Since to his lot the dangerous duty fell,

(For such did seem high Heaven’s all-wise decrees),

To found unarmed a State where rung the yell

Of barbarous nations on the midnight breeze;

Against the scalping-knife with no defence

Or safeguard but his heart’s benevolence.

[XXXVIII.]

With only this, his buckler and his brand—

This, yet unproved and doubted by the best,—

In cheerless wilds, mid many a savage band,