Explore "The King's Missive. 1661" by John Greenleaf Whittier on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
This ballad, originally written for The Memorial History of Boston, describes, with pardonable poetic license, a memorable incident in the annals of the city. The interview between Shattuck and the Governor took place, I have since learned, in the residence of the latter, and not in the Council Chamber. The publication of the ballad led to some discussion as to the historical truthfulness of the picture, but I have seen no reason to rub out any of the figures or alter the lines and colors.
UNDER the great hill sloping bare / To cove and meadow and Common lot, / In his council chamber and oaken chair, / Sat the worshipful Governor Endicott. / A grave, strong man, who knew no peer / In the pilgrim land, where he ruled in fear / Of God, not man, and for good or ill / Held his trust with an iron will.