Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/74

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But never scion sprouted from that Tree, Nor seed sprang up; and thus the easy way, Which had till then for young and old been free, Was closed upon the sons of men for aye. The mighty ruin moulder'd where it lay Till not a trace was left; and now in sooth Almost had all remembrance past away. This from the elders she had heard in youth; Some said it was a tale, and some a very truth.

Nathless departed spirits at their will Could from the land of souls pass to and fro; They come to us in sleep when all is still, Sometimes to warn against the impending blow, Alas! more oft to visit us in woe: Tho' in their presence there was poor relief! And this had sad experience made her know, For when Quiara came, his stay was brief, And waking then, she felt a freshen'd sense of grief.