Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/105

Rh

The voice which through the ringing forest floats Is one which having ne'er been taught the skill Of marshaling sweet words to sweeter notes, Utters all unpremeditate, at will, A modulated sequence loud and shrill Of inarticulate and long-breathed sound, Varying its tones with rise and fall and trill, Till all the solitary woods around With that far-piercing power of melody resound.

In mute astonishment attent to hear, As if by some enchantment held, they stood, With bending head, fix'd eye, and eager ear, And hand upraised in warning attitude To check all speech or step that might intrude On that sweet strain. Them leaving thus spell-bound, A little way alone into the wood The Father gently moved toward the sound, Treading with quiet feet upon the grassy ground.