Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/44

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But seldom may such thoughts of mingled joy A father's agitated breast dilate, As when he first beheld that infant boy. Who hath not prov'd it, ill can estimate The feeling of that stirring hour,—the weight Of that new sense, the thoughtful, pensive bliss. In all the changes of our changeful state, Even from the cradle to the grave, I wis, The heart doth undergo no change so great as this.

A deeper and unwonted feeling fill'd These parents, gazing on their new born son. Already in their busy hopes they build On this frail sand. Now let the seasons run, And let the natural work of time be done With them,—for unto them a child is born: And when the hand of Death may reach the one, The other will not now be left to mourn A solitary wretch, all utterly forlorn.