Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/58

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So strong a hold hath life upon the soul, Which sees no dawning of eternal light, But subject to this mortal frame's controul, Forgetful of its origin and right, Content in bondage dwells and utter night. By worthier ties was this poor mother bound To life; even while her grief was at the height, Then in maternal love support she found And in maternal cares a healing for her wound.

For now her hour is come: a girl is born, Poor infant, all unconscious of its fate, How passing strange, how utterly forlorn! The genial season served to mitigate In all it might their sorrowful estate, Supplying to the mother at her door From neighbouring trees which bent beneath their weight, A full supply of fruitage now mature, So in that time of need their sustenance was sure.