Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/144

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But not the less, whate'er was to be done, With living men he took his part content, At loom, in garden, or a-field, as one Whose spirit wholly no obedience bent, To every task its prompt attention lent. Alert in labor he among the best; And when to church the congregation went, None more exact than he to cross his breast, And kneel, or rise, and do in all things like the rest.

Cheerful he was, almost like one elate With wine, before it hath disturb'd his power Of reason. Yet he seem'd to feel the weight Of time; for alway when from yonder tower He heard the clock tell out the passing hour, The sound appeared to give him some delight: And when the evening shades began to lower, Then was he seen to watch the fading light As if his heart rejoiced at the return of night.