Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/135

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Well was it for the youth, and well for her, As there in placid helplessness she lay, He was not present with his love to stir Emotions that might shake her feeble clay, And rouse up in her heart a strong array Of feelings, hurtful only when they bind To earth the soul that soon must pass away. But this was spared them; and no pain of mind To trouble her had she, instinctively resigned.

Nor was there wanting to the sufferers aught Of careful kindness to alleviate The affliction; for the universal thought In that poor town was of their sad estate, And what might best relieve or mitigate Their case, what help of nature or of art; And many were the prayers compassionate That the good Saints their healing would impart. Breathed in that maid's behalf from many a tender heart.