CHAPTER XII.
Sad parting friends around the waters stray,
Yet shall dark Fate their distant steps pursue;
Alike with those who go, and those who stay,
The withering curse shall stalk, companion of their way."
On the ensuing Sunday, Mr. Occom gave his farewell discourse to the separating tribe. It was founded on that part of Scripture, which describes the division of land among the people brought out of Egypt, and the departure of the half tribe of Manasseh, to a distant inheritance with the Reubenites, and Gadites—"Now to one-half of this tribe, Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof, gave Joshua a possession, among their brethren on the other side of Jordon westward." The object of his address was to calm the current of perturbed feelings, to strengthen the ground of confidence in Him who "who appointeth the bounds of man's habitation," and to enforce the motives of faithful obedience to his commands. The following day, all Mohegan were assembled upon the banks of the river. There lay the boats, prepared to convey to their distant abode the emigrants, whose number was about two hundred. There were sorrowful countenances, and solemn partings, and mutual good wishes, and blessings. Amid the throng, the lofty figure of the young warriour Ontologon was seen.
