Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/71

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Winds would not pierce it there, nor heat nor cold Grieve, nor thirst parch and hunger pine; but there The sun by day its even influence hold With genial warmth, and thro' the unclouded air The moon upon her nightly journey fare: The lakes and fish-full streams are never dry; Trees ever green perpetual fruitage bear; And, wheresoe'er the hunter turns his eye, Water and earth and heaven to him their stores supply.

And once there was a way to that good land, For in mid-earth a wondrous Tree there grew, By which the adventurer might with foot and hand From branch to branch his upward course pursue; An easy path, if what were said be true, Albeit the ascent was long: and when the height Was gain'd, that blissful region was in view, Wherein the traveller safely might alight, And roam abroad at will, and take his free delight.