THE

COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH.

1 *

I.

MILES STANDISH.

In the Old Colony days, in Plymouth the land

of the Pilgrims, To and fro in a room of his simple and primi

tive dwelling, Clad in doublet and hose, and boots of Cordo

van leather, Strode, with a martial air, Miles Standish the

Puritan Captain. Buried in thought he seemed, with his hands

behind him, and pausing Ever and anon to behold his glittering weapons

of warfare,

Hanging in shining array along the walls of

the chamber, Cutlass and corslet of steel, and his trusty

sword of Damascus, Curved at the point and inscribed with its

mystical Arabic sentence, While underneath, in a corner, were fowling

piece, musket, and matchlock. Short of stature he was, but strongly built and

athletic, Broad in the shoulders, deep-chested, with

muscles and sinews of iron; Brown as a nut was his face, but his russet

beard was already Flaked with patches of snow, as hedges some

times in November. Near him was seated John Alden, his friend,

and household companion, Writing with diligent speed at a table of pine

by the window;