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
By one who in his hot and headstrong youth
Had left her happy service; but when old
Lamented oft with unavailing ruth,

And thoughts which sharper than a serpent's tooth
Pierced him, that he had changed that peaceful place
For the fierce freedom and the ways uncouth
Of their wild life, and lost that Lady's grace,
Wherefore he had no hope to see in Heaven her face.

56.

And she remember'd too when first they fled
For safety to the farthest solitude

Before their cruel foes, and lived in dread
That thither too their steps might be pursued
By those old enemies athirst for blood;
How some among them hoped to see the day
When these beloved messengers of good

To that lone hiding place might find the way,
And them to their abode of blessedness convey.

57.

Such tales excited in Yeruti's heart

A stirring hope that haply he might meet
Some minister of Heaven; and many a part
Untrod before of that wild wood retreat,
Did he with indefatigable feet

Explore; yet ever from the fruitless quest
Return'd at evening to his native seat

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
His harmless heart's desire, when they shall see
Their fellow-kind, and take for good or ill
The fearful chance, for such it needs must be,
Of change from that entire simplicity.
Yet wherefore should the thought of change appal?
Grief it perhaps might bring, and injury,
And death; ... but evil never can befall

The virtuous, for the Eye of Heaven is over all.

A TALE OF PARAGUAY.

CANTO III.

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 :
Yea, in that tree so blest by Nature's grace
A direr curse had they inherited,

Than if the Upas there had rear'd its head
And sent its baleful scions all around,

Blasting where'er its effluent force was shed,
In air and water, and the infected ground,
All things wherein the breath or sap of life is found.