`` If this king and this arch-prelate have their will , we shall briefly behold a cross on the spire of this tabernacle which we have builded , and a high altar within its walls , with wax tapers burning round it at noon-day . We shall hear the sacring-bell and the voices of the Romish priests saying the mass . But think ye , Christian men , that these abominations may be suffered without a sword drawn , without a shot fired , without blood spilt -- yea , on the very stairs of the pulpit ? No ! Be ye strong of hand and stout of heart . Here we stand on our own soil , which we have bought with our goods , which we have won with our swords , which we have cleared with our axes , which we have tilled with the sweat of our brows , which we have sanctified with our prayers to the God that brought us hither ! Who shall enslave us here ? What have we to do with this mitred prelate -- with this crowned king ? What have we to do with England ? '' Endicott gazed round at the excited countenances of the people , now full of his own spirit , and then turned suddenly to the standard-bearer , who stood close behind him . `` Officer , lower your banner , '' said he . The officer obeyed , and , brandishing his sword , Endicott thrust it through the cloth and with his left hand rent the red cross completely out of the banner . He then waved the tattered ensign above his head . `` Sacrilegious wretch ! '' cried the high-churchman in the pillory , unable longer to restrain himself ; `` thou hast rejected the symbol of our holy religion . '' `` Treason ! treason ! '' roared the royalist in the stocks . `` He hath defaced the king 's banner ! '' `` Before God and man I will avouch the deed , '' answered Endicott .
-- `` Beat a flourish , drummer -- shout , soldiers and people -- in honor of the ensign of New XXXXX .
Endicott England Romish arch-prelate left prelate royalist sacring-bell spilt standard-bearer