-LSB- 1 -RSB- Thou art the man who couldst not abide the rule even of thine own corrupted Church , and hast come hither to preach iniquity and to give example of it in thy life . But now shall it be seen that the Lord hath sanctified this wilderness for his peculiar people . Woe unto them that would defile it ! And first for this flower-decked abomination , the altar of thy worship ! '' -LSB- Footnote 1 : Did Governor Endicott speak less positively , we should suspect a mistake here . The Rev. Mr. Blackstone , though an eccentric , is not known to have been an immoral man . We rather doubt his identity with the priest of Merry Mount . -RSB- And with his keen sword Endicott assaulted the hallowed Maypole . Nor long did it resist his arm . It groaned with a dismal sound , it showered leaves and rosebuds upon the remorseless enthusiast , and finally , with all its green boughs and ribbons and flowers , symbolic of departed pleasures , down fell the banner-staff of Merry Mount . As it sank , tradition says , the evening sky grew darker and the woods threw forth a more sombre shadow . `` There ! '' cried Endicott , looking triumphantly on his work ; `` there lies the only Maypole in New England . The thought is strong within me that by its fall is shadowed forth the fate of light and idle mirthmakers amongst us and our posterity . Amen , saith John Endicott ! '' `` Amen ! '' echoed his followers . But the votaries of the Maypole gave one groan for their idol . At the sound the Puritan leader glanced at the crew of Comus , each a figure of broad mirth , yet at this moment strangely expressive of sorrow and dismay . `` Valiant captain , '' quoth Peter Palfrey , the ancient of the band , `` what order shall be taken with the prisoners ? ''
`` I thought not XXXXX repent me of cutting down a Maypole , '' replied Endicott , `` yet now I could find in my heart to plant it again and give each of these bestial pagans one other dance round their idol .
As at for of on that though to with within