In his long wigwam sat Wahunsunakok

In his long wigwam sat Wahunsunakok, Royal robe of raccoon skins about him wrapped. Many squaws, fantastic dressed, behind him seated, While in front unbroken line of warriors stood. Painted bodies, eagle feathers, tomahawks, Showing Red Man's warfare, customs of the race. Silently they waited the coming of the Brave. This the message sent by Opekankano: "White Face Wizard is at last the Red Man's prey, Let the death feast be prepared for him, unless Powhatan desire to set the captive free, Since from Spirit World he comes mysteriously."

Deathfeast was prepared, scarce had the captive come Than at sumptuous banquet was he rudely placed. Limbs unbound, once more the hope of freedom swelled In his breast; clear was his mind and keen his eye; Quickly he surveyed the scene, beheld the squaws, Saw the warriors guarding Wahunsunakok, Closely watched by wily Opekankano, Last the death feast—well he knew the woeful sign— Sickened then his stomach at the sight of food, Yet hard pressed, he urged him to the hateful task, Made pretence of eating slow the while his brain Rapidly was planning to escape his doom. Weapons none had he, e'en gone the ivory compass And the pistol that erstwhile had terrified Superstitious foes, the bullets long since hid In the breast of more than one bloodthirsty savage.

While he mused, the awful stillness of the place Sudden changed—Hark to the note of bugle shrill! List to the gleeful song and to the rythmic tread Of the woodnymphs circling round the phalanx grim, Even to the feet of Wahunsunakok. Eagle eye of Powhatan grew brighter yet, And his stern old visage softened as he gazed On the laughing princess and her retinue— Happy maidens breathless from the daring chase. Stately head he bent, but spoke no word of greeting, Powerful hand he raised, with single gesture bade Solemn silence of the curious, motley throng.

Quickly mirth of Pocahontas died away, And her lightning glance at once did stray Meeting gaze direct and true, yet fond withal, Of those eyes whose strange, mysterious power cast Spell upon her heart, that thrilled to swift response. Dark eyes softened, flashed again with sudden fire, Pocahontas stood entranced, as in a dream, Watched the heavy stones laid on the hardened earth, Saw the Brave led forth, the tomahawk upraised— Awful moment's hush was pierced by anguished cry, As around the captive's neck her arms were flung, Precious life to save, the maiden's one desire.

Sign from chieftain stayed descent of bloody axe, Guiding hand of princess led the captive forward— "Sire, he's mine," she cried, "Adopt him for thy son, If thou Matoax lovest best of all thine own." Powhatan thus answered to the lovely maid, "'Tis thy wish, Matoax; the Wizard's life be spared; From henceforth we name him 'son'; his people ours; Let the Brave be called for aye a Powhatan!" Mighty shout ascended from the watching throng, As the Saxon and the Indian princess stood Hand in hand before the Wahunsunakok. Presently a guide was sent to take the Wizard Back to Jamestown, where long weeks they'd mourned him dead.