The writings of Robert C. Sands in prose and verse with a memoir of the author |
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 | The writings of Robert C. Sands |  |
XXV.
“Not beneath the mantle blueSpread below Yohewah's feet;
Not through realms of azure hue,
Incense breathing to his seat;
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Kindled from the orb of glory;
Not with words of sacred might,
Taught us in our fathers' story;
Not with odours, fruit or flower,
Thee we summon, dreadful Power!
Power of darkness! Power of ill!
Present in the heart and will,
Plotting, despite of faith and trust,
Treason, avarice, murder, lust!
From caverns deep of gloom and blood,
Attend our call, O serpent god!
This is one of the forms under which the Indians supposed the Evil Spirit to appear. “Another power they worship whom they call Hobbamock, and to the northward of us Hobbamoqui; this as farre as wee can conceive is the devill; him they call upon to cure their wounds and diseases. This Hobbomock appears in sundry formes unto them, as in the shape of a man, a deare, a fawne, an eagle, &c., but most ordinarily as a Snake.”—Winslow's “Good News from New-England,” Anno 1622, in Purchas, iv. p. 1867. And see ante, notes on this Canto.
Thee we summon by our rite,
Hobamóqui! Power of night!
| The writings of Robert C. Sands | |