But Science too her trophies would display;
Faith give the martyrs of Japan their fame;
And Charity on works of love would dwell
In California's dolorous regions drear;
And where, amid a pathless world of wood,
Gathering a thousand rivers on his way,
Huge Orellana rolls his affluent flood;
And where the happier sons of Paraguay,
By gentleness and pious art subdued,
Bow'd their meek heads beneath the Jesuits' sway,
And lived and died in filial servitude.

I love thus uncontroll'd, as in a dream,
To muse upon the course of human things;
Exploring sometimes the remotest springs,
Far as tradition lends one guiding gleam;
Or following, upon Thought's audacious wings,
Into Futurity, the endless stream.

But now in quest of no ambitious height,
I go where Truth and Nature lead my way,
And ceasing here from desultory flight,

In measured strains I tell a Tale of Paraguay.

A TALE OF PARAGUAY.

CANTO I.

A TALE OF PARAGUAY.

CANTO I.

1.

JENNER! for ever shall thy honour'd name Among the children of mankind be blest, Who by thy skill hast taught us how to tame One dire disease, . . the lamentable pest Which Africa sent forth to scourge the West, As if in vengeance for her sable brood So many an age remorselessly opprest. For that most fearful malady subdued Receive a poet's praise, a father's gratitude.

2.

Fair promise be this triumph of an age
When Man, with vain desires no longer blind,
And wise though late, his only war shall wage
Against the miseries which afflict mankind,
Striving with virtuous heart and strenuous mind
Till evil from the earth shall pass away.

Lo, this his glorious destiny assign'd!

For that blest consummation let us pray,

And trust in fervent faith, and labour as we may. VOL. VII.

C