27. The Salter’s Song

In sixteen hundred and twenty-three,

A miller’s son from East Budleigh

Did wish his family ‘Au revoir!

I’m off to find America.’

In London town he’d learnt his trade:

As salter he had made the grade.

Now Roger Conant was his name;

We think he needs a bit more fame.

His wife called Sarah joined the ship

With baby Caleb on the trip.

They sailed across the ocean deep.

I don’t suppose they had much sleep.

And finally at Plymouth Bay,

Where previous Pilgrims showed the way,

The Conant family came ashore.

The year was sixteen twenty-four.  

Now Roger’s skill was salting fish

To make a palatable dish.

For just in case you have forgotten,

No fridges meant your food went rotten.

Just north of Plymouth is Cape Ann.

In Dorchester they had a plan

To make the place a fishing port

And maybe even build a fort.  

And Roger was named supervisor.

People said ‘There is none wiser!’

It was indeed a job promotion,

With splendid outlook on the ocean.

A major problem did occur,

For Plymouth’s Pilgrims furious were.

Their Captain Standish did arrive.

The year was sixteen twenty-five.

This man was noted for his ire.

‘Be gone!’ he said. ‘I’ll open fire!

That fishing stage is ours by right.

We will not hesitate to fight!’

The fishermen denied access.

It could have been a bloody mess.

But Roger Conant saved the day.

His wise words halted the affray.

Conciliation in his view

Was always better than a stew.

Diplomacy, a path to peace,

Will cause all stupid wars to cease.  

In Massachusetts he’s renowned,

For this Devonian did found

A city where his statue’s fame

Does almost match the city’s name.

This local hero, worthy chap,

Deserves, we feel, a special clap.

These verses surely do attest:

‘Peacemakers are most truly blest.’

 © Michael Downes 2020

With apologies to Gloucester historian Mary Ellen Lepionka for allowing artistic license to win over historical accuracy! 

The photo shows the commemorative plaque in Gloucester, Massachusetts, which records the historic event

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