2ND COUNCILLOR. We all see, save New England, what to
do;
But she has eyes for her one interest—
A war might sink it. So the way to war
Puzzles imagining.
HARRISON. There is a way
Which lies athwart the President's command.
The reinforcements asked for from Monroe
Are here at last, but with this strict injunction,
They must not be employed save in defence,
Or in a forced attack.
[Taking up a letter.]
Now, here is news, Fresh from the South, of bold
Tecumseh's work,
The Creeks and Seminoles have conjoined,
Which means a general union of the tribes,
And ravage of our Southern settlements.
Tecumseh's master hand is seen in this,
And these fresh tidings tally with his threats
Before he left Vincennes.
3RD COUNCILLOR. You had a close Encounter with him here.
HARRISON. Not over close, Nor dangerous—I saw he would
not strike.
His thoughts outran his threats, and looked beyond
To wider fields and trials of our strength.
4TH COUNCILLOR. Our tree is now too bulky for his axe.
HARRISON. Don't underrate his power! But for our States
This man would found an empire to surpass
Old Mexico's renown, or rich Peru.
Allied with England, he is to be feared
More than all other men.
1ST COUNCILLOR. You had some talk In private, ere he vanished to the South?
HARRISON. Mere words, yet ominous. Could we restore
Our purchases, and make a treaty line,
All might be well; but who would stand to it?