Must be the tongue of fire that speaks from the mouth of the cannon!” 465 Thereupon answered and said the excellent Elder of Plymouth, Somewhat amazed and alarmed at this irreverent language: “Not so thought St. Paul, nor yet the other Apostles; Not from the cannon’s mouth were the tongues of fire they spake with!” But unheeded fell this mild rebuke on the Captain, 470 Who had advanced to the table, and thus continued discoursing: “Leave this matter to me, for to me by right it pertaineth. War is a terrible trade; but in the cause that is righteous, Sweet is the smell of powder; and thus I answer the challenge!” Then from the rattlesnake’s skin, with a sudden, contemptuous gesture, 475 Jerking the Indian arrows, he filled it with powder and bullets Full to the very jaws, and handed it back to the savage, Saying, in thundering tones: “Here, take it! this is your answer!” Silently out of the room then glided the glistening savage, Bearing the serpent’s skin, and seeming himself like a serpent, 480 Winding his sinuous way in the dark to the depths of the forest. V. THE SAILING OF THE MAYFLOWER. Just in the gray of the dawn, as the mists uprose from the meadows, There was a stir and a sound in the slumbering village of Plymouth; Clanging and clicking of arms, and the order imperative, “Forward!” Given in tone suppressed, a tramp of feet, and then silence. 485 Figures ten, in the mist, marched slowly out of the village. Standish the stalwart it was, with eight of his valorous army, Led by their Indian guide, by Hobomok, friend of the white men, Northward marching to quell the sudden revolt of the savage. Giants they seemed in the mist, or the mighty men of King David; 490 Giants in heart they were, who believed in God and the Bible,-- Aye, who believed in the smiting of Midianites and Philistines. Over them gleamed far off the crimson banners of morning; Under them loud on the sands, the serried billows, advancing, Fired along the line, and in regular order retreated. 495