But ere the good man drank he turned his face heavenward in thankfulness , and then , holding back his gray beard with one hand , he scooped up his simple draught in the hollow of the other . `` What ho , good Mr. Williams ! '' shouted Endicott . `` You are welcome back again to our town of peace . How does our worthy Governor Winthrop ? And what news from Boston ? '' `` The governor hath his health , worshipful sir , '' answered Roger Williams , now resuming his staff and drawing near . `` And , for the news , here is a letter which , knowing I was to travel hitherward to-day , His Excellency committed to my charge . Belike it contains tidings of much import , for a ship arrived yesterday from England . '' Mr. Williams , the minister of Salem , and of course known to all the spectators , had now reached the spot where Endicott was standing under the banner of his company , and put the governor 's epistle into his hand . The broad seal was impressed with Winthrop 's coat-of-arms . Endicott hastily unclosed the letter and began to read , while , as his eye passed down the page , a wrathful change came over his manly countenance . The blood glowed through it till it seemed to be kindling with an internal heat , nor was it unnatural to suppose that his breastplate would likewise become red hot with the angry fire of the bosom which it covered . Arriving at the conclusion , he shook the letter fiercely in his hand , so that it rustled as loud as the flag above his head . `` Black tidings these , Mr. Williams , '' said he ; `` blacker never came to New England . Doubtless you know their purport ? '' `` Yea , truly , '' replied Roger Williams , `` for the governor consulted respecting this matter with my brethren in the ministry at Boston , and my opinion was likewise asked . And His Excellency entreats you by me that the news be not suddenly noised abroad , lest the people be stirred up unto some outbreak , and thereby give the king and the archbishop a handle against us . '' `` The governor is a wise man -- a wise man , and a meek and moderate , '' said Endicott , setting his teeth grimly . `` Nevertheless , I must do according to my own best judgment .
There is neither man , woman nor child in New XXXXX but has a concern as dear as life in these tidings ; and if John Endicott 's voice be loud enough , man , woman and child shall hear them .
Boston Endicott England Salem Williams Winthrop breastplate coat-of-arms epistle ho