Hobomok/Chapter VII
"The church was umpire then."
Among all the varieties of human character, from the refined enthusiast in classic literature, down to the ignoramus who signs a cross in behoof of his name, there are very few who have strength enough to resist the flattering suffrage of exclusive preference. Gratified vanity proves a powerful pleader in most hearts upon such occasions; and if love itself be not induced, the resemblance passes for awhile as current coin. I say for awhile, for most of the unhappy marriages which have come under my own observation, have originated in this mistake. However, I shall not stop to moralize upon the subject. Suffice it to say, that Collier, under the dominion of such feelings, returned to Plymouth with a lightsome and happy heart; nothing disturbed, save by his anticipated eclaircissement with Hopkins. Much as he dreaded the interview, he found his friend even more unwilling to relinquish his claims, than he had expected. The low, flat-roofed fort of Plymouth, and the adjacent wigwam of Hobomok, were just rising on the sight, when the anxious young man came out to meet them.
"What's the news, John?" inquired he.
"That twenty Indians have been surprised in a plan of setting fire to the house of that wise and godly man, Mr. Roger Conant," rejoined the traveller. "They are this day sent, under guard, to the sachem of Mount Haup; and with them we came some ways in company."
"Ah, indeed," replied Hopkins. "I thought the Indians were quiet enough of late; but it is plain there will be no peace in the land while Corbitant is therein. That sachem is a hot-headed fellow, and implacable withal. Albeit," continued he, as they entered the house, "I will hear your Indian stories at a more convenient season. What did Sally say, when she found she had been thought of these three years, and she all the while knew nothing about the matter?"
"Why, to speak the truth, James, I have no very pleasant duty to perform in this business; for the damsel hath expressly declared, she doth not look upon you with as favorable eyes as upon some others."
"That's what they always say," answered the confident lover. "Peradventure she thinks that dear bought goods are most valued. I tell you, man, she hath expressed her liking for me a hundred times, and would now, if you had been bold in the business."
"Hath she?" inquired his messenger. "Bethink you, Hopkins; hath she ever told you she loved you before others?"
"A hundred times," replied he. "That is, I mean,--- you know I don't mean,---I would'nt say it if I did--- that she hath done so unbecoming a thing as to tell me she would marry me, before she knew whether I would or no; but, nevertheless, I repeat she hath said it a hundred times over, by her looks and actions. And I should like to know, forsooth, whom she may prefer to me, in this wilderness? Haven't I loved her these three years? And didn't I do all I could for 'em when the elders saw fit to dismiss her father? And haven't I put up the best house in Plymouth, wherewithal to please her?"
"I know all that," rejoined his friend; "and assuredly I thought your suit would be favorably received. I marvel that it was not; but I had as good tell it at once, as not.---The maiden hath declared she loveth another man better."
"And I should like to know who it might be?" said the indignant lover.
The young man judged by his countenance, that he was "nursing his wrath to keep it warm," and he felt more and more the awkwardness of his ungracious mission. He blushed, stammered, hesitated, and finally answered, "The maiden told me in express words, that if you and I had changed places, the messenger would have returned with `yea' in his mouth."
Mr. Hopkins turned his face toward the window, and bit his thumb some time, without speaking a word.
"I suppose you will take it unkind," observed Collier, interrupting the silence. "But what could be done in such a case?"
"Talk to me no more about it," replied the disappointed suitor. "I am not the man to break my heart about a foolish damsel. If she pleases to shape her course in this way, I can assure her there is no love lost between us. But after all, Collier, this is a confounded unfriendly job, on your part; and I shall state as much to the church." "I beg of you not to make the the affair public," said his friend; "if you will hear to reason, you will see I could not have done otherwise than I have."
"I don't want to hear any reasons about it," retorted his offended companion. "I tell you once more, I don't care a pin concerning the matter; but when I see wolves walking about in sheep's clothing, I'll e'en strip off their fleece." And without waiting for an answer, he took up his hat and walked out of the house. He had said and thought that he cared nothing about his disappointment; but when he was alone, and all restraint of manly pride was removed, he found that the thread, so unexpectedly broken, was interwoven with the whole web of his existence; and spite of himself, a few reluctant tears rolled down his weather-beaten face. However, resentment was uppermost; and the following day his rival was summoned to appear before the church, to answer certain charges brought against him by James Hopkins. Collier would gladly have avoided a public conference on such a subject, but under existing circumstances, there was but one alternative. He must either suffer under a suspicion of his good faith, or he must candidly state events as they happened. In these degenerate times, when even plighted love is broken with such frequent impunity, it would excite a smile to have seen the elderly men assembled at Mr. Brewster's, and with serious aspects discussing so important an affair. But in those days, the church kept careful watch upon the out-goings and in-comings of her children, and suffered not the pollution of a butterfly's feather to rest upon her garments.
After the disputants were seated, the worthy clergyman began;
"It is with much grief we notice the falling out of two godly young men, sons of right worthy gentlemen among us. Especially as one is accused of having dealt treacherously with the other, and spoken deceitful words unto him."
Then Mr. Collier answered; "I feel it is an unpleasant duty to vindicate myself from this aspersion, inasmuch as Mr. Hopkins is my valued friend, and hath been somewhat too hasty in this matter, refusing to hear explanations which I have sought to give unto him. I likewise think that the things appertaining to love are of too light a nature to be brought before the church, that they should discuss thereupon. But that you may know that in nothing have I dealt treacherously with my friend, you shall hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Hearing that the vessels were soon to leave Naumkeak, and having business wherewithal they were connected, I had a mind to take Hobomok for my guide, and journey thither. Whereupon Mr. Hopkins gave me a letter for Mr. Oldham's daughter (whom you all know is a comely damsel, and, withal of a cheerful behaviour); which letter I delivered to the same, and asked an answer thereto. Then she said to me, that had I sent by Mr. Hopkins, instead of he by me, she should verily have said, `I will go.' I spoke much to her concerning my friend's merits, but finding her mind was determined in this matter, I e'en told her I would have come out to meet her, as Isaac of old, when he brought the daughter of Bethuel into his tent. The maiden, you know, is well to look upon, and altogether such an one as no man need be averse to, as an help-meet. Now whether or not guile be found in me, I leave to your judgments; and if you so decide, I'm willing to be lopped off, as an unworthy member, from the church of Christ gathered in this place."
"Hear him," interrupted Hopkins. "He saith not a word about relinquishing the damsel. It seems he had even rather be cast out as `an heathen and a publican.' His love must have grown up wonderous sudden; for he denieth that he bewitched her with love potions, and implieth that when he went to Naumkeak he had no thoughts save of procuring her for my wife."
"I not only imply it," answered Collier, "but I expressly declare that I then had no thought respecting her wherewithal you were not connected. And now I do truly say, that I had rather be sent out from among my brethren, although it would be very grievous unto me, than to dismiss the maiden, whom of a surely, I do regard with much complacency since she hath so declared her sentiments."
"Of a truth, I see nothing wherein you have erred, according to your own account," observed elder Brewster; "but there is a gentleman soon going to Naumkeak, to convey a letter from our honorable chief magistrate to the reverend Mr. Higginson, respecting the baptism of his son, and, for the further satisfaction of Mr. Hopkins, it may be well that he return with a written statement of facts. Till which time, we do defer our decision."
Poor Sally was in great consternation when the Plymouth messenger arrived, and informed her of the serious aspect which the business had assumed.
"Oh, Mary," said she, "what shall I do? You know that Mr. Hopkins who bawled himself into love with me, and had'nt courage to sing the last note after all? Well, he has made a great fuss between Mr. Collier and the church, and they have sent to me to write all that I said concerning him."
"I always wondered how you could have spoken to Mr. Collier after such a fashion," replied Mary. "I see nothing you can do but to write the whole truth."
"Will you write it for me?"
"Oh, yes, if you'll provide words to the purpose."
So the pen and ink was brought forward, and Mary wrote a letter which she indited as follows:
"Reverende Sirs,
"Wheras Mr. Collier hathe beene supposed to blame concerning some businesse he hath of late endeavoured to transacte for Mr. Hopkins, this cometh to certifie that he did faithfully performe his dutie, and moreover that his great modestie did prevente his understanding many hints, until I spoke even as he hath represented. Wherefore, if there be oughte unseemly in this, it lieth on my shoulders.
"With all dutie and respecte,
" Sally X Oldham.
"Her marke."
N. B. "Sence my Dawter hathe shewed mee this Yepistall I dwoe furthere righte with my owne Hande a feu wordes of Add vice untwoe you att Plimouth, respecting Churche Govermente. Twoe my thinking you runn ewer Horses over harde, draweinge the Ranes soe tite, thatt maybee thale rair upp and caste thare rideers intwoe the mudd. U may rubb folkse Nose on the Grinnstone thinking to ware them twoe the Gristell, and in the eende you maye make them twoe Sharppe for ewer owne cumfurt. Dwoe nott constrew this intwoe Dishrespecte from hymm whoe hathe mutch Occashun to remember thatt you awl gave hymm a helping Hande in the Race he runn among you . U sea by this thatt I am noe Skribe and you new heretoefore thatt I was noe Farisee.
"john Oldham."
Upon the receipt of this document, the elders thought fit to take no notice of Mr. Oldham's advice, though all thought it contained too much of his accustomed impudence. Sally's testimony was so simple and decisive, that Mr. Brewster at once gave a concluding answer.
"Although we deem it unseemly for young women to pursue such like courses (indeed were she within our jurisdiction, we should give her public reproof therefor), and though we do fear that the daughter hath much of the corrupt leaven of the father, yet we do not see that we have a right to constrain the consciences of men in these particulars, especially as the apostle saith `the believing husband may sanctify the unbelieving wife.' Therefore, we do leave Mr. Collier to pursue whatsoever course he deemeth expedient, trusting that, whatever he doth, he will do it in the name of the Lord. Moreover, we do think it proper that Mr. Hopkins make an apology to him, inasmuch as he hath not been slow to anger, nor charitable concerning his brother in the church."
The penance was performed with as good a grace as could be expected, and the young men returned to their respective employments.