54. On earth they offer'd, too, an easy life To those who their mild lessons would obey, Exempt from want, from danger, and from strife; And from the forest leading them away, They placed them underneath this Virgin's sway, A numerous fellowship, in peace to dwell; Their high and happy office there to pay Devotions due, which she requited well, Their heavenly Guardian she in whatsoe'er befell. 55. Thus, Monnema remember'd, it was told And thoughts which sharper than a serpent's tooth 56. And she remember'd too when first they fled Before their cruel foes, and lived in dread To that lone hiding place might find the way, 57. Such tales excited in Yeruti's heart A stirring hope that haply he might meet Explore; yet ever from the fruitless quest By daily disappointment undeprest, . ... So buoyant was the hope that fill'd his youthful breast. 58. At length the hour approach'd that should fulfil The virtuous, for the Eye of Heaven is over all. A TALE OF PARAGUAY. CANTO III. 1. AMID those marshy woodlands far and wide Which spread beyond the soaring vulture's eye, There grew on Empalado's southern side Groves of that tree whose leaves adust supply The Spaniards with their daily luxury; A beverage whose salubrious use obtains Through many a land of mines and slavery, Even over all La Plata's sea-like plains, And Chili's mountain realm, and proud Peru's domains. 2. But better for the injured Indian race Had woods of manchineel the land o'erspread : Than if the Upas there had rear'd its head Blasting where'er its effluent force was shed, |