Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/62

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Three souls in whom no selfishness had place Were here: three happy souls, which undefiled. Albeit in darkness, still retain'd a trace Of their celestial origin. The wild Was as a sanctuary where Nature smiled Upon these simple children of her own, And cherishing whate'er was meek and mild, Call'd forth the gentle virtues, such alone, The evils which evoke the stronger being unknown.

What tho' at birth we bring with us the seed Of sin, a mortal taint,—in heart and will Too surely felt, too plainly shewn in deed,— Our fatal heritage; yet are we still The children of the All Merciful: and ill They teach, who tell us that from hence must flow God's wrath, and then his justice to fulfil, Death everlasting, never-ending woe: O miserable lot of man if it were so!