The night around them gathers thick and fast,
Till, as more doubtful grows their devious way.
Their blankets on the frozen earth they cast,
And light the fire, and wait the coming day;—
When safely they their journey may pursue,
And greet the chiefs they seek in season due.
LI.
Williams that night lay on the snow-clad ground,
With nothing o’er him but the starry blue;
In parchéd maize and water pure he found