der also to counteract, as far as might be, the
effect of the incidents at the house of the Assistant, after
purchasing the articles which they came out to procure, he took the
savage with him on the visit to the Governor, which he had promised
the knight to make. Nor is this a circumstance that should excite
surprise; it being the policy of the colonists to cultivate the best
understanding with the natives, to accomplish which object the latter
were not only admitted into their houses, but sometimes even invited
by the principal inhabitants to seats at their tables. They found
Winthrop at home, and were admitted to his presence.
"Welcome, young friend," he exclaimed, "with England's red rose still
blooming in thy cheeks; and a welcome, too, to my Indian brother."
"This, right worshipful sir," said Arundel, "is Waqua, to whom I owe
my life, which he saved this morning from a panther."
"Ah!" said Winthrop, "one of the hazards not uncommon in our
wild-beast-infested forest, and young blood is rash. But relate to me
thine adventure."
Arundel was obliged to detail the circumstances of his escape, which
he did with the greater pleasure, as contributing thereby to recommend
his companion to the favorable consideration of so powerful a person
as the Governor. At the conclusion of the narrative, Winthrop devoutly
said:
"The praise be to Him to whom it justly belongs, and whose unsleeping
Providence perpetually watches over us. Yet," he added, turning to the
Indian, "be not the instrument forgotten by whom He manifested his
favor. The life of a white man is very precious, and Waqua may ask
much because he saved it."
"It is a small thing," replied the Indian. "My brother would have
killed the beast himself without Waqua's arrow; it only saved him a
little trouble."
"How modest is ever true merit, Master Arundel," said Winthrop, "and
that is noticeable in both civilized and savage. This community of
feeling doth, as I take it, evidence, in connection with other
matters, the truth revealed in the Scripture, (nature herself
thereunto bearing witness,) that we are descended from one common
parent, of whose qualities all do partake, even to the remotest
generations. But, however desert may be disclaimed by thy preserver,
it were shame, morally, as also censurable in another view, were I to
show myself no sense of the obligation."
So saying, the Governor opened the desk before him, and taking
therefrom a medal attach
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