Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/41

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These occupations were gone by: the skill Was useless now, which once had been her pride. Content were they, when thirst impell'd, to fill The dry and hollow gourd from Mondai's side; The river from its sluggish bed supplied A draught for repetition all unmeet; Howbeit the bodily want was satisfied; No feverish pulse ensued, nor ireful heat, Their days were undisturb'd, their natural sleep was sweet.

She too had learnt in youth how best to trim The honoured Chief for his triumphal day, And covering with soft gums the obedient limb And body, then with feathers overlay, In regular hues disposed, a rich display. Well-pleased the glorious savage stood and eyed The growing work; then vain of his array Look'd with complacent frown from side to side, Stalk'd with elater step, and swell'd with statelier pride.