Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/73

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But that old woman by such wanton wrong Inflamed, went hurrying down; and in the pride Of magic power wherein the crone was strong, Her human form infirm she laid aside. Better the Capiguara's limbs supplied A strength accordant to her fierce intent: These she assumed, and, burrowing deep and wide Beneath the Tree, with vicious will, she went, To inflict upon mankind a lasting punishment.

Downward she wrought her way, and all around Labouring, the solid earth she undermined And loosen'd all the roots; then from the ground Emerging, in her hatred of her kind, Resumed her proper form, and breathed a wind Which gather'd like a tempest round its head: Eftsoon the lofty Tree its top inclined Uptorn with horrible convulsion dread, And over half the world its mighty wreck lay spread.