Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 1).djvu/55

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THE MOHICANS.
39

Spiritual Songs of the Old and New Testaments, faithfully translated into English Metre, for the Use, Edification, and Comfort of the Saints in Public and Private, especially in New-England.'"

During this eulogium on the rare production of his native poets, the stranger had drawn the book from his pocket, and fitting a pair of iron-rimmed spectacles to his nose, had opened the volume with a care and veneration suited to its sacred purposes. Then, without circumlocution or apology, first pronouncing the magical word, "Standish," and placing the unknown engine, already described, to his mouth, from which he drew a high shrill sound, that was followed by an octave below, from his own voice, he commenced singing the following words, in full, sweet, and melodious tones, that set the music, the poetry, and even the uneasy motion of his ill-trained beast, at defiance:

"How good it is, O see,
And how it pleaseth well,
Together, e'en in unity,
For brethren so to dwell.

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