Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/103

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For three long summer days on every side They search in vain the sylvan solitude. The fourth a human footstep is espied, And through the mazes of the pathless wood With hound-like skill and hawk-like eye pursued; For keen upon their pious quest are they As e'er were hunters on the track of blood. Where softer ground or trodden herbs betray The slightest mark of man, they there explore the way.

More cautious when more certain of the trace In silence they proceed; not like a crew Of jovial hunters, who the joyous chace With hound and horn in open field pursue, Cheering their way with jubilant halloo, And hurrying forward to their spoil desired, The panting game before them, full in view: Humaner thoughts this little band inspired, Yet with a hope as high their gentle hearts were fired.