ELDER BREWSTER'S CHAIR.* WHEN this old chair was new, The manners of the times, I now will bring to view ; Take heed unto my rhymes. Two hundred years and more, Since our forefathers came ashore, When this old chair was new. They reared an humble roof, All pleasant to the sight; Their ship was far aloof, It caught on fire at night. Oft made their hearts to rue; No neighbourhood was theirs, Save natives of the land; And winter was at hand. The Chair of Elder Brewster, first pastor of the Pilgrims, is still preserved in the Museum at Plymouth. ELDER BREWSTER'S CHAIR. Good neighbourhood's sincerity They never failed to shew; Their daily word was verity When this old chair was new. Their bread on waters cast In future blessings found, While hardships knit them fast Still bade them yet abound. Full humble were their meals, Their dainties very few; 'Twas only ground nuts, clams, or eels, When this old chair was new. Their greeting very soft, Good-morrow very kind, How sweet it sounded oft, Before we were refined. Humility their care, Their failings very few ; My heart! how kind their manners were, 59 |