CONTENT within his wigwam warm, Canonicus sate by the fire; Without, the voices of the storm Shrieked ever high and higher. Eager and wild, the spiteful wind Tore at the thatch with fingers strong; The Sachem fed the fire within And hummed a hunting-song. Sudden upon the crusted snow He caught a sound not of the storm -- A sound of footsteps dragging slow Towards his shelter warm. He drew aside the flap of skin; A stranger at the threshold stood; Canonicus bade him enter in, And gave him drink and food. His hand he gave in friendship true, Land for a home gave he; And he learned of the love of Christ Jesu, Who died upon the tree. To the stranger guest sweet life he gave; For a State he saved its Sire; Yea, and his own soul did he save From burning in hell-fire. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO MR. THOMAS SOUTHERNE, ON HIS BIRTHDAY, 1742 by ALEXANDER POPE MID-OCEAN by WILLIAM ROSE BENET ONE THAT'S ON THE SEA by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 21 by THOMAS CAMPION |