I have passed them too agreeably to mark their flight,' re- 
 turned Mr. Winthrop ; ' and I would urge you to tarry longer 
 did not some necessary business require my attention. I use 
 no ceremony with you, Major Atherton, but it would give me 
 real pleasure if you would consent to make my house your 
 home during your residence in this place.' 
 
 Atherton declined his hospitality, being unwilling to in- 
 trude, and wishing to have his time entirely at his own dis- 
 posal ; and with suitable acknowledgments of his polite at- 
 tention, he took leave of Mr. Winthrop, after promising to 
 dine with him on the following day. 
 
 Passing slowly onward, and irresolute whether to proceed 
 to Governor Vane's, or wait another opportunity, Major Ath- 
 erton's curiosity was attracted by a small enclosure, which 
 seemed a repository for the dead ; and with the conversation 
 of Mr. Winthrop still vivid in his memory, he passed the 
 slight pealing which surrounded it, in the expectation of finding 
 some memento of the ill-fated lady Arabella. Numerous
 
 272 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 swelling mounds, some marked by a rude stone bearing a name 
 and date, or inscriptive line engraved by the hand of affection, 
 gave evidence that numbers had been called from their earth- 
 ly labors within the brief space of time which had succeeded 
 the settlement of the colony. But he looked in vain for the 
 object which chiefly interested him. The remains of the no- 
 ble daughter of the Earl of Lincoln had been interred at Sa- 
 lem, where she expired soon after her arrival in the midst of 
 usefulness and the bloom of youth, before the accomplishment 
 of those plans which had cost so dear a sacrifice, and while 
 yet destitute almost of a shelter, and but scantily supplied with 
 the comforts arid necessaries which her situation rendered in- 
 dispensable. Her husband removed to Boston ; but worn out 
 by fatigue and sorrow for her loss, he survived her a few 
 weeks only, and was buried in a portion of his own grounds, 
 now bordered by Tremont street, and contiguous to the 
 Stone Chapel. Such was the veneration in which his char- 
 acter was held, that others desired to be laid beside him ; and 
 the spot thus consecrated by the ashes of the Christian and the 
 patriot, is to this day preserved as a receptacle for the dead ; 
 and while succeeding generations are gathering around him, 
 the remembrance of his name and virtues are also fading from 
 the records of time. 
 
 Atherton turned from the place filled with melancholy re- 
 flections, and was still indulging a moralizing mood when he 
 reached the residence of Mr. Vane. The house of the chief 
 magistrate was of small dimensions, and rather suited to the 
 strictness of his principles and his rigid conformity to the pre- 
 vailing manners of a sect, than to the dignity of his rank and 
 office. It was situated in a beautifully secluded spot, then 
 commanding a fine view of the harbor and islands, and shel- 
 tered by a hill which has since been leveled to promote the 
 objects of public utility, ornament and convenience, tt was
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGPJMS. 273 
 
 afterwards enlarged and occupied by the celebrated Mr. 
 Cotton, to whom Mr. Vane presented it on returning to Eng- 
 land. 
 
 The Governor received Major Atherton with marked polite- 
 ness ; indeed there was an appearance of frankness and affa- 
 bility in his manners, which iuvited confidence and regard, 
 and which united to a gravity of countenance and deportment, 
 particularly agreeable to a people jealous of their peculiar 
 forms, had gained for him an extent of popularity which he 
 evidently prized, though anxious to appear utterly indifferent 
 to it. To Atherton, this rare union of qualities so seldom at- 
 tained, even at a maturer age, appeared almost unnatural in 
 one so young, and whose station and connections had early 
 brought him within the sphere of a dissipated court. Though 
 compelled to admire the versatility of his talents, the intel- 
 ligence and acuteness of his remarks, Atherton could not 
 but admit the belief, that latent ambition and worldly pol- 
 icy had induced him to assume a character foreign to his 
 real disposition and feelings. But Mr. Vane possessed, in 
 an eminent degree, the art of adapting his conversation to 
 the taste and circumstances of those with whom he associ- 
 ated ; and on this occasion he thought proper to divest his 
 discourse of that peculiar phraseology and sectarian cant 
 which he had always at command, and often used to ad- 
 vantage. In discussing the political events of England, and 
 alluding to scenes and persons familiar both to himself and 
 Atherton, the latter became insensibly weaned from the 
 prejudice he had unconsciously imbibed, and engaged with 
 spirit in a conversation which seemed once more to place 
 him on the stage of active life. He had never till now, 
 since his residence in America, met with any one whose 
 recent and personal observation interested him in the pass- 
 ing occurrences and leading characters of his native land ;
 
 274 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 and the subject became so pleasing to him, awakened so 
 many dormant feelings, and so powerfully renewed the 
 schemes of usefulness and enjoyment, which had of late 
 been interrupted by a more absorbing passion, that he re- 
 tired with reluctance when politeness compelled him to con- 
 clude his interview with the Governor. 
 
 The day terminated in a snow storm, the most severe that 
 Major Atherton had ever witnessed; and, during its continu- 
 ance, he had ample leisure to indulge the feelings which had 
 been called into exercise by the events of the morning, and to 
 form many resolutions, the execution of which was however 
 left to the mercy of circumstances. His first determination 
 was to return to England early in the ensuing summer, 
 there to engage in some pursuits which might obliterate the 
 mortifying disappointment which still rankled in his mind, 
 and again attach him to the ordinary pleasures and cares of 
 the world. ' I shall weary of this unsettled state,' he thought, 
 ' when my curiosity is satiated with the wonders of the new 
 world, and gladly retire to the peaceful shades of my child- 
 hood.' But he failed not to add the saving clause, ' if the 
 return of Mr. Grey produces no change in the decision of 
 Miriam.' A hope which still lingered in the recesses of his 
 heart, and colored with its rainbow tints, every vision of fu- 
 turity.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 275 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Those holy men, so full of truth and grace, 
 Seem to reflection, of a diff'rent race ; 
 Meek, modest, venerable, wise, sincere, 
 In such a cause they could not dare to fear. 
 
 COWPER. 
 
 MR. WINTHROP assembled at his house on the following day, 
 some of the most distinguished worthies of New England; 
 men whose characters and example were then the theme of 
 praise, and whose memories still claim our highest respect and 
 veneration. 
 
 There were the learned and patriarchal Cotton, the pious 
 and benevolent Wilson, and the apostolic Eliot, with others 
 equally renowned in the early history of the Colony; and the 
 feelings of Major Atherton wore highly gratified on finding 
 himself, by the easy politeness of his host, and the courtesy 
 of the guests, at once familiarized in a circle which included 
 so many of the wise and eminent of the age and country. 
 Most of them were well educated, experienced in the ways of 
 the world, and accustomed to the usages of polite life; and 
 though liberality of religious feeling was not the crying sin 
 of the times, Atherton had no reason to complain that the er- 
 rors of prelacy, with which he was chargeable, exposed him 
 to coldness or neglect. On the contrary, the company in gen- 
 eral seemed well inclined to obey the apostolic command, 'be 
 courteous,' which was enforced by the example of Mr. Win- 
 throp, whose benevolence and urbanity, were never subjected 
 to the invidious distinctions of party spirit. Nor were they so 
 austere and formal, so gloomy and misanthropic as the revil- 
 
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 276 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ers of that day, and the light and vain talkers of the present, 
 have generally supposed. It was an age of superstition and 
 fanaticism, and no sect of christians was exempt from their 
 influence. But the acts of intolerance which stain their pub- 
 lic records, did not necessarily poison the stream of private 
 happiness, or blight the tender charities of life ; and while 
 dissipation was suppressed, profligacy abhorred, and vice made 
 ashamed to show its distorted visage, the gentler virtues were 
 brought into exercise ; and we have reason to believe that 
 our fathers were as exemplary in their domestic relations, as 
 cheerful in social life, as light of heart, if not of head, as their 
 more liberal-minded posterity. 
 
 The pleasures of society were not then, at least in New 
 England, encumbered with the thousand nameless fripperies 
 of fashion, which destroy every rational enjoyment, and ren- 
 der a modern party, a scene of expense and fatigue, of noisy 
 mirth and Babel-like confusion. In the intellectual circle 
 which Mr. Winthrop drew around him, Major Atherton was 
 reminded of the refined hospitality of his father's house, where 
 he had been accustomed to meet with characters distinguish- 
 ed for their merit and talents. If a certain air of grave preci- 
 sion marked the manners of the Puritans, and formed a par- 
 tition-wall between them and their brethren of other denom- 
 inations, this gradually wore away, or was disregarded 
 in the freedom of familiar intercourse, the interest of anima- 
 ted discussion, and the warmth of contending argument and 
 opinion. 
 
 Mrs. Winthrop, whom Atherton had not before seen, was a 
 sensible, well-bred woman, and presided with dignity and 
 grace at her table, which was furnished with a variety of sub- 
 stantial fare, served up with a degree of neatness and order, 
 sufficient to prove, that the watchful eye of the mistress 'look- 
 ed well to the ways of her household ; ' a task, which, in
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 277 
 
 those days of primitive simplicity, before a love of show and 
 dissipation, or the ambition of wearing the blue stocking, had 
 infected all ranks and ages, was not disdained by the highest 
 dames of the land. The conclusion of a long blessing, by 
 Mr. Wilson, in which the reverend gentleman seemed to 
 forget that dinner was cooling, became the signal for a gen- 
 eral attack upon the well-dressed viands, in which both di- 
 vines and statesmen signalized themselves by their vigor and 
 abilities. 
 
 ' I should inform you, Major Atherton,' said Mr. Winthrop, 
 observing that he was about to pledge him in a goblet of wine, 
 ' that we have restrained the useless custom of drinking to 
 each other's health, which in our opinion tends to excess, 
 by leading one another to taste, through courtesy, when it is 
 neither needful nor desired. The fashion is now scarcely fol- 
 lowed by any of our sober citizens, and we trust will soon be 
 abolished altogether.' 
 
 ' I am happy to relinquish a custom,' said Atherton, ' which 
 has often subjected me to inconvenience, though I have never 
 felt at liberty to oppose it, nor was 1 before aware, that any ef- 
 forts had been made to discountenance a fashion so prevalant 
 and so long established.' 
 
 1 It is not easy,' returned Mr. Winthrop, ' to break through 
 the modes of society, which habit has rendered familiar and 
 agreeable ; but the sympathy of feeling, which united our 
 feeble band in the early days of our settlement rendered the 
 attempt practicable, and ensured its success ; and we conceive 
 it important, that no custom be allowed in the beginning of a 
 colony, which may hereafter serve as a precedent leading to 
 immorality or excess of any kind.' 
 
 ' It is doubtless prudent,' said Mr. Cotton, ' to use wise pre- 
 cautions, and establish just and salutary regulations ; but as 
 the state increaseth, errors and abuses will creep in, which 
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 278 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 the arm of the law cannot reach, and which the rich and pow- 
 erful are alone able to suppress ; the influence of their exam- 
 ple extends through every grade of society, and whatever they 
 refuse to sanction, becomes unfashionable, and is of course re- 
 jected.' 
 
 ' Such has been the influence of the higher classes in Eng- 
 land,' said Mr. Vane, ' and still is, to the destruction of prin- 
 ciple and good order ; but we may hope better of this favored 
 people, even that the example of our great men will be for 
 those things, which tend to " peace and righteousness." ' 
 
 ' On that, we may rely with some confidence,' said Mr. El- 
 iot ; ' but I could wish the influence of Mr. Winthrop had been 
 exerted not only to abolish the foolish custom of drinking 
 healths, but also the superfluous use of the liquor itself, which 
 is often a snare, even to the sober and temperate.' 
 
 ' A moderate use of it is not forbidden us,' replied Mr. 
 Winthrop ; ' even the apostle commends it for the " stomach's 
 sake," and our infirmities sometimes render it needful and sal- 
 utary.' 
 
 ' No one can object to it, as a medicine,' returned Mr. 
 Eliot ; ' but when it is not needful for the health, we may be 
 allowed to scruple concerning a practice, which causeth the 
 waste of many precious moments, and is apt to introduce vain 
 and unprofitable discourse.' 
 
 ' I am not quite reconciled to your opinion, as yet,' said 
 Mr. Winthrop ; ' but we will not insist upon your practicing 
 what your conscience does not approve, and, therefore, allow 
 you to pass the disputed beverage to Mr. Cotton, who I per- 
 ceive is of my way of thinking.' 
 
 ' I have no fear of excess, in this honorable company,' said 
 Mr. Eliot, smiling; ' but for myself, I prefer the wholesome 
 draught of which our first parents partook in the garden of
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 279 
 
 Eden, and which the Lord caused to flow from the rock of 
 Horeb to revive the fainting tribes of Israel.' 
 
 ' We have not all,' said Mr. Cotton, ' the self-denial of our 
 brother Eliot ; or perhaps he is from early habit, indifferent 
 to that which from the same principle is in a manner necessa- 
 ry to others.' 
 
 4 You are probably right, sir ; ' returned Mr. Eliot. ' But 
 speaking of habits I know of none at present which infest our 
 land more inveterate and pernicious in its consequences than 
 the immoderate use of tobacco, that unwholsome weed culti- 
 vated and spread abroad by the idle planters of Virginia.' 
 
 ' I am surprised,' said Atherton, ' that a practice so inimical 
 to cleanliness should ever have received the saction of any civ- 
 ilized people.' 
 
 ' The exhilarating qualities of the plant,' replied Mr. Win- 
 throp, ' produce a charm upon the spirits, irresistible to those 
 who have once indulged it ; and it is besides a soothing 
 amusement when inclined to indolence and solitude.' 
 
 ' Our late sovereign,' returned Mr. Eliot, ' never employed 
 his time and talents to more advantage, than in writing against 
 this obnoxious weed ; and I wish his royal advice had been 
 treated with as much deference in this particular, as in others 
 which have proved less advantageous to his subjects.' 
 
 ' It is after all,' said Governor Vane, ' but a heathenish 
 practice, and fit to be followed only by the wandering tribes 
 who roam the wilderness in a state but little exalted above the 
 savage beasts.' 
 
 ' Wretched, almost inhuman, as these poor outcasts now 
 appear,' said Mr. Eliot, ' I trust the day is not far distant, 
 when the light of Christianity shall dawn upon them ; when 
 they shall be brought into the fold of the church, and taught 
 the arts of civilization, and the blessings of social life.' 
 
 Mr. Eliot spoke with energy, and his benevolent counte-
 
 280 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 nance was animated with enthusiasm as he touched upon a 
 theme which excited his ardent hopes, employed his time and 
 exercised his talents ; and to which the labors of a long and 
 eminently useful life were devoted. As yet his plans were 
 immature and he was but preparing for those extensive exer- 
 tions which afterwards led him to sacrifice every personal con- 
 sideration and carried him to the inhospitable abodes of sav- 
 age man, exposed to the wintry tempest and summer's heat, 
 and often wet with the dews of night, that he might in- 
 struct the ignorant and superstitious natives, and lead them to 
 the pure worship of the true God. 
 
 ' This is a subject,' said Mr. Winthrop, ' which has long ex- 
 cited the serious interest of the humane and pious both in Eng- 
 land and America ; but as yet small progress has been made 
 in the work which is suffered to languish from lack of labor- 
 ers to enter into the vineyard.' 
 
 ' It presents almost insuperable difficulties, even to the most 
 sanguine mind,' replied Mr. Wilson, ' and a spirit of cour- 
 age and perseverance similar to that which actuated the holy 
 apostles, can alone enable any one to prosper in the under- 
 taking.' 
 
 ' To me it appears less formidable,' said Mr. Eliot ; ' the 
 cordial concurrence of our public assemblies, the prayers and 
 alms of good and enlightened individuals, have already sanc- 
 tioned the undertaking, and with the armor of faith and in 
 humble dependence on the assistance of Heaven, I would 
 freely devote my poor abilities to forward so glorious a 
 cause.' 
 
 ' We hope much from the zealous concern you have man- 
 ifested, Mr. Eliot, for these poor benighted heathens,' said 
 the Governor ; ' and your success in mastering the diffi~ 
 culties of their language, we are ready to believe an ear-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 281 
 
 nest of more extensive usefulness, and still higher attain- 
 ments.' 
 
 ' Should Providence open a path for me in the wilderness,' 
 returned Mr. Eliot, ' I shall count no pains or difficulties too 
 severe which will enable me to prove my fidelity in my mas- 
 ter's service, and render me useful to those unfortunate beings, 
 who, though created in the image of God, have sunk into the 
 depths of barbarism and depravity.' 
 
 'No one has yet devoted himself to this work,' said Mr. 
 Winthrop ; ' but our brethren at New Plymouth have, by re- 
 peated acts of kindness and integrity in their dealings, engag- 
 ed the friendship of the natives in those parts, which is the 
 first step towards reclaiming them ; and in many instances they 
 have listened with docility to religious instruction, and on their 
 death-beds expressed a wish that they might go to the En- 
 glishman's God.' 
 
 ' The conduct of Governor Winslow,' said Atherton, ' to- 
 wards the sachem Mossasoit, appears to me equally politic and 
 humane. Being dangerously ill he nursed him for many suc- 
 ceeding days and nights with the utmost tenderness, showing 
 by his assiduous attention a real anxiety for his safety ; and 
 the gratitude of the Indian prince and his subjects which 
 has remained permanent to this day, and been repeatedly 
 manifested by friendly deeds towards the colony, proves 
 them to be accessible to the kind and gentle feelings of hu- 
 manity.' 
 
 ' Example is always more powerful than precept,' said Mr. 
 Cotton, 'and this chrbtian conduct if pursued, may in time 
 produce the desired effect. But it must be long before we are 
 able to overcome the prejudices of these savages, who were 
 exasperated against the white people, years before the settle- 
 ment of Plymouth, by the atrocious conduct of the fisher- 
 men and others, who came on trucking voyages to these 
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 282 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 shores ; introduced the vice of drunkenness among them ; 
 and in more than one instance, stole away their people for 
 slaves.' 
 
 ' There seems to be a diversity of disposition in the differ- 
 ent tribes,' said Mr. Winthrop, 'probably the result of peculiar 
 circumstances in their government and situation ; and the de- 
 grees of intercourse which they have maintained with other 
 nations. Those who inhabit the sea-coast were at first chief- 
 ly affected by the irregular habits of the traders ; but as their 
 commerce with the natives increased, others from the interior 
 were allured thither by their admiration of the tinseled gew- 
 gaws for which they exchanged the rich furs and other valu- 
 able commodities of the country; and the white people to 
 their shame be it spoken too often gratified their propensity 
 for strong drink, and then took advantage of their situation to 
 practice on them the grossest impositions.' 
 
 ' I have seen some of these miserable beings,' said Atherton, 
 ' who have acquired the sordid vices of our countrymen with- 
 out any of the virtues which spring from civilized and christ- 
 ian life ; they present a most melancholy and degrading 
 view of human nature, and strongly contrast with the noble 
 independence and native generosity of the unsophisticated sav- 
 age.' 
 
 ' The growth of our plantations,' said Mr. Eliot, ' and 'our 
 persevering endeavors to promote a better spirit, will, I hope, 
 with the blessing of God, in due time bring them to feel their 
 wretchedness, and lead them to seek their true interest and 
 glory, where only they can be found. It would argue an un- 
 pardonable neglect in us to be more remiss in such a cause 
 than the superstitious papists of France, who have sent their 
 priests to convert the tribes which border on their dominions 
 of Canada and Acadia.' 
 
 ' They are " blind leaders of the blind," ' said Mr. Wilson ;
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 283 
 
 1 and as well might these poor deluded heathen trust in the 
 devilish arts of their own Powaws, as to seek for the light of 
 truth amidst the errors and idolatry of those image-worship- 
 ing Jesuits.' 
 
 ' It is the constant endeavor of the Sachems and Poivaws or 
 priests,' said Mr. Cotton, ' to prevent the English from gain- 
 ing any ascendency over the minds of their people, either in 
 civil or religious affairs ; they have been accustomed to re- 
 ceive the most implicit obedience from them, and their inter- 
 est as well as pride is engaged in opposing the influence of 
 our nation.' 
 
 ' It is not a light thing to undertake the conversion and civ- 
 ilization of such prejudiced and obdurate beings,' said Mr. 
 Winthrop ; ' and the success will not probably equal our 
 hopes till another generation shall rise up to water the seed 
 which we may plant.' 
 
 ' Pardon me, sir, for differing from you in opinion on this 
 subject,' replied Mr. Eliot ; ' but I feel more sanguine in re- 
 gard to the result of our labors, and hope better things from 
 the natural disposition of these Indians than most of my coun- 
 trymen. This general belief in their irreclaimable depravity, 
 I find, is disheartening to many, who would otherwise feel in- 
 clined to help forward the good work.' 
 
 ' The experience of Mr. Roger Williams, who has now a 
 long time sojourned amongst them; ' returned Mr. Winihrop, 
 ' has been unfavorable to their character ; and though he has 
 not received any personal violence from their hands ; but on 
 the contrary many important services, he considers them as 
 stupid and depraved in the extreme.' 
 
 ' The testimony of a man who has himself introduced 
 false doctrines and dissensions which have banished him from 
 our churches,' said Mr. Vane, ' can scarcely be admitted as 
 impartial and conclusive evidence.'
 
 284 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Whatever may be the doctrinal errors of Mr. Williams,' 
 replied Mr. Winthrop, 'he has uniformly displayed a solid 
 judgment, and most disinterested and benevolent disposition 
 in his intercourse with society ; and his influence over the In- 
 dians has been constantly exerted for our advantage.' 
 
 ' He has certainly shown a truly Christian spirit of forgive- 
 ness,' said Mr. Cotton ; ' and believing as he does, that he 
 has been injured by the ministers and magistrates of Massa- 
 chusetts, his continued endeavors to serve them argues a 
 nobleness of mind as praiseworthy as it is uncommon.' 
 
 ' The Lord turneth the heart of man, even as the rivers of 
 water are turned,' said Mr. Dudley, one of the most inflexi- 
 ble of the early colonists, ' and he can cause the " counsel of 
 Ahitophel " to subserve his own purposes and advance the in- 
 terests of his chosen people.' 
 
 ' If we suffer ourselves to view the conduct of others through 
 the medium of prejudice,' said Mr. Winthrop, 'every action 
 must appear distorted ; but in the judgment of charity, the 
 demeanor of Mr. Williams since his establishment at Moo- 
 shawsick, entitles him to respect, rather than reproach and sus- 
 picion.' 
 
 'Errors of opinion,' said Mr. Eliot, 'do not always imply 
 hardness of heart ; and since he is no longer a disturber, but 
 a promoter of our peace, we are bound to esteem him for his 
 works' sake, and_ suffer his objectionable tenets to fade into 
 oblivion.' 
 
 'His cunningly devised fables,' said Mr. Dudley, 'will 
 not speedily be forgotten by the church of Salem; and he is 
 still bent on spreading them amongst the deluded band who 
 have followed him to the Providence plantations.' 
 
 ' That is beyond our jurisdiction,' said Mr. Winthrop ; ' and 
 we are no longer authorized to restrain or punish him ; and 
 though we have heretofore as magistrates been compelled to
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 285 
 
 admonish him for the errors of his creed, we felt sincere es- 
 teem for his private virtues, and our confidence in him in- 
 duces us, at the present time, to employ him as our agent with, 
 the Indians, among whom he is located.' 
 
 4 His knowledge of their character and language,' replied 
 Mr. Dudley, ' may qualify him for the office, though to me 
 it would seem less objectionable to select a person who is not 
 given up to " strong delusions." ' 
 
 ' Our choice must necessarily be limited,' returned Mr. 
 Winthrop ; ' nor would we willingly give him or any one else 
 reason to believe us actuated by revenge or personal dislike, 
 as might be the case if we chose another, and perhaps less 
 suitable agent.' 
 
 ' The charge would be groundless, and unworthy of our re- 
 gard,' said Mr. Dudley, ' except so far as we may be justly 
 influenced by an abhorrence of spiritual errors.' 
 
 ' He has suffered severely for those, already,' replied Mr. 
 Winthrop; 'enough, I doubt not, to confirm him in his favorite 
 tenet, that " punishment for matters of conscience is persecu- 
 tion." ' 
 
 ' I trust you are not inclining to his opinion in that respect,' 
 returned Mr. Dudley ; ' but you seem particularly disposed to 
 treat him with lenity, and even consideration.' 
 
 ' Now Heaven forbid,' said Governor Vane, 'that any indi- 
 vidual present should encourage a toleration so destructive of 
 that harmony which unites our churches, and which once ad- 
 mitted, would open the door for dissensions and sap the foun- 
 dations of that pure worship and those dear bought privileges 
 which our great reformers have labored to establish.' 
 
 ' I think,' said Mr. Winthrop, ' I should sooner become a 
 convert to that opinion, than certain others he has advanced of 
 a totally opposite nature ; and which strikingly display the in-
 
 286 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 consistency of the human character, particularly when given 
 up to the illusions of error.' 
 
 ' It would seem his wife had most reason to complain of his 
 eccentricity,' said Mr. Cotton, 'since he would not even give 
 thanks at his meals when she was present, because she per- 
 sisted in going to the meeting at Salem from which he had 
 withdrawn, on their refusing to separate from the other 
 churches in New England.' 
 
 ' He thought it necessary, perhaps,' said Mr. Wilson, 'to 
 reduce her to obedience ; as we all know either by experience 
 or observation, that when the gentler sex are inclined to prove 
 refractory, it is sometimes expedient to use coercive meas- 
 ures.' 
 
 ' We have never doubted the inclination of most husbands 
 to exercise their prerogative, even in trifles,' said Mrs. Win- 
 throp, ' and it is not surprising that it should occasionally pro- 
 duce opposition in those who are subjected to it.' 
 
 ' It certainly cannot excite surprise in this age of the world,' 
 replied Mr. Wilson, ' to find women exercising a spirit of con- 
 tradiction, which has been no novelty since the days of our 
 first mother.' 
 
 ' It is our duty,' replied Mrs. Winthrop, smiling, ' to copy 
 the example of your sex, who are created so much superior to 
 us in wisdom and intelligence ; and of course you cannot ex- 
 pect us to be deficient in so essential a point.' 
 
 ' It would indeed be an unreasonable expectation,' said Mr. 
 Wilson ; ' but I think we are in no immediate danger of hav- 
 ig it realized.' 
 
 ' I hope,' returned Mrs. Winthrop, ' our clergy will not 
 adopt the sentiments of Mr. Williams in regard to family dis- 
 cipline, to produce the submission which you seem to consider 
 desirable.' 
 
 ' That must depend upon the families we have to govern,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 287 
 
 madam,' said Mr. Wilson, ' and their liability to be led away 
 by errors and false doctrines.' 
 
 ' Mrs. Williams acted from principle,' replied Mrs. Win- 
 throp, ' and she was certainly bound to consult her own con- 
 science, even before the will of her husband, who violated his 
 own maxim in denying her that freedom of opinion which. 
 every reasonable being has a right to exercise.' 
 
 ' That is precisely the idea which Eve entertained on the 
 subject of female independence,' said Mr. Wilson, ' when she 
 listened to the tempter, and gratified her caprice and inclina- 
 tion in tasting the " fruit of the tree of good and evil ; " and in 
 the same source doubtless originate the enormous errors of 
 Mrs. Hutchinson, which are " leading captive silly women," 
 and bringing contention into our land.' 
 
 ' We will suffer that unhappy woman to rest for the pres- 
 ent,' replied Mrs. Winthrop, who feared the diversity of sen- 
 timent entertained by her guests on that subject might lead to 
 unpleasant debate. ' But I doubt if any opinions set forth 
 by my sex, have produced more heart burnings than that 
 which induced Mr. Endicot in his zeal to deface the king's 
 colors.' 
 
 ' That may be very suitable in a grave magistrate and ex- 
 perienced man,' said Mr. Dudley, ' which would be totally 
 unbecoming a woman, whom the Apostle exhorts to " shame- 
 facedness and sobriety," and commands not to " teach or usurp 
 authority over the man." 
 
 ' Your appeal is decisive, sir,' replied Mrs. Winthrop, 
 ' and 1 will retire from the discussion before I become yet fur- 
 ther involved in " questions of doubtful disputation." ' 
 
 " Allow me to become your champion, madam,' said Mr. 
 Cotton, ' although my arguments may not prove equal to fe- 
 male wit and address, which so often win their cause against 
 the strength of masculine talent and learning.'
 
 288 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' The scruple of Mr. Endicot,' said Governor Vane, ' was 
 one which might naturally arise in a devout and reflecting 
 mind ; and we may well be allowed to question the lawful- 
 ness of displaying on our banners, the cross, that relic of su- 
 perstition, which was given by the Pope to a Romish King of 
 England, as a symbol of victory.' 
 
 ' However we may abhor what savors of those popish cus- 
 toms, 'said Mr. Cotton, ' this hath been so long used as a na- 
 tional standard, that the people had acquired an attachment, 
 and even veneration for it, from which it would have been 
 more politic to wean them by degrees, than to wrest it from 
 them at once and by force.' 
 
 ' We may be satisfied with the result, without reverting to 
 the means,' returned Mr. Vane, 'since the piety and good 
 sense of the people have at length convinced them of its un- 
 lawfulness, and contented them to purge this idolatry from the 
 land.' 
 
 ' Still,' said Mr. Cotton, ' Mr. Endicot was not authorized to 
 cut out the cross, without seeking advice from the court and 
 assistant magistrates ; and his rashness gave occasion to many 
 to speak reproachfully of us, and also endangered the public 
 peace, by inciting a tumult amongst the soldiers, who at first 
 refused to train with the defaced colors.' 
 
 ' In the belief that he was actuated by tenderness of con- 
 science,' said Mr. Winthrop ; ' we are bound to pass lightly 
 over his offence, as the court hath already done; and, indeed 
 it required much zeal and courage to abolish an ensign which 
 has been long associated with the military glory of England, 
 and of course cherished with feelings of pride by those who 
 love her prosperity and admire her greatness.' 
 
 'If I mistake not,' said Atherton, 'I observed our national 
 banner floating from the fort at Castle Island, and therefore pre- 
 sume this scruple has not generally prevailed.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 289 
 
 ' It was taken down for a time,' returned Mr. Winthrop, 
 but our loyalty being called in question on that account, we 
 deemed it proper, as the fort is maintained in the king's name, 
 to mount his own colors upon it. His Majesty has not more 
 faithful subjects, throughout his wide dominions, than in these 
 colonies of New England ; but there are certain matters touch- 
 ing our religious faith and worship, for which we hold our- 
 selves amenable to our own consciences alone.' 
 
 Mr. Winthrop soon after this conversation led the way into 
 another apartment ; and at the close of a social and agreeable 
 evening, Major Atherton returned to his humble lodgings. 
 
 25
 
 290 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Mais Tame d'un amant retrouve par-tout les traces de 1'objet aime. La 
 nuit et la jour, le calme des solitudes, et le bruit des habitations, le temp 
 meme qui emporte tant de souvenirs, rien ne peut Ten ecarter. 
 
 ST. PIEKKB. 
 
 SEVERAL succeeding weeks passed away, unmarked by any 
 occurrences worthy of particular detail ; and the situation 
 and feelings of Major Atherton at that period are best de- 
 scribed by himself, in a letter addressed to his kinsman at 
 Plymouth, which we have transcribed from the records of the 
 Atherton family, and with some slight alterations, take the 
 liberty to lay before our readers. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MILES STANDISH. 
 
 I have been long intending to answer your friendly letter, 
 but various circumstances have of late prevented me, though 
 not as you seem to intimate, forgetfulness of my Plymouth 
 friends, with whom my thoughts are daily conversant. I 
 know not how it is, but my time is continually occupied, and 
 I sometimes vainly wish for a solitary evening, to reflect on 
 past events, and look forward to my future prospects. The 
 inhabitants of this place are hospitable, and socially inclined, 
 beyond my expectations, and have successfully exerted them- 
 selves to render my situation agreeable. To the polite atten- 
 tions of Governor Vane, and Mr. Winthrop, I am particularly 
 indebted ; and at their houses, and those of several other gen- 
 tlemen of note here, I am at all times welcomed and encour-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 291 
 
 aged to visit with the utmost familiarity. Indeed, I have 
 been repeatedly urged to take up my abode with them alto- 
 gether during my residence here; but I feel more independent 
 in my present lodgings, humble as they are, and am very 
 comfortably accommodated in the same apartment as Master 
 Cole informs me, that you occupied when here in the autumn ; 
 and which, he says, is kept for respectable people only ; such. 
 I suppose he means, as are willing to pay something above 
 the ordinary price. These separatists, in casting off the 
 works of prelacy, I find have not quite divested themselves of 
 the love of Mammon, which will probably be the last bond of 
 union that is dissolved. 
 
 I have accompanied my friends in several excursions to the 
 neighboring towns, and 1 assure you have become a most in- 
 defatigable traveler over the deepest snows, through trackless 
 forests, and across frozen streams. I went a short time since 
 to Newtown which, by the way, is to be called Cambridge 
 in future with a son of Mr. Winthrop, who you may tell our 
 friend Peregrine, has almost as much lively humor as him- 
 self, but seasoned with rather more discretion. I was much 
 pleased with the situation of that place, it was early intended 
 for a fortified town ; and though that plan is now relinquished, 
 it is handsomely laid out, the streets crossing each other at 
 right angles, and a square reserved for a market-place. It 
 lies on the river Charles, and will probably become an impor- 
 tant place in the course of time ; it is now indeed one of the 
 most thriving villages in the Bay, and I understand a College 
 is to be founded there in the ensuing year. I have also been, 
 on the ice to Noddle's Island, and was hospitably entertained 
 in the family of Mr. Maverick, who established himself there 
 before the arrival of Mr. Winthrop and company. He pre- 
 sides in his sea-girt isle like one of the rural princes whom 
 Homer celebrates, though his household excepted with
 
 292 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 only the brute creation for his subjects. Or perhaps his 
 military state for he has built a fort and mounted cannon on 
 it, for defence against the natives may more resemble the 
 renowned hero of a fairy tale, who, in his solitary dominions, 
 performs those feats of valor and enchantment, which are the 
 wonder of our boyhood ; and several negroes whom he has 
 domesticated in his family, with their black glossy skins, 
 yellow eyes and ivory teeth, might well represent those imps, 
 which administer to the spells of the magician. My last ex- 
 pedition extended to Saugus, where we were detained several 
 days by a severe snow storm ; but the time passed very pleas- 
 antly in the society of Mr. Humfrey and his noble consort, 
 who seem to be well accommodated and quite happy, though 
 I confess it is the most dreary part of the country I have yet 
 seen ; and I could not but feel surprised that they should fix 
 their abode here. Mr. Humfrey is an Assistant, and of course, 
 much engaged in public affairs ; though still as deeply inter- 
 ested in agricultural pursuits as the most laborious farmer in 
 England. I witnessed with admiration, the cheerfulness with 
 which his lady submitted to a situation so different from that 
 to which she had been accustomed, in the ease and luxury of 
 her father's house. From thence I proceeded to Salem, 
 which is worthy of attention, as one of the earliest settlements 
 in the Massachusetts ; and where the people, it is said, are far 
 more rigid than in the other plantations. I was absent about 
 a week, and gladly returned to Boston, where I feel more at 
 home than in any other place which I have visited since I left 
 your friendly roof. 
 
 Thus, my dear sir, I have given you a sketch of my various 
 excursions at the risk of wearying your patience as a sort 
 of apology for my long silence, and to convince you that I am 
 not chilled by your New England frosts, nor become inactive, 
 and indifferent to the pleasures which are offered to me. On
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 293 
 
 the whole I am delighted with this part of the country, so far 
 as I can judge at this unfavorable season, and were I to be- 
 come a settler on these shores, should give it a decided pre- 
 ference over any that I have yet seen. I know your natural 
 partiality for the old colony of Plymouth, and therefore offer 
 this opinion with some diffidence, begging at the same time 
 that you will not think me a heretic in all my sentiments, as 
 well as in matters of religion. The rich variety of scenery, 
 beautiful even in wintry dreariness, the abundance of streams 
 and rivers, the extensive valleys interwoven with lofty and 
 finely wooded hills all bespeak a land of fruitfulness and 
 abundance, which has been blessed by its great Creator, and 
 needs only the hand of industry to fill the store-houses and 
 granaries, even to overflowing. I am pleased too, with the 
 manners of the people, and have experienced the highest sat- 
 isfaction in their conversation and society. There are many 
 men here of extensive learning and eminent talents, who have 
 been distinguished in the first society in England, and whose 
 influence softens the rude and jarring elements of an infant 
 colony, and ameliorates the rigid tenets of the religion they 
 have adopted. Many also have figured in the gayer circles 
 of life are descended from ancient families and allied to 
 houses of nobility and distinction ; their manners and conver- 
 sation retain a degree of polish and refinement, happily 
 blended with the primitive simplicity which characterize the 
 inhabitants of Plymouth. 
 
 I must crave your patience, while I advance another heter- 
 odox opinion, which you will not perhaps, readily admit ; but 
 they appear to me less bigoted than the good people of your 
 colony, who are always sure to find the cloven foot beneath a 
 surplice, and the devil's spirit in every printed prayer-book. 
 Perhaps my semi-puritan descent leads them to overlook my 
 prelatical errors, or to pass lightly over them, in the hope of 
 25*
 
 294 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 converting me by fair words ; but, however this may be, they 
 have certainly more charity towards the mother church, than 
 many of their Plymouth brethren ; though in minor points I 
 must confess they quite equal in some perhaps surpass you. 
 My conflict with Master Handcuff the constable, which I 
 mentioned to you in my last letter, was certainly an un- 
 rivaled exploit, quite beyond the genius of your laws ; and to 
 avoid a repetition of it, I find I must refrain from all observ- 
 ance of the approaching Christmas, which is expressly for- 
 bidden by law. When will rulers learn to let every man 
 judge for himself in matters of conscience and religion ? 
 
 As for the news of the place, concerning which you make 
 inquiries the old story of Mrs. Hutchinsori is still a fruitful 
 subject for discussion, and the difference of opinion respecting 
 her doctrines and conduct is a source of much bitter invective. 
 The Governor continues her firm partizan, and it is generally 
 thought that Mr. Cotton is tinged with her errors ; though his 
 calm temperament is less easily excited than her enthusiastic 
 imagination. She is undoubtedly an uncommon woman ; full 
 of spirit and independence, wiih great strength of mind, and 
 versatility of talents an artful address, and a surprising com- 
 mand of language, which is particularly displayed in the- 
 subtlety of her controversial arguments. The countenance of 
 Mr. Vane and others has greatly emboldened her; she has 
 withdrawn from public worship, and holds lectures at her own 
 house, where she instructs the sisters, who resort to her in 
 great numbers. The most respectable are drawn to listen to 
 her, and none of either sex are excluded who feel inclined to 
 profit by her edifying discourses. Had the magistrates and 
 clergy disregarded her at first, she would probably have sunk 
 into forgetfulness ; but their impolitic interference produced a 
 degree of party excitement, and the violence of their opposi- 
 tion constantly increased her disciples, till her influence ex-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 295 
 
 tends to the most important affairs, both "of church and state. 
 The continued aggressions of the Pequod tribe, are also a 
 theme of complaint and conjecture ; and it is feared that hos- 
 tilities will commence with fatal rigor on both sides, in the 
 approaching spring. 
 
 Added to these copious topics, the conduct of Governor 
 Vane has of late giverf much offence to some, and much anx- 
 iety and regret to others. His popularity is on the decline ; 
 and, sensible of it himself, he has requested leave to resign 
 the government, urging as a plea, certain letters received from 
 London, and containing orders for his return. His departure 
 was acceded to by the court, but the church refused their as- 
 sent, and he was without much difficulty persuaded to remain. 
 I am not sufficiently conversant in public affairs, to give an 
 impartial opinion on this subject; but I confess there is an 
 appearance of dissimulation in his conduct, from which I 
 could wish him free; he certainly used considerable address, 
 in exciting the feelings of the parties, and moulding them to 
 his purpose. 
 
 But I will not detain you longer with these minute details, 
 though I wish it were in my power to interest you in the 
 transactions of the times, as far as to induce you to come 
 hither and be an eye and ear witness, as soon as the season 
 will permit. I hope you will remember that you almost 
 promised to join me here in the spring, if not sooner. After 
 all that I have said in this long epistle, I trust you will not 
 think my inclination so much turned towards these ' meddle- 
 some Massachusetts people,' as you call them, as to render 
 me forgetful of the kind friends whom I have left at Plymouth. 
 My heart turns to them with grateful remembrance, and I often 
 long to form one of the social group which is gathered around 
 your blazing fire, and to mingle again with the cheerful circle 
 at Mr. Winslow's. I understand an English vessel has re-
 
 296 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 cently arrived at Plymouth; did it bring any intelligence 
 from Mr. Grey ? If there are any letters for me, please to 
 forward them by the first opportunity. I will thank you to 
 remind Peregrine White that he promised to write me, and 
 that I expect a well-filled sheet, whenever he can find leisure 
 from teazing Master Ashly, and his other favorites. Tell 
 your little rose-bud, from me nonsense ! do not tell her any 
 thing. With kind remembrances to all my friends, believe 
 me, dear sir, your obliged kinsman, 
 
 EDWARD ATHERTON. 
 Boston, 20th Dec., 1636. 
 
 Major Atherton prepared this letter to send by the master 
 of a pinnace which was hourly expecting to sail for Plymouth; 
 and at the commencement of a cold and serene evening, he 
 sallied forth to deliver it himself into his hand. There was a 
 great quantity of ice in the harbor, extending to, and connect- 
 ing several of the nearest islands ; but the channel remained 
 clear and open for navigation ; and as Atherton remarked its 
 dark and swelling waves, contrasted with the glittering wall, 
 which hemmed it in on either side, his attention was attracted 
 by a vessel rapidly approaching the shore, and its- white sails 
 fluttering in the clear moon-light. It proved a small bark 
 scarcely larger than a fishing smack ; but Atherton remained 
 till it came to anchor, hoping it was from Plymouth, and 
 would bring him intelligence from his friends. Several per- 
 sons, attracted by the same object, were collected on the shore, 
 and Atherton, apart from them, continued to pace the beach 
 till he discovered it was only a trading pinnace from Cape 
 Cod ; and feeling no further interest he returned disappointed 
 to the inn. 
 
 He had, however, scarcely taken possession of his solitary 
 apartment when an unusual bustle below announced the ar-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 297 
 
 rival of new guests ; and presently the voice of Dame Cole 
 was heard ascending the stairs, in conversation with some 
 persons whom she seemed conducting to their rooms. Ather- 
 ton's door stood ajar and as the bustling landlady passed by 
 with the strangers, he was rather surprised to observe two fe- 
 males ; but they were so closely enveloped in their cloaks and 
 hoods, that neither their faces nor figures were discernible. 
 
 ' I am afraid, Mistress, that our poor rooms will not be to 
 your liking,' said Dame Cole, in her softest tone and most 
 complaisant manner, ' seeing that my best chamber is already 
 taken up by a hopeful young gentleman who has been our 
 lodger, it is now almost five weeks, and I may well say, as 
 orderly and generous a youth as one could meet with though 
 they do tell me he is a prelatist the more's the pity, poor 
 young man.' 
 
 Atherton had retreated from the door, and did not hear the 
 reply to this eulogium ; to which the dame again answered, 
 
 ' It doth not become me to boast, although I may say, I en- 
 deavor to do all things " decently and in order," as is com- 
 manded ; nevertheless, this apartment lacks many conven- 
 iences which appertain unto that of Major Atherton.' 
 
 ' Major Atherton !' repeated one of the females in a tone of 
 surprise, and with a tremulous voice which thrilled to the 
 heart of Atherton, and which he believed it impossible to 
 mistake. 
 
 ' Can it be ?' he mentally exclaimed 'is Miriam Grey in 
 reality so near me ? surely no other voice has that sweetness, 
 that indescribable charm !' 
 
 Jn the first impulse of delight and astonishment, he was on 
 the point of rushing from the room to satisfy his doubts ; but 
 the recollection of their last interview checked his eagerness, 
 and a moment of reflection convinced him that a mistake was 
 possible ; indeed her arrival in Boston was so unexpected, so
 
 298 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 improbable, that he concluded with a sigh, he had been de- 
 ceived by his hopes, and that there might be another voice in 
 New England, which possessed the exquisite melody of hers. 
 Still he continued to traverse his apartment for some time in 
 a state of strong excitement, often stopping to listen, with al- 
 most agitated interest to the low murmur of voices which pro- 
 ceeded from the adjoining apartment. At length, ashamed of 
 his emotion, and resolved to shake it off, he hastily descended 
 to the public rooms to seek further information respecting the 
 vessel, and particularly the passengers it had brought. In a 
 small room, where his meals were usually served up, he ob- 
 served a table neatly prepared for supper ; and, in the act of 
 warming himself by the fire, a young man of respectable ap- 
 pearance, whose figure was familiar to him. Atherton paus- 
 ed a moment to catch a glimpse of his features, which were 
 then turned from him. The first view satisfied all his doubts, 
 and the well remembered countenance of Henry Weldon con- 
 vinced him that he had not been mistaken in his former con- 
 jectures. 
 
 ' Mr. Weldon,' exclaimed Atherton, ' is it possible that 1 
 see you in this place ? ' 
 
 ' You may well be surprised, Major Atherton,' said Mr. Wel- 
 don, cordially receiving his offered hand ; ' when we last part- 
 ed I had little thought of following you so soon, from our com- 
 fortable abode at Plymouth.' 
 
 ' You are not alone I think,' returned Atherton ; ' I could 
 not be mistaken, when I just now saw Mrs. Weldon and her 
 cousin, though I then almost persuaded myself that my senses 
 were deceived.' 
 
 ' They insisted on accompanying me,' replied Mr. Wel- 
 don, ' and though most happy to be thus attended, I would 
 fain, for their sakes, have gone forth alone, and spared
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 299 
 
 them the hardships we may encounter, at this inclement sea- 
 son. 
 
 ' Whither are you going?' asked Atherton, 'and what 
 could induce you, what could tempt your more delicate com- 
 panions, to forsake the comforts of home, in the midst of a 
 severe and frozen winter ? ' 
 
 ' My home,' replied Mr. Weldon, ' is far from hence, and 
 Providence has called me to forsake my plans of ease, and at- 
 tend to my worldly estate. Mrs. Weldon's affectionate solic- 
 itude will not permit her to remain behind, and Miriam has 
 generously resolved to share our fortunes, at least till her fa- 
 ther returns to claim her.' 
 
 ' And does Miriam Grey go with you to that savage wil- 
 derness ?' said Atherton. But fearful of betraying his feel- 
 ings, he suddenly stopped and leaning his head upon his hand, 
 remained silent. 
 
 ' Such is her intention,' replied Mr. Weldon, without ap- 
 pearing to notice his emotion ; ' but it would take long to re- 
 late the causes by which we are actuated, and you will excuse 
 me for the present, as supper is now ready, and we are fa- 
 tigued and hungry voyagers and here come my wife and 
 cousin to seek for refreshments.' 
 
 Major Atherton raised his head, and beheld Mrs. Weldon 
 with Miriam Grey leaning on her arm, at that moment enter- 
 ing the apartment.
 
 300 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 To lands where foot hath seldom been, 
 
 Were it our fate to roam, 
 Still 'tis the heart that gilds the scene, 
 
 The heart that forms the home. 
 
 ANONYMOUS. 
 
 As soon as Major Atherton left the house of Mr. Grey, on 
 the evening previous to his departure from Plymouth, Miri- 
 am, who had exerted a surprising command over her feelings 
 during their interview, found herself unable longer to sustain 
 her firmness, and as the door closed after him, and she felt 
 that he was leaving her probably for the last time, she yield- 
 ed to her emotions, and leaning her head on Mrs. Weldon's 
 shoulder, wept for a few moments without restraint. Mrs. 
 Weldon forbore to interrupt or question her ; she could not 
 mistake the cause of her unusual excitement, and the appear- 
 ^ance and conduct of Atherton convinced her, that their recent 
 conference had not terminated favorably to his wishes. Mir- 
 iam first broke the silence, and raising her blushing face, she 
 said in an earnest but unsteady voice, 
 
 ' Forgive my folly, dearest Lois, and believe that I have 
 not intentionally deceived you.' 
 
 ' I am most ready to believe it,' returned Mrs. Weldon, ' and 
 you will now allow, Miriam, that I was better acquainted 
 with your heart, than you were yourself.' 
 
 ' I was indeed loth to think it so very weak,' replied Miri- 
 am ; 'but this painful interview has opened my eyes, and I 
 thank God, that I have had strength to sacrifice my inclina- 
 tion to principle and duty.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 301 
 
 ' You have done well, my dear Miriam, and the peace of 
 your own conscience and your father's approbation, will am- 
 ply compensate for your present unhappiness, and soon, I trust, 
 restore your wonted serenity.' 
 
 ' I could endure every thing with cheerfulness, were foless 
 miserable,' replied Miriam, and the tears again filled her 
 eyes, ' but I can never cease to reproach myself for encour- 
 aging hopes, however inadvertently, which I have in an in- 
 stant crushed, and without daring to offer one soothing word, 
 or even leaving him the consolation of knowing that the pain 
 was mutual.' 
 
 ' Do not dwell on these gloomy images, my dear Miriam ; 
 sincerely as Major Atherton loves you, believe me his affec- 
 tion is not unconquerable ; men are less tenacious in their at- 
 tachments than our sex, and their intercourse with the world, 
 their more active sources of amusement, soon wean their 
 thoughts from one object, and leave them no leisure to indulge 
 in melancholy regrets.' 
 
 Miriam remained silent, probably unconvinced or unwilling 
 to admit the justice of her cousin's assertion; which as it re- 
 garded Atherton, would perhaps have occasioned inquietude 
 rather than consolation ; for few women wish to regain their 
 tranquillity at the expense of losing the affection of the man 
 they love, even if convinced their attachment can never 
 lead to a more permanent union. Approaching footsteps 
 were at that moment heard, and Miriam, hastily rising, 
 said, 
 
 ' Do not betray my weakness, even to your husband, dear 
 Lois,' and hurried to her own apartment. 
 
 Major Atherton's unexpected departure from Plymouth on 
 the following morning occasioned much surprise and conjec- 
 ture among the inhabitants, and subjected Miriam Grey to 
 many embarrassing enquiries. Mistress Kebecca Spindle, 
 26
 
 302 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 who possessed a large share of the curiosity natural to her 
 sex and condition, proved particularly annoying; she found it 
 convenient to pay an early visit to Mrs. Weldon, and through 
 the confusion of Miriam, when Atherton and the cause of his 
 absence were alluded to, she detected enough of the truth 
 combined with her own conjectures, to satisfy the inquisitive 
 'disposition of all the gossips in the village. 
 
 Mr. Calvert, who had long considered Atherton as a formi- 
 dable rival, was delighted by his abrupt departure, which he 
 doubted not was occasioned by the refusal of Miriam ; and 
 from that supposition, he drew the most favorable inferences 
 in regard to his own prospects. He found her as cheerful, and 
 apparently happy as usual ; for in society at least, she suc- 
 cessfully rallied her spirits, and appeared with her accustomed 
 gayety. Her manner towards him, was frank and unreserved 
 as it had ever been ; and encouraged by his hopes, he ventur- 
 ed to disclose the passion with which she had inspired him, 
 and to solicit a return. Miriam listened to him with surprise, 
 but without any flattering emotion ; she had always found 
 him an agreeable companion, and believed him worthy of her 
 esteem ; but even had her heart been entirely free, he could 
 never have been the man whom she would have selected for 
 her husband. Feeling no partiality for him, she had 
 scarcely suspected that his regard exceeded the limits of 
 friendly interest ; and indeed he had considered it politic to 
 conceal its extent, particularly while under her father's eye, 
 believing his handsome person and insinuating address would 
 make a due impression on her, whenever he thought proper 
 to reveal his sentiments. The gentle but decided refusal of 
 Miriam, perplexed him, and he endeavored to win a more fa- 
 vorable answer, by exerting all the persuasive eloquence he 
 could command. Finding her inflexible he tried the force of 
 "argument; her objections to his religion, his country, her fa-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 303 
 
 ther's disapprobation, her own indifference, he at first consid- 
 ered merely as the capricious whims of a pretty woman, who 
 wished to be flattered into compliance; but he at length be- 
 came irritated by her continued firmness, and gave way to the 
 bitterness of his disappointment in the most violent reproach- 
 es. The feelings of Miriam were deeply wounded by his lan- 
 guage, which was equally unmerited and unexpected, and be- 
 trayed an absence of principle and delicacy that shocked and 
 surprised her. Without deigning to repel his accusations or 
 to enter into controversy with him, she retired from his pre- 
 sence with an air of dignity, which for a moment awed him, 
 and prevented his endeavoring to detain her. Yet his pride, 
 as much perhaps as his affection, was piqued, and he made 
 repeated attempts to be admitted to another interview. But 
 Miriam steadily refused his request, and he resorted to the 
 expedient of interesting Mrs. Weldon in his behalf. She, 
 however, declined all interference, believing Miriam possess- 
 ed of prudence sufficient to direct herself, and in reality not 
 at all inclined to favor the addresses of a man, whose religious 
 principles were alone an insurmountable objection. Asa 
 dernier resource, Mr. Calvert addressed a letter to Miriam, 
 filled with humble acknowledgments and passionate pro- 
 fessions, entreating her to receive him at least on probation, 
 and allow him to hope that he might even at a distant pe- 
 riod, regain her good opinion, if he could not obtain her af- 
 feciions. 
 
 Miriam returned him the letter briefly expressing on the en- 
 velope her continued wishes for his prosperity and happiness, 
 but declining any further intercourse with him. Calvert's 
 mortification was excessive and he would have quitted Plym- 
 outh, without delay, but his vessel was yet unprepared for 
 the voyage ; and in the mean while he availed himself of an 
 oft-repeated invitation from Captain Standish to pass some
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 time at his house, happy to remove from the immediate scene 
 of his disappointment. 
 
 Soon after these events, Mr. Weldon received intelligence 
 from the new colony of Hartford, which excited the utmost 
 alarm and anxiety. He had invested his whole property in a 
 plantation at that place, and with the laborious care attendant 
 on the first attempts at cultivating a wilderness, had prepared 
 a suitable place for a garden, and cleared several acres of 
 land ready to receive the seed, early in the ensuing spring. 
 He had also built a comfortable dwelling-house, which, with 
 his cattle and implements of husbandry he left with a trusty 
 agent, intending to pass the winter at Plymouth from whence 
 he felt reluctant to remove his wife at that inauspicious sea- 
 son. 
 
 But the Pequod Indians, a fierce and warlike tribe, inhab- 
 iting the country near the mouth of Connecticut river, began 
 to spread terror among the scattered settlements in their vicin- 
 ity ; and every man was obliged to use the utmost vigilance 
 to secure himself, his family and property from their depreda- 
 tions. They often penetrated to the abodes of the white peo- 
 ple, lay in ambush for the solitary and unsuspicious, and if 
 opportunity offered, burned houses and destroyed every thing 
 within their reach. Their enmity to the English was invet- 
 erate and unceasing ; they inhumanly murdered in cold blood, 
 even innocent children and defenceless women ; and their un- 
 fortunate captives were subjected to the most cruel tortures. 
 At that lime three towns only were settled within the limits of 
 Connecticut ; the whole of which did not contain more than 
 two hundred and fifty men capable of bearing arms, and sur- 
 rounded as they were by savage enemies, their situation be- 
 came perilous in the extreme. 
 
 Mr. Weldon received a detail of these particulars in a let- 
 ter from Hartford, and he was sensible that his absence at such
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 305 
 
 a time would place his \vorldlyconcerns in hazard, and that it 
 might subject him to the reproach of cowardice to remain in 
 security, and at a distance, when every man was girding on. 
 his armor to repel a barbarous enemy. He had assisted in 
 establishing the church and colony at that place, and deeply 
 interested in their existence and prosperity, he resolved at 
 whatever cost, to return and share the perils of his fellow citi- 
 zens. Mrs. Weldon at once determined to follow her hus- 
 band, wherever his duty called him, nor were any entreaties, 
 or the prospect of any dangers, able to shake her resolution. 
 Indeed she suffered far less anxiety for herself than he 
 had experienced on her account; she was naturally of a cheer- 
 ful disposition, and had acquired an habitual self-command, 
 which enabled her to meet every exigence with firmness, 
 every misfortune with resignation. With a constant reliance 
 on divine protection, and the most devoted affection for her 
 husband, she was ready to undertake any enterprise which 
 circumstances rendered expedient. 
 
 But the situation of Miriam Grey occasioned Mrs. Weldon 
 much perplexity and deliberation. She was unwilling to leave 
 her during her father's absence, and particularly while the gay- 
 ety of her spirits were clouded by recent disappointment, which 
 all her endeavors could not conceal from the solicitous affection 
 of her cousin. Major Atherton's name had not passed the 
 lips of either since the evening he had quitted them. Miriam 
 engaged in her daily employments with as much apparent in- 
 terest as usual ; but her sportive smile was often checked by 
 a sigh; and a casual allusion or sudden remembrance, some- 
 times filled her eyes with tears, even in the moment of minh ; 
 while imperceptible to any but the watchful eye of Lois, 
 her countenance seemed gradually losing the brilliant bloom 
 of health and happiness. 
 
 Mrs. Weldon was too delicate to mention her fears even to 
 26*
 
 30G PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 her husband ; and therefore left entirely to the counsel of her 
 own judgment, she determined to be guided in a great meas- 
 ure by the wishes of Miriam. The Governor and Mrs. Wins- 
 low earnestly desired Miriam to remain with them until her 
 father's return ; but though gratified by their kindness and 
 attention, she declined their request, and solicited permission 
 to accompany Lois, to share her fortunes, and still enjoy the 
 solace of her society and friendship. Nothing could have 
 been more grateful to Mrs. Weldon's feelings than such a pro- 
 posal ; but fearful that it would not meet the approbation of 
 Mr. Grey, and might endanger Miriam's safety, she gener- 
 ously endeavored to dissuade her from her purpose by repre- 
 senting all the evils to which she would be exposed, and her 
 father's unhappiness, should any misfortune befall her. But 
 Miriam opposed arguments and entreaties to her cousin's ob- 
 jections, and was so decided in the belief that her father would 
 approve her conduct, and that she acted consistently with 
 duty, as well as inclination, that Mrs. Weldon considered fur- 
 ther discussion useless, and with mingled pleasure and appre- 
 hension, consented to admit her as the companion of her haz- 
 ardous enterprise. 
 
 Miriam Grey commenced the preparations for her expected 
 departure with an alacrity which surprised her friends, who 
 considered an expedition to that distant part of the country, 
 at any time, and especially ia a season of public alarm, as too 
 dangerous to be undertaken, except in cases of urgent neces- 
 sity. 
 
 But Miriam did not allow herself to indulge imaginary 
 fears, or even to dwell on such as wore an appearance of re- 
 ality ; once resolved, she was unwavering, and those most in- 
 terested in her happiness, while they regretted, ceased to op- 
 pose her design. Captain Standish was the most persevering 
 of her opponents ; but, like all others, he was finally obliged
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 307 
 
 to yield to her fixed determination, though so highly irritated 
 at his defeat, that it is said he gave vent to an almost forgot- 
 ten Dutch oath, which had served him when fighting for 
 queen Elizabeth in the Low-Countries, and which, if whis- 
 pered among his puritan brethren, was probably overlooked on 
 account of his important services. 
 
 1 These confounded women, 'he said to Calvert, still a guest 
 at his house, ' are as wrong-headed and obstinate as mules ; 
 but who could have thought my little rose-bud, with all her 
 sweetness and smiles, would set up for a will of her own.' 
 
 ' The fairest and best of them have a bit of the old serpent 
 in their hearts; ' answered Calvert, with a bitter smile. 
 
 'No, no, you are wrong, Calvert, 'replied the Captain, ' their 
 hearts would be well enough, and it were not for their light 
 heads and fickle minds which are always leading them into 
 error, and turning them aside in search of novelty. But I do 
 believe,' he added to himself, rather than to his companion, 
 c my poor Miriam has lost her senses, gone mad outright, 
 to turn off my cousin Atherton, as handson e and gallant a 
 young fellow as ever sued for maiden's favor, or drew sword 
 against the king's enemies, and now to leave friends and 
 home, and throw herself into the very jaws of these ravenous, 
 heathenish savages.' 
 
 As Captain Standish paced the room with hurried steps, 
 and thus yielded to his anger and regret, he quite forgot in 
 the excitement of his feelings, the caution he had hitherto 
 used in regard to the disappointment of Major Atherton, which 
 the art of Calvert had not been able to extort from him ; but 
 to which he now listened with extreme pleasure, feeling his 
 own mortification diminished by the conviction that it was 
 shared by his rival. 
 
 Mr. Weldon in the mean time, resolved to take passage in 
 a small vessel which had put into Plymouth on its way from
 
 308 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Cape Cod to Boston ; being informed that a vessel was then 
 ]ading with provisions at the latter place for the ill-supplied 
 colonists at Connecticut, in which they would embark for the 
 place of their destination. 
 
 But as the time of their departure drew near, Benjamin 
 Ashly who had certanly said less, and probably thought more 
 on the subject than any other person, became tormented by 
 his apprehensions, and excited by a thousand wild hopes and 
 inconsistent plans. The coldness of Miriam, her occasional 
 raillery and suspected preference for another, had not dimin- 
 ished his affection for her, and if he sometimes doubted of suc- 
 cess, hope was never entirely banished from his breast. His 
 disposition was rather reserved than phlegmatic ; he had 
 loved her from childhood, his attachment had increased with 
 his years, and was decidedly encouraged by the friends of 
 both. The world, which always takes the liberty of inter- 
 fering in such affairs, had early declared in consonance with 
 the young man's wishes, that it would be a match ; and more 
 than once had Master Ashly been on the point of ascertaining 
 from the lips of the damsel, if the said world prophesied truly. 
 But at the fated moment of disclosure, a feeling of uncon- 
 querable timidity, or an arch smile lurking on the countenance 
 of the fair one, invariably called forth his awkward bashful- 
 ness and completely overawed him. Thus years passed on in 
 a state of uncertainty, till at length the assiduities of Major 
 Atherton and Mr. Calvert aroused his most anxious fears, and 
 caused him bitterly to repent the irresolution which had so 
 long held him in ignorance of his fate. The sudden removal 
 of these formidable rivals, however, with the inference natu- 
 rally drawn from it, relieved his mind of an oppressive weight; 
 and again finding the field his own, like many other indolent 
 and undecided persons, he concluded to enjoy his leisure and 
 wait a favorable opportunity to decide the combat. His mother
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 309 
 
 in vain entreated him to secure the prize, while there was no 
 opponent to dispute it with him; for she earnestly desired the 
 marriage might take place, though sometimes piqued to ob- 
 serve the gayety of Miriam rather increased by the presence 
 of her son ; and inclined to think her strangely deficient in 
 judgment to withhold her regard from so worthy an object. 
 But a strong belief which she entertained in common with 
 many other superficial observers, that young women are not 
 apt to be sincere in affairs of the heart, and that they gener- 
 ally possess the art of vailing their real sentiments, or affect- 
 ing false ones, to suit their caprice or designs, still led her 
 to hope for the best ; and after all, she could not think that 
 Miriam Grey, giddy as the young thing sometimes seemed, 
 would really be so foolish as to refuse her son, who was born 
 to a good inheritance, and withal esteemed comely and well- 
 favored. 
 
 When Benjamin Ashly however found that Miriam was ac- 
 tually on the point of leaving Plymouth, he became embold- 
 ened by fears for her safety, and the dread of losing her ; and 
 resolved, if possible, to dissuade her from prosecuting her haz- 
 ardous voyage, Yet his resolution was more than once frus- 
 trated by some trifling interruption, or his habitual timidity, 
 when fortune at last presented him with an opportunity too 
 favorable to be neglected. He one day entered the setting 
 parlor at Mr. Grey's, where Miriam chanced to be entirely 
 alone, and busily engaged with her needle. She received 
 him with her usual courtesy, and after a few trifling ques- 
 tions, resumed her occupation and with it the train of reflec- 
 tions which his entrance had interrupted. Ashly improved 
 the silence in framing a suitable prologue to his intended dec- 
 laration ; and to prepare the way, he began with three distinct 
 hems, which startled Miriam, who had almost forgotten his 
 presence, and looking up to repair her error, she first observed
 
 310 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 the ominous length of his countenance, and the unnatural flush 
 which agitated it. His eyes were fixed on her with an ex- 
 pression of anxiety, not to say alarm, mingled with tenderness, 
 but which, as she did not perfectly comprehend their mean- 
 ing, struck her as rather ludicrous, and an involuntary smile 
 overspread her features. Benjamin Ashly somewhat abashed, 
 cast his eyes upon the floor the ceiling and finally they 
 rested on a looking-glass ; and as Miriam had diligently re- 
 newed her employment, he improved the moment to arrange 
 the knot of his neck-kerchief, and smooth his short brown 
 hair, for the best of people love to look well, particularly at 
 such critical times, when a lady's favor is often decided by 
 trifles. Miriam was revolving in her mind on what subject 
 to address him, for as if it was a matter of the utmost im- 
 portance, she could not at the moment, think of any thing to 
 say, when Ashly prevented her any farther trouble, by cross- 
 ing the room with the utmost gravity, and seating himself 
 close beside her. After a brief pause he said to her, 
 
 ' You are about to leave us, Miriam, and to sojourn amidst 
 the perils of a wilderness.' 
 
 ' You should not speak to me of perils,' said Miriam, smil- 
 ing, 'rather be so benevolent as to encourage me with the 
 hope of better things.' 
 
 'I would fain,' said Ashly, 'by exciting your alarm, prevail 
 on you to alter a determination, which has caused so much 
 grief and anxiety to your friends.' 
 
 ' Your purpose is vain,' replied Miriam ; ' I have already 
 " counted the cost," and am resolved to abide by the conse- 
 quences.' 
 
 ' Dear Miriam,' returned Ashly, gaining courage as he pro- 
 ceeded, 'will nothing prevail with you ? will you indeed leave 
 all the comforts and delights of life, to dwell in a far country,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 311 
 
 even among the tents of the wandering savages, whose hands 
 are against every man ? ' 
 
 ' 1 have no fears for my safety,' returned Miriam ; ' and if I 
 had, it would be my duty to conquer them, for the sake of my 
 cousin Lois, whose unvarying kindness to me from infancy, 
 deserves this slight return of grateful attention.' 
 
 ' Before you decide,' replied Ashly, ' consider, I entreat 
 you,' 
 
 ' I am already decided,' interrupted Miriam, a little impa- 
 tient at his persecution ; ' so I pray you, Master Ashly, give up 
 the subject, and suffer me to follow my inclination in peace.' 
 
 ' May the Lord be with you, and prosper you ; ' said Ashly, 
 emphatically ; but after a moment's pause, he ventured to add, 
 ' Miriam Grey, your father hath sometimes encouraged me to 
 open my heart unto you, and I would now urge a request 
 which nearly concerns my happiness.' 
 
 ' Be brief then, if it please you ; for time is pressing, and 
 I have many engagements,' replied Miriam, hoping by an 
 air of indifference again to avert an avowal which she 
 dreaded. 
 
 But Mr. Ashly had apparently nerved himself for the 
 undertaking ; and though trembling like an aspen leaf, he re- 
 plied, 
 
 ' Miriam, I have long loved you, with a love passing that 
 of women ; and even as the patriarch Jacob served seven 
 years for the daughter of Laban, so have I waited patiently 
 to obtain your favor, and it hath seemed unto me but a few 
 days.' 
 
 ' This is some new plan, to divert me from my pur- 
 pose,' said Miriam, in confusion; ' but it is as vain as every 
 other. I have put my hand to the plough, and I cannot look 
 back.' 
 
 1 You do not understand me, Miriam,' replied Ashly. ' I
 
 312 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 would no longer seek to detain you here ; but I pray you, if 
 I have found favor in your eyes, suffer me to go with 
 you ; as your husband, I would cheerfully toil for you, nay, 
 I would hazard my life to preserve you from danger or dis- 
 tress.' 
 
 ' Would you,' asked Miriam, ' leave your widowed mother, 
 who doats on you, and her children, who look up to you for 
 guidance and protection, to gratify this vain and unprofitable 
 desire ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, I would quit every thing,' replied Ashly, his features 
 glowing with hope, and for once yielding to the excitement of 
 his feelings. ' Entreat me not to leave thee, nor to return from 
 following after thee; for whither thou goest I will go, and 
 where thou diest, there will I be buried ? ' 
 
 ' Say not so,' replied Miriam, affected by the earnestness of 
 his appeal ; and after a moment of painful hesitation, she ad- 
 ded, ' I should be unworthy of your regard were I capable of 
 misleading you by any false expectations. I have never 
 sought to deceive you, Benjamin, but on the contrary, have 
 always discouraged the preference which you early professed 
 for me, and which has long been sanctioned by our friends ; 
 circumstances have brought us much together, and this famil- 
 iar intercourse has discovered to me the integrity of your 
 character, and interested me in your happiness ; but forgive 
 my frankness, Ashly; I must add, our destinies can never be 
 united; believe me still your friend, and may the affection of 
 a deserving object soon lead your thoughts from one who can 
 only regard you with esteem and gratitude.' 
 
 1 Never, never, Miriam Grey,' exclaimed Ashly vehement- 
 ly ;' I have loved you through life, and I will love you, and 
 you only, to the last hour of my existence.' 
 
 He rose from his seat with a flushed countenance, and cross- 
 ed the room with rapid strides, as he finished speaking ;
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 313 
 
 while Miriam remained silent and embarrassed, surprised by 
 a display of feeling so foreign to his character, and which 
 was probably more violent from having been long repressed. 
 Ashly continued standing for several moments, apparently 
 striving to regain his usual firmness, which his habitual self- 
 control soon enabled him to effect ; and when Miriam again 
 raised her eyes, every trace of emotion was gone, and his fea- 
 tures had resumed their customary expression of calm and 
 rather gloomy immobility. Nothing could have been less be- 
 coming or more unfavorable to his suit, than this sudden re- 
 turn of composure ; it instantly relieved the mind of Miriam, 
 and convinced her that he would not long suffer under the 
 sting of disappointed hope. She was wondering that he re- 
 mained so long standing and silent, and endeavoring to frame 
 some excuse for quitting the room, when the voice of Mrs. 
 Weldon, singing in a low tone, was heard approaching them. 
 Benjamin Ashly started as if electrified, threw a hurried 
 glance at the door, and not daring to trust his voice in bidding 
 Miriam farewell, he took her hand and held it for an instant 
 in his own, which trembled violently, while his features were 
 again strongly agitated, and without speaking, he precipitate- 
 ly left the room. 
 
 Miriam, deeply regretting the pain she had unwillingly in- 
 flicted, concealed the object of his visit even from her cousin, 
 who had, however, her own suspicions on the subject, which 
 were increa?ed by the absence of Ashly, who prudently re- 
 frained from seeing Miriam again. But three days after, at 
 a distance and unobserved, he indulged in a parting glimpse, 
 at the moment she was embarking on her voyage, surrounded 
 by friends, amongst whom an embarrassing consciousness 
 and dread of exposing his feelings, restrained him from ming- 
 ling. 
 
 The emotions of Miriam Grey were almost overpowering, 
 27
 
 314 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 when she found herself actually quitting the home and friends, 
 who had long been dear and familiar to her ; and, for a time, 
 she was tempted to consider her project rash, and to fear she 
 had been governed by feeling, rather than prudence. But as 
 the village of Plymouth became indistinct, and newer pros- 
 pects opened around her, her thoughts were insensibly divert- 
 ed to other subjects, and her spirits gradually recovered their 
 usual buoyancy, and much of their accustomed gayety. A 
 brisk wind carried them forward, and in less than the ordina- 
 ry time, they were within the spacious Bay of Massachusetts. 
 As they entered the harbor of Boston, Miriam became again 
 silent and abstracted; she observed with restless curiosity the 
 different persons who were collected on the shore ; and Mrs. 
 Weldon was at no loss to conjecture taht Major Atherton was 
 present to her thoughts ; but in the imperfect light he was 
 not recognized by either of them, and immediately on land- 
 ing they proceeded to the public inn.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 315 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 I must admire thee more for so denying, 
 Than I had dared if thou liad'st fondly granted ; 
 Thou dost devote thyself to utterest peril, 
 And me to deepest anguish ; yet even now 
 Thou art lovelier to me in thy cold severity, 
 Flying me, leaving me without a joy, 
 Without a hope on earth, without thyself; 
 Thou art lovelier now, than if thy yielding soul 
 Had smiled on me a passionate consent. 
 
 MlLMAN. 
 
 MIRIAM GREY was in the act of speaking, as she entered the 
 room, where the landlady of the inn had prepared their even- 
 ing repast ; but the words died on her lips the instant she re- 
 cognized Major Atherton, whose eyes were fixed on her with 
 an expression of extreme pleasure, which for the moment ab- 
 sorbed every other sensation. Mrs. Weldon, who did not at 
 first observe him, was surprised at the sudden pause, and feel- 
 ing her cousin lean heavily on her arm, she looked round to 
 ascertain the cause, and beheld her pale as death, and appa- 
 rently on the verge of fainting-. But the emotion of Miriam 
 was as transient as involuntary; and when Atherton sprang 
 forward to support her, she recovered her presence of mind, 
 and gently extricating herself from the grasp of Lois, stood 
 erect with an air of maidenly pride, and a countenance glow- 
 ing with blushes. Atherton respected the delicacy of her 
 feelings, while his heart thrilled with the delightful conscious- 
 ness, that he possessed an influence over them ; and without 
 appearing to notice her embarrassment, he merely bowed, and 
 turning to Mrs. Weldon, said, 
 
 ' I scarcely hoped for the pleasure of seeing my Plymouth
 
 316 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 friends so soon ; and even now my pleasure is mingled with 
 apprehension.' 
 
 ' We have become travelers from necessity, more than in- 
 clination,' returned Mrs. Weldon ; ' but, if our voyage contin- 
 ues as prosperous as it has been hitherto, we shall have cause 
 to " sing of mercy," rather than of "judgment." ' 
 
 ' You must have suffered from cold and sickness and fa- 
 tigue,' said Atherton addressing Miriam, ' at this inclement 
 season, when even the weather-beaten fishermen, gladly re- 
 treat to the shelter of their cabins.' 
 
 ' We have not suffered from any cause,' replied Miri- 
 am ; ' and indeed, our short voyage has been in every respect 
 more comfortable and pleasant than we had any reason to ex- 
 pect.' 
 
 ' But you do look ill; ' said Atherton, regarding her with 
 anxiety, and she was really much thinner than when he 
 saw her last, ' you cannot, ought not to pursue this voy- 
 age Miriam, if, as Mr. Weldon has intimated, you have formed 
 the rash design of going to the savage regions of Connecti- 
 cut.' 
 
 ' And why,' asked Miriam with simplicity, 'is it more rash 
 in me than in my cousin Lois, who has never hesitated for a 
 moment on its propriety or necessity ? ' 
 
 ' Probably,' said Atherton, a little embarrassed by the ques- 
 tion, ' Mrs. Weldon considers herself bound to follow her hus- 
 band, wherever his circumstances lead him ; and I should 
 scarcely venture to obtrude my opinion, when she has one so 
 much more capable of advising her.' 
 
 ' And I,' returned Miriam, ' have had many sage advisers, 
 but as you see, have turned a deaf ear to them all ; Captain 
 Standish will tell you, Major Atherton, that lam a self-willed 
 girl, because I would not take heed to his counsels, for
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 317 
 
 which, however, I am grateful, though he professes not to be- 
 lieve it.' 
 
 ' You would warn me not to adventure where so many 
 have failed,' said Atherton, smiling; 'but if I submit it will 
 be from necessity, not conviction that my advice is incor- 
 rect.' 
 
 ' Here is our hostess bringing in supper, and it is truly wel- 
 come ; ' said Mr. Weldon. ' You will sit down with us I hope, 
 Major Alherton, though your appetite is not like ours, sharp- 
 end by sea-breezes.' 
 
 Atherton did not wait for the invitation to be repeated ; he 
 seated himself opposite to Miriam, and the cheerful meal was 
 passed in animated and general conversation. Miriam was 
 again all gayety and smiles, and both to her and Atherton, the 
 past and future were unthought of, the present a scene of ex- 
 quisite enjoyment ; and when Mrs. Weldon reminded her 
 cousin that it was time to retire, they separated with a sigh of 
 regret, as if a \vakened from a dream of enchantment. Ather- 
 ton remained in a musing posture for some moments after 
 they left the room, till Mr. Weldon rose, and bidding him good 
 night, was about to follow them, when Atherton started from 
 his seat, and in an earnest voice said to him. 
 
 ' Is it too late, sir, to dissuade Miriam Grey from her mad 
 resolution? cannot \ve yet prevail on her to renounce it and 
 remain here in safety ? ' 
 
 ' Remain with whom ? ' asked Mr. Weldon, rather sarcasti- 
 cally ; but he instantly continued in a graver tone, 'not I be- 
 lieve if there is stability in woman, and few even of maturer 
 years possess more than Miriam ; she has resisted the entrea- 
 ties of all her friends, and it is not probable will now be in- 
 duced to abandon her enterprise.' 
 
 ' Is there no one who has influence enough to detain her ? ' 
 said Atherton. ' Surely it is -the duty of all who are interest- 
 27*
 
 318 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ed in her happiness to lift up their voices against an under- 
 taking so replete with dangers.' 
 
 She has listened to the opinion of her friends touching this 
 matter,' returned Mr. Weldon ; 'but her father was wont to 
 entrust much to her discretion, and no person in his absence 
 has authority to control her. For my own part I frankly con- 
 fess my responsibility and anxiety for her almost overbalance 
 the pleasure which her society gives us.' 
 
 ' Then,' said Atherton eagerly, ' you will consent to leave 
 her, if any arguments can succeed in gaining her acquies- 
 cence.' 
 
 ' Her decision has been voluntary,' said Mr. Weldon, ' and 
 I have reason to believe it unalterable ; at all events, I am 
 sure she would sooner lay down her life than deviate in the 
 least from the straight line of duty and principle.' 
 
 'Far be it from me,' replied Atherton, ' to offer any induce- 
 ments inconsistent with the purity and rectitude of her mind 
 and character ; I may appear officious to you, sir, and perhaps 
 to her; but I cannot I have no wish to conceal the deep in- 
 terest which I feel in her welfare and happiness.' 
 
 'I am convinced, 'said Mr. Weldon after a moment's pause, 
 ' that nothing but the known wishes of her father would now 
 prevail with Miriam to relinquish her design ; and indeed all 
 circumstances considered, I am far from wishing her to do so. 
 Tomorrow, if the wind is favorable, we shall proceed on our 
 voyage ; for we are now anxious to reach the place of our 
 destination.' 
 
 4 1 will not detain you longer from your needful repose,' 
 said Atherton ; and with the usual compliments they separated 
 for the night. 
 
 Atherton retired to a small ill-furnished apartment for he 
 resigned his own to the travelers but with a mind loo fully 
 occupied by painful thoughts and anticipations, to regard its
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 319 
 
 deficiencies or incongruities. He thought the tedious night 
 would never pass away, and often through its heavy watches 
 he looked anxiously from the window, noted every twinkling 
 star, and followed with his eye the light clouds which flitted 
 over the heavens, hoping they would collect and retard the 
 departure of Miriam for at least another day. 
 
 The sun, however, rose with unwonted brilliancy on the 
 following morning; but Atherton's immediate apprehensions 
 were quieted, on learning that the wind was still unfavorable 
 for a voyage to the Connecticut. Delighted with this reprieve, 
 and not doubting that he should find an opportunity of con- 
 versing alone with Miriam in the course of the day, he again 
 yielded to the illusions of hope, and joined Mrs. Weldon's 
 breakfast table, with a countenance from which every trace of 
 sadness was banished. But Miriam, though cheerful was less 
 gay than on the preceding evening; and as soon as the repast 
 was finished, she retired with Mrs. Weldon to their own 
 apartments. Atherton scarcely saw her again during the 
 day, except at dinner, and though more than once on the point 
 of requesting a moment's conversation with her, the dread of 
 refusal restrained him, and he deferred it, still hoping that 
 accident would favor him with the desired interview. He 
 fancied too that Miriam intentionally avoided him; and 
 piqued by conduct so different from her usual frankness, he 
 was again inclined to accuse her of caprice and fickleness. 
 When they met at supper Atherton was silent and abstracted ; 
 and the moment they rose from table he pleaded an engage- 
 ment at the Governor's, and with a slight apology left them, 
 for the evening. As he looked back on closing the door he 
 caught the eye of Miriam following him, with an expression 
 so soft and almost tearful, that for an instant his resolution 
 wavered ; but she turned from him, and ashamed of his 
 weakness he instantly retired, Yet the parting look of
 
 320 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Miriam still pursued him. 'I am too hasty, I have judged 
 her unkindly,' he thought; and instead of going to the Gov- 
 ernor's, after walking and musing for about half an hour he 
 returned to the inn in the hope of seeing her. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Weldon were gone out, and Miriam had ex- 
 cused herself from accompanying them by saying she had 
 some arrangements to make for her voyage, and wished to re- 
 tire early to bed. She was alone in a parlor appropriated 
 particularly to their use, and looking attentively from a win- 
 dow which commanded a view of the town and harbor, when 
 Atherton returned and entered the room ignorant by whom it 
 was occupied. It was yet early in the evening, and the 
 bright blaze of a wood fire threw a glare around the apart- 
 ment, and quite eclipsed the feeble light of a candle w*hich 
 flickered in its socket, and whose long black wick showed that 
 the thoughts of Miriam were wandering to other subjects. 
 As Atherton opened the door she looked hastily round to see 
 who was entering, and her recognition was evinced by her 
 heightened complexion as she again turned towards the win- 
 dow and continued to gaze on the scene without. Atherton's 
 resentment, his suspicions all were forgotten ; and in an in- 
 stant he was by her side. 
 
 'Are you admiring this winter scenery, Miriam?' asked 
 Atherton. ' I should think it too familiar, if not too dreary to 
 charm your eyes.' 
 
 ' The -most familiar scenes, 'replied Miriam with still averted 
 face, ' are generally those which give us the greatest pleas- 
 ure ; they are associated in our minds with all that the heart 
 most prizes and best enjoys.' 
 
 ' But here,' said Atherton, ' there is nothing to awaken 
 such associations ; you are in a strange land, where there are 
 no objects to remind you of home and its enjoyments.' 
 
 ' Indeed there are many, very many,' replied Miriam ;
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 321 
 
 ' these dazzling snows, and that boundless ocean, have been 
 familiar to me from infancy ; and the "moon walking in her 
 brightness through the heavens," is even now shining on the 
 forsaken home of my childhood ; and think you I can look 
 upon it without emotions of melancholy pleasure ?' 
 
 ' Impossible !' said Atherton, earnestly, ' and never, Mi- 
 riam, have I gazed upon its calm beauty, since banished from 
 your presence, without thrilling recollections of those happy 
 moments, when with you I was wont to see it slowly rising 
 above the shores of Plymouth, and throwing its silver light 
 through the vine-covered casement where I was permitted to 
 see and converse with you ; where, dearest Miriam, I dared 
 to indulge those dreams of happiness which you have so 
 cruelly disappointed.' 
 
 ' Speak not of the past,' said Miriam, hastily, and with a 
 trembling voice; 'it is like a vision of delight which has 
 faded away, and ought to be forgotten when this moon now 
 shining in glory, begins to wane in her course, I shall behold 
 its parting rays reflected on the waves of the broad Con- 
 necticut.' 
 
 'Be it so,' said Atherton, with impassioned energy, 'and 
 there also will- I be beside you. It is in vain, Miriam, that 
 you fly from me, that you renounce me, that you seek to sep- 
 arate my fate from yours ; wherever your path may lead you, 
 across the deep waters, or through the trackless desert; in the 
 sunshine of prosperity, or beneath the dark sky of adversity 
 there will I be with you, and nought but death shall have 
 power to disunite us.' 
 
 ' Why,' asked Miriam, reproachfully, ' will you force me to 
 regret that I have ever known you ? why, Atherton, do you 
 persecute me with a love which I can never -recompense ?' 
 
 1 Say that you despise me, Miriam, that I am an object of 
 aversion to you, that, were there no other obstacle to our
 
 322 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 union, your indifference would divide us say all this, but do 
 not look at me with an eye of pity do not cheat me with that 
 voice of tenderness, which creates a thousand hopes at the 
 moment it seeks to annihilate them.' 
 
 'I do pity you from my heart,' said Miriam, almost sub- 
 dued by emotion ; ' but what avails it ? we must separate, 
 Atherton, and let not these parting moments be embittered by 
 unavailing regrets.' 
 
 ' Pity me !' repeated Atherton, ' say that you love me, 
 Miriam, that you will love me, and me alone, through weal 
 and woe, and on that sweet assurance I will rest my hopes of 
 brighter and happier days.' 
 
 ' Why,' replied Miriam, 'should you wish to extort from 
 me a confession which ought not to pass my lips ! No, 
 Atherton, we must henceforth learn to think of each other as 
 voyagers, who, for a few brief and smiling days have floated 
 together along the current of time, till our frail barks were 
 driven asunder, never perhaps to meet again, until launched 
 into the ocean of eternity.' 
 
 ' And are you, Miriam, thus indifferent? thus reckless of 
 the past, and careless for the future ? does the memory of joys 
 that are gone, awaken no throb of tenderness ? and can you 
 look through the long vista of coming years darkened by 
 disappointed hope without one sigh of regret ? then, indeed, 
 have I deeply, fatally deceived myself.' 
 
 ' The wicked only can be long and truly wretched,' an- 
 swered Miriam, ' and God I trust will give us grace to bear 
 whatever his Providence ordains. If you truly love me, 
 Atherton, do not render more keen the misery of this parting 
 hour. 1 have left the friends of my childhood and youth, and 
 forsaken the home of my father I have looked with an un- 
 daunted eye on the perils which may encompass me whither 
 I am going, and till now I have endured with fortitude alas !
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 323 
 
 if I had not again seen you, I should have been spared the 
 trial of this moment the anguish of another, a final sepa- 
 ration !' 
 
 Miriam turned from him agitated and confused, and fearful 
 that she had expressed too much in the warmth of her feel- 
 ings ; but Atherton, regarding her varying countenance with 
 renovated hope, exclaimed, 
 
 ' And why should we part, dearest Miriam ? I know, I 
 feel that you love me, and surely the hearts which God has 
 united, it were impious in man to tear asunder!' 
 
 ' If you would retain my esteem,' said Miriam, ' if you 
 value my love, which I have perhaps too lightly given, do not 
 tempt me to forget my duty ; believe me, Atherton, it is dearer 
 to me than any selfish gratification, even than your affection, 
 much as I have learned to prize it.' 
 
 ' Dear Miriam,' replied Atherton, with tenderness, and 
 taking her passive hands between his own, ' this is indeed a 
 recompense for all I suffered, and for all that fate may yet 
 have in store for me ! But I would again ask, why should 
 we part ? have you not confidence enough in my honor and 
 principles, to entrust your happiness in my keeping ? say, 
 dearest Miriam, that you will be mine, and let us not delay 
 to be united by the most holy ties !' 
 
 ' I entreat you to forbear, Atherton,' replied Miriam ; ' you 
 are led away by passion, and forget the delicacy becoming 
 my sex, and the respect due to your own character. Would 
 not the world justly name me with reproach, should I forsake 
 the friends to whom my father entrusted me, and abandon an 
 enterprise in which I am engaged by every feeling of grati- 
 tude and affection to become the wife of a stranger one 
 whose attachment my father disapproves, and whose religion 
 is regarded with aversion ? Nay, hear me patiently would 
 your esteem and confidence in me remain undiminished,
 
 324 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 were my conduct such as to lessen me in the public esti- 
 mation ?' 
 
 ' Yes, dear Miriam, I should love you the more, for rising 
 superior to such illiberal prejudices.' 
 
 4 Is the opinion of the wise and virtuous to be regarded as 
 an illiberal prejudice?' asked Miriam; 'no, Atherton, my 
 own heart would be the first to condemn me, and for worlds I 
 would not tempt its upbraidings.' 
 
 ' Miriam, you are too scrupulous,' replied Atherton ; 'what 
 is it you dread, what law are you transgressing, by entering 
 into an alliance with me ? do we not worship the same God, 
 and what matters it that we differ in outward ceremonies ? 
 You know that I have ever manifested the most sincere re- 
 spect for the religious faith which is so dear to you, which 
 my mother taught me to love ; and I should be far from wish- 
 ing, you to renounce it for that which I profess; and surely 
 under such circumstances it would be bigotry in the extreme, 
 to condemn our union your father cannot refuse his sanction 
 he will not withhold his forgiveness, even if you wait riot 
 for his consent dearest Miriam, give me one smile of en- 
 couragement, or rather say that you will receive me for your 
 happy, your devoted husband.' 
 
 ' I have encouraged you too much already by my rash 
 avowal;' said Miriam, after a moment's pause,'! have ex- 
 posed to you the weakness of my heart, and you take advan- 
 tage of it to urge a request in which, however, I can never 
 acquiesce. I fear your love is selfish, Atherton, or you would 
 not wish me to gratify it, at the expense of any honorable 
 feeling.' 
 
 'Forgive me, Miriam,' returned Atherton, with emotion, 
 'if I have said aught which can justify that conclusion. 
 Heaven is my witness, that your happiness is dearer to me 
 than any earthly object, than life itself; and if I have urged
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 325 
 
 you beyond the bounds of prudence or delicacy, attribute it to 
 the extent of my affection, and the dread of losing you; and 
 believe me, I will in future endeavor to submit more cheer- 
 fully to your decisions.' 
 
 ' I am but too ready to believe all that you wish me to;' 
 replied Miriam ; ' and it is only when duty interposes her au- 
 thority, that I can prove inexorable to your entreaties.' 
 
 ' May her rigid interdiction be soon removed," said Ather- 
 ton, earnestly. ' And yet, dear Miriam, I cannot without 
 trembling apprehension, think of your father's prejudices 
 his stern notions of propriety, which may in an instant crush 
 all my fondly raised expectations, and again consign me to 
 misery.' 
 
 ' We will not borrow trouble from the future,' answered 
 Miriam, "sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." Still, 
 Atherton, let us not be too sanguine of success ; the result is 
 uncertain, and it is wise to prepare our minds for disap- 
 pointment.' 
 
 ' Do not speak of it, Miriam,' said Atherton, impatiently ; 
 ' suffer me at least to enjoy the future, since present happiness 
 is denied me. To part with you, were alone enough of mis- 
 ery ; but to see you go forth to danger and suffering tell me, 
 Miriam, what duty impels you to such scenes ? why should 
 you not even now abandon your rash design, and return to 
 the friends who you are assured will receive you with smiles 
 of affectionate welcome ?' 
 
 ' Do not speak of it, it is impossible,' said Miriam with 
 emotion ; ' suffer me to depart, Atherton; our conference has 
 already been too long.' 
 
 She endeavored to withdraw her hand from him, as she 
 spoke ; but he held it firmly, and said in an anxious voice, 
 
 ' Stay yet a moment, Miriam, and tell rue, if you have well 
 considered the perils of your undertaking ? the hardships you 
 23
 
 326 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 may be called to encounter, from want and its attendant evils, 
 and above all, from the fury of those barbarous savages, who 
 are even now spreading terror throughout the scattered col- 
 onies ? Oh, Miriam, my heart bleeds at the bare possibility 
 that you may be left to suffer, in a land of strangers and 
 barbarians !' 
 
 ' I have thought of all, of every thing,' said Miriam ; ' and 
 I am in the protection of One, who will keep me " under the 
 shadow of his wings in safety," and who is alike present in 
 every place. Do not seek to persuade me, Atherton, you 
 may agitate me by your fears, but you cannot alter my de- 
 termination.' 
 
 1 1 well know your perseverance, in what you regard a 
 duty,' returned Atherton ; ' but is it a duty, Miriam, to rush 
 into certain danger? think, if evil should befall you, it will 
 " bring down your father's gray hairs with sorrow to the 
 grave." ! 
 
 ' And should I shrink from a dangerous duty ?' asked Mi- 
 riam ; ' would not that father blush for the weakness of a 
 daughter so unworthy of parents, who dared and suffered 
 without fear, in the cause of liberty and religion ? No, 
 Atherton, you entreat me in vain it shall not be said that I 
 yielded to the language of passion, when I was deaf to the 
 voice of reason and friendship or that like a weak girl, I 
 turned back to enjoy the society of one for whom with capri- 
 cious fondness, I forsook the friend who cherished me in in- 
 fancy, and neglected the commands of an absent father.' 
 
 ' That shall not be said, dear Miriam ; only go to the safe 
 shelter of the home you have abandoned, and the most fas- 
 tidious shall not have cause to reproach you. I will remove 
 far from you again become a wanderer on the earth, and 
 however painful the self-denial, refrain from seeing you, until 
 your father shall return and decide my destiny.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 327 
 
 ' Do not urge me on this, on any subject;' said Miriam, af- 
 fected by his earnestness ; ' you will make me hate myself, as 
 the cause of your unhappiness and anxiety let me leave 
 you, Atherton ; I cannot, must not grant your request.' 
 
 ' Then I will go with you,' returned Atherton, again de- 
 taining her ; ' I will follow you be ever near you I would 
 die to serve you ; but I cannot leave you to contend with dan- 
 gers, which my arm might avert from you.' 
 
 ' My trust is not in an arm of flesh,' said Miriam ; 'but in 
 Him, without whose permission not a sparrow falls to the 
 ground. Dear Atherton,' she added, with a glowing cheek, 
 and faltering voice, ' we must separate ; but let us remember 
 each other daily in our prayers, and cherish the hope, that 
 God, in his own good time, will grant us a happier meeting : 
 but should we not be permitted to meet again in this vale of 
 tears, there are brighter mansions above, where the pain of 
 parting is never felt, and the distinctions of faith and worship 
 are unknown.' 
 
 ' Dearest Miriam,' said Atherton, ' there is not a moment of 
 my existence in which you are absent from my mind ; your 
 image is blended with every thought, it is the spring of every 
 hope, the inspirer of every pleasure and can you blame me, 
 that I reluctantly resign the delight and treasure of my soul ? 
 Oh, Miriam, the thought that your heart may grow cold and 
 change, is to me more bitter than death !' 
 
 ' Fear it not !' said Miriam, raising her tearful eyes to his ; 
 ' Atherton, you have wrung from me the secret of my love, 
 and now why should I blush to assure you, that neither 
 time, nor suffering, nor reproach, can ever eradicate it from 
 my heart.' 
 
 ' Ten thousand thanks for this assurance,' said Atherton ; 
 c it shall be like a precious talisman, to chase away doubt 
 and despair, in the gloomy moments of our separation.
 
 328 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Look up, my beloved Miriam, on this lovely moon, and 
 often as you gaze upon it, when far away, think that my eyes 
 are also raised to it, and may our thoughts mingle, and the 
 remembrance of this hour descend, like a balmy dew upon our 
 spirits !' 
 
 Before Miriam could reply, the sound of footsteps was 
 heard approaching ; and in an instant she fled, like a young 
 doe from the presence of Atherton.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 329 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Contention, like a horse 
 
 Full of high feeding, madly hath broke loose, 
 
 And bears down all before him. 
 
 SHAKSFEAKE. 
 
 THE following morning was bright and cloudless, with a 
 strong westerly wind ; and soon after sun-rise, Mr. Weldon 
 and his fair companions, recommenced their wintry voyage 
 towards the wilderness of Connecticut. Major Atherton stood 
 on the sea-shore, straining his eyes to catch a last glimpse 
 of the vessel, as it rapidly disappeared ; and feeling as if 
 every wave which bore it onward, opposed an impassable 
 barrier, between himself and the object of his affections. 
 When it was no longer visible, and even the white sails had 
 fluttered for the last time in his view, and sunk below the 
 horizon, he continued to stand and gaze till finding himself 
 regarded with curiosity, he reluctantly retired from the spot. 
 Week after week passed away, and Atherton mingled as 
 usual in society, though often with an abstracted mind, and a 
 heart filled with anxiety respecting the fate of Miriam. The 
 return of the vessel, however, at length brought him a few 
 lines from Mr. Weldon, informing him that they had reached 
 Hartford in safety, after a prosperous voyage, and were then 
 comfortable situated and provided with all the necessaries of 
 life. The letter contained few particulars, but it greatly re- 
 lieved Atherton's apprehensions, and by degrees the situation 
 and prospects of Miriam became a subject of less painful 
 solicitude to his thoughts. Still with all his exertions and all 
 his resolutions, he passed many moments of extreme dejection ; 
 23*
 
 330 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 and the long and gloomy months of winter seemed almost 
 interminable. 
 
 The political and religious dissensions, which disturbed 
 the infancy of Boston, were about that time carried to their 
 height ; and in every place, they became subjects of discus- 
 sion, often of rancor and personal animosity. The adminis- 
 tration of Governor Vane which, even at this day appears 
 equivocal was defended with zeal or arraigned with acrimo- 
 ny, according to the different views and feelings of the indi- 
 viduals who judged him, with a degree of freedom which is 
 still considered lawful in the subjects of a free government, 
 who, whether competent or not, regard it as their birth-right 
 to speak unreservedly of the conduct and character of their 
 rulers. 
 
 But the golden apple of discord, was the ill-fated Mrs. 
 Hutchinson then according to the opinion of her friends, in 
 the zenith of glory and of her opponents, in the depths of 
 humiliation. The boldness of her spirit defied all opposition, 
 and far from yielding to the anathema's fulminated against 
 her, she took up the gauntlet and waged a zealous war with 
 both magistrates and clergy. Her enthusiasm, and apparent 
 sincerity of devotion, with a winning address and most per- 
 suasive eloquence, both in her private conversation and public 
 exhortations, which were always seasoned with the ' odor of 
 sanctity,' gained her numerous converts, particularly among 
 her own sex. Encouraged by success, perhaps inclined to 
 shew her contempt for all authority, she set up a weekly lec- 
 ture at her own house, to instruct and edify the sisters, where 
 it was her custom to repeat the substance of the discourses, 
 which had been delivered on the preceding Sabbath, and to 
 add her own remarks and expositions by way of improvement. 
 A very few of the clergy who adopted her sentiments, or at 
 least palliate^ them, she declared to be under a covenant of
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 331 
 
 grace ; while those who stigmatized her errors, and ceased 
 not in public and private, to denounce her as a leader of Anti- 
 nomianism one who taught from the very dregs of Famil- 
 ism she pronounced to be under a covenant of works ; and 
 into these two parties the whole colony was at length di- 
 vided. 
 
 It is not surprising that this universal excitement alarmed 
 the friends of peace and good order ; but unfortunately ger- 
 sonal dislike and animosity, warned even the coolest judg- 
 ments, and rankled in the most benevolent hearts ; with un- 
 christian violence they resorted to threats and persecution, 
 and like Saul of Tarsus, believed they were 'doing God 
 service.' Even the calm and lenient Winthrop, and the 
 heavenly-minded Eliot, laid aside the spirit of charity and 
 forgiveness \rhich usually influenced them, and took part in 
 the controversy, and assisted to condemn that unhappy wo- 
 man. The ministers from the neighboring, and even distant 
 towns, resorted to Boston, to learn the truth of the reports 
 which were rapidly circulated ; and if needful to lend their 
 aid to suppress the disorder; but the contagion had spread too 
 far, and Mrs. Hutchinson daily increased the evil, by advanc- 
 ing some new and absurd doctrine of theology, which she 
 maintained with a subtlety of argument, and a versatility of 
 talent, perplexing the soundest minds, and giving to error the 
 appearance of consistency and truth. She was evidently 
 favored by Governor Vane ; and it was probably owing to his 
 influence that her trial and consequent banishment were de- 
 ferred until another season. 
 
 Major Atherton prudently preserved a strict neutrality on 
 these subjects of contention ; as he had been kindly admon- 
 ished to do by Mr. Winthrop, when in the warmth of his feel- 
 ings, he once ventured to defend the character of Mrs. Hutch- 
 inson, whom he really believed far less culpable than her ad-
 
 332 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 versaries were willing to allow. Though led away by an ex- 
 treme of fanaticism, which had blighted her character, and 
 perverted her strong and highly gifted mind, a mind capable 
 under other circumstances, of ranking her with the most dis- 
 tinguished of her sex, he though she might, and doubtless 
 did believe herself actuated by a sense of duty, and a desire 
 of being extensively useful. Atherton, however, soon became 
 weary of topics which were often introduced and discussed 
 with acrimony, even in the domestic and social circle ; for 
 from the Governor to the meanest dependent on his bounty, 
 every individual espoused the cause of one or other of the ri- 
 val parties and argued on the different points of doctrine as 
 inclination or interest or conviction dictated ; and with a zeal, 
 which blazed without light, and a faith which had little re- 
 gard to the law of charity. Atherton vainly hoped to indulge 
 again in the interchange of rational and friendly sentiments, 
 which he had so much enjoyed, before the influence of pas- 
 sion and prejudice banished the kindlier feelings from the 
 heart, and substituted crude systems of divinity, and polemic 
 disquisition for those subjects of general interest, which at once 
 exercised the mind and affections, and gave indulgence to the 
 flow of harmless wit, and chastened gayety. He often resolv- 
 ed to return to Plymouth ; but still delayed from day to day, 
 in the hope that by remaining in Boston, he should sooner re- 
 ceive intelligence from Connecticut, whither he would most 
 gladly have gone, had he not felt restrained by respect for the 
 wishes of Miriam Grey ; indeed, he had promised her at the 
 moment of parting, that none but the most urgent motives 
 should induce him to follow her. 
 
 Towards the close of winter these local dissensions yielded, 
 in a great measure, to subjects of more general interest. The 
 aggressions of the Pequod Indians, the most cruel and war- 
 like tribes of North America, became daily more alarming,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 333 
 
 and spread terror and dismay throughout the colonies, partic- 
 ularly of Connecticut, which was marked out for the first ob- 
 ject of their vengeance. Sassacus, their sachem, a fierce and 
 daring prince, whose very name was a terror to his enemies, 
 convened his depending warriors, who readily acceded to his 
 wishes, and sought an alliance with the Mohegan and Narra- 
 ganset tribes. But Providence mercifully overruled his de- 
 sign, which, if successful, must have produced the most fatal 
 consequences, if indeed it had not annihilated the colonies 
 of New England. Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans, though 
 sprung from the royal blood of the Pequods, and connected 
 with them by marriage, refused to negotiate with Sassacus. 
 Having early entertained a friendship for the English, he re- 
 mained faithful to their interests, and proved of essential ser- 
 vice to them in the perilous struggle which at last closed the 
 warfare. 
 
 Sassacus was at first more successful with the Narragansets, 
 a powerful nation bordering the Bay of that name, and stretch- 
 ing inland through the now thriving State of Rhode Island ; 
 but Miantonimo, their sachem, though usually politic and wa- 
 ry, in this instance suffered himself to be governed by feelings 
 of-revenge, to the prejudice of his future interests. The Nar- 
 ragansets had generally maintained a friendly intercourse with 
 the English, though occasional acts of treachery, so natural 
 to the Indian character, proved that their friendship was the 
 result of fear, rather than affection. The Pequods they regar- 
 ded with the jealous hatred of hereditary rivalship. Though 
 scarcely equal to themselves in population and territory, 
 their superior power and influence was a subject of envy and 
 mortification ; and the warlike spirit of Sassacus, which had 
 conquered all the petty tribes that surrounded him, and 
 held them as vassals to his will, gave him a pre-eminence
 
 334 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 which the haughty Miantonimo was most unwilling to ac- 
 knowledge. 
 
 Sassacus, in his treaty with the Narragansets, represented 
 the white people as intruders, and recapitulated the various 
 grievances they had received from them, in a manner calculated 
 to stir up the savage spirit of hatred and revenge. With con- 
 summate art he urged the necessity of union against the com- 
 mon enemy, and detailed the means by which it would be 
 practicable, by a predatory warfare, to exterminate them, with- 
 out the hazard of resorting to open arms. He concluded by 
 predicting that if the Narragansets leagued with the English 
 against the Pequods, they would eventually involve themselves 
 in certain destruction. 
 
 These arguments had well nigh proved successful ; but the 
 government of Massachusetts, learning the intrigues of the 
 Pequods, determined if possible, to counteract their designs ; 
 and while the Narragansets were yet hesitating what course 
 to pursue, they dispatched to them an embassage of peace and 
 amity. Canonicus, the head sachem, had regarded the first 
 settlers of Plymouth as intruders ; and stimulated by his jeal- 
 ous fears, he early sent them a challenge of defiance, con- 
 tained in the emblematic present of a bundle of arrows, bound 
 with a serpent's skin. Governor Bradford ordered the skin 
 to be filled with powder and bullets, and returned, with 
 a spirited message to the savage monarch ; and the expedient 
 so intimidated him, that he was not only afraid to touch them, 
 but even refused them a place in his dominions ; and he ever 
 after discovered a more peaceable and friendly disposition. 
 He was now grown very old, and had resigned the govern- 
 ment to his nephew, Miantonimo, a young prince of great 
 stature, and stern and cruel disposition. He however enter- 
 tained the ambassadors from the Massachusetts with royal 
 hospitality ; and in the presence of his aged relative and a
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 335 
 
 great number of attendants who 'trembled at his speech,' he 
 prepared to receive their message. They were assembled un- 
 der the shelter of a circular building, formed by long poles 
 driven into the ground and covered over with mats ; and dur- 
 ing the speech of the interpreters, Miantonimo lay extended 
 on a mat, encircled by his counselors and nobles, who listen- 
 ed to them with the most grave attention. The hope of sub- 
 duing the hitherto invincible Sassacus, of whom they were 
 accustomed to say, 'he is all one god, no man can kill him,' 
 and of extirminating his brave warriors, prevailed in the sa- 
 chem's mind over every suggestion of prudence and interest, 
 and he signified his readiness to remain at peace with the En- 
 glish, and consented to repair to Boston, to sign the articles of 
 a treaty. 
 
 A few days after the return of the messengers, it was ac- 
 cordingly rumored that the young king of the Narragansets, 
 with twenty of his principal attendants, were approaching the 
 town ; and as a mark of peculiar respect, twenty musketeers 
 were sent to meet them at Roxbury, and escort them the re- 
 mainder of the way. The windows of all the houses were 
 filled with women and children, impatient to behold the pro- 
 cession ; for though the red children of the forest were at 
 that period no novelty in New England, a train of sable war- 
 riors, decked out in savage splendor, was an imposing specta- 
 cle ; and when were not women and children eager to see 
 whatever is rare or wonderful ? The public officers of Bos- 
 ton assembled in dignified state ; and the boys, let loose from 
 school, ran shouting through the streets, to the great an- 
 noyance of Master Handcuff, who, it is recorded, had a 
 world of trouble to depress their merry hallooing to the puri- 
 tanic key. 
 
 Miantonimo, guarded on each side by an inferior sachem, 
 and immediately followed by the two sons of Canonicus, led
 
 336 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 forward the procession ; his figure was graceful and majestic, 
 his features stern, but noble, and his elastic step and lofty 
 bearing expressed the pride and independence of an untamed 
 and courageous spirit. His dress was composed of deer skins, 
 falling below the knees, and profusely decorated with gaudy 
 colors, interwoven with tinsel beads and wrought with the 
 quills of the porcupine ; his moccasins were of the same ma- 
 terials, and adorned in a similar manner ; from his shoulders 
 depended a sort of cloak, composed of the richest furs, and a 
 plume of eagle's feathers ornamented his head. His face was 
 painted with various colors, representing the most uncouth 
 figures ; he carried a bow, and a quiver well filled with ar- 
 rows hung at his back. His followers, attired much in the 
 same manner, though less richly, walked after him with a 
 grave and solemn pace, and the English guards, in their mili- 
 tary dress, brought up the rear, marching to the sound of mar- 
 tial music, which seemed highly enjoyed by their savage visi- 
 tors. The Governor, clergy, and magistrates received them 
 at the entrance of the town with becoming ceremony; for no 
 people are more jealous of etiquette, so far as their knowledge 
 extends : and having bid them welcome, they were conduct- 
 ed to a place prepared, where a conference was holden respect- 
 ing the proposed treaty. 
 
 Miantonimo consented on behalf of himself and people to 
 engage in a war .against the Pequods, on condition that no 
 peace should be made with them, but that they should be ut- 
 terly destroyed. The Governor and his council took until 
 the next morning to consider his proposals, when certain ar- 
 ticles, embracing a system of warfare, offensive and defensive, 
 were agreed upon and signed by the different parties. The 
 prince and his people were hospitably entertained at the Gov- 
 ernor's own table, and apparently much pleased with their 
 reception ; and on the following day they left the abodes of
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 337 
 
 civilization, and returned to the freedom of their humble wig- 
 wams, probably more dear to them than the splendid re- 
 straints of a palace. 
 
 This coalition between their mortal enemies enraged the 
 Pequods beyond measure. Far from being appalled by the 
 threatening danger, they renewed their warfare with redou- 
 bled eagerness, and a degree of malicious cunning, which a 
 savage only could display. They justly relied on their ad- 
 dress and duplicity, which had hitherto proved far more effec- 
 tual than the exercise of their barbarous courage, when con- 
 tending with men inured to discipline, and possessing pow- 
 erful machines of destruction, unknown to them. It was, 
 therefore, their constant and too often successful aim, to draw 
 the English from their places of defence, when, concealed in 
 their own retreats, they discharged their poisoned arrows 
 with fatal aim, or led their unhappy victims to a more slow 
 and dreadful death. They were also continually lying in am- 
 bush for the incautious laborer, or unguarded traveler, who 
 were often entrapped by their artifice, and inhumanly sacri- 
 ficed to their revenge. 
 
 Fortunately for the early planters of Connecticut, the Indi- 
 ans of that region, with the exception of the Pequods and 
 their few allies, were almost universally favorable to their 
 settlement, and in every possible way, rendered them assistance 
 and protection. They instructed them how to plant their 
 corn, carried them on their backs through rivers and morass- 
 es, restored the children who had strayed from their parents, 
 and often supplied them with food in their impoverished state. 
 They hoped with the assistance of the white people to resist 
 the despotic will of the more powerful tribes, and in time, to 
 shake off a yoke which had long afflicted them. In this ex- 
 pectation, and in their deeds of kindness, they were support- 
 ed by the Indians on the western side of the river, who had 
 29
 
 338 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 been subjugated by the Mohawks, a ferocious people, who 
 like the Goths and Vandals of ancient Europe, poured from 
 their eternal forests on the banks of the Hudson and Mohawk, 
 and spread destruction in their course. They had conquered 
 the inferior tribes, even to the borders of Virginia, and annu- 
 ally dispatched their emissaries to exact tribute from their sub- 
 jects, who if they dared to refuse were punished with the 
 most relentless fury. 
 
 The colonists, thus partially protected by the friendly Indi- 
 ans, and using the utmost vigilance to insure their safety, suf- 
 fered less than might have been expected, considering their 
 defenceless state, and the power and rancor of the enemy. 
 Still they were in continual apprehension ; every man was 
 obliged to be constantly armed, and they dared not meet even 
 for public worship, without a sufficient guard to protect them 
 from assault. But the malice of the enemy was at that 
 time principally directed against the fort of Saybrook, at 
 the mouth of Connecticut river, and not more than twenty 
 miles from the royal fortress of Sassacus, which occupied the 
 site of the now flourishing town of New London. This fort 
 was built under the direction of Mr. Winthrop. a son of the 
 Governor of Massachusetts, who in the preceding year was 
 sent from England with a commission from certain nobles and 
 gentlemen interested in the patent of Connecticut, to govern 
 their projected colonies. They also supplied him with money, 
 ammunition and every necessary for the erection of the fort, 
 to which, in honor of his noble patrons, the Viscount Say and 
 Seal, and Lord Brook, he gave the name which is still retain- 
 ed by the village where it was situated. The military com- 
 mand was given to Lieutenant Gardner, a skillful engineer, 
 who had assisted in planning the fortifications ; and a settle- 
 ment was commenced, and houses erected for the garrison. 
 The Dutch, who had long desired to occupy the fruitful re-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 339 
 
 gions of the Connecticut, and had already made some ineffec- 
 tual attempts to settle in different parts, were then on the 
 point of sailing to take possession of that important place. 
 But the activity of Mr. Winthrop defeated their design ; and 
 before the vessel from the New Netherlands appeared at the 
 mouth of the river, he had mounted cannon sufficient to op- 
 pose their entrance and compel them to retire. 
 
 During the winter, the garrison at Saybrook were so hard 
 pressed by the enemy, that it was almost dangerous to ven- 
 ture beyond the intrenchments ; but Lieutenant Gardner with 
 only twenty men, maintained a brave resistance, and not only 
 kept the enemy at bay, but spared several soldiers from his 
 small band to defend a house at the distance of two miles, 
 which was exposed to their attacks. The Indians also watch- 
 ed the river so closely, that it was perilous to pass as usual in 
 boats, even with a strong guard ; and as there was no other 
 means of communication with the sister colonies at that in- 
 clement season, the inhabitants of the Massachusetts heard 
 only casual reports of the situation of their brethren at Con- 
 necticut. These were however sufficient to excite extreme 
 apprehension in the mind of Major Atherton, who resolved 
 to embrace the earliest opportunity of repairing to the scene 
 of danger, and relieving his solicitude respecting the fate of 
 Miriam Grey.
 
 340 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Therefore, all hearts in love use their own tongues, 
 Let every eye negotiate for itself, 
 
 And trust no agent : 
 
 SHAKSPEAHE. 
 
 THE return of spring brought little relief to the distressed in- 
 habitants of Connecticut. The Indians continued their hos- 
 tilities, which were marked by the most atrocious cruelties 
 that ever harrowed the feelings of humanity ; and their con- 
 stant watchfulness rendered it unsafe even to pursue the nec- 
 essary labors of agriculture. Nothing but that persevering 
 energy and unwavering confidence in divine protection, 
 which so remarkably characterized the pilgrims of New 
 England, could have enabled them to endure such complicated 
 trials ; but though afflicted, they were not discouraged ; in 
 the midst of tribulation they never abandoned the hope of 
 brighter days, and the final establishment of that civil and 
 religious freedom, which they suffered so much to obtain for 
 themselves and their posterity. 
 
 In February a court was convened at Hartford, to concert 
 measures for the public safety ; and a letter was addressed to 
 the Governor of the Massachusetts, entreating his assistance 
 in the prosecution of a vigorous war. Captain Mason in the 
 mean time was dispatched with twenty men, though ill- 
 spared from the defence of their homes, to support the gar- 
 rison at Saybrook, which had been considerably weakened by 
 skirmishes with the enemy, in which several of the soldiers 
 were killed or taken prisoners. But the Pequods, probably 
 alarmed by this reinforcement, almost immediately withdrew
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 341 
 
 from the neighborhood of the fort, as it was supposed, to at- 
 tack some less defensible position. 
 
 The people of Massachusetts and Plymouth displayed an 
 active sympathy for the sufferings of the sister colony, and 
 promptly agreed to raise a sufficient force, and march to their 
 relief, as soon as it was possible to make the necessary ar- 
 rangements. Major Atherton solicited, and received permis- 
 sion to join the Massachusetts troops as a volunteer ; happy 
 again to share the dangers of a profession, which had early 
 inspired him with a romantic fondness for scenes of daring 
 adventure ; while the image of Miriam Grey, and the de- 
 lightful thought that he should soon be near to protect her, 
 continually floated in his imagination. 
 
 But the organization of even a diminutive army of two 
 hundred men, was attended with many delays at that early 
 period of the settlement, when men became soldiers only from 
 necessity ; and at an immense sacrifice of personal interest, 
 left the duties of their station to combat with a powerful and 
 inhuman enemy. These and other circumstances rendered it 
 improbable that they would be able to effect a junction with 
 the Connecticut troops, before the commencement of May ; 
 but Captain Underbill, with twenty men, was required to put 
 himself in immediate readiness to go forward and relieve the 
 garrison at Saybrook. It was then near the close of March ; 
 and before these arrangements were completed, a small vessel 
 from the Dutch settlement of the New Netherlands, arrived 
 on a trading voyage in the harbor of Boston. It brought 
 many fearful reports of the continued atrocities of the Pe- 
 quods, the ravages they had made, and the terror which they 
 everywhere inspired; and this additional intelligence com- 
 pletely roused the spirited exertions of the people, who again 
 unitedly resolved to resist the daring injuries, which threat- 
 ened to bring destruction upon the whole country. These 
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 342 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 accounts also renewed the fears of Atherton respecting the 
 situation of Miriam Grey, who he imagined surrounded by a 
 thousand dangers, which haunted his mind without cessa- 
 tion ; and impatient of delay, he resolved at once to end the 
 misery of suspense. He therefore obtained leave to repair 
 immediately to Saybrook fort, without waiting for Captain 
 Underhill ; and the master of the Dutch vessel, for a hand- 
 some compensation, agreed to furnish him with a passage to 
 the desired port. 
 
 On the morning of his departure, Major Atherton wrote a 
 few lines to Captain Standish, hastily sketching his plans, 
 though without alluding to the hopes, which almost unknown 
 to himself, were a powerful incentive to action, and had ob- 
 tained an unbounded influence over his mind. It was there- 
 fore with feelings of pleasurable expectation rather than regret 
 for which he was half inclined to reproach himself as un- 
 grateful that he took leave of his hospitable friends at Bos- 
 ton ; and furnished with suitable credentials to Lieutenant 
 Gardner, again committed himself to the winds and waves, 
 under the guidance of a people, of whose very language he 
 was ignorant. But Captain Van Schiller, a native of Hol- 
 land, proved civil and obliging in his way that is, he sat 
 quietly on deck smoking his pipe, his square head leaning 
 against the mainmast, and his short thick legs resting on a 
 keg of spirits, perfectly contented that they were moving, 
 however slowly ; and good-naturedly resolved to let every one 
 do as he pleased, and manage affairs in his own way, so long 
 as it did not interfere with his interest or comfort. Besides, 
 he would speak but little English, except so far as was neces- 
 sary to drive a good bargain with that crafty nation, in which, 
 to do him justice, he seldom lost any thing through ignorance ; 
 and Atherton finding him inclined to drowsiness, and the men 
 unable to comprehend any thing but their own guttural and
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 343 
 
 most unharmonious mother tongue sat down alone and un- 
 disturbed on the deck, his eyes long lingering on the pleasant 
 shores of the bay, as yet scarcely divested of their wintry 
 covering, though here and there a sheltered glade or sunny 
 hill was faintly tinged with verdure, the first promise of ap- 
 proaching spring. 
 
 In the mean time, the Dutch vessel, sunk almost to the wa- 
 ter's edge, moved slowly along, encumbered by a weight of 
 planks and useless tackle, almost sufficient to equip a man of 
 war in these economical times ; but most inconveniently mis- 
 placed in the small but clumsy vessel, that ploughed heavily 
 through the waves, which at every instant extorted a groan 
 from it, as if in the act of forcing its ribs asunder. The crew, 
 probably used to its distress, seemed totally to disregard it, 
 and pursued their navigation with .admirable gravity, seldom 
 suspending their labor to exercise their colloquial powers, or 
 indulge in those bursts of merriment to which the seamen of 
 other nations are so prone. Perhaps this was from deference 
 to their Captain, whose meditations were long and deep; but 
 whether he was holding high converse with his own thoughts, 
 or admiring the thick waisted beauties gallantly pictured on 
 his vessel, he might, for aught of life or motion, as well 
 have represented the figure of St. Nicholas which decorated 
 the stern, save for the volumes of smoke which curled from 
 his capacious mouth, a luxury probably unknown to the 
 worthy saint. Once also, an unlucky wight, who hovered 
 high in air on the main-mast-top, let fall a coil of rope, which 
 lighting on the centre of his pericranium, sent forth from the 
 interior a hollow reverberation like unto the sound of a kettle 
 drum, and beat out a tremendous high Dutch oath, that we 
 care not to repeat. But this transient excitement past, the 
 usual monotony again prevailed ; until in passing the Nan- 
 tasket road, a vessel hove in sight, and as soon as they were
 
 344 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 near enough, Captain Van Schiller hauled in his sails and 
 prepared to speak with her. She was from Plymouth, bound 
 to Boston ; and Major Atherton had the satisfaction to receive a 
 packet of letters from his friends, which he hastened to pe- 
 ruse, when the vessel was again under way. The envelope 
 contained a letter from Mr. Winslow, and one from Captain 
 Standish, but as their contents are not very important or inter- 
 esting, we shall pass them over, and lay before our readers 
 the following from Peregrine White, which was enclosed in 
 the Governor's. 
 
 TO MAJOR EDWARD ATHERTON. 
 
 DEAR MAJOR, 
 
 I have been trying for these four months past, that is, ever 
 since you left Plymouth, to write a letter to you ; but I know 
 not how it is, I am not very familiar with my pen, and have 
 kept putting it off, till I have a world of news to tell you, and 
 can wait no longer. Let me think, what shall I begin with. 
 But I must first ask if you saw Miriam Grey when she was 
 in Boston ? I need not ask though, for I will be bound you 
 found her out before she had been there an hour. I hope the 
 pretty damsel was more kind to you than before you left 
 Plymouth ; for though we could get nothing out of her or Mr. 
 Weldon about the matter, it was easy to guess the reason of 
 your flying off so, almost without saying good-bye to your 
 best friends. Now, Major, you always laugh at me for think- 
 ing I have a deal of penetration ; but I saw plainly how mat- 
 ters stood with you long ago ; and I well know it is all owing 
 to that grim father of hers that you and Miriam are separated, 
 for she too, poor thing, looked as wan and drooping as a pond 
 lily, after you went away. I wonder wherein was the use of 
 people's coming over to this savage wilderness, for the sake 
 of liberty of conscience, as they call it, if they will not allow
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 345 
 
 any one to think differently from themselves, now they are 
 here, nor to marry whom they choose, and be happy if they 
 can. But only think of Miriam's being in Connecticut at this 
 dreadful time, foolish girl that she is ! I expect every day 
 to hear you have gone to look after her, and that you have 
 killed as many savages as Samson did Philistines though I 
 think you must have something sharper than the jaw-bone of 
 an ass to make way with such hardened wretches. Well, 
 perhaps I shall see you there, for our court have agreed to 
 send forward fifty men to help the Connecticut people; and 
 after much persuasion, my father has consented to let me go 
 with them ; my dear mother distressed herself bitterly about 
 it for a time, but is now more reconciled. What do you think 
 Captain Standish says about me ? why that I shall not have 
 courage to stand fire unless I am cased up to the eyes in steel 
 so I asked him to lend me his coat of mail which has kept 
 him in life so long though in truth, I think it would hardly 
 cover my legs. Our friend Benjamin Ashly is going too, if 
 you can believe it I wish it might be as chaplain, or I fear 
 he will have more arrows in his back than he can well stop 
 to pick out. I wish you had seen him the other day when I 
 met him with a long face, and asked him if he had heard that 
 Miriam Grey was scalped by a horrible Indian ! He stood, 
 for all the world, like Lot's pillar of salt, and half afraid he 
 was really changing, I made haste to comfort him by saying, 
 ' Pluck up courage, friend ; it has not happened yet, and I 
 will warrant you Major Atherton takes good care that not a 
 hair of her head is harmed.' So he turned away from me 
 too angry to say a word. 
 
 But now I must tell you what I intended at the first; but 
 some how or other I have an unfortunate way of saying what- 
 ever happens to come uppermost, which often leads me astray 
 from my subject. Did Miriam tell you though it is not
 
 346 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 likely she did that Mr. Calvert left Plymouth soon after you 
 went away, and every body says because she would not marry 
 him and go to Virginia. Well, as his vessel was not quite 
 ready to sail, he went to pass a week or two with Captain 
 Standish, who it seems took a great liking to him. It so hap- 
 pened that while he was there the Captain saw by chance a 
 comely young damsel, and thinking, as well he might, that it 
 was ' not good for man to be alone,' he resolved in his mind 
 the means of taking her unto himself for wife. But as it is 
 long since his courting days, I suppose the good man felt a 
 little awkward at the business, being more accustomed to slash- 
 ing up Indians than making fine speeches, such as win 
 pretty women ; and so in imitation of ancient Isaac he resolv- 
 ed to send forward a herald to speak the word for him. I 
 have ever since thought he would have done well if he had 
 chosen me, who would doubtless have proved a trusty agent ; 
 but instead thereof he selected Calvert, who was at his" house, 
 and well able to argue fluently on any side of the question, 
 right or wrong. So he repaired to the damsel, full armed with 
 instructions ; but alas ! who can foresee the caprices of love ? 
 When he had finished pleading the Captain's cause, the 
 maiden turned her bewitching eyes upon him, and said with 
 sweet simplicity, 
 
 ' Prithee why do you not speak for yourself? ' 
 
 ' Would you,' answered Calvert, ' prefer me, an unknown 
 stranger, to the brave Captain whose name is renowned all 
 over the world for his deeds of courage ? ' 
 
 ' Ten to one,' replied the damsel, with a smile and a blush. 
 
 Now the rest of their conference is unknown, and this has 
 leaked out unawares ; but it was doubtless settled to the satis- 
 faction of both, for Calvert returned to Captain Standish to 
 confess the strange result of the business, and arrange his 
 affairs ; and it is whispered that your valiant kinsman flew
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 347 
 
 into a most violent passion, and that very night turned him out 
 of doors. I will not vouch for the truth of all this, being 
 very cautious about spreading reports, but be that as it may, 
 before noon on the following day, Mr. Calvert put his bride 
 and other commodities on board the vessel, and sailed from 
 Plymouth, probably forever. 
 
 Now isn't this a very droll affair, Major ? I have laughed 
 incessantly about it, and the other night actually waked up in 
 a roar, to the great alarm of my mother, who came running 
 into the chamber to see if I had lost my wits. I could only 
 cry out, ' The Captain, mother that was a sly trick of the 
 girl's,' and half provoked she said ' Foolish boy, go to 
 sleep,' and left me, almost as much amused as myself. The 
 best of all is, no one dares to speak openly of the matter, lest 
 the Captain should serve him as he did the sachem Wittu- 
 wamet; and indeed he holds up his head so boldly, that peo- 
 ple are half inclined to believe it was all a trick of Calvert's 
 to amuse and astonish the world. I ventured one day to al- 
 lude to it before the Captain ; but his eyes flashed fire, and he 
 touched his sword with such a menacing gesture, that in good 
 truth I was glad to retreat as well as I could. 
 
 Now, dear Major, I think it is time to draw this letter to a 
 conclusion, and I dare say you are of the same opinion ; it is 
 certainly the longest I ever wrote, for my credit's sake I will 
 not say the best. As for the rest of the good people of Plym- 
 outh, I believe they go pretty much as when you were here. 
 Your old acquaintance, Mistress Gilbert, has been very busy 
 in talking about tbe Captain's affair ; and I wish in my heart 
 he could hear of it, and give her one sound dressing that 
 should frighten her out of her gossiping, for a time at least. 
 Her good friend, and your admirer, Mistress Rebecca Spindle, 
 is as interesting as ever ; she enquired after you the other 
 day with a sweet simper which would certainly have won
 
 348 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 your heart, had you been an eye-witness to it, though by the 
 way, I believe she is laying siege to Master Ashly's heart, 
 since he has been forced to give up his pretensions to Miri- 
 am. I hear she tells him that giddy young girls are always 
 fond of flirting, and there can be no reliance placed on them 
 till they arrive at years of discretion, at her age for instance; 
 and more than once, if report speaks truth, she has enticed 
 him to walk home with her from a prayer meeting. ' Here 
 is gossip,' you will say, ' equal to Mistress Gilbert's ! ' Nev- 
 er mind Major ; it is a glorious privilege of our sex to 
 detail news and scandal, and remark on people and things 
 as we think proper, without the reproach of gossiping, 
 which is a term exclusively feminine, and long may it con- 
 tinue so ! 
 
 No news have been heard lately from Mr. Grey ; but he is 
 expected to return in the course of a month or two. I beg 
 you, to destroy this foolish letter for more reasons than one. 
 My mother desires to be remembered to you and so would 
 my father did he not intend to write himself. I hope he will 
 not look into this sheet, for he would never let me send you 
 so much nonsense. 
 
 Farewell, dear Major, and believe me your sincere friend, 
 
 PEREGRINE WHITE. 
 Plymouth, March 6th, 1637. 
 
 Major Atherton folded the letter with a smile when he had 
 finished reading it, much amused by the contents so charac- 
 teristic of his gay young friend ; but not a little perplexed 
 with that part of it which related to his kinsman. We shall 
 not stake our credit as historians by insisting on the truth of 
 that report ; though tradition has handed it down to us with 
 an accuracy which in our minds admits no doubt of its authen- 
 ticity.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 349 
 
 It would be tedious in the extreme to follow the slow pro- 
 gress of Captain Van Schiller's vessel, which in open defiance 
 of Dutch canvass, continued to drift along with the tide, rath- 
 er than obey the impulse of the winds, which to speak truth 
 were sometimes in a wrong direction, and it was therefore not 
 until the fourth day from leaving Boston, that they entered 
 the inland sea now called Long Island sound, and without one 
 perilous adventure to give a zest to their irksome voyage. 
 Major Atherton's patience was spun out to a mere cobweb ; 
 he wondered that the sun could smile so cheeringly and the 
 south send forth her softest breezes to dally with their use- 
 less sails; and the moon shine with such unwonted brilliance 
 on the waveless ocean, and the fairy isles, which ever and 
 anon spotted its surface and seemed putting on a deeper green, 
 and budding into beauty as they approached nearer to the re- 
 gions of the sun. Yet at times he yielded to the serene and 
 balmy influence of nature, then in the youth and loveliness of 
 that genial season, which has so long awaked the poet's song 
 and inspired the lover's dream ; and often in the freshness of 
 morning and the stillness of the night watches, with the flag- 
 eolet, his only companion, he ' discoursed most excellent mu- 
 sic,' mingling its sweet tones with the ripple of the waters, 
 and creating strains which in the golden age might have call- 
 ed the sea-nymphs from their caves to listen. 
 
 It was however with very pleasant emotions that he at 
 length understood they were approaching the mouth of Con- 
 necticut river ; though he observed they still bore off towards 
 the coast of Manhattan, which lay in full, though distant pros- 
 pect, instead of the opposite shore to which they were destin- 
 ed. The Captain complained of the wind as the grand mov- 
 er of this crooked navigation ; but Atherton remarked that 
 there was scarcely enough to swell the sails and insisted that 
 he would no longer be subjected to such provoking delays. 
 30
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Captain Van Schiller listened to him without either surprise 
 or anger ; and when he had done speaking, leisurely knocked 
 the ashes from his pipe, and carefully replacing it in his huge 
 waistcoat pocket, replied, 
 
 ' Very well, mynheer, we will see what can be done ;' and, 
 on this benevolent errand, he stubbed away to hold a confer- 
 ence with the helmsman. Nearly half the day, however, 
 was consumed in total inaction, notwithstanding the contin- 
 ued remonstrances of Major Atherton, but the appearance of 
 a small vessel approaching from the Connecticut shore, at 
 length, inspired even Dutchmen with momentary animation. 
 When within speaking distance, they hailed her, and were 
 answered in their own language ; which was so delectable a 
 sound to their sensitive countrymen, that they set up a shout 
 of exultation, which might have been heard on the ramparts 
 of Fort Orange. The two Captains then entered into a long 
 parley, and from their earnest gesticulations, Atherton judged 
 they were discussing a subject of some importance. As soon 
 as their conference was ended the small vessel again hoisted 
 her sails and with enviable speed pursued her destined course. 
 Captain Van Schiller then called his men together, and re- 
 mained for some time engaged in conversation with them, 
 which Atherton in vain endeavored to comprehend j but the 
 result, whatever it was, seemed decisive ; the men engaged 
 with unusual activity in their labors, and Atherton, for the first 
 time, suspected they were deceiving him, and demanded of 
 the Captain, an explanation of his conduct. 
 
 That worthy son of Neptune, apparently exhausted by his 
 late exertions, was drowsily reclining in his usual place of 
 repose, with a countenance as stagnant as one of his own ca- 
 nals ; but which began faintly to glimmer into life, as Ather- 
 ton, with rather less than his usual courtesy, made the need- 
 ful inquiries. Captain Van Schiller was lost in meditation for
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 351 
 
 a moment, while a dense column of smoke rolled from his 
 mouth, which Atherton stepped back to avoid, and then grave- 
 ly answered, that the master of the vessel they had just spok- 
 en with, whom he knew to be a man of veracity, had given 
 him such accounts of the numbers and ferocity of the Pequod 
 Indians, that he considered it hazardous to venture near the 
 coast : that they were continually out in their canoes watch- 
 ing for the English, and other boats ; that his vessel sailed 
 but slowly at the best ; and being only defended by one swiv- 
 el which, moreover, was out of order, neither he, nor his peo- 
 ple thought it prudent to run the risk of being scalped, or 
 roasted alive, and, perhaps devoured, like fat oxen, for those 
 barbarians actually ate their prisoners, as greedily as a mouse 
 would swallow a bit of toasted cheese : and he finally conclud- 
 ed by declaring that, though he had as much courage as most 
 people, and perhaps might be induced to adventure his own 
 life, yet his crew, one and all, had resolved not to go in the 
 way of such heathenish dogs, but to return with all conven- 
 ient speed to Fort Amsterdam. 
 
 Nothing could exceed the indignant surprise of Major Ath- 
 erton, at this unexpected declaration : and in the resentment 
 of the moment, he asserted that the most unpardonable cow- 
 ardice and perfidy could alone have instigated such an unwar- 
 rantable infraction of their treaty. Captain Van Schiller lis- 
 tened to his reproaches with a kind of blank astonishment ; 
 for he had not dreamed that any one could be so unreasona- 
 ble as to object against the prudence of his measures ; and 
 even when he had finished speaking, continued to regard him 
 with that perplexed and stupid wonder with which a clown 
 is wont to admire the marvelous feats of legerdemain. But 
 with the utmost calmness, he presently resumed his pipe, and 
 Atherton, provoked that he could excite neither remorse nor 
 anger in his phlegmatic companion, had recourse alternately
 
 352 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 to threats and entreaties, to induce compliance with his agree- 
 ment. All, however, proved ineffectual ; Captain Van Schil- 
 ler possessed the virtue of self-command to an astonishing de- 
 gree, and nothing could move his passions, nor would any 
 thing shake the determined obstinacy of his disposition, which 
 once resolved, whether right or wrong, was as immovable as 
 the foundations of the earth. 
 
 Major Atherton had no doubt that the sailors were influ- 
 enced by their Captain on this subject ; but his ignorance of 
 their language rendered it impossible to argue with them, or 
 even to discover their real feelings ; and sensible that he had 
 no hope of redress, with sensations of bitter disappointment he 
 resigned himself to his perverse destiny, and during the re- 
 mainder of the voyage continued in a state of gloomy abstrac- 
 tion.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 353 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 And the sound 
 
 Of axe and dashing oar, and fisher's net, 
 And song beguiling toil, and pastoral pipe 
 Were heard, where late the solitary hills 
 Gave only to the mountain cataract 
 Their wild response. 
 
 SOUTHET. 
 
 MAJOR ATHERTON was at length roused from his painful rev- 
 erie, by an unwonted bustle among the crew, which announc- 
 ed their near approach to the capital of the Manhadoes ; while 
 each one with a confused murmur of delight, and a counte- 
 nance that manifested the most complacent satisfaction, turn- 
 ed to catch the first view of the fair city of New Amsterdam. 
 As yet, however, the clumsy dome of St. Nicholas' church 
 and a tall flag-staff, surmounted by the colors of the Prince of 
 Orange, flapping idly in the wind, were alone perceptible; 
 and Atherton, with listless curiosity turned his eyes towards 
 them, though inwardly persuaded that, circumstanced as he 
 was, nothing could excite an emotion of interest or pleasure. 
 But as they gradually approached the shore, every sensation 
 of resentful disappointment became absorbed in delight and 
 admiration ; and the charms of nature resumed their accus- 
 tomed influence over his imagination and feelings. 
 
 The ancient islands of Manhattan broken into hills and 
 valleys, exhibited the variety and luxuriance of primeval na- 
 ture, and its silent shores where now the sounds of business 
 and of pleasure are ever heard, were fringed with lofty for- 
 ests, then unfolding their tender buds, and mingling a thous- 
 and hues from the pale tints of the trembling aspen, to the 
 30*
 
 854 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 dark foliage of the mournful cypress. Full in view the ex- 
 pansive waters of the Bay were slumbering in a glorious sun- 
 set, studded with numerous isles, and bounded by scenes of 
 wild and romantic loveliness. New Amsterdam, the humble 
 beginning of the now gay and commercial city of New York, 
 occupied a commanding situation on the verge of a fruitful 
 island, encircled by the Hudson and East rivers, and present- 
 ed a truly picturesque and novel appearance. At that early 
 period it certainly made no pretensions to the grand or beau- 
 tiful ; but it was distinguished by an air of neatness, pecu- 
 liar to the Dutch settlements, and the houses, uncouth as they 
 appeared, with their projecting roofs, their fronts of black and 
 yellow tile, and other ingenious devices for show and orna- 
 ment, looked substantial and comfortable, and were in 
 general shaded by forest trees, which gave an agreeable re- 
 lief to the eye, while it afforded a grateful shelter from the 
 sun. 
 
 Captain Van Schiller's broad countenance was enlivened 
 with something like a smile, as he remarked the evident pleas- 
 ure of Major Atherton ; and probably believing it excited by 
 admiration of the superior taste and ingenuity of his country- 
 men, he continually followed the direction of his eyes, to dis- 
 cover what object was next to meet his approbation. Ather- 
 ton on his part, so far forgot his late resentment, as to ask 
 many questions, respecting the condition of the Colony, which 
 the Captain willingly answered to the best of his abilities, 
 though he proved far less clear in his ideas on that subject, or 
 at least less fluent in his speech, than when descanting on the 
 points of architectural beauty displayed in the church of his 
 patron saint, and the impenetrable strength of their redoubt- 
 able mud fortress. At length, to the satisfaction of all on 
 board, the vessel anchored at a little distance from the fort, 
 and amidst a crowd of men, women, children, and dogs, Ma-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 355 
 
 jor Atherton landed in the western dominions of their high 
 Dutch mightiness. 
 
 Captain Van Schiller soon discovered, in this motley group, 
 his own Goede Vrouw, or good woman, who with her daugh- 
 ter, a pretty, plump lass of sixteen, was hastening to meet and 
 welcome his return. On seeing her long absent lord, the 
 worthy dame sprang forward with an alacrity quite astonish- 
 ing, considering her dimensions ; and, with becoming grati- 
 tude for this active proof of her affection, the spouse rewarded 
 her with a hearty kiss, which exploded like a signal gun from 
 the battery of Fort Amsterdam. Atherton was rather star- 
 tled by this public display of conjugal felicity, which was 
 however conducted with extreme gravity ; but as he was in 
 the act of retiring from the crowd, the Captain grasped him 
 firmly by a button of his coat with one hand, while with the 
 other he dragged forward his blushing daughter, who on see- 
 ing a stranger with her father, had hung back behind the am- 
 ple folds of her mother's petticoat. 
 
 ' Come hither, Gertrude,' he said, taking her in his arms, 
 and saluting both cheeks, ' dunder and blixum, girl, you are 
 not afraid of a young soldier, are you? ' and with a sort of 
 chuckle he swung her round, and then set her down on her 
 feet again. For an instant, however, she appeared so dizzy, 
 that Atherton felt obliged to offer her the support of his arm ; 
 but she tacitly declined it, and only expressed her thanks by 
 a low courtesy, without even looking in his face ; though, a 
 moment after, when unobserved, she ventured to steal a glance 
 at him, from the corners of her large dark eyes. But the mothr 
 er had examined him more attentively, and whispered Ger- 
 trude to ' hold up her head like a woman, and not feel asham- 
 ed to be seen ;' while, by dint of twitching her good man's 
 sleeve, and the aid of an audible whisper, accompanied with 
 expressive gesture?, she at length made him comprehend her
 
 356 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 wish to have Atherton invited home with them. The invita- 
 tion was accordingly given in due form, by the obedient hus- 
 band ; but Atherton thought proper to decline their hospi- 
 tality, and soon after took leave of them, and repaired to a 
 public house, where he fortunately found neat and convenient 
 accommodations. 
 
 A week passed away, and still Major Atherton saw no pros- 
 pect of speedily accomplishing his designs. The Dutch of 
 New Amsterdam were a cautious people, and cared not to ad- 
 venture life, limb, or property, without a certain hope of ad- 
 vantage ; therefore, their trading vessels, which used to make 
 frequent voyages to Connecticut, were sent to other ports or 
 lay at anchor in the Bay, waiting for more certain informa- 
 tion respecting the hostile Indians. They had still a large 
 range of navigable country open to their vessels, from fort 
 Orange, on the Hudson, the ancient Aurania, and present 
 city of Albany, to fort Nassau, on the Delaware, which they 
 held in the name of the States-General, and carried on a lu- 
 crative traffic with the natives. Their perseverance and in- 
 dustry had brought the colony into considerable repute ; and 
 the English, who always regarded them as mere intruders, 
 had already made several efforts to alienate their possessions 
 from the Dutch government, and attach them to the domin- 
 ions of their own king, who they insisted was the rightful 
 proprietor. But the Dutch perversely maintained a contrary 
 opinion, and in despite of occasional menaces from their 
 neighbors, who however found it enough to take care of 
 themselves, they continued to enjoy for many years, 
 their own language, customs and laws, in their native 
 purity and perfection. It is true, they had been sorely ag- 
 grieved by certain of the Massachusetts' folk, who seized the 
 goodly lands of Connecticut, which they intended to improve for 
 their own advantage; and when they had already erected a fort,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 357 
 
 which they called the Huise or fort of Good Hope, and planted 
 two pieces of artillery on what is the present site of Hartford. 
 But they had the mortification of seeing their flag insulted, 
 first, by the people of Plymouth, who refused to strike their 
 colors to it, and disdaining their threats, sailed boldly past, 
 and setup a trading house, well defended from all hostile at- 
 tacks ; and last, though not least, a roving congregation from. 
 the Massachusetts, sat quietly down, under the very muzzles 
 of their guns, and built around them an orderly and fair vil- 
 lage, which crowded them out of their strong hold ; and, by 
 persuasion and a show of strength, they were finally induced 
 to give up all their claims to the country; very prudently 
 considering, that they could not substantiate, and were too 
 weak to contend for them. Whether the remembrance of 
 these alledged wrongs continued to rankle in their breasts, it is 
 impossible to determine ; they however carried on a friendly 
 commerce with the English colonies, but showed no disposition 
 to interfere in their quarrels, even in the decisive struggle 
 with the Pequods. Kieft, then Governor of the New Nether- 
 lands, preserved a strict neutrality. The people in general, 
 imitated the peaceable disposition of their ruler ; feeling it 
 more safe to smoke their pipes at home, than to seek for un- 
 certain laurels in a land of savages, with no prospect of ad- 
 vantage, but, on the contrary, at the risk of involving them- 
 selves in difficulties, and perhaps provoking the vengeance of 
 the natives. 
 
 Thus circumstanced, Major Atherton met with little sym- 
 pathy, and it was in vain that he occupied his mind in form- 
 ing plans to prosecute his enterprise, which he constantly 
 found it impossible to execute. The inhabitants of New Am- 
 sterdam, however seemed to regard him with favor, and ex-^ 
 erled themselves, with wonderful alacrity, to render his resi- 
 dence in their city agreeable. The houses of the most respect-
 
 358 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 able citizens were courteously opened to him, and he was at 
 all times, welcome to attach himself to the family circle, look 
 at the good man, while with the most contemplative air imag- 
 inable, he regaled himself with his huge pipe of tobacco, and 
 with apparent delight puffed the smoke from his mouth, like 
 vapor from a steam vessel; and listen to the conversation of 
 his more loquacious dame, who good-humoredly amused him 
 with family details, not omitting occasional remarks on the 
 affairs of the neighborhood, which, in her zeal for the public 
 good, were generally regarded with extreme interest. The 
 daughters, with commendable industry, usually sat apart, as 
 demure as the household cats, exercising their genius in gar- 
 nishing and repairing the family garments ; being taught by 
 their prudent mothers to win hearts and husbands, not by 
 an unfeminine propensity to talking, but by the dexterous 
 use of their fingers, in which consists the true excellence of 
 woman. 
 
 Atherton soon found it was worse than useless to com- 
 plain ; if, by chance, an impatient wish escaped him, the peo- 
 ple looked at him, and each other, as if struck with doubts of 
 his sanity ; for they really believed none but a madman, or 
 one perversely discontented, could reject the charming tran- 
 quillity of New Amsterdam, where there was every thing that 
 heart could wish that is, enough to eat and drink, not for- 
 getting the grand inspirer of felicity, tobacco, and time to 
 smoke and sleep, and an abundance of raiment to put on : 
 in fine, nothing but a few straight ditches were wanting to 
 render it a complete Dutch paradise. The people too, were 
 sober and industrious, well pleased to tread in the steps of 
 their forefathers, and never prying into things that did not 
 concern them, nor dabbling in vain experiments, and seeking 
 out new inventions, which bring trouble and ruin on so many 
 young provinces, and old ones too. It was, therefore, beyond
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 359 
 
 their comprehension, that any man should think of leaving 
 such a place, to embroil himself with the horrible Indians, 
 who scalped and murdered every thing they could lay their 
 dingy hands upon and all to aid the restive Massachusetts' 
 people, who, the Governor had been heard to say, were not 
 much better than ravages themselves ; for had they not driven 
 away the peace-loving Dutch, and planted fields, and built 
 villages, where they had intended to plant and build, if time 
 had been given them ? Indeed, it was more than once sug- 
 gested in a secret council of thrifty burghers, that those en- 
 croaching colonists might, on some luckless day invade their 
 fair capital, if the cautious rulers of the land, did not avert 
 their designs, by building dykes, and cutting canals to defend 
 it, after the most approved fashion of their ancestors. Unfor- 
 tunately however, the inequalities of this new country, use- 
 lessly heaped into hills, and scooped out into valleys, opposed 
 obstacles to their plan, which had never puzzled the brains of 
 their countrymen on the other side of the Atlantic, where the 
 beautiful swamps were perfectly free from such incumbrances, 
 and seemed moulded by nature to suit their peculiar genius. 
 
 Major Atherton, therefore, very philosophically resolved to 
 endure with patience what could not be avoided, and to con- 
 fine his useless regrets to his own bosom, and many a soli- 
 tary hour was given to their indulgence. But in public he 
 was ever gay and courteous, and by his affability, the cheer- 
 fulness with which he entered into the feelings of the old, and 
 the amusements of the young, he soon became a prodigious 
 favorite, particularly with the ancient ladies, to whose length- 
 ened discourse, with the deference due to their sex, and the gal- 
 lantry of a young soldier, he would listen with the utmost po- 
 liteness, though it is true their language was not always quite 
 intelligible, and his thoughts were generally afar off. But the 
 plump little divinities of the city were so enamored with his
 
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 attentions that their round-headed admirers began to find 
 themselves slighted by their fair mistresses, and in the height 
 of their alarm, might perhaps have been induced to convey 
 the intruder from their shores, if circumstances had not oc- 
 curred to render it useless ; though they most uncharitably 
 persisted in ascribing his success, not to any superiority on his 
 part, but to that perverse love of novelty, which it is said 
 clings to woman through all the changes of her capricious 
 life. 
 
 Major Atherton was a frequent guest at the house of Cap- 
 tain Van Schiller, and the idle world, which cares not whether 
 it speaks truth or falsehood, presumed to say he was allured 
 thither by the charms of Gertrude, his youngest daughter ; 
 for had not the Captain gone up the Hudson to Fort Orange, 
 and what else could he be seeking? But Atherton remained 
 ignorant of these suggestions, and the subject of them was 
 scarcely a moment in his thoughts ; but Gertrude at that time 
 chanced to be a reigning belle, and there was more than one 
 gentle youth, who regarded his supposed pretensions with a 
 jealous eye. He often met there a young man distantly con- 
 nected with the family, whose frank and engaging manners 
 soon gained his entire confidence and esteem. Hans Van 
 Haarman, such was his name, was a native of Holland ; 
 but he had resided several years in the New Netherlands ; 
 and having followed the profession of arms almost from child- 
 hood, he was soon after his arrival invested with the command 
 of Fort Amsterdam, the highest military rank which it was 
 then in the power of the Colony to confer. His father had 
 served in the Dutch wars with Colonel Atherton, with whom 
 he was in habits of intimacy ; and this circumstance first in- 
 terested the young men in each other; a similarity of situa- 
 tion heightened this interest, which was daily strengthened 
 by a congeniality of sentiments and characters. Van Haar-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 361 
 
 man inherited from his mother, a French protestant, the spirit 
 and vivacity of her country, which entirely preponderated 
 over the Dutch prudence and phlegm, otherwise to have been 
 expected from his father ; and always yielding to first impres- 
 sions he became at once the friend and intimate companion of 
 Major Atherton. He opened his whole heart to him without 
 reserve, and Atherton soon learned from his own lips that he 
 also was a lover, and with the consent of her friends affianced 
 to Maria Van Schiller the eldest sister of Gertrude, though 
 want of fortune, that cruel foe to tender hearts, had hitherto 
 delayed the day of happiness ; and it was still put off to a 
 distant period to the great alarm of Van Haarman, who 
 feared the worldly prudence and ambition of her father might 
 tempt him to prefer a more wealthy suitor for his daughter, 
 in despite of the entreaties of Dan Cupid, who represented 
 that lovers could live on little or nothing a matter rather pro- 
 blematical even in those simple days. 
 
 Atherton in return, disclosed his own hopes, fears, and per- 
 plexities without reserve, to Van Haarman ; and felt much 
 relieved by consulting on his future plans with one who was 
 interested in his behalf, and able to advise, and perhaps assist 
 him. Van Haarman, indeed, from the moment he learned his 
 unpleasant situation, used every exertion to procure him a con- 
 veyance to Connecticut ; he even endeavored to engage the 
 Governor in his cause, and freely offered his own services in 
 the undertaking. Things however went on but slowly ; Ath- 
 erton had been a fortnight in New Amsterdam, and Governor 
 Kieft, who held his case in consideration for a week, was still 
 undecided, when a vessel arrived in the harbor from a long 
 voyage', and brought intelligence which produced a general 
 excitement. The Captain, a bold and adventurous man, had 
 penetrated through the very ports of the enemy to traffic with 
 the friendly Indians ; and having bartered his commodities 
 31
 
 362 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 on advantageous terms, was returning home, when near the 
 mouth of the Pequod river he was surrounded by the Indians 
 in their canoes, and attacked with such fury, that for a time 
 escape seemed almost impossible. But fortunately the Dutch 
 captain was supported by a brave crew, who fought with des- 
 perate courage, convinced that their only alternative was cap- 
 tivity and a death of torture ; and after a severe conflict they 
 completely routed the Pequods, who retreated with all expe- 
 dition, though not without considerable loss both in killed and 
 prisoners. The Dutch were not materially injured ; for their 
 vessel was well armed, and the men trained to action, which 
 gave them a decided advantage over the undisciplined fierceness 
 of the enemy. The Captain also brought information from un- 
 questionable authority, that the Pequods, driven from Say- 
 brook by the reinforcement of Captain Mason and his party, 
 had retired to the fort of Sassacus, from whence they issued 
 forth to ravage the country ; that a body of them had lately 
 surprised the people of Weathersfield, while laboring in their 
 fields, and inhumanly murdered several of both sexes, des- 
 troyed numbers of their cattle, and carried two young women 
 into captivity. 
 
 These details excited the utmost indignation in every breast ; 
 and Major Atherton, in whose mind the image of Miriam 
 Grey, was now continually associated with scenes of danger, 
 determined at every hazard, to repair immediately to Say- 
 brook fort. The idea that she might already be among the 
 slain or captives, at times gave hirn insupportable pain ; but 
 he consoled himself by reflecting that she could not have been 
 near that scene of outrage, which was several miles from the 
 abode of Mr. Weldon. Still his anxiety was unremitting; 
 and independent of his personal feelings, he cherished an in- 
 creased desire to assist his countrymen in freeing themselves 
 from a scourge, which continually threatened their safety. He
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 363 
 
 therefore, entreated Van Haarman to use his influence with 
 the Captain who had lately returned, to convey him to the 
 Connecticut shore ; and empowered him to offer any reward, 
 which might ensure his services. But these private arrange- 
 ments were unexpectedly precluded by the spirited conduct of 
 Governor Kieft, who, urged by many considerations, political 
 and personal, publicly announced his resolution to aid the 
 English, on this important occasion. Orders were issued to 
 the proper authorities, to prepare a vessel well armed and 
 manned, to sail immediately to the Pequod harbor, to ransom 
 the captive maids at any cost, and deliver them in safety to the 
 'English at Fort Saybrook. Van Haarman, at his own desire, 
 was appointed to command the expedition, and the resentment 
 of the people, was so generally roused against the inhuman 
 conduct of the Indians, that there were more volunteers than 
 could be disposed of in the service. 
 
 On the evening previous to their departure, Major Aiherton 
 was honored by an invitation at the Governor's, where all the 
 high mightinesses of the city were assembled in solemn state; 
 and his Lady on the important and long remembered occasion, 
 threw open the doors of her best parlor, a term analogous 
 to the drawing-room of the present day, into which her guests 
 wor,e seldom admitted, except on visits of great ceremony. 
 All the bright-eyed damsels of New Amsterdam were ranged 
 in a circle round it, like puppets in a show-box, each one in- 
 dustriously engaged in accomplishing some formidable piece 
 of workmanship, from which her attention was seldom with- 
 drawn, except occasionally to answer a formal question, with 
 a still more formal monosyllable. A huge round table groan- 
 ing under the weight of good things was at length set forth 
 in tempting array, and happily afforded an opportunity for the 
 young men to display their gallantry, while it enlivened the 
 intellects of the elders, and suggested many interesting topics
 
 364 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 of discussion, to fill up the remainder of the evening, which 
 closed at a seasonable hour, in a cloud of smoke from the 
 numberless delft pipes which projected into the room, and al- 
 most met in the centre. Each gallant then selected the fair 
 one, whom he most admired if she smiled consent, and 
 without one murmur at the trouble and distance, escorted her 
 to the door of her dwelling, and took leave of her with a 
 cordial salute ; an agreeable Dutch custom, which Atherton 
 could by no means excuse himself from following, when he 
 parted with the pretty Gertrude, whom he was allowed the 
 privilege of attending home, notwithstanding the manceuvres 
 of certain of her ci-devant admirers, who were forthwith 
 obliged to look round for more obliging, if less comely fair 
 ones.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 365 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 There was speech in their dumbness, language in their very gesture ; they 
 looked as they had heard of a world ransomed or one destroyed. A notable 
 passion of wonder appeared in them, but the wisest beholder that knew no 
 more but seeing, could not say if the importance were joy or sorrow. 
 
 SHAKSPEARE. 
 
 ON a bright morning- towards the close of April, an armed 
 sloop weighed anchor in the harbor of New Amsterdam, and 
 under a 'salute of all the guns in the fort, which were fit for 
 use, answered by cheers from the men on board, and a mighty 
 shout of the multitude on shore, mingled with the barking of 
 curs, and the grunting of pigs it set sail on the destined voy- 
 age of amity to the Pequod shores. The worthies of the 
 land regarded the stately bark with prodigious satisfaction, as 
 it boldly ploughed the waves, which sparkled and foamed 
 around it with the sails swelled by a stiff breeze, and the 
 Dutch colors gaily streaming from the tall mast-head. Van 
 Haarman reclined on the stern, in a very lover-like attitude, 
 unwilling to withdraw his eyes a moment from the ?pot where 
 his love and his hopes were fixed ; while Atherton walked the 
 deck, with the quick, elastic step of one who has escaped a 
 prison-house, and exults again in the light of freedom. He 
 would sometimes stop to gaze a moment on the beautiful 
 island, which seemed floating in the waters, like a region of 
 enchantment, decked out with verdure and bloom, and sport- 
 ing a thousand hues in the brilliant sunshine and chequered 
 shade ; though still oftener his eye roved impatiently across 
 the Sound, and lingered on the clear horizon, watching to ob- 
 tain a glimpse of the yet distant hills of Connecticut. 
 31*
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 A number of the Pequod Indians, who had been lately 
 captured were put on board the vessel, in the expectation that 
 it would be necessary to offer them in exchange for the young 
 women ; and though they submitted, in sullen silence to their 
 destiny, it was considered prudent to secure them below the 
 deck, to prevent the possibility of any violent attempt at 
 escape. One of their number, however, a young man of no- 
 ble countenance and demeanor, was exempted from this gen- 
 eral confinement. He received a severe wound in his right 
 arm, during the action with the Dutch, and his subsequent 
 imprisonment, with the pain he endured, and the mortification 
 and chagrin attendant on his situation, had reduced him to 
 extreme weakness. Atherton was particularly interested in 
 the appearance of the young Indian, as he entered the sloop 
 with his companions their hands bound and attended by a 
 strong guard ; he saw him stagger as if too feeble to support 
 himself; and yielding to the impulse of humanity, sprang 
 forward, and offered him the assistance of his arm. 
 
 'Cushminaw needs no help;' said the Indian, in tolerable 
 English, ' the white man is his foe, and he disdains his 
 pity.' 
 
 He raised his fettered hands energetically as he spoke ; but 
 in an instant they fell nerveless by his side, and at the same 
 time, a gush of blood flowed profusely from his wound. The 
 savage looked at it with an unmoved countenance ; but Ather- 
 ton, who now first comprehended the cause of his weakness, 
 hastily removed a cloak of furs which was thrown over his 
 arm, and Von Haarman ordered his fetters to be immediately 
 taken off". Cushminawhad, for several days, endured excess- 
 ive pain with a fortitude peculiar to the Indian character, and 
 too proud to complain or ask assistance, he concealed his 
 wound from every eye, arid would rather have suffered death 
 than permitted a groan to escape him. It was, however,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 367 
 
 neither deep nor dangerous ; and had he been at liberty to ex- 
 ercise upon it the skill which his race always acquire in the 
 use of simples, it would scarcely have troubled him ; but total 
 neglect and the excitement of his passions had greatly in- 
 flamed it ; and exhausted by the loss of blood, he was obliged 
 to submit quietly to the will of those around him. The other 
 Indians \vere removed from deck; and a young man who had 
 some knowledge of surgery, examined the wound, and after 
 applying a lenitive, tightly bandaged it, and placed the arm in 
 a sling. Cushminaw had hitherto yielded quietly to the op- 
 eration ; but with a smile of ineffable scorn, he tore the sling 
 from his neck, and throwing it from him, exclaimed, 
 
 ' Shall a warrior of the Pequod tribe be tied like a child to 
 its mother's breast ?' 
 
 He rose indignantly as he spoke, and walked slowly around 
 the deck ; he sometimes stopped, and for many moments, 
 watched the waves rising and dashing against the sides of the 
 vessel ; he would then look earnestly towards his native 
 shores, and again resume his walk, with an air of melancholy 
 thoughtfulness. There was a stately dignity in the mien and 
 gestures of the young Indian, and an occasional fierceness in 
 the expression of his piercing eye, which struck the seamen 
 with awe, and they constantly retreated before his steps, as if 
 fearful he would commit some act of violence on them. 
 Cushminaw seemed to understand their feelings; but he re- 
 garded them with contempt more than anger, and never 
 deigned to speak unless previously addressed. It was the 
 opinion of almost every one that he ought to be confined ; but 
 Van Haarman was convinced he could do no injury ; and 
 hoping he might prove of service, if kindly used, in the ex- 
 pected negotiation, insisted on leaving him at liberty to follow 
 his inclinations without restraint. 
 
 Major Athcrton endeavored to draw him into conversation,
 
 368 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 on subjects which appeared to interest him, till by degrees he 
 won upon his confidence, and the young savage, touched by 
 his kindness, began to feel pleasure in his society, and the 
 sternness of his countenance gave place to a grateful smile, 
 whenever he approached him. Cushminaw was in the spring 
 of life, and could not long indulge a gloom and distrust which 
 belonged not to his age or character ; and while he again 
 breathed the pure air, and saw the light of heaven, and felt 
 his pain assuaged by sympathy, and was indulged the hope 
 of a speedy return to the freedom for which he sighed, the 
 native generosity of his disposition prevailed over every hos- 
 tile feeling, and he soon regarded Atherton with that strong 
 interest and gratitude which is almost peculiar to the savage 
 heart. 
 
 Atherton learned from him that he was the only son of a 
 Narraganset Sachem, who early taught him to excel in the 
 athletic sports and exercises of the Indian youth ; and even in 
 childhood trained him in the arts of war, and made him his 
 companion in every hostile encounter with the neighboring 
 tribes. Thus accomplished and inured to fatigue, at the age 
 of fifteen, he went with the warriors of his nation to avenge 
 an alleged injury committed by the Pequods, with whom they 
 were almost continually at strife. But the event proved dis- 
 astrous to his people, who were utterly defeated ; his father 
 was slain in battle, and he fell into the hands of Mononotto, a 
 powerful sachem of the Pequods. Mononotto was but a few 
 years older than himself; he admired his bravery, and touched 
 with compassion for his youth and misfortunes, adopted him 
 for his own son, agreeably to an Indian custom, and ever 
 treated him with the most tender affection. He had a short 
 time before given him his young sister in marriage ; and with 
 the gratitude of a noble spirit, Cushminaw declared that he 
 would cheerfully lay down his life to serve his adopted father
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 369 
 
 and people. In his childhood he was once detained many 
 months as an hostage, by the English at Plymouth, and in- 
 structed by them in their language and religion ; the latter he 
 had quite forgotten, but the former was kept in remembrance 
 by a frequent intercourse with the colonists, till he was re- 
 ceived into the Pequod tribe ; and subsequent to that period, 
 he had been often employed as an interpreter in negotiating 
 with them. He dwelt with pleasure on his early connection 
 with the white people, and acknowledged that he felt no en- 
 mity towards them, except as they had injured his father and 
 brethren, whose quarrels it was his duty to avenge. 
 
 Major Atherton listened with interest to the simple narra- 
 tive of the young Indian ; and in return, he gratified him with 
 a short history of his own life, his passage across the great 
 waters, and his various journey ings in the western world. 
 Cushminaw lost not a word that he uttered ; but when he had 
 finished speaking, he laid his hand on Alherton's arm, and 
 said emphatically, 
 
 ' Brother, hast thou no wife to be the charm of thy youth, 
 and the comfort of thine old age ? to weep for thine absence, 
 and cheer theewith smiles when thou returnest from the field 
 of battle ?' 
 
 Atherton answered in the negative. 
 
 ' Listen to me, brother,' returned Cushminaw, ' the captive 
 maids whom you seek, are in the hands of my father, Mono- 
 notto, and it is in his power to save them alive ; he loves me, 
 and will hearken to my words ; and if thou wouldst take for 
 thy wife, her who is fairest of the daughters of thy land, I 
 will speak to him, and pray him to give her thee for the ran- 
 som of his son.' 
 
 Who is she,' asked Atherton ; ' by what name is she 
 known ? where are her kindred, and who is her companion ?' 
 
 I know not her name,' replied the Indian ; ' my mother
 
 370 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 calls her daughter, and cherisheth her as her own flesh, she is 
 delicate as the wild rose of summer ; but her bloom is fading, 
 and her fair head droops with untimely sorrow, her friends 
 are afar off, and her father wanders in a strange land ; her 
 companion is a timid child, ignorant of the dangers which 
 surround her.' 
 
 'Good heavens!' exclaimed Atherton, with emotion; 'of 
 whom do you speak? tell me, I entreat you, of all that re- 
 lates to her ?' 
 
 ' Brother,' returned Cushminaw, ' I have little more to 
 say ; her eyes are dim with weeping, and food and rest are 
 strangers to her; often when my mother's song has ceased, 
 and she has laid down to rest with, her little ones, and only 
 the stars are awake to listen, have I heard her sing, in a low 
 voice, a sweet song of her native country, interrupted by her 
 sighs and tears ; and my heart was moved with pity for her 
 grief. One day I returned from the chase, just as the shad- 
 ows began to lengthen on the plain, and found her sitting at 
 the door of the wigwam, with her arms entwined around the 
 neck of her young companion on whose bosom she wept bit- 
 terly. I drew near to her and said, " Daughter of the white 
 man, why has sorrow entered into thine heart?" She started 
 on hearing the language of her people, and turned on me her 
 eyes, soft as twin violets, wet with the dews of morning ; but 
 alarmed by my presence, she covered her face, and remained 
 silent. " Fear me not, young maiden," I continued, " thou 
 art beloved by my mother, and the arm of Cushminaw is 
 powerful, and his tongue persuasive in the council of his 
 brethren." She started quickly from the ground, and clasp- 
 ing her hands, exclaimed, " Son of the warrior, save me from 
 a lingering captivity and cruel death, give me back to the 
 arms of my father, who mourns his only child ; and the God 
 of the white people shall bless and reward you." Moved by
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 371 
 
 her distress, I was about to give an answer of peace, when 
 my father approached us ; he was returning from the fort of 
 Sassacus, his eye was terrible, and his countenance darkened 
 with frowns. At sight of him, the young maids fled, pale 
 and affrighted from our presence, and 1 saw them no more ; 
 before the setting of another sun, the barks of the stranger 
 visited our shores, and our young warriors were carried 
 into captivity.' 
 
 Cushminavv's countenance fell, and his eye flashed with re- 
 sentment, as he alluded to their defeat; and turning from 
 Atherton, with a lofty stride, he walked to a distant part of 
 the vessel. Atherton was effected by the Indian's words ; the 
 possibility that the vindictive chiefs would not accept a ransom 
 for their unfortunate captives, or that they might already have 
 fallen victims to their cruelty, gave him extreme uneasiness; 
 and he looked forward with painful solicitude to the approach- 
 ing negotiation. 
 
 On the following morning, the sloop entered the Pequod 
 harbor ; and the savages alarmed by its appearance, assem- 
 bled in great numbers on the shore, armed and prepared to 
 resist any hostile attack. The vessel was anchored in full 
 view of the multitude, who watched it with extreme curios- 
 ity ; and Van Haarman proposed sending a boat immediately 
 with a few trusty men, to open the proposed treaty with the 
 chiefs. 
 
 Atherton readily undertook the risk and responsibility; 
 and with an interpreter and four stout seamen, advanced bold- 
 ly towards the land, protected by the guns of the sloop, which 
 the natives regarded with awe and wonder. The Indians 
 drew their arrows to the head, ready to shoot at an instant's 
 warning ; but observing that Atherton and his companions 
 did not raise their weapons, and made various gestures to 
 signify they came in amity, they gradually released their
 
 372 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 bows ; and when near enough to be heard, the interpreter 
 announced his commander's wish to speak with the grand 
 Sachem. 
 
 Sassacus stood in the midst of his warriors, distinguished 
 above them all, by the gigantic proportions of his figure, and 
 the superior richness of his savage attire. His countenance 
 was fierce and vindictive, hideously disfigured with paint, and 
 his naked breast and arms were marked with deep incisions, 
 stained with vegetable colors, bearing a rude resemblance to 
 various wild animals and birds. A string of shells and pol- 
 ished stones, twisted with an enormous serpent's skin, hung 
 round his neck ; his ears were weighed down by large pend- 
 ants of bone, carved into frightful figures, and his hair cut in 
 a fantastic manner, was ornamented with tufts of eagle fea- 
 thers. 
 
 On receiving Major Atherton's message, Sassacus advanced 
 a few paces from his attendants, with an air of command and 
 majesty, which at once proclaimed him sovereign of the rude 
 people who surrounded him ; and wrapping a cloak of pan- 
 thers' skins closely around his right arm, he stood in an atti- 
 tude of proud defiance, with one bare and sinewy leg extend- 
 ed, his bow half raised, and his eye fixed keenly on the coun- 
 tenance of the speaker. 
 
 Atherton hastened to enquire, through his interpreter, re- 
 specting the English maidens, whom the Indian monarch held 
 in captivity ; informed him, that the Dutch were desirous of 
 ransoming them ; and mentioned the terms which their gov- 
 ernor had proposed. He avoided any allusion to the Pequod 
 prisoners, as Van Haarman was instructed not to give them 
 up, unless every other means of negotiation failed. 
 
 Sassacus heard him with profound attention ; but as soon 
 as he had ceased speaking, he declared in an imperative tone, 
 that his captives should not be liberated ; that they were
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 373 
 
 bravely taken from the English, who provoked his wrath by 
 intruding into his dominions, protecting the Indians who were 
 tributary to him, and committing other acts of aggression 
 which had caused him to lift the tomahawk against them ; 
 and that it should not be buried so long as a white man re- 
 mained to plant in the land. He asked where were his peo- 
 ple, who had been lately taken from him ? and said he would 
 enter into no treaty until they were safely returned. 
 
 Atherton was not empowered to enter upon this subject ; he 
 however, assured Sassacus that the Pequods had been taken 
 when committing violence upon the Dutch, who never injured 
 them, but on the contrary, had always traded with them in a 
 friendly manner; and that it was their Governor, and not the 
 English, who wished to purchase the captive maids ; offering 
 the highest terms in his power for their redemption. 
 
 The haughty chief rejected his offers with disdain ; assured 
 him, that revenge was dearer to him than all the treasures of 
 the white people, and that he would never be prevailed with 
 to forego it. The prisoners would have been sacrificed long 
 ago, he added, had not Mononotto acted the woman rather 
 than the warrior, and been moved to pity by their tears. 
 
 The stern resolve of the sachem's words and manner, con- 
 vinced Atherton that he had entered upon a difficult if not 
 hopeless task ; but vailing his uneasiness under an air of in- 
 difference, he answered that he had delivered his message ; 
 and if Sassacus had any thing more to say on the subject, he 
 must speak with the Governor's deputy in the vessel, who 
 would wait a few hours for him to consider what had been 
 said. 
 
 But while he was ordering the men to put off from the 
 shore, an aged warrior stepped hastily forward, and motion- 
 ing them to stay awhile, approached Sassacus respectfully, 
 and remained several moments in earnest conversation with 
 32
 
 374 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 him. He then left him, and informed Atherton that his tribe 
 were anxious for the safety of their captive brethren ; and if 
 he was willing to remain with them as a hostage, they would 
 send a chief to hold a talk with the people in the vessel. 
 Atherton consented to the proposal, provided they would se- 
 lect a person of sufficient rank and importance to render his 
 own life secure ; and he hoped by this means to obtain more 
 certain intelligence respecting the captives, and perhaps find 
 an opportunity of speaking with them. Sassacus, on receiv- 
 ing his assent, turned to his subjects and addressed them with 
 many emphatic gestures ; the most profound silence was 
 maintained during his discourse; and when he ceased, a low 
 murmur arose, and every countenance was agitated by some 
 strong emotion. Atherton learned from the interpreter, that 
 the sachem was desirous of holding a conference himself with 
 the white men ; but the attachment of his subjects led them 
 to oppose his design, believing the person of Major Atherlon 
 would be no security for that of so potent and dreaded a chief. 
 But Sassacus was inaccessible to fear, and like most arbitrary 
 sovereigns, determined at all events to exercise his own will, 
 and exact obedience ; with a terrible voice he accordingly 
 commanded silence, and in a tone which could not be disput- 
 ed, declared it his intention to place himself in the power of 
 the enemy. The poor Indians dared not utter a word, even 
 of entreaty ; but with sorrowful looks continued to regard 
 him, while he bade them farewell; and with an air of deter- 
 mined courage, advanced towards the boat. His warriors 
 crowded to the water's edge, as if to protect him to the last 
 moment; and Atherton sprang on shore in the midst of them, 
 at the moment that Sassacus entered the bark, and was safe 
 in the hands of his own men. The boat glided swiftly away ; 
 Sassacus stood in the midst of it, with his hands folded, and 
 an expression of gloomy satisfaction on his features like one
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 375 
 
 who is about to encounter danger for the glory of overcoming 
 it. Van Haarman from his vessel witnessed all that passed, 
 and with his principal officers waited on the deck to receive 
 the sachem with becoming courtesy. The savages, apparent- 
 ly satisfied with his civility, then began to arrange themselves 
 for a march; and by gestures informed Atherton that he must 
 accompany them to the fort. Atherton cheerfully submitted 
 to their wishes ; and his confidence in them evidently gained 
 their good-will. Though closely guarded, they seemed anx- 
 ious to render his situation comfortable, and repeatedly press- 
 ed him to partake of their humble food. He could scarcely 
 realize that he was in the midst of a people, who regarded his 
 nation with deadly hatred, and probably viewed him with per- 
 sonal aversion at the same moment that they treated him with 
 the most attentive hospitality. A forbearance which these sin- 
 gular beings are taught to consider a duly ; and the stranger 
 who seeks the shelter of their roof, whatever his country or 
 crimes, even their mortal enemy, is welcome to share their 
 food and lodging ; and his voluntary confidence is always 
 sufficient to protect him. 
 
 Major Atherton, however, found no one who could or would 
 speak to him in his own language ; and being totally unac- 
 quainted with the Indian dialect, their conversation was con- 
 fined entirely to signs. But all his efforts to gain any intelli- 
 gence respecting the captives, proved unavailing ; naturally 
 shrewd, they readily comprehended his wishes in every other 
 respect ; but with their usual cunning and caution, they were 
 perversely stupid whenever he attempted to draw information 
 from them on the subject which so deeply interested him. 
 Still he continued to hope, that some lucky accident would at 
 length gratify his wishes ; and in the mean time, the novelty 
 of his situation, and the strange manners of the savage people 
 around him, kept his curiosity and interest constantly excited.
 
 376 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 He was particularly amused by the Indian women, who were 
 continually surrounding him ; many of them had never be- 
 fore seen a white man, and they examined him with great 
 satisfaction, often laughing and clapping their hands when he 
 smiled or personally noticed them. To one or two, who seem- 
 ed of superior rank, he offered some trifling presents, which 
 were highly pleasing to the swarthy fair ones, and attracted 
 many others to him, in the expectation of sharing similar fa- 
 vors. He however made them understand that he had noth- 
 ing more to give, and signified a wish to go with them to their 
 wigwams, which were clustered together at a short distance 
 from the fort. But the wary chiefs, who perfectly compre- 
 hended his motives, interdicted him from following them, and 
 with menacing gestures dispersed the obedient squaws to 
 their places of abode. Yet it was not long before they return- 
 ed, at first timidly, then with increasing boldness and num- 
 bers ; though Atherton was so closely watched by the savage 
 warriors, that they could not approach so near him as before. 
 But they were as well skilled in the arts of persuasion as 
 many of their sex who boast of clearer skins ; and by degrees, 
 Atherton found himself again encompassed by his female ad- 
 mirers, who mingled freely with their sooty lords, and seemed 
 never weary of looking at him, often feeling of his dress, 
 and apparently expressing great wonder at his beard : they 
 had never seen the like on the face of an Indian. They also 
 admired the hilt of his sword, which was much ornamented; 
 and Atherton, to surprise them, drew the blade partly from 
 its scabbard ; but the sharp edge and glittering appearance so 
 much alarmed them, that they fled with a discordant yell, 
 leaving the men highly amused by their terror. 
 
 There was one young squaw peculiarly modest and inter- 
 esting in her appearance, who remained totally unmoved by 
 the fears of her companions. She stood leaning against a
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 377 
 
 tree, singing in a low voice ; and as Atherton listened atten- 
 tively, he caught a few words of English mingled with the 
 Indian dialect. Her eyes were fixed stedfastly on his face, 
 and as he looked earnestly at her, he fancied she nodded sig- 
 nificantly ; though her chaunt was unbroken. Determined 
 to ascertain her meaning, if she had any, he advanced nearer, 
 and offered her a small knife of considerable value. She re- 
 ceived it with a smile ; and while examining it attentively, 
 Atherton ventured to say to her, ' Speak to me quickly, if 
 you can tell me aught of the English maidens.' The woman, 
 made no reply, but looked first at him, then fearfully towards 
 the warriors who stood around them ; and at the moment a 
 stern sachem, who kept a vigilant eye on Alherton, addressed 
 her in a harsh and angry tone. Her soft features instantly 
 assumed a haughty expression, and answering him with an 
 air of disdain, she turned proudly away, and walked slowly 
 from the spot. Atherton was strongly inclined to follow her, 
 but a conviction of the folly and imprudence of such a course 
 restrained him ; though he felt fully persuaded that she was 
 acquainted with the situation of the captives, and had no doubt 
 that it was her intention to speak with him concerning them. 
 He therefore continually watched for her re-appearance, but 
 the day passed away in disappointment, and towards its close 
 the Dutch boat was again seen approaching the shore. Ather- 
 ton was immediately re-conducted to the beach, whither the 
 whole multitude hastened with joyful acclamations to receive 
 their monarch. At that moment he observed the young In- 
 dian woman among the crowd, her eyes fixed on him as be- 
 fore, with a significant expression. He cautiously retreated a 
 step or two from his guard, and by a look of entreaty besought 
 her to explain herself. She waved her hand with a warning 
 gesture, and darted from his sight with the speed of lightning. 
 Vexed with her conduct, and half inclined to believe she was 
 32*
 
 378 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 sporting with his curiosity, he remained musing on the strange 
 adventure, till roused by feeling some one brush lightly past 
 him, and at the same time something was thrust hastily in 
 his hand. He instinctively grasped it closely, but had scarce- 
 ly time to remark the figure of the squaw flying from him, 
 before the boat touched the strand, and Atherton heard his 
 name called loudly by Van Haarman. He sprang forward to 
 greet his friend, and exchanging hasty adieus with his savage 
 entertainers, entered the boat just as Sassacus again set foot 
 on his own dominions. 
 
 Scarcely heeding the numerous inquiries of Van Haarman, 
 Major Atherton hastened to examine the Indian's gift ; it was 
 a strip of smooth bark, and on it written with some pointed 
 instrument, and evidently by a trembling hand the following 
 words, 
 
 ' The sachem Mononotto protects us ; we are safe ; leave 
 this inhospitable land I entreat you, and do not risk your safe- 
 ty to effect our liberation.' 
 
 Atherton read this scrawl repeatedly, and with strong emo- 
 tion ; there was no signature, and the writing was unknown 
 to him ; could it have been sent by any one who had recog- 
 nized him by the Indian's description ? He thought it im- 
 possible ; he was not known to any females in the Connecti- 
 cut colony, except Miriam Grey and her cousin, and the idea 
 that they were in a situation of so much peril, though it had 
 often painfully crossed his mind, was too dreadful to be in- 
 dulged. Again he examined the characters attentively ; he 
 was unacquainted with Miriam's writing, and therefore could 
 not compare them, but the evident anxiety for his safety which 
 had dictated the scrawl, the generous wish to relieve his solic- 
 itude, and deter him from rushing upon danger, rather than 
 to secure her own safety who but Miriam, at such a mo- 
 ment, would be so considerate, so disinterested ? Full of
 
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 379 
 
 doubt and inquietude he showed the writing to Van Haar- 
 man, who was perplexed, and rather impatient at his long 
 silence, and related to him all the events of the day. 
 
 Van Haarman, however, after a careful examination and 
 attentive hearing, laughed at his fears, and assured him that 
 it was impossible any one could identify him under such cir- 
 cumstances ; that even were it in reality Miriam Grey, she 
 could not for an instant suppose he had become an envoy from 
 the New-Netherlands, of which place he had not even dream- 
 ed when he last saw her. Atherton thought his reasoning 
 plausible, if not conclusive ; and considerably relieved of his 
 apprehensions, he listened with interest to an account of Van 
 Haarman's interview with Sassacus. The savage prince had 
 discovered great obstinacy in the negotiation, and a most in- 
 veterate malignity towards the English; he had insisted that 
 the prisoners ought to be sacrificed, though he acknowledged 
 that it depended on the will of Monoriotto, into whose hands 
 they had fallen. The sachem was at that time absent, but 
 would certainly return before evening, when it was his inten- 
 tion to hold a grand council with his warriors ; and on the 
 morrow the result should be made known to the Dutch. Van 
 Haarman on his part had declared his resolution to put to 
 death all the Pequods who were in his power, if the maidens 
 were not safely delivered up to him, but he offered six of 
 the highest rank for their ransom, including the adopted son 
 of Mononotto. 
 
 Thus the lives of so many individuals hung upon a thread ; 
 and Van Haarman, to prevent a surprise from the enemy, 
 ordered a double watch to be set for the night, and every pre- 
 caution to be used to secure their tafety, which the most vig- 
 ilant prudence could suggest.
 
 380 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Though perils did 
 
 Abound, as thick as thought could make them, and 
 Appear in forms more horrid, yet my duty, 
 As doth a rock against the chiding flood, 
 Should the approach of this wild river break, 
 And stand unshaken yours. 
 
 SHAKSPEAEE. 
 
 SOON after sunrise on the next morning, Sassacus with a 
 guard of his subjects approached the Dutch vessel in canoes, 
 and signified their wish to renew the negotiation with its 
 commander. Van Haarman, with Atherton and a few of his 
 men, met them in a boat for they could not again be per- 
 suaded to venture on board the sloop and a long and inter- 
 esting conference ensued. As was greatly to be feared, how- 
 ever, from the fierce and haughty character of the Pequods, 
 it ended in disappointment to the Dutch agents, and the only 
 favor they could extort from Sassacus was a promise not to 
 sacrifice the captives within twenty-four hours ; and on this 
 condition Van Haarman consented to spare the lives of his 
 prisoners for the same length of time. The sachem Mono- 
 notto was not present at this interview, but Sassacus informed 
 them he had returned, and consented to give up his captives 
 to the will of his king and people. 
 
 There was no longer a probability of recovering the unfor- 
 tunate maidens, though Van Haarman endeavored to encour- 
 age Atherton, whose extreme dejection surprised him, and he 
 imparted to him several advantageous offers which he intended 
 to make the savage monarch, on the coming day. But Ath-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 381 
 
 erton was persuaded they would prox^e unavailing; and from 
 the moment he received the scrawl from the Indian, the bare 
 possibility that it was written by the hand of Miriam Grey, 
 with the dreadful idea, that she, whom he so fondly loved, 
 was condemned in her youth and loveliness, to a lingering 
 captivity or cruel death, had constantly employed his thoughts, 
 and left him a prey to the most painful apprehensions. Even 
 when the arguments of Van Haarman, and his own reason, 
 for a time, persuaded him that his fears were groundless, the 
 unfortunate situation of the captives, whoever they might be, 
 excited the deepest commiseration, and he felt that his duty, 
 as a man and a soldier, compelled him to attempt their rescue, 
 however hazardous the undertaking. He forebore communi- 
 cating his thoughts to Van Haarman, aware that he could not, 
 without exceeding his commission, enter into his plans ; and 
 indeed the force of his whole crew, opposed to a tribe of pow- 
 erful and incensed Indians, wou,d only draw upon them cer- 
 tain destruction : whatever he did, must be by stratagem, 
 and alone. He passed the day, almost in silence, pacing the 
 deck and forming a thousand plans, none of which was satis- 
 factory to his mind. Evening approached, and he was still 
 undecided, when he observed Cushminaw standing apart from 
 every one, his hands folded on his breast, and his eyes fixed 
 thoughtfully on his native shore. Struck by the melancholy 
 expression of his countenance, Atherton approached him and 
 said, 
 
 ' Cushminaw, you are weary ; pain and captivity have 
 brought low your strength, and dimmed the lustre of your 
 eyes.' 
 
 ' Pain !' exclaimed Cushminaw, scornfully tossing his 
 wounded arm ; 'the warriors of our tribe disdain it, and even 
 our women endure affliction without a murmur. Leave me, 
 brother, to watch alone ; perhaps I shall never again behold
 
 
 382 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 the sun setting in his glory, or the stars rejoicing in the 
 heavens.' 
 
 ' I will watch beside you,' returned Atherton ; ' I have 
 many questions to ask you concerning your father's captives, 
 and I would learn why he refuses to release them, and pro- 
 cure your life and liberty.' 
 
 ' My father loves me,' returned the Indian ; ' but he detests 
 your nation, and would sacrifice much to avenge the injuries 
 he has received from it. Dost thou see yonder light flashing 
 across the waves,' he added, pointing to the fort of Sassacus, 
 which was brightly illumined by a fire within it. 'The 
 chiefs of our nation are assembled there in council, and this 
 night will decide the fate of their prisoners. Sassacus thirsts 
 for their blood, and there is no sachem but Mononotto, who 
 dares oppose his will. They are his lawful prize, and he is 
 powerful enough to protect them ; but I feel assured he will 
 give them up to the will of his brethren.' 
 
 ' And their fate,' said Atherton, shuddering, ' must be in- 
 evitable death ?' 
 
 Cushminaw bowed his head in token of assent ; while with 
 a glance of pity, not unmingled with contempt, he regarded 
 the countenance of Atherton, which strongly expressed the 
 feelings of horror and compassion which the idea excited. 
 
 'Are you aware,' resumed Atherton, after a moment's 
 pause, ' that their death will be immediately requited on 
 yourself and fellow-prisoners ? Cushminaw, I would do 
 much to save you ; but my wish will be powerless ; the blood 
 of the innocent calls for vengeance., and the call must be an- 
 swered.' 
 
 ' I fear not death,' returned the Indian proudly; 'I have 
 sported with it, from the day that I was weaned from my 
 mother's breast ; and shall I, who have so often rejoiced at 
 the tortures of the prisoner, shrink in the hour of trial ! no,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 383 
 
 Cushminaw fears not death ; yet would he first avenge it on , 
 his enemies, and fail as becomes a valiant warrior, with the 
 arro'.v bounding from his hand, and the scalps of the van- 
 quished at his feet!' 
 
 ' Were it in your power,' asked Atherton, ' would you 
 make no effort to prolong your days ? has life become bit- 
 ter to you, already, that you would thus part from it with- 
 out regret !' 
 
 ' Three and twenty suns have rolled over my head,' re- 
 turned the Indian, ' and they have seen me contented and 
 happy ; yet though I am cut off in the greenness of youth, the 
 deeds of my arm shall be long remembered; the aged will 
 mourn for me, and the young water my grave with tears.' 
 
 4 Have you forgotten the wife whom you love ?' resumed 
 Atherton, 4 who watches in vain for your return, and numbers 
 with her tears the lingering days of your absence ?' 
 
 Cushminaw looked reproachfully at Alherton, and for a 
 moment buried his face in his hands ; he then said in a 
 softened voice, 
 
 4 Young Englishman, speak not of her ; I shall never again 
 embrace her, never listen to her voice, nor return from the 
 chase to seek her, in the green bowers of our youthful love. 
 Speak not of her, for no womanish weakness shall bring re- 
 proach on the name of Cushminaw.' 
 
 'Cushminaw,' said Atherton eagerly, 'could you purchase 
 your life, by releasing your father's captives, would you con- 
 sent to do it ?' 
 
 ' I would first know the terms,' replied the chief; 'sooner 
 would I die ten thousand deaths, than betray my father's 
 kindred and people.' 
 
 ' I ask nothing dishonorable of you,' said Atherton ; ' my 
 own safety only is involved, and that I most readily adventure 
 to save these unfortunate maidens ; promise to aid me,
 
 384 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 .Cushminaw, and your freedom shall be the reward of my 
 success.' 
 
 ' I would it were in my power to save them,' replied the 
 Indian ;' they are too weak, and too innocent to injure us; 
 my heart is moved by their distress, and my mother would 
 bless me for their deliverance ; but I am in bonds, and were 1 
 freed, how could my single arm avail to rescue them ?' 
 
 ' I ask nothing but your counsel,' returned Atherton ; ' listen 
 to me, Cushminaw ; you have told me, the maidens inhabit 
 the wigwam of your mother, retired from the fort and village ; 
 at this time the warriors of your nation are assembled in coun- 
 cil, and the women only are left to guard them ; direct me to 
 their abode, and I feel confident that I can bring them in safe- 
 ty from their enemies.' 
 
 ' Impossible !' exclaimed the Indian, surprised at the bold- 
 ness of his design ; ' our warriors are keen-eyed as the eagle, 
 fierce as the bear robbed of her whelps, and wily as the ser- 
 pent of the grass ; nothing can escape their vigilance, and 
 even should you find a path through the mazes of the forest, 
 destruction is at length inevitable.' 
 
 ' I fear it not,' said Atherton ; ' I am swift of foot, and well 
 skilled in the use of weapons ; but if I die, it is in a good 
 cause, and may heaven hear the cry of the innocent, and save 
 them and you from an untimely fate! Young warrior, be 
 sincere with me, for deceit will be fatal to you.' 
 
 ' I have never betrayed even the foe, who trusted to me,' 
 returned Cushminaw ; ' you have shown me much kindness, 
 brother, and I would befriend you rather than direct your steps 
 to danger, and perhaps to death.' 
 
 ' Speak not of it,' said Atherton, impatiently; ' my mind is 
 resolved, and I will not give slumber to my eyelids till I have 
 attempted my purpose ; if you refuse to instruct me I will 
 trust to my own guidance wherever it may lead me. Con-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 385 
 
 sider, Cushminaw, that your life may be cheaply purchased ; 
 but if the captives are sacrificed, all my efforts will be unavail- 
 ing to preserve it.' 
 
 Cushminaw remained silent and perplexed for several mo- 
 ments ; but a natural love of life, and gratitude for the kind- 
 ness which Atherton had shown him, finally prevailed over 
 his scruples, and he proceeded to give him clear and minute 
 directions what course to pursue ; described the path through 
 the forest, and his mother's wigwam, which was retired from 
 every other. He bade him cautiously approach, and carefully 
 examine it, and assured him that if it was guarded only by the 
 squaws he might boldly enter, and bear away the captives. 
 He then tore a string of wampum from his belt, and bade him 
 give it to his wife should he find her in his mother's wigwam, 
 and she would show him kindness for his sake, and suffer him 
 to depart in peace. ' Brother,' he concluded, ' the stars are 
 thick in the heavens ; our fathers are yet gathered around 
 their council fires ; be swift as the wild deer, crafty as the 
 beast of prey, and may success and safety go with you.' 
 
 Atherton fixed his eyes keenly on the countenance of 
 Cushminaw while he spoke, and convinced by its frank ex- 
 pression that he was sincere, he grasped his hand fervently, 
 and replied, 
 
 ' Cushminaw, I thank you ; the moment of my return will 
 restore you to freedom and your country; and now, for a time, 
 farewell.' 
 
 ' You are too brave to deceive me,' replied the Indian, ' and 
 I fear not to trust your words ; go, my brother, speed on your 
 way, and may the trees hide you in their shade from the red 
 man of the forest, and the stars in their brightness, guide you 
 in peace to the trembling maidens.' 
 
 Aware of the importance of using the utmost dispatch, 
 Major Atherton immediately sought out Van Haarrnan, and 
 33
 
 386 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 imparted to him his plans, with the intelligence of Cushminaw. 
 Van Haarman had scarcely patience to hear him through ; 
 astonished at his temerity, he was tempted to believe him un- 
 der the influence of some strange delusion, or actually de- 
 prived of his reason. He declared it impossible to elude dis- 
 covery, represented the extreme duplicity of the savage 
 character, that their treachery was proverbial, and even if 
 Cushminaw should by a miracle prove sincere, that the cap- 
 tives were undoubtedly well guarded ; that their flight would 
 be impracticable, and that his life must unavoidably be sacri- 
 ficed. Atherton listened to him without interruption ; but he 
 still believed his plan practicable, and assured Van Haarman, 
 that he was resolved at every risk to attempt its execution. 
 Van Haarman convinced he could not prevail with Alh" 
 erton to alter his determination, proposed to accompany him 
 with a few of his bravest men, and share the danger of his 
 adventure ; but Atherton would not hearken to the proposal. 
 He thought Van Haarman was not authorized to hazard the 
 lives of himself and men, in a private and romantic enterprise, 
 while charged with an important commission from his coun- 
 try ; and he was persuaded that numbers would only increase 
 the danger of discovery, and that all they could command 
 would be inadequate for defence. Atherton requested nothing 
 of Van Haarman but a promise to release Cushminaw as soon 
 as he returned ; and if the event proved fatal to him, he 
 begged him to renew his efforts for the ransom of the cap- 
 tives. He also desired the use of a boat, and the assistance 
 of one stout seaman. These were all readily, granted by Van 
 Haarman ; but the men shrunk from Atherton's proposal, be- 
 lieving it would be rushing to certain death ; and with much 
 difficulty, he at length prevailed on one to attend him, by the 
 offer of a large reward, and an assurance that he should not 
 be obliged to accompany him to the wigwam.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 387 
 
 In a few moments a boat was lowered to the water, and 
 Atherton sprang into it followed with less agility by his Dutch 
 mercenary. The night was perfectly serene ; not a breeze 
 ruffled the waves, nor a cloud flitted across the heavens. The 
 oars were muffled to prevent the 'slightest noise, not a word 
 was spoken even in whisper ; and as the boat glided swiftly 
 along the current in silence and darkness, it resembled a vis- 
 ionary bark, piloted by the shadowy beings of another world. 
 Atherton looked back upon the sloop ; the anxious counte- 
 nance of Van Haarman, and the tall figure of the Indian were 
 no longer visible ; the fire in the fort of Sassacus dwindled in 
 his sight ; and he seemed borne on the mighty stream from 
 the haunts, even of savage man, and plunged into the midst 
 of interminable forests. It was not long before they reached 
 a small island near the shore, designated by the Indian; and 
 just beyond it, they run the boat into a natural cove, where he 
 had directed them to land. A few bark canoes were drawn 
 up on the bank ; many of the trees were cleared away and 
 the grass much trampled, which confirmed Cushminaw's as- 
 sertion, that it was a place of general resort for fishing. Ath- 
 erton whispered his companion to be watchful, and remain 
 quiet till he returned ; and then bounded quickly upon the 
 solitary shore. He could not be insensible to the dangers he 
 was about to encounter ; but his feelings were too much ex- 
 cited to admit of fear, and his disposition was too sanguine to 
 doubt the probability of success. It is impossible to ascertain 
 how far the mere spirit of chivalry, or the dictates of humani- 
 ty would have influenced him, in the same circumstances ; 
 but the apprehension that Miriam Grey might be one of the 
 captives, certainly stimulated his exertions, aed contributed to 
 lead him on, in contempt of difficulties and obstacles, to exe- 
 cute his perilous design. 
 
 Major Atherton soon discovered a narrow foot-path, and
 
 388 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 without hesitation, followed its windings, which led him back 
 along the margin of the river, as nearly as he could judge, 
 for the distance of a quarter of a mile. It then suddenly 
 turned, and ran through the skirts of a forest ; and in a few 
 moments the fires of the fort were again visible. He retired 
 a few paces from the beaten track, to conceal himself under 
 the shelter of the trees ; and with a light and fearless step 
 pressed forward, his hand grasping the hilt of his sword, his 
 eyes intent on every object, and eagerly listening to catch the 
 faintest sound. But he encountered no living being, and the 
 very breath of nature seemed suspended, so intense was the 
 stillness of the night. The soft murmuring of the river alone 
 stole upon his ear, and even the sweet music of its waters was 
 at length lost in the distance. Atherton began to feel impa- 
 tient, and a faint suspicion that Cushminaw had deceived 
 him, more than once crossed his mind ; but he instantly re- 
 jected the idea, believing he would be restrained by selfish 
 motives, if no other, from an act of treachery which must in- 
 evitably recoil on his own head. The path several times 
 branched off towards the Indian fort ; the country between 
 was partially cleared and cultivated, affording little security 
 to his person in case of discovery ; and according to the Indi- 
 an's directions, he kept straight forward, and always screened 
 by the intervening trees. He had proceeded about a mile, 
 when the path diverged from the forest, and led into an open 
 plain, which bore the marks of recent labor, and where Ath- 
 erton several times encountered the rude implements of agri- 
 culture used by those savage tribes in the cultivation of their 
 fields. The air was tainted with the odor of decaying fish, 
 with which they prepared their ground for planting; and in 
 haste to escape the fetid atmosphere, he accidentally over- 
 turned a basket of seed cord, which fell back into a capacious 
 hole in the ground, lined with the bark of trees, from which
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 389 
 
 it had been lately taken. The accident probably saved Ath- 
 erton from a similar fate, as he would not otherwise have 
 noticed the chasm to which he was verging ; but fearful the 
 noise might attract attention from some wanderer of the night, 
 he concealed himself a few moments within a group of trees. 
 Nothing, however, was seen or heard, and he emerged from 
 his retreat, and ascended a considerable eminence which lay 
 before him. On reaching the summit and looking down on 
 the other side he was surprised to perceive several wigwams 
 just below him, the outskirts of the Indian village, though 
 scattered and apart from the principal settlement, which was 
 only a short distance from the fort. 
 
 Convinced that one of these wigwams must be the abode of 
 Mononotto's wife and captives, Atherlon cautiously descended 
 the hill, and gliding through a grove of fir trees, remained a 
 moment under their branches, deliberating what course to 
 pursue. The inhabitants had evidently gone to repose; not a 
 light appeared through the apertures of the rustic tenements, 
 and no sound was heard but the gurgle of a brook which 
 watered the narrow valley, and glittered at intervals in the 
 pensive starlight. Atherton, delighted to find every thing so 
 favorable to his wishes, was in the act of sallying from his 
 covert, when he perceived a light glancing among the trees, 
 at some distance ; and looking attentively, he found it pro- 
 ceeded from a wigwam which he had not yet noticed. It was 
 indeed a sylvan dwelling, scarcely distinguished from the sur- 
 rounding foliage ; and Atherton at once identified it with the 
 description Cushminaw had given him of his mother's dwell- 
 ing ; with a beating heart he ventured to draw a little nearer, 
 if possible, to obtain a glimpse of the interior. It was formed 
 of tall young trees, bent down so that their tops were fastened 
 in the ground, forming a circular arbor of considerable dimen- 
 sions, with the branches closely interlaced, to exclude the sun 
 33*
 
 3 90 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 and air. The trees were putting forth their leafy honors, re- 
 gardless of the distorted form in which they had been placed, 
 merely for the purpose of a summer shelter; for those free 
 and roving inhabitants of the forest, ignorant of the artificial 
 wants of society, removed at will, and took up their humble 
 abodes wherever necessity or caprice might lead them. The 
 cooling draught of a spring, the fruits and vegetables of the 
 earth, and the game which their arrows and fishing hooks 
 procured them, were sufficient for their simple wants ; if 
 pressed for food in one place, they wandered to another, with- 
 out any local attachments to disturb their happiness, or any 
 superfluous wealth to fill their minds with care and anxiety. 
 Major Atherton was still looking earnestly on the wigwam, 
 when a mat which served for a door was drawn aside, and an 
 Indian youth, armed with a bow and arrows, and much orna- 
 mented, as was the manner with those of a higher rank, came 
 out, and approached the spot where he stood. Atherton could 
 not move without rustling the underwood and causing certain 
 discovery ; and to encounter the lad, would at once alarm the 
 whole tribe. He had no alternative but to remain almost 
 breathless behind the trunk of a large tree, where he was 
 standing ; and, almost beyond his hopes, he had the satisfac- 
 tion of seeing the young Indian pass but a few paces from 
 him, without a suspicion of his proximity. Atherton was 
 watching his retreat with feelings of gratitude for his own 
 preservation, when he was suddenly startled by a strain of 
 sweet music, which roused him from his position, and made 
 him almost forget the necessity of still further caution. It 
 was a female voice, and he was too distant to distinguish even 
 the language ; but it sounded familiar to his ear, and thrilled 
 his heart with indefinable emotion. Presently it ceased ; he 
 looked around, but no person was visible ; and at that mo- 
 ment, the door of the wigwam was again opened, and an In-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 391 
 
 dian girl came to the entrance, holding a torch of bark in her 
 hand. The flame streamed bright and far, glancing on a 
 copse of trees, from whence the voice had seemed to issue ; 
 and as Atherton gazed intently, he saw the branches slightly 
 agitated, and a tall female Indian emerge from their recesses. 
 She walked with a slow and dignified step towards the hut; 
 and speaking with her young companion, they entered it to- 
 gether, and closed the aperture with a mat. A few straggling 
 rays of light broke through the crevices, but all beside was 
 darkness and silence. With feelings which he did not at- 
 tempt to analyze, Atherton left his retreat, and instinctively, 
 rather than with any settled design, bent his way towards the 
 grove. He had scarcely reached it, when the same entranc- 
 ing melody again burst upon his ear, and a voice to which he 
 had often listened with delight, distinctly sung the words 
 which had been taught by the lips of love. Atherton stood 
 transfixed, and with superstitious awe almost believed some 
 spirit of the air was hovering near, and cheating him with 
 sounds which filled him with transport, even in the midst of 
 peril. Half afraid of destroying the sweet illusion, he re- 
 mained motionless, and vainly striving to catch a glimpse of 
 the invisible songstress. The first stanza had ceased, and 
 with more tremulous tones she was commencing another, 
 when Atherton, convinced it was no delusion, darted through 
 the yielding branches, and, seated in a natural alcove of vines 
 and interwoven trees in the centre of the copse, he beheld a 
 figure, which even in the imperfect starlight, could not be 
 mistaken by a lover's eye. So sudden was his approach, 
 that she had scarcely time to spring from her grassy 
 couch, before she felt herself pressed with emotion to his 
 heart. 
 
 My own beloved Miriam,' said Atherton, ' is it here I find 
 you, encircled by dangers, and devoted to death ? '
 
 392 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 Miriam's head drooped faintly on his shoulder, and relieved 
 by his voice from the terror and surprise which at first over- 
 powered her, she attempted to speak ; but her words were in- 
 articulate, and she burst into a flood of tears. He felt her 
 cling more closely to his arm, as if afraid he would escape 
 from her, and deeply touched by her distress and confiding 
 tenderness, he was unable for some moments to offer a word 
 of consolation or hope. 
 
 ' Dearest Miriam,' he said, at length, ' speak to me again ; 
 let me once more hear your voice, that I may be assured this 
 is no illusion.' 
 
 ' Atherton,' returned Miriam, ' why are you here ? why 
 am I so weak, so selfish as to detain you ? Fly,' she passion- 
 ately added, ' and preserve a life dearer to me than my own 
 existence ! ' 
 
 ' I go,' he replied, ' and you, dear Miriam, shall be the 
 companion of my flight; let us hasten ; time is precious, and 
 a moment's delay may prove fatal.' 
 
 He gently urged her forward as he spoke ; but firmly re- 
 sisting him, she said, in an accent of earnest entreaty, 
 
 ' Dearest Atherton, as you love me, hasten from this dread- 
 ful spot ; you cannot remain here undiscovered ; you will fall 
 a victim to your imprudent affection ; go, and intercede for 
 our exchange; Mononotto cannot prove inexorable; but I 
 must not flee with you, and leave the innocent partner of my 
 captivity in the power of these incensed savages.' 
 
 'Miriam,' returned Atherton, 'Providence has guided me 
 to you, and do you refuse the life thus mercifully reprieved ? 
 But I will not be selfish in my anxiety for you ; a boat waits 
 to receive us, let me place you in it in safety, and I will re- 
 turn for your companion.' 
 
 ' Life is but too sweet to me,' said Miriam, ' and for your 
 sake, Atherton, as well as my own, I would do much to pro-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 long it ; but it is impossible, on the terras you offer; the night 
 is already far spent, and the council fires burn faintly : before 
 you can return, my flight must be discovered, and I well know 
 my poor companion would be instantly sacrificed to the sa- 
 chem's fury, and you, how could you escape his vengeance ? 
 dear Atherton.can you wish me to purchase a few brief years 
 at a price which must load them with insupportable misery? 
 
 ' Dear Miriam,' said Atherton, earnestly, ' this is no time 
 to indulge fastidious scruples ; let me but see you in a place 
 of safety, and I will soon rejoin you, with the object of your 
 kind solicitude.' 
 
 'Never,' said Miriam, ' can I yield to so wild, so danger- 
 ous a proposal ; leave me, I conjure you, while it is yet in 
 your power, and if you love me, Atherton, seek not to with- 
 draw my weak heart from its duty.' 
 
 ' Are you aware, Miriam,' asked Atherton, with emotion, 
 ' of the consequences of your refusal ? do you know that these 
 inhuman savages have rejected all our offers, all our entrea- 
 ties to ransom you, and that they persist in devoting you to a 
 long captivity, if not to death ? ' 
 
 ' I know all,' replied Miriam, with an involuntary shudder; 
 ' yet even in this hour of extremity, I would not forfeit the 
 approbation of Heaven, and of my own conscience, for aught 
 which the world can offer me ; no, Atherton, rather would I 
 endeavor to submit my fate with perfect confidence to Him, 
 who can even yet work out my deliverance, or give me strength 
 to suffer His will with Christian fortitude and resignation.' 
 
 ' Tell me, at least, dear Miriam,' said Atherton, with ex- 
 treme agitation, ' where is your fellow-prisoner ? I will seek 
 her out, will bring her to you, and in the darkness of night 
 we may yet escape in safety.' 
 
 ' Think not of it," said Miriam, with clasped hands, and a 
 voice of entreaty; 'she is in the wigwam of Mononotto, the
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 women watch over her, and your appearance would instantly 
 raise a note of alarm, and surround you with enemies. Dear- 
 est Atherton, by all the kindness you have shown me, by all 
 the love you profess for me, I beseech you to depart and leave 
 me!' 
 
 ' Never, my beloved Miriam ! ' exclaimed Atherton ; ' we 
 will escape together, or I will remain and share your destiny ; 
 in bonds, in suffering, in death, we will not be disunited.' 
 
 He pressed her hand passionately to his heart and lips, and 
 before she was aware of his intention, -rushed precipitately 
 from the grove. 
 
 With flying footsteps Atherton approached the wigwam 
 which had recently attracted his curiosity, rightly judging it 
 to be the abode of Mononotto. The mat was removed from 
 the entrance, displaying the interior of the dwelling lighted 
 by several torches ; and the first object which he saw, was a 
 young Indian woman, whom he instantly recognized as the 
 same who had conveyed to him the scrawl of Miriam, and 
 who, he felt assured was the wife of Cushminaw. She was 
 sitting on the ground, singing in a low voice, and plaiting a 
 basket of reeds ; beside her stood an English girl of about 
 ten years old, looking at her fingers as she twisted the slender 
 twigs ; and two or three children reclining on mats which 
 were spread around the room, apparently too frolicsome to 
 sleep, were raising their laughing dark faces, and chattering 
 in their uncouth language. Atherton thought the moment 
 propitious, and without hesitation sprang into the midst of the 
 group. The squaw darted from the ground, and uttering a cry 
 of alarm, was on the point of rushing through the aperture, 
 when Atherton grasped her arm, exclaiming, 
 
 ' Fly not from me ; it is Cushminaw, who has sent me to 
 thee, and here is the token of his remembrance.' And he
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 395 
 
 took the wampum from his bosom, and presented her as he 
 spoke. 
 
 ' It is my husband's, he lives ! ' said the woman, almost 
 with a scream of joy; and she pressed it to her lips, with the 
 utmost tenderness, though trembling with terror and surprise. 
 ' He does ; ' replied Atherton, ' suffer me to bear away this 
 child, and by the dawn of another day, he shall be with you 
 in safety.' 
 
 The squaw drew the amazed girl towards her, and seemed 
 hesitating between fear and inclination, when a mat at the 
 other end of the apartment was drawn aside, and the tall In- 
 dian woman entered whom Atherton had before" seen ; proba- 
 bly attracted by the cries of her children, who had not ceased 
 to scream since his alarming appearance. Atherton felt that 
 nothing but instant speed would avail him, and raising the cap- 
 tive girl in his arms, he bore her rapidly onward, to the grove 
 where he had parted from Miriam Grey. 
 
 Miriam had remained almost stupefied by his sudden de- 
 parture, and so brief was his absence, that she had scarcely 
 rallied her spirits, and followed him to the entrance of the 
 wood, when she met him returning with his welcome bur- 
 then. 
 
 ' Lean on me, dear Miriam ; ' said Atherton, drawing her 
 arm through his ; ' let us move with speed and caution, and I 
 trust we shall yet be in safety, before they can overtake us.' 
 
 ' Where are we going ? ' asked the child, hardly recovered 
 from her astonishment. 
 
 Home,' said Miriam, *softly, ' if it is the will of Heaven ; 
 but be silent, Rachel, or they will hear our voices and pur- 
 sue us.' 
 
 For a few moments they kept on their way, silently and 
 swiftly, when Miriam suddenly grasped the hand of Ather- 
 ton, convulsively, and murmured in a suppressed voice,
 
 896 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 'Hark! I hear their footsteps approaching; oh, Atherton, 
 they are surely near us.' 
 
 She had scarcely finished speaking, when the dreadful yell 
 of the Indians, reverberated through the forest; Atherton 
 threw his arm around Miriam to protect and assist her, and 
 they pressed forward with a speed and strength, which des- 
 pair only could give them. Atherton alternately carried the 
 child, and led her by the hand, always careful to keep the 
 beaten path in view, and so great was the fatigue of each one 
 of them, that at times, it seemed impossible to proceed. 
 When the voices of their pursuers sounded more distant, 
 they would stop for an instant's repose, and then proceed with 
 renewed strength ; till at length, with inexpressible delight, 
 and almost contrary to their hopes, they heard the murmur- 
 ing of the river, and in a moment its waters burst upon their 
 sight ! With a transport of gratitude, Atherton beheld the 
 little cove and the boat waiting his return ; when, suddenly 
 the shouts of the savages were redoubled, and they rushed 
 furiously from the covert of the forest. At sight of the dread- 
 ful Indians, the cowardly Dutchman, insensible to every thing 
 but his personal safety, pushed rapidly from the shore, and in 
 an instant, gained the middle of the stream. Atherton's feet 
 already pressed the strand ; but in vain he called to the boat- 
 man, in a voice of agony ; he was utterly disregarded ; and 
 in the impulse of the moment, he was about to plunge into 
 the waves with his unfortunate companions, whom he still 
 firmly grasped, and endeavor to reach the boat, or perish in 
 the attempt. But they were immediately surrounded by the 
 Indians, and overpowered by numbers. Atherton was obliged 
 to submit to their will, though he long resisted their attempts 
 to separate him from Miriam. She was rudely torn from his 
 arms, and with Rachel, hurried from his sight. With a yell
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 397 
 
 of savage triumph, they led him, exhausted, to the fort of 
 Sassacus. 
 
 But it is necessary to leave him, for a time, and revert to 
 the period of Miriam Grey's departure from Boston ; which 
 will form the subject of the following chapter. 
 
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 398 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Yet those untutored tribes, 
 
 Bound with their stern resolves and savage deeds 
 Some gentler virtues ; as beneath the gloom 
 Of overshadowing forests, sweetly springs 
 The unexpected flower. 
 
 TKAITS OF THE ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 
 
 MIRIAM GREY felt almost abandoned by hope, when she found 
 herself again launched on the mighty deep, and through her 
 last flowing tears, beheld Major Atherton, lingering on the 
 receding shore, and watching her, as she well knew, with a 
 heart full of sorrow and anxiety. The bright visions of her 
 youthful fancy were fading away, the hitherto gay and peace- 
 ful stream of her existence was suddenly darkened by storms, 
 and its future course appeared cheerless and dreary as the 
 wilderness they were approaching. But in the midst of these 
 early trials, Miriam felt the consciousness of performing her 
 duty an unfailing support and consolation ; and fearful of 
 paining her cousin by the least appearance of unhappiness, 
 she successfully exerted her cheerfulness and resolution, and 
 soon again, became the animated companion, the affectionate 
 and devoted friend. Mrs. Weldon perfectly understood her 
 feelings, and fully appreciated the sacrifice she had made ; 
 and, with judicious tenderness, she sought out objects to 
 amuse, and pursuits to interest her. ' She has left country and 
 home, to share my humble fortunes,' was her frequent reflec- 
 tion ; and, with the confidence of a heart which had loved 
 without disappointment, she believed that the generous sacri- 
 fice of Miriam would be rewarded, and that a temporary ab-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 399 
 
 sence would wean her from an object whom she could not love 
 without involving herself in still deeper misery. 
 
 Their voyage was prosperous and short, and notwithstand- 
 ing the advanced season, they suffered little either from cold 
 or sickness. The military settlement of Saybrook, at the 
 mouth of Connecticut river, was the first inhabited spot they 
 approached ; the vessel put in there to give and receive in- 
 formation ; and with considerable alarm, they discovered the 
 critical state of the garrison, which was then hard pressed by 
 the enemy, who had destroyed the out-buildings, and every 
 thing without the impalement, or beyond the guns of the fort. 
 Mr. Weldon re-embarked, with all expedition, for the remain- 
 der of their voyage ; and it was not until they ascended the 
 noble stream, that Mrs. Weldon and Miriam could realize 
 how savage and uncultivated was the country, which would 
 soon become their abode. The imagination of each had 
 formed a picture of its own, and Mr. Weldon sometimes 
 smiled at their remarks, which showed how widely they dif- 
 fered from the reality. On each side of them were lofty and 
 impenetrable forests ; and except where here and there the 
 Indian hunter had felled a few trees to kindle his watch-fires, 
 or form his slight canoe, and occasionally, a deserted wigwam 
 appeared hanging on some aerial height, or half hid by the 
 leafless trees of the valley, all remained in the magnificent 
 wildness and solitude of nature. On those rich and variega- 
 ted shores, where cities now present their glittering spires, 
 and villages peep forth amidst their sunny glades and culti- 
 vated hills, the footsteps of man had seldom wakened the 
 slumbering echoes of the forest ; and the dashing of the wa- 
 ters, the moaning of the winds, and the screams of the feath- 
 ered tribes which fled, on startled wing at sight of the solitary 
 bark, alone reverberated through their deep recesses. Herds 
 of wild deer and other animals which were browsing on the
 
 400 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 wintry stubble, or drinking the transparent waves, stopped to 
 gaze at them, a moment, as they passed, and then bounded 
 swiftly back, to the thick covert of their native woods. 
 
 After proceeding up the river about fifty miles, they arrived 
 in safety at Hartford, the place of their destination. The late 
 season had been one of peculiar trials to the colonists of Con- 
 necticut, and the unusual scarcity which had prevailed, re- 
 duced many to want and dependence. They also sustained 
 great losses in their cattle and other possessions, were defi- 
 cient in the necessary implements of agriculture, and amidst 
 the perplexing cares, and multiplicity of business attendant 
 on their settlement, winter had surprised them, unprepared 
 to contend with its severity. Many of the first planters, par- 
 ticularly of Hartford, were persons of fortune and considera- 
 tion in their native country, and therefore less able to endure 
 the hardships which succeeded their painful and hazardous 
 journey through the wilderness, than others who had been less 
 delicately nurtured, and unaccustomed to the refinements of 
 life. Under such depressing circumstances, their very exist- 
 ence seemed uncertain, and could only have been preserved 
 by the most resolute and persevering exertions. 
 
 Mr. Weldon was more prosperous than most of those around 
 him ; and though he shared many of their misfortunes, Lois 
 who remembered the complicated calamities of the Plymouth 
 settlers on their first arrival, often thought her present priva- 
 tions in comparison, light and trivial. Miriam never for an 
 instant regretted accompanying Mrs. Weldon ; and though 
 she had still many anxious thoughts and fond regrets, they 
 were carefully confined to her own breast, and she looked for- 
 ward with hope to the approaching spring, when her father 
 would return to claim her. Satisfied that her cousin was hap- 
 py, she anticipated with delight, a return to the scenes of her
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 401 
 
 earliest pleasures ; and almost unconsciously, many romantic 
 visions mingled with her future prospects. 
 
 The winter passed away unmarked by any important events ; 
 an alarm was occasionally excited by the Indians, but they 
 confined their depredations principally to the vicinity of Say- 
 brook, and it was hoped the return of Spring would produce a 
 cessation of hostilities, and leave the inhabitants at liberty to 
 engage in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, which their 
 exhausted resources rendered indispensable. But these ex- 
 pectations were disappointed, and the increasing aggressions 
 of the Pequod Indians rendered it necessary to adopt vigor- 
 ous measures to check their insolence, which threatened to 
 bring ruin upon the colonies. 
 
 In this situation of affairs, Mr. Weldon received orders to 
 join the detachment under Captain Mason, which was sent 
 forward to reinforce the garrison at Saybrook. Mr. Weldon 
 was anxious only for the safety of his wife and Miriam, whom 
 his absence left destitute of a protector, at a time when their 
 settlements were particularly exposed to the incursions of a 
 powerful enemy. He therefore prevailed on them to remove 
 to the house of a relative in the village of Weathersfield, a few 
 miles distant, where he believed they would be more secure 
 than in his own dwelling. Soon after his departure, Mrs. 
 Weldon was attacked by severe indisposition, which was 
 greatly aggravated by continual solicitude for her husband's 
 safety, and confined long to her own apartment. Miriam 
 watched beside her with unwearied assiduity ; but as Lois be- 
 came convalescent, she sometimes stole from her sick cham- 
 ber, to enjoy that exercise in the open air, which was neces- 
 sary to the preservation of her own health. One morning she 
 had extended her walk to a considerable distance with Rachel 
 the daughter of her host ; and in returning through a large 
 field, where many of the inhabitants were at labor, they were 
 34*
 
 402 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 surprised by the fearful yell of the Indians. In an instant a 
 multitude started from the shelter of trees, where they had lain 
 in ambush, and surrounded the unfortunate people, who were 
 unable to offer any effectual resistance to their overwhelming 
 numbers. Miriam on the first alarm, grasped the hand of Ra- 
 chel, and with flying footsteps, endeavored to reach a place of 
 safety ; but they were arrested by the barbarians, who with 
 menacing gestures commanded them to remain still. Over- 
 come by terror, Miriam fell lifeless on the ground ; and a long 
 insensibility spared her the misery of witnessing the dreadful 
 scene which ensued. The savages cruelly murdered several 
 men, and three defenceless women, who were planting in the 
 field, killed their cattle and horses, and pillaged and destroyed 
 every thing which came in their way. 
 
 When Miriam Gray recovered her recollection, she found 
 herself lying in a canoe, filled with the Pequods, armed and 
 frightfully painted, and Rachel leaning over her, weeping 
 bitterly, believing she would never revive. Miriam gently 
 pressed her hand, but feeling her strength quite exhausted, 
 closed her eyes, almost hoping she should not survive to en- 
 dure a cruel captivity, and perhaps lingering death. But the 
 sobs of the affectionate girl who hung round her neck, fearing 
 she had indeed ceased to breathe, again aroused her, and by 
 a painful effort, she exerted herself to sit upright, and speak a 
 few words of comfort to her. The Indians showed some pity 
 for their distress ; they gave them water to drink from a large 
 clam shell, and refrained from binding them, satisfied they 
 were perfectly secure. Miriam was sometimes inclined to 
 draw encouragement from these favors ; but when she looked 
 round upon their fierce and savage countenances, and heard 
 their discordant voices, her heart was chilled with apprehen- 
 sion, and she felt convinced that a signal interference of Prov- 
 ence alone, could save them from the moit dreadful fate.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 403 
 
 She learned from Rachel that they had been preserved from 
 immediate death, by the intervention of a chief, whom they 
 called Mononotto ; but whatever had induced him to show so 
 much forbearance, the sternness of his countenance forbade 
 her to expect much from his compassion. 
 
 The Indians who were engaged in this dreadful expedition 
 amounted to about a hundred ; they filled three bark canoes, 
 and glided down the river with astonishing rapidity, lightly 
 dancing over the waves which were scarcely parted by the 
 slender keels. Before dark Miriam found they were ap- 
 proaching the mouth of the river, and she soon perceived the 
 walls of fort Saybrook, and distinguished the motions of the 
 guard, and their arms glittering in the sunbeams. She de- 
 termined, if possible, to make some signal to the English, and 
 her heart bounded with the hope that they would effect their 
 rescue. But Mononotto and his savage warriors completely 
 surrounded their captives, to hide them from observation, and 
 so entirely excluded every object from their view that they 
 could not ascertain even when they passed the fort. The In- 
 dians after a short consultation, which was succeeded by a 
 dead silence, bore off rapidly to the opposite shore. The gar- 
 rison at Saybrook closely observed their motions, and con- 
 cluding they were bent on some work of mischief, Captain 
 Mason ordered a heavy discharge of artillery. Though at a 
 great distance they aimed with such precision at the canoe 
 where Mononotto stood erect before his prisoners, distinguish- 
 ed by his gaudy plumes and haughty mien, that the ball 
 struck off the beak head ; and for an instant it seemed on the 
 verge of sinking. Miriam had scarcely recovered from the 
 shock, before the Indians, by redoubling the strokes of their 
 paddles arrived at the opposite shore, and hastening from 
 their canoes they drew the frail vessels over a narrow beach, 
 and launched them on the waters of the sound. The guns of^
 
 404 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 the fort could no longer reach them, and with one consent 
 they uttered a shout of defiance which reached the ears of the 
 garrison, who, with regret and mortification, discovered the 
 English maidens when it was too late to attempt their deliv- 
 erance. 
 
 The Indians rowed incessantly till nearly midnight, pro- 
 bably apprehensive of pursuit, and without any refreshment, 
 except a little parched corn, which they carried in a leather 
 pouch. They occasionally mixed some of it powdered, with 
 water, for drink, and always offered a portion to their cap- 
 tives, but they felt no inclination to taste it. Poor Rachel at 
 length fell asleep on Miriam's lap, who almost envied the re- 
 pose which a keen sense of misery prevented her enjoying, 
 and which continued undisturbed till they entered the Pequod 
 harbor. The inhabitants of the Indian village were soon 
 roused from their slumbers, and in the clear moonlight, Mir- 
 iam perceived a multitude of every age and sex approaching 
 the shore, eager to welcome the returning warriors. She 
 shrunk trembling from the gaze of savage curiosity, and gent- 
 ly awoke her sleeping companion, who had till then remained 
 insensible to what was passing around her. The child, start- 
 led from a sweet slumber, and at first unable to comprehend 
 her situation, began to weep from alarm, which seemed ex- 
 tremely diverting to the Indians, who laughed at her distress, 
 and attempted to mimic her voice and gestures. Miriam was 
 endeavoring to console her, when Cushminaw the adopted son 
 of Mononotto, stepped forward from the crowd with an air of 
 authority and displeasure which checked their savage mirth ; 
 and approaching the captives, said to them, 
 
 ' Be comforted, young maidens ; follow me to my mother's 
 wigwam.' 
 
 Miriam started almost with a cry of joy, on hearing her 
 native language in such a place ; and reading a compassion-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 405 
 
 ate interest in the countenance of the young Indian, unhesi- 
 tatingly prepared to follow him. Mononotto, who had been 
 absent from the spot, at that moment re-appeared, and ad- 
 dressed a few words to Cushminaw; he listened to him with 
 profound respect, and then turning again to Miriam and Ra- 
 chel, silently motioned them to proceed with him. The wig- 
 wam of Mononotto had been recently erected, and stood re- 
 mote from the village ; as they approached it, Miriam observ- 
 ed through the open entrance a female busied over a large 
 fire in some culinary preparation. She started with surprise 
 as her unexpected guests entered the apartment, and stood a 
 moment surveying them attentively, and with an air of gen- 
 tleness and pity, rather than of curiosity. 
 
 Miriam on her part regarded the Indian female with invol- 
 untary admiration. She had scarcely passed the season of 
 youth, and her mature and noble figure, at once dignified and 
 graceful, possessed that vigor and elasticity so peculiar to the 
 natives of the forest ; while her regular features, her soft and 
 intelligent countenance, expressed a mind susceptible of ele- 
 vated sentiments, and a heart warmed by the gentlest affec- 
 tions of her sex. 
 
 Cushminaw cautiously drew a mat over the aperture through 
 which they entered, and advancing close to his adopted mo- 
 ther with very earnest gesticulation, entered into conversation 
 with her. When they had finished speaking, the wife of 
 Mononotto approached the captives, and taking a hand of each 
 in her own, she said, 
 
 Do not fear, white daughters, Mioma will care for you ; 
 she will speak to Mononotto that no harm come nigh you.' 
 
 Miriam, encouraged by the voice of kindness, clasped her 
 hands energetically, and replied in a tone of entreaty, 
 
 ' If you have pity for us, entreat that we may be sent back 
 t o our home and friends.'
 
 406 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' We will speak for you,' said Cushminaw ; ' it may be my 
 father will listen to our voice.' 
 
 Grateful for this unexpected favor, Miriam attempted to re- 
 ply, but her spirits were weakened by fatigue and misery, and 
 for the first time during that anxious day of captivity, her 
 tears flowed abundantly, and prevented her utterance. Mioma 
 seemed grieved by her distress ; she spread a soft new mat, 
 gently urged her to sit down, and when she began to smile 
 through her tears, expressed her delight by patting her cheeks, 
 and stroking the hair from her forehead ; and appeared great- 
 ly to admire her beauty. 
 
 Cushminaw soon after left the wigwam, and Mioma per- 
 ceiving her captives were faint for want of nourishment, has- 
 tened to set before them a portion of the mess she had been 
 preparing. It consisted of corn, coarsely broken and boiled 
 with fish, dressed without salt, of which the Indians were en- 
 tirely ignorant. This unsavory repast was served up in an 
 earthern pitkin, with no instruments for eating but the hands, 
 and was altogether so repugnant to their appetites, that they 
 could with difficulty swallow a few kernels of corn to satisfy 
 the calls of nature. Mioma in the meantime busied herself 
 in arranging an apartment for her guests ; for though a wig- 
 wam seldom contained more than one room for the accommo- 
 dation of a whole family, she knew it was not agreeable to 
 the customs of the white people, and a native delicacy taught 
 her to consult the feelings of those who were cast on her hos- 
 pitality. Her simple arrangements were soon completed ; 
 and exhausted by the events of the day, Miriam and Rachel 
 threw themselves on the thick mats which were spread on 
 the ground, and covered with the skins of wild animals soon 
 fell into a profound repose. 
 
 It was late when they awoke on the following morning ; and 
 as Miriam looked round the singular apartment, and with
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 407 
 
 painful sensations, recalled the circumstances, which had 
 brought her there, a mat was slowly drawn aside, and the 
 merry face of an Indian child thrust through the aperture. 
 As soon as it caught Miriam's eye, it hastily retreated, but 
 presently reappeared with another, and they continued their 
 sportive gambols, till called away by the voice of their mother. 
 Miriam trembled at the idea of encountering the haughty 
 Mononotto ; but after listening attentively, and hearing only 
 the children and Mioma, singing to her pappoose, she ventur- 
 ed to leave her room, and join them. Kachel, refreshed by 
 sleep, almost forgot her late alarms ; and too young to realize 
 the perils of her situation, with the simplicity of her happy 
 age, she believed herself perfectly secure, while in the pre- 
 sence of Miriam. Mioma received them kindly, and set be- 
 fore them a repast similar to that of the preceding evening, 
 with the addition of a cake of pounded corn, dried by the fire, 
 which they found rather more palatable. She spoke English 
 imperfectly, but endeavored to encourage them with the hopes 
 of release, and to assure them they were in no immediate 
 danger. 
 
 Several days passed away, without any important occur- 
 rence ; Mononotto spent most of his time in hunting and fish- 
 ing ; and when in the wigwam, never intruded upon his pris- 
 oners, if they were inclined to remain in their own apartment. 
 He was satisfied that they were safe, under the charge of 
 Mioma, who would not suffer them to escape, and seemed 
 willing to allow them every indulgence in his power. The 
 miseries of captivity were mitigated by this lenient treatment ; 
 but to Miriam, time wore tediously away, and days were 
 wearisome as ages. Fears for her personal safety were ab- 
 sorbed in anxiety for her friends ; the grief of her father, of 
 Lois, of Atherton, were continually present to her imagination, 
 preyed upon her spirits, and at times reduced her to the verge
 
 408 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 of sickness. Mioma, was unwearied in her attentions, and 
 endeavored by every means, to render her situation comfort- 
 able ; and in gratitude for her kindness, Miriam often assum- 
 ed an air of cheerfulness, which was foreign to her feelings. 
 
 About a week after the captivity of Miriam and her com- 
 panion, a Dutch vessel was seen coasting off the Pequod har- 
 bor. The Indians could not omit the opportunity of showing 
 their hatred to the white people, and sent out several canoes 
 to attack them ; the affray ended in the capture of Cushmi- 
 naw, and many other brave young warriors of his tribe, beside 
 several killed and severely wounded. Nothing could exceed 
 the rage of the savages, on this occasion ; and with one voice, 
 they called upon Mononotto to sacrifice the English maidens 
 to their revenge. Mioma had become exceedingly attached 
 to them, and even the stern disposition of her husband was 
 softened into pity, for their youth and misfortunes. She was 
 also unwilling to condemn them, from an apprehension, that 
 the Dutch would retaliate on their prisoners, and particularly 
 on Cushminaw, whom he loved with the tenderness of a fa- 
 ther. While perplexed in what manner to decide, or how to 
 evade the requisition, a council of the nation was called, at 
 which Mononotto was summoned to appear. He well knew 
 the imperious Sassacus would demand the blood of his cap- 
 tives, and was determined to exact his submission ; for with- 
 out his consent, he dared not execute his cruel design, as 
 Mononotto rightly claimed them for his lawful prize, and of 
 course, held their lives at his own disposal. 
 
 On that eventful night, Miriam, ignorant of what was pass- 
 ing in the fort of Sassacus, remarked that the countenance of 
 Mioma was unusually sad ; she seemed agitated, often look- 
 ed out at the door, and started at the slightest noise. Rachel 
 had retired early to bed ; and Miriam, left alone with Mioma, 
 endeavored to draw from her the cause of her inquietude ;
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 409 
 
 but she evaded her questions, and attributed her uneasiness 
 to solicitude for the fate of Cushminaw. Late in the evening, 
 Mononotto returned to the wigwam ; he entered with hurried 
 steps, and his features still wore the trace of stormy passions, 
 which had recently agitated them. He started on seeing Mi- 
 riam, then rapidly crossed the apartment, and stood for a mo- 
 ment, regarding her with mingled sorrow and compassion.- 
 Miriam always trembled at his presence ; but she now inter- 
 preted his singular emotion as a death warrant ; and would 
 have entreated Mioma to speak with him ; but could not ar- 
 ticulate a word. Mioma sprang from the mat, on which she 
 was reclining, and seizing the Sachem's arm, addressed him 
 in her own language, with the most impassioned energy. His 
 answer was slow and emphatic. Mioma threw herself at his 
 feet ; she clasped his knees, tore the hair from her head, and, 
 by the most violent expressions of grief, seemed endeavoring 
 to shake his resolution. The countenance of Mononotto re- 
 mained inflexible, and he pushed her, almost with violence 
 from him. Mioma rose from the ground, with an air of com- 
 manding dignity ; she pressed her hands on her bosom, and 
 fixing her moistened eyes sorrowfully on her husband's face, 
 spoke to him long, with a voice of the most persuasive ten- 
 derness. The features of Mononotto gradually relaxed ; Mi- 
 oma saw and pursued her advantage. Suddenly her gestures 
 became more animated, her utterance more rapid and vehe- 
 ment ; she pointed frequently to Miriam, and to her children, 
 and at length, with the mute eloquence of nature, threw her- 
 self weeping into her husband's arms. The Sachem gently 
 disengaged himself, and standing proudly erect, laid his hand 
 solemnly on his heart, and replied in a few brief, but energetic 
 words. Mioma uttered a joyful cry, and springing to Miriam, 
 folded her in her arms, exclaiming, 
 35
 
 410 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 'You are safe, my daughter, Mononotto has promised that 
 no harm shall come to you ! ' 
 
 Miriam embraced her preserver, again and again, with tears 
 of heartfelt gratitude, and emotions too profound for utter- 
 ance. She turned to Mononotto, every thing but his recent 
 kindness was forgotten, and, kneeling at his feet, she bathed 
 his hands with her tears. The stern countenance of the war- 
 rior was for an instant, softened by tenderness ; he raised her 
 mildly from the ground, and led her back to the arms of Mi- 
 oma; but ashamed of a weakness which is considered con- 
 temptible by his nation, he hastily turned away and silently 
 retired from the wigwam. 
 
 Mononotto, from that hour, faithfully kept his promise, and 
 resolutely protected his captives from the malice of his coun- 
 trymen. He was too powerful and fearless to dread the wrath 
 even of the inflexible Sassacus ; and, on his part, the savage 
 monarch dared not irritate his haughty Sachem, particularly 
 at a moment, when he might be tempted to revolt to the neigh- 
 boring Indians, who had entered into alliance with the Eng- 
 lish. 
 
 Soon after these events, Mononotto went on a hostile ex- 
 pedition to the Mohegan country ; and the disconsolate wife 
 of Cushminaw removed to his mother's wigwam. Mipma's 
 attachment to her prisoners daily strengthened, and in return, 
 tHey regarded her with the most grateful affection. She 
 placed no restraint on their inclinations, believing escape im- 
 possible ; and, indeed, a dread of meeting the savages confined 
 them entirely to the immediate vicinity of their dwelling. 
 Mioma also assured them, it was the intention of Mononotto 
 to send them back to their friends, so soon as an opportunity 
 occurred of procuring Cushminaw in exchange. Sustained 
 by this hope, Miriam became more cheerful and contented 
 than she had conceived it possible to be at the commencement
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 411 
 
 of her captivity ; and, to employ her many leisure moments, 
 she acquired the art of weaving small baskets, and embroid- 
 ering moccasins with porcupines' quills. The young Squaw 
 of Cushminaw was her almost constant companion; and her 
 affectionate disposition, the simplicity and gentleness of her 
 untutored mind, interested Miriam extremely. She had ac- 
 quired a little English from her husband, and could speak it 
 more intelligibly than Mioma, who was, besides, much en- 
 grossed by her household cares, and the labor of planting. 
 The indolent savages kept their women constantly engaged 
 in the fields, during the season of tillage ; for they considered 
 such occupations beneath their own attention, and often de- 
 rided the English for spoiling, by indulgence, creatures who 
 were formed for work, and capable of rendering themselves 
 so useful. 
 
 Nearly three weeks passed away, without interruption, 
 when the Dutch vessel arrived in the dominions of Sassacus, 
 and the captives were soon informed that a treaty was opened 
 for their redemption. With feelings agitated by suspense and 
 hope, Miriam Grey listened to every rumor respecting the 
 negotiation ; and it was to gratify her with particular inform- 
 ation, that the wife of Cushminaw mingled with the women 
 who surrounded Atherton, on the day he was received as an 
 hostage. She was, however, so closely watched by the Indi- 
 ans, who knew her attachment to the English maidens, and 
 suspected she intended to convey intelligence of them, that 
 she found it impossible to enter into conversation with him. 
 But she had taken vigilant observation ; and Miriam, with a 
 bounding heart, fancied she identified the person of Major 
 Atherton in her imperfect description ; for she was well as- 
 sured he would shun no dangers to effect her rescue, if a 
 knowledge of her situation had by any means reached him. 
 Her suspicions were confirmed by the pen-knife he gave the
 
 412 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 squaw, on which the initials of his name were engraved, and 
 she felt confident of having frequently seen it in his possession 
 at Plymouth. However gratifying this renewed proof of his 
 affection, every other feeling yielded to alarm for his safety ; 
 and destitute of proper materials, she wrote on a strip of bark, 
 with the point of the pen-knife, the hasty lines which the 
 young Indian conveyed to himt She little suspected that he 
 Avas still acting upon uncertainty, and that a vague apprehen- 
 sion that dangers lurked around her, had alone led him to 
 those savage shores. 
 
 The remainder of that day and the following, Miriam 
 passed in a state of continual agitation. She could not ex- 
 pect to see Atherton, nor did she wish it, under such circum- 
 stances ; but still, in despite of reason, her cheek was flushed 
 by every approaching footstep, and she felt involuntary sad- 
 ness and disappointment, when she looked round, and he did 
 not appear. The thought, that he was so near her and she 
 could not obtain one moment's interview, was a trial of no or- 
 dinary severity. She heard, without surprise, that Sassacus 
 had rejected the offers of the Dutch, and insisted on the sac- 
 rifice of Mononotto's captives. He deceived Van Haarman 
 by asserting that the Sachem had returned, and yielded to his 
 wishes ; he was still absent, though momently expected, and 
 Miriam believed the savages would not dare proceed to ex- 
 tremities, without his sanction. The evening of the second 
 day arrived ; Mononotto had not come back, and she heard, 
 with trembling, that a council of warriors was again convened 
 in the fort of Sassacus. Mioma assumed a cheerful air, and 
 endeavored to encourage her ; but the effort was ineffectual, 
 and Miriam read in her countenance a confirmation of her 
 worst fears. The wife of Mononotto evidently feared the re- 
 sult of that night's deliberation ; and Miriam felt as if the last 
 hope of life was gliding from her, at the very moment of an-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 413 
 
 ticipated freedom. Unwilling to damp the happiness of 
 Rachel, by imparting her fears, and too much depressed to 
 witness a joy, which might so soon be turned into mourning, 
 she withdrew from the wigwam, to commune with her own 
 thoughts in a favorite haunt of a solitary grove ; where she 
 was soon after surprised by the unexpected appearance of 
 Major Atherton. 
 
 35*
 
 414 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 The fatal feast was o'er : 
 And to his doom the pinion'd captive led. 
 ******** 
 
 One brief interval 
 
 Of anguished thought convuls'd the sufferer's mind : 
 That all his honors, all his high designs, 
 All his ambition's concentrated hopes 
 Must end by savage hands. 
 
 TRAITS OF THE ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 
 
 WHEN Miriam Grey was torn from the arms of Major Ather- 
 ton, at the moment they were so unfortunately discovered in 
 attempting to escape, with the energy of despair she endeav- 
 ored to free herself from the Indian's grasp, and, in a voice of 
 agony, called repeatedly and loudly upon his name. But her 
 efforts were powerless, and her cries were drowned by the 
 shouts of the savages, who hurried Atherton onward towards 
 the fort, which was visible by the decaying watch-fires. Mi- 
 riam felt that her cup of misery was full ; but even in that 
 fearful moment, every personal danger was disregarded, and 
 the dreadful conviction that her lover must fall a sacrifice to 
 his generous, but rash exertions to save her, alone possessed 
 her imagination, and filled her with anguish and alarm. 
 With the meekness of an habitually pious and submissive 
 spirit, she lifted up her heart in prayer to Heaven, for its in- 
 terposing mercy on his behalf, and for grace to support her 
 own misfortunes with fortitude and resignation. Exhausted 
 by excessive fatigue and excitement, she soon sunk into a 
 state almost of insensibility, from which she was not aroused,
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 415 
 
 even by the loud lamentations of the affrighted Rachel, who 
 was borne along in the arms of a savage warrior. 
 
 In this situation, Miriam was placed on a litter, hastily 
 formed of the branches of trees ; and the small band which 
 was left to guard her, proceeded with quick but noiseless foot- 
 steps, along the borders of the forest. Suddenly the silence 
 was interrupted by the loud barking of a dog ; and Miriam 
 was started from her lethargy, by the animal's springing upon 
 her, whining and licking her hands with every mark of af- 
 fectionate recognition. She instantly remembered the dumb 
 favorite, and constant attendant of Mononotto, which had 
 often received her caresses in the wigwam of his master ; and 
 raising herself to return his salutation, she perceived the lofty 
 figure of the Sachem, approaching with his train of followers, 
 and in a moment, his well remembered voice sounded in her 
 ears like the sweet music of returning hope. The Indians 
 stopped immediately on seeing him ; and Miriam, as soon as 
 she found him near her, sprang from the litter, and throw- 
 ing herself before him, in an attitude of supplication, ex- 
 claimed, 
 
 ' Save him, I entreat you fly they have led him away to 
 death.' 
 
 Mononotto started at the unexpected vision ; he but im- 
 perfectly comprehended her meaning, and believing she was 
 entreating for her own safety, he raised her from the ground, 
 and endeavored to pronounce a few words of comfort. The 
 image of Atherton was alone present to the mind of Miriam, 
 and clasping her hands, with energy she continued : 
 
 ' I fear nothing for myself; rescue him who has sought out 
 danger and death for my sake, and I will not shrink from any 
 sufferings you can inflict on me.' 
 
 In the agitation of her feelings, she forgot that the Sachem 
 was ignorant of her language ; he regarded her in silence and
 
 416 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 with perplexity ; then gently placing her in the litter, and 
 turning to his people, addressed to them a long harangue, en- 
 forced by many emphatic gestures, and often interrupted by 
 their replies. When he had finished, they all proceeded 
 towards his wigwam, and in a few moments stopped before 
 the humble portal. Mioma attracted by the noise, hastened 
 to draw aside the mat which covered the entrance, and with 
 mingled joy and apprehension, perceived her husband sup- 
 porting the two English maidens. She had heard that their 
 flight was intercepted, and ignorant of Mononotto's return, 
 feared her incensed countrymen would at once sacrifice them 
 to their fury. 
 
 Major Atherton was unfortunately seen, in his attempt to 
 escape with the captives, by an Indian, who chanced to be 
 roving in the forest, and who carefully concealing himself 
 from them, hastened to alarm the assembled warriors. Mo- 
 nonotto returned from his incursion on the Mohegans, soon 
 after the fort was deserted, in the general pursuit after the 
 fugitive. He heard a few contradictory reports from those 
 whom he chanced to meet, but was ignorant of the real truth, 
 and of Atherton's capture, till he encountered Miriam and her 
 guard in the forest. With haughty displeasure he learned that 
 Sassacus and his warriors had presumed to pass judgment on 
 his prisoners, and to refuse the offers of the Dutch to ransom 
 them. Resolute in his determination to exchange them for 
 Cushminaw and his fellow prisoners, he again left Miriam 
 and Rachel in the charge of Mioma whom he severely 
 reprimanded for her heedlessness in permitting them to escape 
 and returned to the fort of Sassacus to demand his right, 
 and the acquiescence of the people. 
 
 Mioma remarked with concern, the pale cheek and extreme 
 dejection of Miriam, and naturally attributing it to her late 
 fatigue and disappointment, with the solicitude of a fond
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 417 
 
 mother, she hastened to spread the softest skins, and invite 
 her to repose and refreshment. Miriam gladly withdrew, 
 even from the eye of anxious affection, and with a sigh of 
 heart-felt misery returned to the apartment she had so long 
 occupied, and which till now, had been often cheered by 
 visions of hope and future happiness. In a few minutes 
 Rachel was sunk in profound repose ; and as Miriam stooped 
 down to kiss away the tears which still trembled on her eye- 
 lids, she almost envied the innocent thoughtlessness of her 
 unreflecting childhood. In vain she courted the sweet influ- 
 ence of sleep. Atherton perpetually haunted her imagination 
 he seemed to reproach her as the author of his misfortunes, 
 and dreadful images of torture and death floated before her 
 eyes with the appalling vividness of reality. It was not until 
 the morning sun had pierced the leafy covert of the sylvan 
 dwelling, that a disturbed and feverish slumber stole over her 
 senses, from which she was soon awaked by the soft voice of 
 Mioma, who bent over her with a countenance brightened by 
 joy, though a starting tear proclaimed that her pleasure was 
 not without alloy. 
 
 'Arise, my daughters,' she said, 'our light canoes are 
 launched on the blue stream, and Mononotto waits to con- 
 duct thee to thy kindred.' 
 
 Miriam sprang from her lowly couch, and pressing her 
 hands on her forehead, endeavored to connect the- scattered 
 and confused recollection of recent events, while the restless 
 wandering of her eyes, and the unnatural brilliancy of her 
 complexion, betrayed heranxiety and mental suffering. Mi- 
 oma took the hands of the captive maidens kindly within her 
 own, and resumed in an unsteady voice, 
 
 Go, my children, return to the abodes of the white man, 
 but forget not the poor Mioma, who loved you, and cherished 
 you in her bosom.'
 
 418 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ' Forget you, my friend, my preserver !' exclaimed Miriam, 
 with impassioned energy, and twining her arms around Mi- 
 oma's neck ' oh, never shall I cease to remember you with 
 grateful affection, and to supplicate Heaven for a blessing on 
 you and yours.' 
 
 The voice of Mononotto was at that moment heard ap- 
 proaching them ; and Mioma disengaging herself from the 
 embrace of Miriam, with the grave dignity which usually 
 characterized her, retired to receive his commands. Miriam 
 followed her with hasty steps, and grasping the arm of Mono- 
 notto, she looked earnestly in his face, and entreated Mioma 
 to express to him her gratitude for his kindness, and to learn 
 the situation of Atherton, and what destiny awaited him. The 
 Sachem briefly answered ; and Mioma taking the words from 
 his lips, drew the agitated girl towards her, and said, 
 
 ' He is safe, my daughter ; ask me no more, but prepare to 
 go, while the breeze is up, and ready to waft thee over the 
 sparkling waves.' 
 
 The disturbed expression of Mioma's countenance con- 
 tradicted her assertion, and redoubled the anxious fears of 
 Miriam. 
 
 'Safe /' she repeated with a wild laugh, ' safe ! and a pris- 
 oner in the midst of his enemies ! oh, if you have pity on me, 
 restore him to liberty, and suffer me to die in his stead me, 
 for whose sake he is involved in danger and distress. Yes, I 
 will go to him,' she added in a calmer tone, ' at least we will 
 die together !' 
 
 She was rushing from the wigwam, when Mononotto ar- 
 rested her steps, and firmly detained her, while he addressed 
 Mioma with extreme earnestness. Mioma again interpreted 
 his language.' 
 
 ' Young maiden,' she said, ' what would'st thou do? Listen 
 to the words of Mononotto. I have snatched you from the
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. . 419 
 
 flames, I have sheltered you under my roof, and nourished 
 you with my own food. Thou knowest that I have a son, 
 whom I adopted in the hour of strife, and he is dear to me as 
 my own flesh ; wilt thou leave him to perish by the hands of 
 his enemies, to avenge thy blood which I have refrained from 
 shedding ?' 
 
 ' No, never, never will I repay your benefits with such in- 
 gratitude,' said Miriam ; ' for your sake I will endure life, 
 though every future moment should be embittered by sorrow.' 
 
 She instantly prepared to obey the wishes of Mononotto, 
 and clinging to the last and uncertain hope, that the Dutch 
 might still be enabled to offer some acceptable ransom for the 
 life of Atherton, she became restlessly impatient for the mo- 
 ment of her departure. The sachem had all things in readi- 
 ness ; and with tears and embraces, the wife of Cushminaw 
 parted from the English maidens, whom she regarded as the 
 deliverers of her husband. But Mioma remarked with pity 
 the languor and debility of Miriam the surprising change 
 which a few hours of severe mental suffering had produced 
 in her countenance ; and with an affectionate solicitude which 
 could not be denied, she insisted on accompanying her to the 
 Dutch vessel. In a few moments they reached the bank of 
 the river ; a bark canoe was loosed from its moorings, and 
 Mononotto with two or three sturdy Indians, paddled them 
 swiftly from the shore. Sick at heart, Miriam turned her 
 eyes to the spot where she had been separated from Atherton, 
 at the dreadful moment of discovery ; and casting one wistful 
 look towards the distant fort, she leaned her head on Mioma's 
 shoulder, and covered her face to exclude every object from 
 her view for every object was associated with the most pain- 
 ful recollections. 
 
 Van Haarman was waiting on the deck of his sloop to re- 
 ceive the liberated captives, and with an air of cordial good
 
 420 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 will, he congratulated them on their restoration tp freedom. 
 Observing they were embarrassed by the gaze of curiosity, he 
 conducted them to a small cabin he had prepared for them, 
 whither they were -attended by Mioma ; and Van Haarman 
 returned to the deck, and according to his stipulation, 
 restored Cushminaw and five of the Pequods to the sachem 
 Mononotto. 
 
 Major Atherton in the mean time was rigorously guarded 
 by the savages, who, with inhuman barbarity triumphed over 
 his misery, mocking him with taunts and menaces, and imi- 
 tating the groans which they had sometimes extorted from 
 their English prisoners. They had closely pinioned his arms, 
 and bound him to a stake in the midst of the fort, in a posi- 
 tion which admitted neither of rest nor change. In this pain- 
 ful situation he was condemned to pass the night surrounded 
 by his vindictive enemies, whose disfigured countenances 
 glared upon him like demons, illumined as they were by the 
 fitful fires which they kept burning, to prevent the possibility 
 of surprise or escape. Atherton did not for an instant cherish 
 any chimerical hopes of life. From the moment that he found 
 himself in the power of the Indians, he considered death in- 
 evitable, and determined to meet it with the courage of a 
 Christian and a soldier. Yet in the midst of sufferings which 
 had surprised him in the glow of hope and expected happi- 
 ness, and in the prospect of tortures from which nature re- 
 coiled, the uncertainty of Miriam's fate, and the reflection that 
 her death might be accelerated by his rashness, gave him far 
 keener anguish than the most refined cruelties his tormentors 
 were able to inflict. 
 
 The night, which seemed almost endless to him, at length 
 passed away, and late in the morning the sachem Mononotto 
 entered the fort. The countenance of the warrior was stern, 
 and he regarded the prisoner with gloomy satisfaction. More
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 421 
 
 accessible to pity than most of his ferocious tribe, he was 
 moved by the innocence and tears of his young captives ; and 
 affection for his adopted son induced him to persist in procur- 
 ing their release. But neither the liberal offers of Van Haar- 
 man, nor his earnest entreaties joined with those of Cushmi- 
 naw, could prevail on him or any of the savage warriors, to 
 accept a ransom for Major Atherton. His apparent rank and 
 youthful vigor rendered him a victim of uncommon value, 
 and the moment of sacrifice was anticipated with inhuman 
 triumph. 
 
 As Atherton sustained the haughty gaze of Mononotto with 
 dignified composure, Cushminaw entered with a train of Indi- 
 ans, who had gathered round him to express their joy at his 
 release. He was not permitted to address the prisoner, but 
 stood at a little distance, looking at him with an earnest and 
 sorrowful expression. Atherton's features brightened with 
 momentary joy at his appearance, and the young Indian, com- 
 prehending his feelings, a moment after passed near him, and 
 said in a low voice, ' they are safe,' and immediately left the 
 fort. Atherton felt relieved of an insupportable load by this 
 assurance ; for he was at no loss to conjecture to whom Cush- 
 minaw alluded ; and indeed his freedom alone was a sufficient 
 proof that Miriam and her companion were in safety. He 
 had soon after another instance of his grateful interest ; for in 
 consequence of his intercession with Mononotto, the cords 
 which bound him were loosened, and he was offered some 
 water to allay his feverish thirst. Thankful for these favors, 
 which were seldom granted to their prisoners, and exhausted 
 by weariness and pain, he scarcely felt the relief of his new 
 position, before he sunk into a quiet slumber, too profound to 
 be disturbed even by the dreadful preparations which were 
 making around him. 
 
 The Indians perceived the Dutch vessel still lying at an- 
 36
 
 422 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 chor in the river, and with malignant satisfaction they deter- 
 mined to sacrifice their captive within the view of his white 
 brethren. About sunset, the shouts of the multitude who be- 
 gan to assemble, proclaimed that the appointed hour was ar- 
 rived. Several fires were kindled along the shore, and on a 
 slight eminence beyond the fort, a large stake, driven into the 
 ground, designated the place of execution. Major Atherton 
 was conducted from the fortress by a numerous and ferocious 
 guard; he walked with a firm and manly step; his counte- 
 nance was serene, and the spirit of Christian hope and resig- 
 nation evidently supported him in that trying hour. Once 
 only, when they had bound him to the fatal stake, he cast a 
 lingering look towards the vessel, which contained the only 
 being perhaps who would weep for his untimely fate ; and for 
 an instant his lip quivered, and a deep" flush overspread his 
 pale features. It slowly passed away he raised his eyes to 
 Heaven, and every earthly passion seemed forever subdued. 
 
 The savages then entirely covered their victim with bark, 
 using the most insulting gestures and menaces, which their 
 deadly hatred could invent. Previous to lighting the pile 
 they formed an immense circle around him, and with dis- 
 cordant yells, both sexes indiscriminately joined in performing 
 the horrid war-dance. As soon as this infernal rite was com- 
 pleted, a torch was applied to the combustible materials which 
 surrounded the unfortunate Atherton, and instantly the smoke 
 began to mount and wreathe around him. Nothing codld 
 exceed the horror of the spectacle. Atherton was no longer 
 visible through the clouds of smoke which enveloped him ; 
 for to- render his death more painful and lingering, they had 
 selected green materials, which long resisted the violence of 
 the flames. The savages still encircled him ; a demoniac joy, 
 and vindictive fury was painted on their features, and their
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 423 
 
 dreadful shouts of exultation were mingled with the appalling 
 sounds of the war-whoop. 
 
 At that fearful moment, a report of fire-arms was heard, 
 and a shower of musket-balls poured upon the astonished 
 group. A party of white men, sword in hand, rushed from 
 an adjoining thicket, and with determined courage, plunged 
 through the circle to the rescue of the prisoner. Cushminaw 
 recognized Van Haarman in their gallant leader, and with a 
 joyful cry, he sprang forward, and severed the cords which 
 confined Atherton to the stake. Atherton, like one risen from 
 the dead, leaped from the burning pile unharmed, though 
 blackened with smoke ; and snatching his own sword from 
 the hand of a bewildered chief, joined in the defence of his 
 brave liberators. 
 
 The Pequods thrown into consternation by this sudden at- 
 tack, knew not how to conduct, or in what way to defend 
 themselves. They had partaken freely of the ardent spirits 
 which Van Haarman had purposely sent to them, on the re- 
 turn of Cushminaw, and their inebriation added to the con- 
 fusion of the scene. Stupefied by terror and surprise, they 
 greatly overrated the numbers of the Dutch; many fled pre- 
 cipitately, and all seemed incapable of offering the least re- 
 sistance. Van Haarman took advantage of their condition, 
 and immediately ordered a retreat, which was effected in good 
 order, and without the loss of a single man. They heard at 
 a distance, the shouts of the Indians, who began to rally, but 
 dared not pursue them ; and a flight of arrows which lhy 
 discharged, fell harmless among the trees of the forest. 
 
 The emotions of Major Atherton were indescribable. Re- 
 called to life from- the borders of the grave, the first offerings 
 of his heart were directed to that good Being whose arm had 
 encircled him, and led him back from the dark valley of death. 
 As they glided over the peaceful waters, he remained ab-
 
 424 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 sorbed in mental devotion and thanksgiving. Not a voice 
 disturbed the profound silence ; the dashing of the oars, and 
 ripple of the waves, were the only sounds which broke upon 
 the stillness of the night. It was not till he had gained the 
 deck of the sloop, that Atherton's thoughts were completely 
 recalled to earth. With a swelling heart, he regarded the lit- 
 tle band who had just ventured their lives upon a doubtful and 
 dangerous enterprise in the cause of humanity ; and he deep- 
 ly felt that language was inadequate to express the obligations 
 they had imposed on him. Silently, but with a countenance 
 more eloquent than words, he pressed the hand of each as 
 they crowded around him; and even with tears of gratitude, 
 embraced the generous and disinterested Van Haarman. 
 
 ' You have need of repose,' said Van Haarman, leading him 
 aside ; ' but first there is one who must be convinced with her 
 own eyes, that you are in safety.' 
 
 As he spoke, they descended a few steps, and knocked soft- 
 ly at the door of the cabin which was occupied by Miriam 
 Grey ; and with a throbbing pulse, Atherton heard the quick 
 motion of her light step within. Van Haarman disengaged 
 his arm from Atherton's, and hastily withdrew, unwilling to 
 intrude upon their interview, under circumstances so peculiar 
 and affecting. He immediately ordered the sails to be set, 
 and weighing anchor, they sailed with a fair wind from the 
 unfriendly shores of the Pequods. 
 
 Van Haarman had waited with extreme anxiety for the re- 
 turn of Major Atherton, on the preceding evening ; and when 
 he saw the dastardly Dutchman approaching alone in the 
 boat, his fears and predictions seemed at once fatally con- 
 firmed. From the unwilling confession of the man, he de- 
 tected his cowardice, and in the excess of his anger and dis- 
 appointment, ordered him to be put in irons for the punishment 
 of his treachery. From that moment, his thoughts were un-
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 425 
 
 remittingly bent on devising some means of rescuing his 
 friend from the dreadful fate which awaited him. 
 
 Most unexpectedly, Mononotto on the following morning, 
 restored the captive maidens, and demanded Cushminaw and 
 five of the Pequod warriors for their ransom, agreeable to the 
 offers of the Dutch. But the endeavors of Van Haarman to 
 include Atherton in the stipulation, were ineffectual, and the 
 Sachem haughtily rejected the most liberal offers for his free- 
 dom. The grief and despair of Miriam Grey at times de- 
 prived her entirely of reason ; again she would remain long 
 in a state of death-like insensibility ; and in her calmer inter- 
 vals, she supplicated Van Haarman with tears, which could 
 not be resisted, to save her lover, or suffer her to go and per- 
 ish with him. Affected by her distress, and led on by a dar- 
 ing spirit, as well as a real interest for his friend, he resolved 
 at all events, to hazard a bold and decisive attempt to rescue 
 him. With little difficulty he inspired a few of his bravest 
 men with a portion of his enthusiasm, and engaged them to 
 assist him in the perilous adventure. 
 
 With a vigilant eye, Van Haarman watched the transactions 
 of the Indians on shore during the day, and the moment their 
 fires were lighted, he prepared to prosecute his design. His 
 vessel was put in readiness to sail at an instant's warning ; 
 and when he saw the Indians forming a circle around Ather- 
 ton, he removed down the river beyond the light of their 
 flames. He reached the shore in a boat with his men ; and 
 landing in the shelter of a grove, they proceeded cautiously 
 along, directed by the blaze, which glanced brightly through 
 the branches of the trees. Van Haarman had placed much 
 reliance on the intoxicating liquor which he presented to Mo- 
 nonotto in the morning, and rightly judged it would be re- 
 served for the evening feast. At the auspicious moment when 
 36*
 
 426 PEEP AT THE PILGRIM?. 
 
 their senses were deranged by liberal potations, and they be- 
 lieved themselves secure in their savage mirth, he rushed 
 upon them with his intrepid band, in the manner already re- 
 lated.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Farewell, 'tis exquisite to part, 
 For oh, thou weep'st at parting. 
 
 MlLMAN. 
 
 EARLY on the next morning, the Dutch vessel anchored be- 
 neath the walls of fort Saybrook, and Major Atherton was 
 awakened by the drums of the garrison, beating the reveille. 
 His drowsiness was at once dispelled, and he hastened on deck 
 with an elastic step, and free and buoyant spirits. The fam- 
 iliar and exhilarating sounds of martial music, the glitter of 
 polished arms, and the ancient banner of his country unfurled 
 from the ramparts, burst gaily on his ear and eye. As he in- 
 haled the fragrance of the dewy air, and looked round upon 
 the wider landscape, the distant hills, silvered by the trans- 
 parent vapors, which curled around their brows, the beauti- 
 ful sweep of woodlands, and the luxuriant meadows, all 
 glowing in the brilliancy of the morning sun ; his mind was 
 filled with almost rapturous delight, and contrasting his pre- 
 sent feelings, with those of the preceding day, his heart swell- 
 ed with gratitude, and he thought the face of nature had never 
 worn so lovely an aspect, nor the pulse of existence, bounded 
 with such pure and joyous emotions. 
 
 But his happy reverie was soon interrupted by the bustle 
 which prevailed on board the sloop, and hurrying below, with 
 impatient steps he passed and repassed the door of Miriam's 
 cabin, half inclined to chide her, that her ear was so inatten- 
 tive to the footsteps of love. Hearing no sound within, he at 
 length gently rapped, and the door was half opened by the 
 smiling Rachel, who begged him to make no noise, as Miriam
 
 428 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 was not yet awake. He was much disposed to disregard her ; 
 but Van Haarman at the moment, came to infown him he was 
 waiting to go on shore, and Atherton felt obliged to accom- 
 pany him, though he more than once turned to look back, as 
 he fancied he heard the sweet tones of Miriam's voice. 
 
 They were received with the utmost politeness by Lieuten- 
 ant Gardiner, the commanding officer ; and Captain Under- 
 hill, who had arrived at Saybrook two or three weeks before, 
 with twenty men to relieve the garrison. Captain Underhill 
 immediately recognized Major Atherton, whom he had known 
 at Boston, and expected to have found at Saybrook. His un- 
 accountable disappearance, at the moment he had voluntarily 
 embarked in so important an undertaking, had occasioned 
 much conjecture, and no small anxiety, to those who were 
 personally interested in him. The mystery was soon ex- 
 plained to the entire satisfaction of all concerned; and having 
 delivered his credentials to Lieutenant Gardiner, his proffered 
 services were gladly accepted by him, on the behalf of the 
 Connecticut colonies. 
 
 The officers, with that respectful gallantry which always 
 accompanies true bravery, were solicitous to prepare suitable 
 accommodations for Miriam and her young companion, and 
 to render their temporary residence at the fort agreeable. 
 Atherton's anxiety for their safety induced him to urge a 
 speedy removal to their friends ; as the critical state of the 
 country, the danger of an attack from the Indians, and the em- 
 barrassing situation of two young and unprotected females in 
 the midst of a garrison, must render their abode there, peril- 
 ous and unpleasant. He knew not how soon he should be 
 called away, and the idea of leaving Miriam in that place, 
 and under such circumstances, was not to be endured. A 
 pinnace from the river towns had put in at Saybrook on the 
 preceding day, and was only waiting for a favorable wind to
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 429 
 
 proceed to the Massachusetts. It offered few conveniences 
 which the occasion required, but Atherton thought it would 
 be better for them to proceed directly in it, than run the chance 
 of another opportunity, which was not likely soon to occur, 
 and might not be more advantageous. It was impossible for 
 the garrison, at that critical time to fit out a vessel for their 
 accommodation ; and though Van Haarman would gladly 
 have carried them through the voyage, he did not feel author- 
 ized to exceed his instructions, which were to deliver them 
 to the English at Saybrook. He however promised to escort 
 them through the waters of the Sound, when they would be 
 beyond the territories of the Pequod Indians, and the danger 
 of any hostile attack. The master of the pinnace was we 
 known to several persons in the fort, and sustained an excel- 
 lent character. Atherton therefore felt no hesitation in plac- 
 ing the objects of his solicitude, under such protection ; and 
 he received a ready promise to bestow on them every possible 
 attention, and to leave them, with the friends of Miriam, at 
 Plymouth. Atherton learned from him, that Mrs. Weldon 
 had entirely recovered from her illness, though still in deep 
 affliction for the supposed loss of Miriam, which was gener- 
 ally considered inevitable. She then enjoyed the solace of 
 her husband's society, who had returned to Hartford with 
 Captain Mason, immediately on the arrival of Captain Under- 
 bill at Saybrook. 
 
 Major Atherton hastened to impart this intelligence to Mi- 
 riam, and to consult her on his proposed arrangements. 
 While yet conversing, they were joined by Van Haarman ; 
 and Mr. Winthrop, the founder of the fort and settlement of 
 Saybrook, and afterwards, for many years, a useful and dis- 
 tinguished governor of the Connecticut colonies. He was a 
 young man of superior abilities, which were greatly improved 
 by traveling, and an extensive acquaintance with letters and
 
 430 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 mankind. With the benevolence and urbanity, which cha- 
 racterized his father, he also imbibed a firm predilection for 
 puritanical doctrines ; and though esteemed one of the most 
 accomplished gentlemen, and elegant scholars of the age, he 
 was content to sacrifice the honors and preferments, which 
 courted him in his native land, to plant what he considered 
 the true faith, in the rigid soil of New England. 
 
 The object of his visit, was to request Miriam and Rachel, 
 to remove to his house, which was pleasantly situated within 
 the impalement ; and where he promised them perfect retire- 
 ment, and the attentive care of a respectable female, who su- 
 perintended his household. Miriam cheerfully acceded to his 
 request, for her spirits were languid, and her strength debili- 
 tated by suffering and fatigue, and she gladly exchanged the 
 confinement and confusion of the sloop, for an agreeable and 
 quiet situation. 
 
 Mr. Winthrop invited Atherton, Van Haarman and the of- 
 ficers of the garrison, to dine with him on that day ; but Mi- 
 riam declined appearing at table, from a natural aversion to 
 encounter the gaze of strangers, under circumstances which 
 excited so much curiosity. Atherton's feelings were much 
 gratified by her reserve ; but it disappointed the guests, in 
 general ; for they had heard high encomiums on her beau- 
 ty, and felt their interest strongly awakened by her adven- 
 tures. As soon as the company began to disperse, Atherton 
 requested permission to speak with Miriam ; and Mr. Win- 
 throp, with a significant smile, directed him to a room where 
 he had parted from her in the morning. He found her sitting 
 alone by a window, which opened into the garden, where 
 Rachel was amusing herself with the gambols of a playful 
 dog. As he entered hastily, he observed that she had been 
 weeping ; but her countenance' instantly brightened with
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 431 
 
 pleasure, as she rose with a smile and a blush to receive 
 him. 
 
 ' These are tears of joy, I trust, dear Miriam,' said Ather- 
 ton, looking earnestly in her face ; ' surely you have now no 
 source of unhappiness to call them forth.' 
 
 4 No, none,' replied Miriam, ' I should be ungrateful to re- 
 pine at any thing, almost in a moment, when Providence has 
 interposed to snatch me from a dreadful fate. But' she 
 added hesitatingly ; and stopping abruptly, cast her eyes on 
 the ground. 
 
 " But what ? ' asked Atherton, anxiously, ' tell me, Miriam, 
 if there is any thing I can do to render you more happy, and 
 you cannot doubt my zeal in your service.' 
 
 ' There is nothing that I can wish for,' answered Miriam ; 
 1 you have already done for me more than words can express ; 
 you have laid me under obligations which a life of devoted 
 gratitude could never repay.' 
 
 ' Nay, dear Miriam,' said Atherton, ' one sunny smile, one 
 glance of affection, has canceled all, and more than all, that 
 I could do or suffer for your sake. But I would learn the 
 meaning of that hesitation, that untold something, which just 
 now trembled on your lips ; surely you, who are always so 
 ingenuous, need not now use such reserve to me.' 
 
 ' I have perhaps, used too little towards you,' returned Mi- 
 riam ; ' and indeed, I fear you will think me weak and fool- 
 ish, if I acknowledge that the thoughts of my intended voy- 
 age have power to depress my spirits for a moment.' 
 
 1 On the contrary,' said Atherton, ' I cannot sufficiently ad- 
 mire your cheerful acquiescence in the plan we have adopted 
 for you ; and which, though it seems the only one that can 
 insure your safety, under present circumstances, exposes you 
 to so many inconveniences, that I cannot reflect on it without 
 the utmost solicitude, nor too deeply regret that it is impossi-
 
 432 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ble for me to go with you, and protect you in this emergen- 
 cy.' 
 
 ' I have no fears for myself,' replied Miriam ; ' I am a rug- 
 ged daughter of New-England, unused to the gentle nurture 
 of your English maidens, and from childhood accustomed to 
 fatigue, and taught to meet the unavoidable evils of life with- 
 out repining. But why should I blush to acknowledge it, 
 Atherton ? I tremble with apprehension at the thoughts of 
 parting from you, of leaving you, in this place of danger.' 
 
 'Dearest Miriam,' said Atherton, with a glow of grateful 
 pleasure, ' how can I thank you for this kind expression of 
 interest! a sweet assurance of your affection, more precious 
 to me, than the wealth of kingdoms, and which I shall cherish 
 as the delightful harbinger of a happy and more lasting re- 
 union, when the gloomy, but I trust, brief days of our separa- 
 tion have passed away.' 
 
 4 It is not leaving you, at which I repine,' said Miriam, with 
 a faint smile ; ' at another time, I would, I ought to do it vol- 
 untarily without regret; but now I quit you on the eve of a 
 fearful combat, with a powerful and barbarous enemy, whose 
 very name is dreadful, and whose " tender mercies," you have 
 already bitterly experienced, are "cruelty."' 
 
 ' Your fears for me, dear Miriam, are too grateful to my 
 feelings, not to give me pleasure ; but I trust they are wholly 
 groundless ; I feel a secret confidence, that He, who has once 
 so mercifully delivered me from their hands will still be my 
 shield and defence, and that He will give his people a signal 
 victory over their heathenish foes.' 
 
 ' May your words prove prophetic ! ' returned Miriam. 
 ' Atherton, forgive my womanish fears,' she added ; ' but I 
 know your courage, and I am assured it will lead you where- 
 ever dangers most thickly abound; remember, I entreat you, 
 that your life is too valuable to be thrown away.'
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 433 
 
 ' If it is of value to you, Miriam, I shall be inclined to 
 prize it but too highly ; though I would not give you reason 
 to blush for my cowardice.' 
 
 ' I must first,' said Miriam, forget your past services ; I 
 must first cease to remember, Atherton, the intrepid courage 
 with which you have twice hazarded your life to preserve 
 mine ; and when I forget these things, then will " my right 
 hand forget its cunning." ' 
 
 ' Dearest Miriam, name it not again, I beseech you ; if you 
 knew how much selfishness was mingled in my wishes to 
 serve you, how wretched my life would be without you, 
 how closely my happiness is interwoven with your own, 
 you would not think that I had made any uncommon efforts, 
 that my trifling exertions were worthy to excite this excess of 
 feeling ; so speak no more of it, or I shall fear that your in- 
 terest for me is excited only by the cold impulse of gratitude, 
 which would have expanded as generously towards any other 
 object, even the most indifferent, to whom you felt indebted.' 
 
 1 Think so, Atherton, if you will, if you can ; and it were 
 better, perhaps, and far happier for us, if no other sentiments 
 than those of kindness and gratitude had been suffered to take 
 root and flourish in our hearts.' 
 
 ' No, it cannot be so, my own Miriam,' said Atherton, with 
 energy ; ' I feel assured that brighter days are in store for us, 
 and that it will not always be a crime to indulge the pure 
 and hallowed affections of the heart. In this hope, our part- 
 ing must not be sad; this is no place for one so innocent and 
 lovely, and I wait even impatiently for the moment of your 
 departure ; and may He, who rules the winds and waves, 
 lead you in safety to the shelter of your father's roof, and the 
 protection of his arms.' 
 
 ' Atherton, you are too sanguine,' said Miriam ; ' but be it 
 so ; we will not increase the pain of the present moment, by 
 37
 
 434 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 picturing gloomy images of the future, but submit patiently to 
 that Providence, which directs every event in wisdom.' 
 
 ' You are right, my Miriam ; and when the din of battle 
 has ceased, I will return to you, and sue for the treasure of 
 your affections with an eloquence which love shall dictate, 
 and the heart of a father cannot resist.' 
 
 ' We may at least look forward with hope,' said Miriam, 
 blushing ; ' but it is a question which time alone can decide. 
 I have now a request to make, which I am sure you will not 
 deny me.' 
 
 ' I can refuse nothing that you ask,' said Atherton ; ' you 
 have only to speak, and if it is in my power you shall be 
 obeyed.' 
 
 ' If,' resumed Miriam, ' the fortune of war should place the 
 family of Mononotto at your disposal, will you for my sake 
 treat them with that kindness which they showed to me dur- 
 ing my captivity ; and which I shall probably never have an 
 opportunity of returning in the least degree ? ' 
 
 ' Be assured,' returned Atherton, 'that every possible at- 
 tention shall be bestowed on them which even your grateful 
 solicitude could desire. And now, my dear Miriam, I have a 
 simple boon to ask from you ; it is one of these silken tress- 
 es which I would wear as a precious charm when I can no 
 longer be with you, except in the delusive dreams of fancy.' 
 
 Miriam with a smile yielded to his wishes, and in compli- 
 ance with his request had just bound the glossy ringlet around 
 his arm, when their conversation was interrupted by the en- 
 trance of Mr. Winthrop and Van Haarman. 
 
 On the following morning the Dutch sloop took advantage 
 of a favorable wind, and convoyed the Connecticut pinnace 
 beyond the waters of the Sound. They had scarcely sailed 
 out of sight before a fleet of three light vessels, containing 
 ninety men, destined to act against the Pequods, approached
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 435 
 
 the fort. Their appearance, which had been long expected, 
 occasioned the utmost joy ; they landed under a discharge of 
 artillery, and were received with military honors by the gar- 
 rison. This small army left Hartford in company with seven- 
 ty Mohegan and river Indians who had united with their 
 force, and were commanded by Uncas, grand Sachem of the 
 Mohegans. But as the navigation of the river was much im- 
 peded by the unusual lowness of the water, the Indians be- 
 came impatient of the restraint and delays, and begged per- 
 mission to land and proceed on foot. This was granted them 
 on condition of effecting a junction with the English at Say- 
 brook ; but strong doubts were entertained of their fidelity, 
 which was seldom proof against interest, revenge, or any 
 other passion of their savage hearts. On this occasion, how- 
 ever, they were true to their word ; and the next day arrived 
 at the fort, bringing intelligence that they had fallen in with 
 a party of the enemy, completely routed them, and killed and 
 wounded several of their number. 
 
 Captain Mason was appointed by the Colonies commander 
 in chief of the Connecticut forces and their Indian allies. He 
 was an experienced soldier, and highly prized for his un- 
 daunted courage and profound knowledge of military tactics ; 
 with which he united the virtues of a sincere Christian, and 
 the deportment of a gentleman. He was at that time about 
 thirty-five years old, tall and athletic, with commanding fea- 
 tures, a frank and intelligent countenance, and a martial air 
 and demeanor. In early life he had served in the Netherland 
 wars under Sir Thomas Fairfax ; and that celebrated general 
 so highly valued his talents and conduct, that in after years 
 when the unhappy struggle arose between Charles the first 
 and his parliament, he earnestly entreated Captain Mason to 
 return and assist in the defence of his national rights. But 
 the Captain was preferred to the highest offices of the Colony,
 
 436 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 and so firmly attached to his adopted country and the religion 
 of the Puritans that he could not be prevailed on to abandon 
 them. 
 
 The army lay wind-bound at Saybrook for two days ; and 
 the time was almost entirely spent in consultations respecting 
 the manner of proceeding, in which Captain Mason and his 
 officers entirely disagreed. The Court had instructed them 
 to proceed directly to the Pequod harbor; but for many rea- 
 sons the Captain judged it expedient to sail first to the Nar- 
 raganset country, and go from thence by land. He hoped by 
 that means to surprise the enemy, who were expecting and 
 lying in wait for them along the river. As they could not 
 agree in opinion it was finally left to the decision of Mr. 
 Stone, who accompanied the troops as chaplain. He was de- 
 sired to set apart a time for devotions suited to the occasion, 
 to seek direction from the God- of battles, and entreat his pro- 
 tection and aid in their perilous and important undertaking. 
 Like the patriarch of old he ' wrestled until the break of day ' 
 in prayer, and obtained a blessing. In the morning he in- 
 formed Captain Mason that he was entirely satisfied with his 
 plan, and believed it perfectly consonant to the will of Heaven. 
 So great a deference was at that time paid to the sacred office 
 and character of the New-England clergy, that it was imme- 
 diately determined in a council of officers to adopt the pro- 
 posed measures, and sail without delay to the country of the 
 Narraganssts.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 437 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 Indulge, my native land ! indulge the tear, 
 That steals, impassion'd o'er a nation's doom ; 
 To me each twig, from Adam's stock is near, 
 And sorrows fall upon an Indian's tomb. 
 
 DWIGHT. 
 
 IN the twilight of a beautiful day about the middle of May, 
 the little army of Connecticut, with their Indian allies, an- 
 chored in the noble Bay of Narraganset. The fruitful and 
 finely variegated tract of country which has since received 
 th*name of Rhode-Island, and whose shores are washed by 
 the waters of the Bay, was at that time inhabited by a hardy 
 race of savages, scattered throughout the interior, and leading 
 an erratic life of freedom and independence. This populous 
 tribe could then send forth upwards of four thousand warriors 
 to the field of battle, and was the only nation east of the Hud- 
 son, who had rendered themselves formidable to the ferocious 
 Pequods. They were continually at war with them, and had 
 hitherto successfully resisted their encroachments. Their 
 fertile lands and salubrious climate had not allured the Eng- 
 lish planter to wrest from them the inheritance of nature ; nor 
 had the footsteps of art yet tracked the soil, and mingled her 
 magic charms with the magnificence of its native scenery, 
 except where the Providence plantation displayed her youlh- 
 ful settlement, crowning the head of the Bay, and like a syl- 
 van deity decked with the offerings of rural industry. 
 
 There the celebrated Roger Williams had laid the founda- 
 tion of a flourishing colony, and amidst the dominions of the 
 savage, found that re/uge from persecution, which he had. 
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 438 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 vainly sought in the abodes of civilized man. The wild and 
 untutored children of the forest regarded him as a father and 
 a friend ; and though defenceless and exposed, he held them 
 in subjection and awe, by the mild ties of gratitude and affec- 
 tion. His influence was uniformly exerted to repress their 
 hostility against the neighboring English ; and with the gen- 
 uine spirit of benevolence and forgiveness, he was unremitting 
 in his efforts to do good to those who inveighed against the 
 errors of his creed and ejected him from Christian fellowship. 
 Major Atherton had heard much of that extraordinary man, 
 and hoped his curiosity would be gratified by a personal in- 
 terview, as they approached so near the place of his exile. 
 But he was disappointed on finding the residence of Canoni- 
 cus, grand sachem of the Narragansets, was much nearer the 
 entrance of the Bay, which rendered their further progress in- 
 expedient. 
 
 The next day being the Sabbath, their business was sus- 
 pended, and divine service was performed by the chaplain on 
 board the captain's ship, where all the English assembled, 
 with the utmost reverence and devotion. On Monday, Cap- 
 tains Mason and Underbill, with a sufficient guard, repaired 
 to the dwelling of Canonicus, to acquaint him with their mo- 
 tives for visiting his country with so large a force, and request 
 permission to pass through it in peace, to attack the Pequod 
 forts. The young sachem Miantonimo, to whom the old king 
 had resigned the reigns of government, assembled his chief 
 counselors and warriors to hold a talk with the English ; 
 and after gravely listening to the arguments of Captain Ma- 
 son, he answered that he highly approved his designs, and 
 would send some of his own subjects to assist him. He how- 
 ever expressed a doubt that the white men were too feeble to 
 oppose the Pequods, who were exceedingly valiant, and also 
 powerful in numbers.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 439 
 
 Encouraged by this reception, Captain Mason ordered his 
 men to land, except a few, who were left in charge with the 
 vessels, and proceed to the place of rendezvous. In the even- 
 ing, an Indian came from the Providence plantation, bringing 
 a letter from Captain Patrick, who had arrived there with 
 forty men from the Massachusetts. He requested Captain 
 Mason to wait until he could join him with his troops ; but 
 although a union of forces was desirable, the officers in gen- 
 eral were averse to the delay. The soldiers were already 
 impatient to proceed, and it was of the utmost importance to 
 surprise the enemy, which could not be effected without using 
 great dispatch. It was customary among the Indians to en- 
 tertain the squaws of either hostile nation in their camps, and 
 many of the Pequod women were mingled with the Narra- 
 gansets, who, it was feared, would convey intelligence of their 
 approach. 
 
 On the following morning therefore, the army consisting of 
 about eighty Englishmen, sixty Mohegan and river Indians, 
 and two hundred Narragansets, took up their line of march. 
 Before evening they reached the Nihantick, a frontier to the 
 Pequods, which was then governed by a Narraganset sachem. 
 But the Nihanticks treated the English with haughty inso- 
 lence, and would not receive them into their fort ; and Cap- 
 tain Mason, aware of their treachery, placed a strong guard 
 around the impalement to prevent any one from passing out 
 to betray them. There they encamped that night, and in the 
 morning were joined by another party of Narragansets, which 
 induced many of the Nihanticks to offer their services ; so 
 that the army re-commenced its march with a force of nearly 
 five hundred Indians. 
 
 The English endured excessive fatigue and suffering 
 throughout the day; the weather was oppressively warm; 
 they were almost destitute of suitable provisions, and obliged
 
 440 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 to travel through a pathless wilderness, encumbered with 
 heavy arms and ammunition. In the afternoon the country 
 became more open, and they crossed a large field which had 
 been planted with Indian corn, and was watered by a pure 
 stream. Here the captain ordered his men to halt and re- 
 fresh themselves, while he called a council of his officers, and 
 consulted the Indians respecting the distance of the forts. 
 Wequash, formerly a petty sachem, who had revolted from 
 t he Pequods, and who afterwards became a con vert to Christ- 
 ianity, and a zealous apostle among his brethren, proved an 
 intelligent and faithful guide. He assured Captain Mason it 
 would be impossible to reach the royal fortress of Sassacus 
 before midnight. It was twelve miles beyond the fort of Mis- 
 tick, which was also held by the Pequods, and both were con- 
 sidered impregnable. 
 
 The Narragansets, learning that the English intended to 
 attack the Pequods, and even the dreadful Sassacus, in their 
 forts, were filled with astonishment and alarm, and nearly an 
 hundred immediately returned to their own country. 
 
 Captain Mason had determined to divide his force and make 
 a simultaneous attack on the two forts; but on finding that 
 they were so remote from each other, the extreme fatigue of 
 his men induced him to alter his plan, and proceed first with 
 his whole army to Mistick, which lay not far in advance. 
 
 With invincible courage and in perfect silence, the brave 
 little army renewed its march, the Indians falling in the rear, 
 through an excess of fear, utterly incompatible with their na- 
 tive boldness and hardihood. About dark they reached a 
 pleasant valley which offered a verdant couch to their weary 
 limbs. Here they pitched their camp, between two large 
 rocks, in the now flourishing village of Groton ; which has 
 since been celebrated in the page of history by the infamous 
 attack of the traitor Arnold, who with the cold-blooded malice
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 441 
 
 of a demon and a renegade, slew the defenceless garrison of 
 fort Griswold after they had surrendered to the British arms, 
 and spread misery and desolation around the very scenes 
 which had nurtured his infancy and witnessed his childish 
 sports, if indeed a heart so utterly polluted could ever have 
 glowed with the pure and innocent enjoyments of that guile- 
 less age. 
 
 Wequash was sent forward to reconnoitre, and soon return- 
 ed with the welcome intelligence that the Pequods still main- 
 tained the most perfect security. They had seen the English 
 pass in their vessels towards the Narraganset, and believing 
 they feared to attack them, were holding a high feast, singing 
 and dancing, without any suspicion of their approaching dan- 
 ger. Indeed the noise of their rejoicings was heard by the 
 sentinels, who were posted considerably in the advance, until 
 after midnight. 
 
 Long before that time, however, almost every eye in the 
 camp was closed in sleep. Major Atherton, though not less 
 exhausted than most of his fellow-soldiers, felt the mild and 
 balmy influence of the evening air too refreshing to admit of 
 slumber. For some time he continued walking before his 
 tent, and busied with thoughts as strangely diversified as the 
 events of the few last months of his life had been. The moon 
 rode high in the heavens, and seemed pouring her light upon 
 a world of shadows. The utmost stillness prevailed ; the sen- 
 tinels moved to and fro with the noiseless tread of spectres ; 
 scarcely a leaf trembled on its stalk, and every blade of grass 
 stood erect and glittering with dew. The winding Mistick 
 flowed through its green banks like a stream of silver ; b 
 even the gurgling of its waters was suspended, and the sha- 
 dows of the distant hills lay like giants slumbering on t 
 
 plain. 
 
 There was something solemn and soothing in the scene .
 
 442 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 something inexpressibly beautiful, but lifeless and uncheering. 
 Atherton thought of the coming morrow, when the strife of 
 battle would invade the peaceful retirement, and the thunders 
 of war disturb the harmony of nature ; and though he looked 
 forward with the courage and ardor of a soldier, it was also 
 with the compassion of a benevolent heart, and the seriousness 
 of a reflecting mind. But other and softer emotions soon 
 absorbed him. He thought of Miriam Grey her beauty, her 
 playful grace, her artless affection, was each the theme on 
 which he dwelt with the passionate tenderness of a lover ; 
 until, reminded by a change of guards of the lateness of the 
 hour, he pressed to his lips the lock of hair she twined round 
 his arm, and with a sigh retired to his hard and lowly pillow. 
 
 Two hours before day-break the army was again in mo- 
 tion ; and after devoutly supplicating Him, who ' giveth 
 strength to the weak,' advanced with renovated spirits towards 
 Mistick fort. Captain Mason divided his men into two com- 
 panies, one commanded by himself, the other by Captain Un- 
 derbill ; and following a circuitous path for about two miles, 
 they came to the base of a considerable eminence, on which 
 the fort was situated. The Indians still continued far in the 
 rear, so overpowered by terror, that it was in vain to depend 
 on their assistance. On receiving a command from Captain 
 Mason to remain and see how Englishmen could fight, they 
 began to rally, and formed a circle round the fort, though at a 
 distance which protected them from personal danger. 
 
 The English rapidly ascended the hill, and had almost 
 gained the pallisadoes unperceived, when the barking of a dog 
 alarmed the Pequods, and in an instant the dreadful sound of 
 the war-whoop announced that they were prepared to com- 
 mence the combat. The troops poured a discharge of mus- 
 ketry into the fort, and at the same moment the two divisions 
 rushed, sword in hand, through the principal entrances, which
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 443 
 
 had been partially secured by the branches of trees. The 
 Pequods defended themselves with the most desperate and 
 heroic courage ; and a scene of carnage ensued, perhaps un- 
 paralleled in the annals of our country. 
 
 But it is not our intention to invade the province of the 
 historian, by entering into the details of this sanguinary con- 
 flict, from which the feelings of humanity recoil with horror. 
 Suffice it to say, a complete victory was achieved by the con- 
 duct and intrepidity of the English, though the laurels of the 
 conqueror were unhappily stained with the blood of the inno- 
 cent and defenceless. In little more than an hour, a flourish- 
 ing- village of seventy wigwams was reduced to ashes, and up- 
 wards of six hundred Indians, the aged, and the feeble in- 
 fant, the warrior in his strength, and the mother with her 
 helpless children, were destroyed by ihe sword, or perished in 
 the flames. 
 
 The English had only two killed, but nearly twenty of their 
 number were severely wounded ; and the whole army was 
 faint and exhausted by their extraordinary exertions. Under 
 these circumstances their situation became extremely critical. 
 They were in the midst of the enemy's country, which they 
 had now aroused to vengeance, and every moment liable to an 
 attack from the Indians of the other fortress. Their ammuni- 
 tion was nearly expended, and they were destitute of provi- 
 sions and necessaries for the wounded ; having left their sur- 
 geon, and every thing not absolutely needful, in the vessels at 
 Narraganset, which had been delayed by contrary winds from 
 joining them at the expected time. All the Indians, except 
 Uncas and his party deserted. While Captain Mason and 
 his officers were consulting in this emergency, the vessels, 
 'as if guided by the hand of Providence,' were discovered 
 sailing before a fair wind into the Pequod harbor. 
 
 Their joy at this welcome and almost unhoped-for relief,
 
 444 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 was considerably damped by the appearance of three hundred 
 hostile Indians approaching from the royal fortress. Major 
 Atherton, with a chosen band, was sent forward to oppose 
 their progress, and he advanced upon them with so much 
 spirit and promptitude, that they were glad to retire from the 
 contest. Captain Mason then gave orders to march, the 
 wounded being placed on mats, and carried by the friendly 
 Indians. But when the Pequods ascended the hill, and be- 
 held the ruins of the fort, and the destruction of their country- 
 men, their rage became uncontrollable. They tore the hair 
 from their heads, used the most violent gestures of grief, and 
 in a paroxysm of despair, descended furiously upon the Eng- 
 lish. A few volleys from the rear guard again dispersed 
 them ; and after proceeding a short distance, the army halted 
 on the margin of a brook, and indulged a few moments of 
 rest and refreshment. 
 
 They then marched nearly six miles through an untracked 
 and marshy ground, pursued by the enemy, who continually 
 discharged their arrows amongst them. Fortunately they did 
 no injury ; but the musketry of the English severely annoyed 
 the Indians, and at length compelled them to retreat. 
 
 The gallant little band reached the Pequod harbor in good 
 order, with their colors flying, and were received on board 
 the vessels with every demonstration of joy. In less than 
 three weeks from their departure, the troops returned to Say- 
 brook ; where, to use the words of Captain Mason, they were 
 ' nobly entertained with many great guns,' and treated by 
 Lieutenant Gardiner with the most attentive hospitality. 
 
 The news of this signal victory was received with universal 
 satisfaction throughout the colonies ; but the Massachusetts 
 still deemed it expedient to send forward the remainder of the 
 troops which they had raised ; and accordingly a hundred and 
 twenty men, under the command of Captain Stoughton, sailed
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 445 
 
 immediately for the Pequod harbor. Major Atherton, deter- 
 mined not to desert the cause which he had espoused, rejoined 
 Captain Mason, who, with forty men, effected a junction with 
 Captain Stoughton, accompanied also by several of the prin- 
 cipal gentlemen of Connecticut, who attended as counselors 
 to direct their future operations. 
 
 Sassacus in the mean time, hard pressed by the enemy, and 
 insulted by his own subjects, who imputed all their misfor- 
 tunes to his haughtiness and temerity, finding it unsafe to re- 
 main longer in his dominions, destroyed the fort and wigwams, 
 and with the feeble remnant of his once fierce and powerful 
 tribe, retired to Quinnipiack, now New-Haven. Their ex- 
 treme terror of the English, whom they had lately despised, 
 deprived them of all resolution and foreihought, and during 
 their painful flight, these poor outcasts were reduced to the 
 lowest degree of misery. They were obliged to dig for clams 
 along the shores, and search the woods for roots to subsist 
 upon ; and being encumbered with women and children, the 
 English were without difficulty enabled to pursue them 
 closely. 
 
 The Connecticut and Massachusetts troops proceeded to 
 New-Haven by land, the vessels coasting along the shore ; 
 and in three days arrived there without overtaking the Pe- 
 quods, except a few stragglers, whom they captured. Deceiv- 
 ed by a smoke in the woods, which they supposed proceeded 
 from the enemy's encampment, they hastily prepared for ac- 
 tion ; but soon discovering that it arose from fires kindled by 
 the Connecticut Indians, they retired to their vessels, which 
 lay at anchor in the harbor. They then sent forward one of 
 the captives to reconnoitre, and he returned with the intelli- 
 gence that the Pequods were resting at a place about twenty 
 miles distant, called Unquowa, since Fairfield. The English 
 resumed their march with alacrity, and early in the afternoon, 
 38
 
 446 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 arrived at the designated place. Several large corn-fields 
 marked it as an Indian settlement, and ascending a hill, they 
 observed a number of wigwams separated from them by an 
 extensive morass thickly covered with trees and bushes. This 
 dismal swamp was nearly divided in the middle, and in one 
 part of it about an hundred Pequod warriors, with their 
 squaws and little ones, and nearly two hundred of the neigh- 
 boring Indians were gathered to conceal themselves. The 
 English entirely surrounded it so as to prevent the escape of any; 
 but an unfortunate division arising among the officers, much 
 time was consumed in debate, which might have been more 
 profitably spent in action. An interpreter was however sent 
 to parly with the Indians, and offer protection to such as had 
 not done violence to the English ; and many gladly availed 
 themselves of the offer. The Sachem of the place, at the 
 head of his friendly Indians, delivered himself up, presenting 
 his garment of beaver skin to conciliate their favor ; and he 
 was followed by many old men, women, and children, in the 
 whole amounting to upwards of two hundred. 
 
 But the Pequod warriors, with undiminished spirit, disdain- 
 ed the offer of life, and declared their intention of defending 
 themselves to the last moment. Captain Mason, therefore, 
 ordered the narrow of the swamp to be cut through, and en- 
 circling it with his troops, they rested on their arms during 
 the night. Just before day a thick fog arose, and the Indians 
 taking advantage of it with their terrific yell, suddenly rushed 
 upon Captain Patrick's quarters, and endeavored to force their 
 way through them. Captain Mason hearing the noise and 
 confusion, sent a detachment to learn the cause, and give as- 
 sistance, if necessary. But the tumult increasing, he raised 
 the siege and repaired himself to the place, where he found 
 Captain Patrick and his men bravely contending with a for- 
 midable number, whom they had several times driven back to
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 447 
 
 their covert. A few rounds of shot again obliged them to re- 
 treat ; but they presently returned with irresistible violence 
 upon the besiegers, and about seventy of the chief warriors 
 burst through their intrenchment, and fled beyond the possi- 
 bility of pursuit. Sassacus, and the sachem Mononotto were 
 among those who escaped. About twenty were killed in the 
 skirmish, and a hundred and eighty of both sexes and every 
 age were taken prisoners. This second victory was complete, 
 and the brave and powerful tribe of Pequods was totally ex- 
 terminated. Of the few who escaped, some took refuge with 
 the Mohawks, and were slain by them, others were incorpor- 
 ated with the Narragansets and Mohegans ; their name be- 
 came extinct, and their country was alienated to the English. 
 
 This memorable, but almost forgotten contest, however 
 trifling it may appear in comparison with the more brilliant 
 conquests of Europe, which have so often convulsed her fair- 
 est kingdoms, and deluged her fields with the blood of thou- 
 sands of victims to her ambition or revenge, was notwith- 
 standing, productive of the most important consequences, and 
 strikingly exhibits the firmness and courage of the early set- 
 tlers of New-England. Indeed, considering the weakness of 
 the colonies, and their limited resources, and the strength and 
 numbers of the enemy, their success appears almost miracu- 
 lous ; and under the smiles of Heaven can only be attributed 
 to the prompt and cheerful exercise of that intrepid valor, 
 which they brought with them from the land of free and heroic 
 spirits. 
 
 The destruction of the Pequods filled the neighboring In- 
 dians with such dread of the English, that they voluntarily 
 sought their friendship, and for upwards of forty years, re- 
 frained from open hostilities against them ; until the ambi- 
 tious Philip of Mount Hope, by his insidious and revengeful
 
 448 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 conduct, tempted their wrath, and eventually involved himself 
 and nation in ruin. 
 
 A division of the prisoners was made at Saybrook, on the 
 return of the army, and a due proportion given to Miantonimo 
 and Uncas ; the rest were distributed among the troops of 
 Massachusetts and Connecticut. The wife and children of 
 Mononotto were discovered with the captives, and in return 
 for their kindness to the English maidens, they were treated 
 with the greatest attention and respect. The sweetness and 
 modesty of Mioma's countenance and manners interested 
 every one ; and Major Atherton in particular, grateful for the 
 protection which she had extended to Miriam Grey, exerted 
 himself to alleviate the misfortunes, which had overwhelmed 
 her family and country. But whatever Mioma endured, it 
 was in silence ; not a murmur or a sigh escaped her ; and 
 though pensive and retiring, the loftiness of her spirit was 
 still visible in her serene and dignified deportment. Captain 
 Mason in a letter to Governor Winthrop, recommended her to 
 his particular care ; and during the voyage to Boston, Major 
 Atherton was entrusted with the charge of herself and chil- 
 dren. 
 
 The troops of Connecticut and Massachusetts took leave of 
 each other with feelings of mutual good will and interest pe- 
 culiar to brave men, who had been associated in scenes of 
 danger and glory. Major Atherton received the most gratify- 
 ing acknowledgments of his personal bravery and military 
 skill, in the conduct of the war ; and impatient of a moment's 
 delay, returned with Captain Stoughton and his party to Bos- 
 ton, where they arrived early in the month of July.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 449 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 But now I am returned, and that war thoughts 
 Have left their places vacant, in their rooms 
 Come thronging soft and delicate desires, 
 All prompting me how fair young Hero is, 
 Saying I liked her, ere I went to wars. 
 
 SHAKSPEARX. 
 
 A HEAVY salute from the fort at Castle Island, in compli- 
 ment to Captain Stoughton and his gallant little band, as they 
 passed it homeward bound, announced to the inhabitants of 
 Boston the return of their expected troops, and the shore was 
 quickly crowded with spectators waiting to bid them welcome. 
 There was probably more order and gravity maintained in 
 this assemblage than is usually found in the degenerate mob 
 of the present day ; but the shouting of the boys would some- 
 times rise to a discordant pitch, and the softer voices of their 
 female companions, occasionally mingled with the yelping of 
 curs, who on that memorable occasion, exercised their vocal 
 powers with surprising perseverance. The vessels rode proud- 
 ly over the waves, as if conscious of the honors they sustained, 
 and pushed close into a deep cove, now disfigured by a wharf, 
 at the northern part of the town. The soldiers disembark- 
 ed in good order, while the drums beat a national air, and 
 the populace shouted with all the strength of lungs they could 
 command. The men marched to a liitle distance where they 
 formed themselves into a hollow square, and stood with their 
 heads uncovered, while Captain Stoughton addressed them in 
 a parting harangue. Mr. Wilson, the reverend chaplain, who 
 had been sent forward with the army for their ' encourage- 
 3S*
 
 450 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 ment and instruction,' then took up the word of exhortation, 
 and when he had concluded, a volley of musketry was dis- 
 charged, and the different divisions filed off to the respective 
 towns which had furnished them for the public weal. 
 
 As Major Atherton stood looking among the crowd for some 
 familiar face, his hand was suddenly seized with a friendly 
 grasp, and a well known voice exclaimed, 
 
 4 1 am right glad to see you again, cousin Atherton, and 
 sound in limb, after your hot skirmish with those heathenish 
 savages.' 
 
 ' And I am truly rejoiced to meet you here, my dear sir ;' 
 returned Atherton ; ' I was at that moment wishing myself 
 with my warm-hearted friends at Plymouth ; for I had not 
 dreamed of finding you here.' 
 
 ' Aye, aye, Edward,' replied Captain Standish, 'I thought 
 you would be glad to come back to us again, though you went 
 off in such a hurry, nobody knew why, nor wherefore. But 
 I hope you have come to your senses at last, and left all your 
 folly behind you.' 
 
 ' 1 could scarcely get rid of such a burthen so speedily,' 
 said Atherton; 'but here comes another, whom I little 
 thought of seeing to-day ; my friend Peregrine White, how 
 came you hither?' 
 
 ' Stop, if it please you, Major, till I have found my breath ;' 
 answered Peregrine, puffing between every word ; ' I was 
 full three miles off, fishing with Hobamock, when the cannon 
 roared at the fort ; so I left a perch in the act of nibbling, and 
 ran off with all speed to find you.' 
 
 ' Did you come all the way from Plymouth,' asked Ather- 
 ton, ' to fish with the Indian in the Massachusetts' streams ?' 
 
 ' Nonsense, Major ; we have enough of that sport at home ; 
 I came along with fifty stout-hearted lads, to go on and meet 
 you, and help to cut up those insolent Pequods ; but when we
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 451 
 
 got here, word was sent us to stay, for that you had made 
 thorough work with them already ; though I wish you had 
 been so complaisant as to wait for us. I had a mind to see 
 beyond the great fresh river, and have some sport with you in 
 the camp.' 
 
 ' It is my mind, Master Peregrine,' said the Captain, ' that 
 you have been well spared, both as to your pains and your 
 credit ; for I am no prophet if your heels had not served you 
 better than your sword, when you came in contact with their 
 painted faces and poisoned arrows. The Indians would not 
 stop to admire your martial appearance, as the pretty damsels 
 at Plymouth did, I can tell you, my boy.' 
 
 ' Pshaw !' said Peregrine, half laughing; ' but I know you 
 don't think me a coward, Captain, though you do love to 
 tease me ; you would not have persuaded my father to let me 
 go, if there had been any risk of my disgracing him, or 
 myself.' 
 
 ' It is not best to tell all our thoughts,' replied the Captain; 
 the wisest man in the world has bidden us to set a " watch 
 on the door of our lips ;" and every body knows you are but 
 an indiscreet youngster, Peregrine.' 
 
 ' Every body,' said Peregrine, ' must have less faith than a 
 grain of mustard seed," if they do not believe what is so 
 often told them ; but since you would not have been there to 
 betray me, Captain, I might have passed off very well with 
 the good people of Connecticut.' 
 
 Did you not have the command of this Plymouth rein- 
 forcement, Captain ?' asked Atherton, or were your servic, 
 required for the home defence ?' , . / 
 
 We find it will not do to leave any corner unguarded, lor 
 these treacherous villains to creep into,' said the Captain ; 
 though they have grown rather shy of the guns of our bat- 
 tcry, since some of their heads wre put up to garmsh it ;
 
 452 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 besides, cousin Atherton, I am growing too old to go an hun- 
 dred miles or more to fight for my neighbors ; though while I 
 can grasp a sword, it shall be wielded to protect my own col- 
 ony from insult.' 
 
 ' I suspect, sir,' said Atherton, ' you could keep pace with 
 the youngest of us now, even in marching through the wil- 
 derness of the Narraganset, which might put the strength of 
 any one fairly to the test.' 
 
 ' My sinews are pretty flexible yet,' returned the Captain, 
 ' considering how much hard service they have had to sus- 
 tain ; but I have not so much use for them now as I had, 
 when fighting with our brave English gallants, under the 
 banners of good queen Bess, of blessed memory, to keep the 
 Dutch in possession of their dykes and ditches.' 
 
 ' They say you showed prodigious agility,' said Peregrine, 
 gravely, ' when Mr. Calvert ' 
 
 ' Your troublesome ears are always drinking in idle tales,' 
 interrupted the Captain, quickly ; ' but it is no matter, boy, for 
 no one thinks you are worth minding.' 
 
 ' A happy privilege,' returned Peregrine, ' which I shall 
 use discreetly, as occasion may require. But, Major Ather- 
 ton, you have not yet asked us what is going on at Plymouth, 
 and I am sure there is, at least, one person there, whom you 
 would be glad to know something about.' 
 
 4 There are many in whom I feel interested,' replied Ather- 
 ton ; ' but I judged from your gay countenance, that no mis- 
 fortune had befallen the place or people, and I hope very soon 
 to return there and satisfy myself from personal observation.' 
 
 We may go together, then, perhaps,' said Peregrine, I 
 only remain here as a guard of honor to the Captain ; and I 
 think he will release me, at a moment's warning; the rest of 
 oar company returned two or three days since, though I 
 sought to detain Master Aehly for my special amusement ;
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 453 
 
 but he grew impatient to see his promised bride, whom he 
 was obliged to leave just as he had attained her -smiling con- 
 sent to be his.' 
 
 ' Is Mr. Ashly married ?' asked Atherton, changing color; 
 ' and may I know who is the happy object of his choice ?' 
 
 ' It has been long known who he would choose,' replied 
 Peregrine ; ' but perhaps you have not heard, Major Atherton 
 that Mr. Grey has returned from England, which is supposed 
 to have hastened Benjamin Ashly into the bands of wedlock.' 
 
 ' Hastened him,' said the Captain, laughing, ' because Mr. 
 Grey, like an honest man, refused to compel his daughter to 
 marry against her will ; so Master Benjamin finding there 
 was no hope for him in that quarter, turned his eyes on Mis- 
 tress Rebecca Spindle, who has been wooing him with smiles 
 ever since she heard the joyful news, that Miriam Grey had 
 rejected his addresses ; they are now married, or will be soon, 
 for the prudent spinster, as I hear, did not take long to de- 
 liberate on the propriety of obliging him.' 
 
 ' A very suitable match, I should think,' said Atherton, who 
 felt greatly relieved by the Captain's narration, ' though the 
 lady seems to have some advantage over him, in point of 
 age.' 
 
 ' And experience, too,' said Peregrine, ' or she would never 
 have cajoled him into matrimony, with such an uhtempting 
 visage ; he had better have looked after a pretty laughing 
 damsel, some twenty or thirty years younger than himself, as 
 Captain Standish and I intend to, one of these days ; though 
 ten to one, we may get served some roguish tricks by them.' 
 
 'And it would be right enough, too,' said the Captain, good- 
 humoredly, and without appearing to notice his allusion. ' If 
 such, sage persons as you and I, Peregrine, who have been so 
 long schooled in the ways of the world, consent to play with 
 such mischievous beings, we ought not to complain if they
 
 454 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 forget our dignity, and give us an unlucky blow. Ha, cousin 
 Atherton, what say you ?' 
 
 Atherton started on hearing his name pronounced, for he 
 was at that moment thinking of Miriam Grey, and drawing 
 encouragement for his own hopes, from the lenity of her father. 
 Following the train of thought, which led him back to her 
 cheerful home, he replied without exactly understanding the 
 question. 
 
 ' Go, sir, I am ready at this moment, any time when it may 
 please you.' 
 
 Captain Standish looked at him with a significant smile, 
 and laying his hand on Atherton 's shoulder, said, 
 
 ' I see how it is with you, Edward ; but bear up a good 
 heart, till we can storm the enemy in his own quarters, and 
 God willing, the prize shall be yours at last. I have a snug 
 little room at Master Cole's, so come with me now, and we 
 will talk over these matters at our leisure. I would learn 
 something more about your friendly visit to Sassacus and his 
 people, and the warm reception they gave you to say noth- 
 ing of your mad chase after Miriam Grey, which had like to 
 have made a bon-fire of you both for which, craving your 
 pardon, cousin Atherton, I have ever since thought you de- 
 served to be decked out with a cap and bells ; for I cannot 
 learn that she was in any danger, till you provoked the Indi- 
 ans to vengeance.' 
 
 ' I thought differently,' returned Atherton, ' and I am mis- 
 taken, sir, if you would not have done exactly as I did, had 
 you been placed in the same circumstances.' 
 
 ' It may be so,' said the Captain, ' and I dare say you did 
 all for the best ; but I would not have you throw away your 
 life, even for my little rose-bud, if you could do her no good 
 by it.' 
 
 ' I suppose,' said Peregrine White, archly, ' Major Atberton
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 chose to see with his own eyes ; we all know it is dangerous 
 to intrust a third person, in matters of importance, especially 
 if there is a fair damsel in the case.' 
 
 Captain Standish twirled his sword round with some vio- 
 lence, but made no reply ; and after a moment's embarrassing 
 silence, Atherton said, 
 
 ' As you are acquainted with Miriam's captivity, you must 
 have heard of her Indian protectress ; she is amongst our 
 prisoners, and I am charged to place her in the hands of Gov- 
 ernor Winthrop so I must beg you to excuse me, sir, while 
 I execute my commission.' 
 
 ' Go,' replied the Captain ; ' and you will find me at the 
 inn, whenever you choose to look for me. And hark'ee, 
 cousin Atherton, I should like to have a peep at this said Mi- 
 oma, as they call her, myself ; one would suppose she was a 
 tawny angel from my rose-bud's description, and, in truth, I 
 think she must have as good a heart as was ever lodged in a 
 heathen body, to show such kindness to her white captives.' 
 
 As soon as Major Atherton had placed the wife and chil- 
 dren of Mononotto in the family of Mr. Winthrop where 
 they were treated with that delicate attention which generous 
 and benevolent minds are ever ready to bestow on the unfor- 
 tunate he became extremely impatient to return to Plymouth, 
 and decide the doubts and hopes which had so long agitated 
 him, and on which his future plans, and as he thought, hap- 
 piness entirely depended. But he was obliged in courtesy to 
 remain several days, as the Court of Massachusetts had set 
 apart a day of thanksgiving, to be observed throughout the 
 colony, for the signal victory obtained over the Pequods ; on 
 which occasion the officers who had served in that campaign 
 were invited to partake of a public dinner. 
 
 On the morning of the appointed day, the inhabitants of 
 Boston repaired to the meeting-house, and united their hearts
 
 456 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 in grateful praise to Him who had given ' peace to their bor- 
 ders,' and ' scattered the heathen before them.' When the 
 devotional exercises were concluded, the magistrates of the 
 town escorted the military officers to an inn, where a plentiful 
 repast was prepared for them ; and each individual seemed 
 resolved to show the abundance of his thankfulness, by par- 
 taking liberally of the good things set before him. How 
 grateful should we be, to our venerable ancestors, for trans- 
 mitting to us so ingenious and agreeable a mode of acknowl- 
 edging our obligations to the heroes and benefactors of our 
 country, and of expressing our gratitude to the Father of all, 
 by eating to satiety of the bounties he has provided for us ! A 
 custom, still scrupulously observed, and almost the only one 
 remaining of those worthy Puritans, which the liberality of 
 the present age has thought proper to countenance and en- 
 
 courage 
 
 * These Massachusetts' people,' said Captain Standish to 
 Atherton, after they had retired, 'do certainly "strain at a 
 gnat, and swallow a camel ;" they have passed a law in their 
 wisdom, forbidding the drinking of healths, to save a man 
 from the sin of getting merry; and here, on this joyful day, 
 we have been sipping our wine like owls in a church-yard, 
 without a good wish to our king, our country, or our Mistress, 
 Edward. Now at this very moment, they are fitting out a 
 vessel, to send the poor Petpod women and children to Ber- 
 muda, and sell them for slaves ! May it be long before we, 
 of Plymouth, imitate such humanity !' 
 
 'Impossible!' exclaimed Atherton, indignantly; 'What! 
 sell the untamed children of the forest for slaves ? they, who 
 are born free as the wild deer, whom they pursue ! do they 
 hope to bend their proud spirits to the yoke of bondage ! they 
 cannot be so inhuman !' 
 
 'They hope to get money for them, 1 suppose,' answered
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 457 
 
 the Captain, drily. ' They have already tried to make serv- 
 ants of some, but they proved too cunning and fleet of foot, 
 and took to their heels, without waiting to learn the customs 
 of civilized life. Cousin Atherton,' he added warmly, 'I 
 know that I have been censured for my zeal against these sav- 
 ages, who, if not made to feel and fear, would have crushed 
 our feeble colony in its birth ; but never has my sword been 
 the instrument of cruelty, or my counsel aided a plan so in- 
 famous, as that of consigning human beings to a life of 
 slavery.' 
 
 ' In whom,' asked Atherton, ' did this project originate? 
 Surely the rulers of a free and Christian people cannot sanc- 
 tion a practice so inconsistent with the benevolence of the 
 gospel, and which aims a deadly blow at the root of liberty.' 
 
 ' The rulers alone, have the responsibility,' said the Cap- 
 tain ; ' and they have been so long exercised in the school of 
 persecution, that it would seem they have grown enamored 
 of its discipline, and not content with instructing their own 
 people, are gathering in pupils from the wilderness of this 
 new world.' 
 
 ' Mioma and her children,' said Atherton, ' I trust are ex- 
 empted from this cruel sentence ; I would purchase their free- 
 dom at the expense of my whole patrimony.' 
 
 ' Governor Winthrop has promised to protect them,' replied 
 Captain Standish,'in return for their kindness to the English 
 maidens. But we must let them manage affairs in their own 
 way, and I believe they are in the main conscientious, and 
 mean to do " God service," though sometimes it turns out 
 most unprofitable to men.' 
 
 ' Well, we will leave them in charity,' said Atherton, ' and I 
 confess to you, Captain, I feel very impatient to return to 
 Plymouth, since there is no longer any thing to detain us 
 here.' 
 
 39
 
 458 PEEP AT THE PILGKIMS. 
 
 ' I do not doubt your word, Edward, 'returned the Captain, 
 ' and if the wind blows right in the morning, we will spread 
 our sails and push gaily into the good harbor, and we shall 
 soon see, if a certain damsel smiles encouragement on. 
 us.' 
 
 Early on the following morning, Captain Standish, with 
 Peregrine White, and Major Atherton, left Boston ; and to- 
 wards the close of the day, arrived in safety at Plymouth. 
 Atherton sprang first upon the shore, with a step too quick, 
 and with hopes too buoyant, to wait the slower motions of his 
 companions. As he looked round, with a lover's eye, on the 
 scenes where he had imbibed and cherished a pure and ex- 
 alted passion, connected as they were, with the image of her 
 who had inspired it, and reposing in the calmness and beauty 
 of a summer's evening, his heart bounded with pleasure, and 
 he fancied the serenity of the earth and heavens was pro- 
 pitious to his hopes, and a happy omen of success. 
 
 A few moments brought him to the house of Mr. Grey ; he 
 paused an instant, under -the spreading oak, where he had 
 first listened to the voice of Miriam ; he inhaled the fragrance 
 of her favorite sweet-briar ; and the door around which it 
 clustered was open, and seemed inviting him to enter. With 
 a trembling hand, he opened the little wicket, and hastily 
 approached the threshold. A brilliant twilight rendered 
 every object distinct, and he quickly perceived Mr. Grey re- 
 clining in his elbow-chair, and indulging the luxury of an 
 evening pipe. Close beside him, sat his daughter, busied 
 with her needle, and both were apparently so much engrossed 
 by their own reflections, that Atherton had entered, before the 
 sound of his steps aroused them. 
 
 Miriam first observed him, and starting from her seat, she 
 uttered an exclamation of joyful surprise, and again sunk 
 upon the chair, while her varying complexion betrayed the
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIM?. 459 
 
 strong agitation of her feelings. Atherton was in an instant 
 beside her, and forgetful of every thing but the pleasure of 
 seeing her again, and in safety, without uttering a word, he 
 pressed her hand to his lips, with the most impassioned ten- 
 derness. Miriam attempted to withdraw her hand, and her 
 eyes were directed anxiously to her father. A'.herton under- 
 stood her meaning, and hastily turned to address him. 
 
 Mr. Grey had risen, and stood regarding them with atten- 
 tion ; Atherton thought without displeasure. Encouraged, 
 but still embarrassed how to proceed, he was about to apolo- 
 gize for his intrusion, when Mr. Grey offered him his hand, 
 and said, 
 
 ' Major Atherton, I understand your feelings, and it is 
 needless for you to excuse them ; my presence was, perhaps, 
 unexpected to you, and probably undesired.' 
 
 ' Not undesired, sir,' said Atherton, eagerly ; ' I have long 
 wished to see you ; to reveal to you my hopes ; to entreat 
 you to sanction my union with your daughter.' 
 
 ' Young man,' said Mr. Grey, ' do you know what you 
 ask of .me 1 do you know that Miriam Grey is the daughter 
 of a Puritan * that, from her birth, she has been devoted to 
 the faith of her father, nurtured in the principles of his per- 
 secuted Church, and taught to love the country of his 
 adoption V 
 
 ' And I,' replied Atherton, ' am the son of a Puritan ; a 
 Puritan in principle and practice, who early taught me to 
 reverence her creed, and respect the rights and consciences of 
 those who in sincerity adopted it.' 
 
 And yet,' said Mr. Grey, ' with the light of truth before 
 your eyes, you turned from it, and, like Balaam of old, 
 loved the wages of iniquity," and clave unto the darkness 
 and errors of Episcopacy ; and how can I be assured that 
 you will not turn aside my poor child from the true religion,
 
 460 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 and entrap her in the false and subtle mazes of your super- 
 stitious rites.' 
 
 'My honor, and the pure and ardent affection, which I am 
 proud to acknowledge for your daughter, must be my best 
 security;' replied Atherton, 'give me the hand of Miriam, 
 and from that moment, her country shall be mine, and her re- 
 ligion, so far as is consistent with my principles and con- 
 science. In the ordinary acts of worship, I trust our hearts 
 will ever be united ; more you cannot require of me, nor even 
 to obtain her love, dearly as I prize it, would I consent to re- 
 nounce the faith of my fathers, unless convinced it was 
 erroneous.' 
 
 'I like your candor, Major Atherton,' said Mr. Grey, after 
 a moment's pause ; ' but are you assured that the affections 
 of my daughter are already given to you, and that only my 
 consent is necessary to your union ?' 
 
 ' Sir,' replied Atherton, ' I have every reason to believe it ; 
 peculiar and trying circumstances revealed our sentiments to 
 each other, sooner perhaps, than prudence would justify ; but 
 in justice to Miriam, I must declare to you, that she has uni- 
 formly discouraged my addresses, with a firmness, which 
 principle and filial duty could alone inspire.' 
 
 ' My son,' answered Mr. Grey, with emotion, ' you have 
 twice adventured your life, to snatch my daughter from peril 
 and death, and I have long examined myself, lest my grati- 
 tude as a father, should weaken my duty as a Christian; but 
 God has inclined the heart of Miriam towards you, and in 
 submission to the will of Him, who " loveth mercy rather 
 than sacrifice," I entrust her temporal and eternal happiness 
 to your keeping ; and may the spirit of truth enlighten your 
 understanding, and lead you to embrace that pure " faith 
 which was once delivered to the saints."' 
 
 Major Atherton, overwhelmed by this almost unhoped-for
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 401 
 
 consent to his wishes, remained silent, for a moment, and un- 
 able to express his grateful acknowledgments. He looked 
 round for Miriam, but she had retired at the commencement 
 of their conversation, and Mr. Grey led the way to an adjoin- 
 ing apartment, which was occupied only by the object of their 
 search. Miriam cast a timid look at her lover and father, 
 as they entered with countenances agitated by different emo - 
 tions ; and a deeper blush crimsoned her cheeks, as she met 
 the eyes of Atherton. beaming with a tenderness and pleasure 
 which at once announced success. She rose as they drew 
 near her, and Mr. Grey, taking her passive hand, placed it 
 in Atherton's, and laying his own on the head of each, said, 
 with solemn emphasis, 
 
 1 My children, I give you to each other ; and may the 
 blessing of the God of love descend upon you, and unite your 
 hearts in his fear and service ; and may he bless you, in 
 " your basket and in your store, in your going out and your 
 coming in ;" and make your lives useful and happy, until in 
 his own good time, he shall see fit to call you unto " his eter- 
 nal rest." ' 
 
 So saying he slowly folded his arms, and retired from the 
 room, leaving the lovers to the uninterrupted indulgence of those 
 new and happy emotions, which his unexpected consent had 
 awakened. 
 
 It is probable many tender things were said, and many im- 
 portant articles arranged, on that occasion ; for on the follow- 
 ing Sabbath the banns of marriage were published in com- 
 pliance with an early law of New England, which is still 
 enforced, to the great embarrassment of all modest persons, 
 who are about to put on the happy chains of matrimony. 
 
 This public confirmation of an event, which had long been 
 agitated, greatly scandalized many worthy people, who had 
 not till then, believed the exemplary Mr. Gry could be so 
 39*
 
 462 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 utterly given over to the ' bufferings of Satan,' as to sacrifice 
 his only child to a son of Episcopacy, one who had faith in 
 the mother church, and kneeled to repeat prayers from a 
 printed book, read by a Bishop in la^wn sleeves. 
 
 4 1 would not have believed it,' said Mrs. Ashly, alias Re- 
 becca Spindle, ' truly our " hedges are broken down," and 
 " grievous wolves have entered into the fold, and are leading 
 our lambs astray." ' 
 
 ' You are right, Rebecca,' answered her complaisant spouse ; 
 ' and had the damsel Miriam Grey listened unto me, she 
 would have chosen a yoke-fellow from the Lord's own people, 
 instead of this " strange vine from Egypt." " 
 
 ' It is no concern of ours, to be sure,' said the wife ; 'but 
 to me, it seems a clear tempting of Providence, and in special 
 after its great mercy in delivering her from the hands of the 
 heathen ; but she was ever a giddy young thing, as I have 
 often told you, Benjamin.' 
 
 'I have always found her discreet and prudent, save in one 
 instance,' returned Master Ashly, ' and when she has attained 
 your age and experience Rebecca, I doubt not she will repent 
 her of this great evil.' 
 
 ' It may be so,' answered Rebecca, mildly ; for the honey- 
 moon was not yet in its wane ; ' " but as she has sowed, so 
 must she reap," and I fear Benjamin, it will be in tears.' 
 
 Fortunately the fears of Mrs. Ashly were not realized. 
 The union of Major Atherton and Miriam Grey proved last- 
 ing and happy. Time as it rolled on and withered the graces 
 of youth, left them in possession of the richer treasures of 
 virtuous and contented minds ; and the endearing relations of 
 domestic and social life. Atherton's attachment to the primi- 
 tive habits of New-England daily strengthened, and familiar- 
 ized to its simple mode of worship, he became eventually a 
 sincere, but liberal Puritan.
 
 PEEP AT THE PILGRIMS. 463 
 
 Shortly after his marriage, Mioma and her children were 
 received into his family ; and the grateful affection of Miriam 
 was exerted to repay the kindness they had shown her, and 
 to lighten the yoke of captivity, which was peculiarly galling 
 o the lofty spirit of Mioma. The persecuted remnant of the 
 Pequod Indians, who escaped the destruction of their nation, 
 finding ' that every man's hand was against them,' in the au- 
 tumn repaired to Hartford to seek protection from the English, 
 which was granted them on condition of their paying an an- 
 nual tribute. Cushminaw perished in the fight of Mistick ; 
 and of the chief Sachems of his haughty tribe, Mononotto 
 alone survived. He was rejoined by his family soon after the 
 treaty at Hartford, and forbidden to return to his own country, 
 retired with them to the banks of the Hudson. 
 
 Major Atherton, in the following year, revisited his native 
 land, but the ties which once bound him to it were weakened 
 by absence, and the influence of that party spirit, which was 
 then preparing the way for those bloody scenes, which termi- 
 nated in the death of the unfortunate Charles. He disposed 
 of his paternal inheritance, and returned to America, where 
 his affections were entirely concentrated. 
 
 Mr. Grey lived to enjoy a green old age, and saw a new 
 generation rising up to take the place of their fathers, and 
 hand down to their children's children those principles of civil 
 and religious freedom, which guided the Pilgrims to the 
 Rock of Plymouth. 
 
 /tn /XA AA AA AA AA 
 
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