In 1656 a new danger threatened, for in July the first Quakers landed in New England. The preachers of this sect were generally believed to be either Franciscan monks in disguise, or publishers of irreligious fancies, and in an evil hour the authorities resolved to keep them out of Massachusetts. When the General Court met in October, it passed the law of which Mr. Longfellow gives an accurate résumé. This law was "forthwith published, in several places of Boston, by beat of drum," October 21, 1656. THE PROCLAMATION From "John Endicott" [October 21, 1656] COLE Here comes the Marshal. MERRY (_within_) Make room for the Marshal. KEMPTHORN How pompous and imposing he appears! His great buff doublet bellying like a mainsail, And all his streamers fluttering in the wind. What holds he in his hand? COLE A proclamation. _Enter the_ MARSHAL, _with a proclamation; and_ MERRY, _with a halberd. They are preceded by a drummer, and followed by the hangman, with an armful of books, and a crowd of people, among whom are_ UPSALL _and_ JOHN ENDICOTT. _A pile is made of the books._ MERRY Silence, the drum! Good citizens, attend To the new laws enacted by the Court. MARSHAL (_reads_) "Whereas a cursed sect of Heretics Has lately risen, commonly called Quakers, Who take upon themselves to be commissioned Immediately of God, and furthermore Infallibly assisted by the Spirit To write and utter blasphemous opinions, Despising Government and the order of God In Church and Commonwealth, and speaking evil Of Dignities, reproaching and reviling The Magistrates and Ministers, and seeking To turn the people from their faith, and thus Gain proselytes to their pernicious ways;-- This Court, considering the premises, And to prevent like mischief as is wrought By their means in our land, doth hereby order, That whatsoever master or commander Of any ship, bark, pink, or catch shall bring To any roadstead, harbor, creek, or cove Within this Jurisdiction any Quakers, Or other blasphemous Heretics, shall pay Unto the Treasurer of the Commonwealth One hundred pounds, and for default thereof Be put in prison, and continue there Till the said sum be satisfied and paid." COLE Now, Simon Kempthorn, what say you to that? KEMPTHORN I pray you, Cole, lend me a hundred pounds! MARSHAL (_reads_) "If any one within this Jurisdiction Shall henceforth entertain, or shall conceal Quakers, or other blasphemous Heretics, Knowing them so to be, every such person Shall forfeit to the country forty shillings For each hour's entertainment or concealment, And shall be sent to prison, as aforesaid, Until the forfeiture be wholly paid." _Murmurs in the crowd._ KEMPTHORN Now, Goodman Cole, I think your turn has come! COLE Knowing them so to be! KEMPTHORN