A TALE OF PARAGUAY. CANTO II. 1. O THOU who listening to the Poet's song Dost yield thy willing spirit to his sway, Look not that I should painfully prolong The sad narration of that fatal day With tragic details: all too true the lay! Nor is my purpose e'er to entertain The heart with useless grief; but as I may, Blend in my calm and meditative strain Consolatory thoughts, the balm for real pain. 2. O Youth or Maiden, whosoe'er thou art, As thou in this true tale shalt hear from me And virtues springing up like flowers in solitude. 3. The unhappy Monnema when thus bereft Widow'd she was: but still her child was left; Its proper strength, when love and duty meet; Invincible the heart wherein they have their seat. 4. The seamen who upon some coral reef Are cast amid the interminable main, Still cling to life, and hoping for relief Drag on their days of wretchedness and pain. In turtle shells they hoard the scanty rain, And eat its flesh, sun-dried for lack of fire, Till the weak body can no more sustain Its wants, but sinks beneath its sufferings dire; Most miserable man who sees the rest expire! 5. He lingers there while months and years go by: And holds his hope though months and years have past; And still at morning round the farthest sky, If there he may behold the far-off mast 6. So strong a hold hath life upon the soul, Content in bondage dwells and utter night. 7. For now her hour is come: a girl is born, From neighbouring trees which bent beneath their weight, A full supply of fruitage now mature, So in that time of need their sustenance was sure. 8. Nor then alone, but alway did the Eye Of Mercy look upon that lonely bower. Days past, and weeks; and months and years went by, And never evil thing the while had power To enter there. The boy in sun and shower Rejoicing in his strength to youthhed grew; And Mooma, that beloved girl, a dower Of gentleness from bounteous nature drew, With all that should the heart of womankind imbue. |