Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/56

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Youth or Maiden, whosoe'er thou art, Safe in my guidance may thy spirit be! I wound not wantonly the tender heart: And if sometimes a tear of sympathy Should rise, it will from bitterness be free— Yea, with a healing virtue be endued, As thou in this true tale shalt hear from me Of evils overcome, and grief subdued, And virtues springing up like flowers in solitude.

The unhappy Monnema when thus bereft Sunk not beneath the desolating blow. Widow'd she was: but still her child was left; For him must she sustain the weight of woe, Which else would in that hour have laid her low. Nor wish'd she now the work of death complete: Then only doth the soul of woman know Its proper strength, when love and duty meet; Invincible the heart wherein they have their seat.