Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/59

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Nor then alone, but alway did the Eye Of Mercy look upon that lonely bower. Days past, and weeks; and months and years went by, And never evil thing the while had power To enter there. The boy in sun and shower Rejoicing in his strength to youthhed grew: And Mooma, that beloved girl, a dower Of gentleness from bounteous nature drew, With all that should the heart of womankind imbue.

The tears which o'er her infancy were shed Profuse, resented not of grief alone: Maternal love their bitterness allay'd, And with a strength and virtue all its own Sustain'd the breaking heart. A look, a tone, A gesture of that innocent babe, in eyes With saddest recollections overflown, Would sometimes make a tender smile arise, Like sunshine breaking thro' a shower in vernal skies.