But the Mayflower had not long sailed away, in the middle of April, before Carver succumbed to an early heat, as he toiled with his younger comrades in their planting; and the messenger of death released him from those initial responsibilities, which had weighed heavily upon him. His obsequies were performed with appropriate dignity, the seaside resounding with volleys discharged in his honor above the grave.
Then the reduced Colony assembled again, and voted to place William Bradford in the office vacated by their worthy first leader.
III
THE GOVERNOR: EARLY DUTIES
They are dead, God rest their souls, but their lives are still the strength of ours.... Let us stand aside in silent veneration of their heroic characters and achievements, and thank God who strengthened them for labors we cannot even comprehend.
Jane G. Austin, in "Standish of Standish."
All great & honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courages.
William Bradford.