THE BRIDE SHIP.
THE BRIDE SHIP.
Massasoit was ill—very ill, and a Dutch ship had run aground near his encampment. This news, brought by runners, caused Winslow to again leave his family and penetrate the forests to visit the Chief, as he was looked upon as a special friend of Massasoit, and could speak Dutch. It was about a year from the time when Hobomok’s wife went over the trail on her diplomatic errand. The Dutch ship had gotten away, but Massasoit was decidedly ill. Among Winslow’s talents was skill in doctoring and nursing, so with some remedies and food he had carried with him, he was able to improve the condition of the Chief. Massasoit’s delight and gratitude manifested themselves in an important piece of information, which was that an Indian conspiracy was in the making against Plymouth. With this startling revelation Winslow returned. The matter was soon concluded, for their Captain, as he believed preparation and prevention were better than cure, took a picked company and the offensive, and came back with the head of the bold ringleader. This salutary but grewsome object caused the women to look elsewhere than the point on the battlements of the fort where it was displayed. However the warning had its effect—discontented Indians became mild in terror of the Sword of the White Men, as they called Myles Standish. The picked company in this event was composed of several of the young men who were specially, if secretly, favored by Priscilla, Mary and Elizabeth.
Ships and more letters, one bringing truly joyful news that, at last, some of their own people would come in the next ships sent out by the Merchants. This cheer was sorely needed, but as they were just managing to keep from starvation by the fish as almost their only food, they wondered how they could supply the newcomers with a living. The prospect was indeed dreary, as a protracted drought had wilted their cherished crops hopelessly. Another ship, bringing a rather important naval official in charge of fishing activities on the coast, came in. This officer, Captain Francis West, called Admiral of New England, made but a short stay, but long enough to fill them with anxiety as he told them he had spoken a ship at sea, had boarded her, found her bound for this port, and sailed in company with her until in a violent storm they lost sight of her. He supposed she had already come in, and, finding she had not, feared some mischance.
These summer days were dark for them, starving, with hopes of a harvest blighted by drought, and now distress for the possible loss of the ship bringing their loved ones. In this deepest gloom, which proved the fore-runner of dawn, they set apart a day of prayer, in humility and distress, by their faith’s steady flame. Under the glaring sun, the day began—but at evening the sun set in clouds and the rain came for which they prayed. The corn, the fruit was saved.
Sweet and soft was the air of the summer morning some few weeks after this; birds sang joyously and a silver mist hung over the sea as Plymouth awoke to the new day. The women seemed more lighthearted than of late, shown by snatches of song now and then as they pursued the common tasks of the household. An indefinable feeling which had come to them that since the answer to their prayer for rain had been given by many refreshing showers, the one in supplication for the safety of the ship and their expected dear ones could not be in vain and all would yet be well, gave them more enjoyment of life notwithstanding a breakfast of boiled clams was all they could prepare for their families. The smoke from the chimneys rose over the thatched roofs, pointing seaward. Some of the men came forth from their homes, on their way to the day’s labors, and cheerily greeted one another, stopping to speak of the weather and prospects of plenty.
Mary Brewster stands in her door-way, arranging the sprays of the wild rose trained beside it—the showers had revived it and it looked its best. She had planted and tended it, hoping for the day when her daughters might smile at her beside its blossoms. Priscilla joins her in admiring it, both thinking of Fear and Patience on the longed for ship. They speak of this being the first ship to come having a woman’s name, and that she was bringing so many women.