Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/102

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Welcome to him the earliest gleam of light; Welcome to him the earliest sound of day; That from the sufferings of that weary night Released, he may resume his willing way, Well pleased again the perils to essay Of that drear wilderness, with hope renew'd; Success will all his labours overpay: A quest like his is cheerfully pursued; The heart is happy still that is intent on good.

And now where Empalado's waters creep Through low and level shores of woodland wide, They come; prepared to cross the sluggish deep, An ill-shaped coracle of hardest hide, Ruder than ever Cambrian fisher plied Where Towey and the salt sea-waters meet, The Indians' launch; they steady it and guide, Winning their way with arms and practised feet, While in the tottering boat the Father keeps his seat.