Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/169

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FORTY YEARS SINCE.
157

with her own." Each rejoiced in her individual share of bounty, and in that which was allotted to others; and venerated, as a benefactress, her who regarded with interest an outcast, and perishing race.

One morning, Mr. Occom, and Robert Ashbow were announced, the minister, and chieftain of the tribe. After a little conversation, the former said—

"I come, Madam, to take leave of you, and in the name of my nation, who depart with me, to give you thanks for your continued kindness. A large part of them have consented to accompany me to a tract of land, given them by their brethren of the Oneida tribe, on the condition of their removing thither, and cultivating it."

"Is there not already land enough in their possession, in this vicinity," said the Lady, "for their subsistence, if they would attend to its culture?"

"Alas! Madam," he replied, "my brethren are degenerate plants. They are but shadows of their ancestors. I wish to associate their broken spirits with others less degraded. Peradventure the Almighty, upon this humble foundation, may yet build a temple to his praise."

"Do you accompany these emigrants?" inquired the Lady of the Chief. His melancholy brow seemed to gather darkness, as he answered haughtily—

"Ask the mother, if she forsakes the cradle of her son, because disease hath wasted him? Does the bear scorn to defend her cub, because the arrow of the hunter hath wounded it? Does the bird hate her nest, while her