Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/77

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In vain to counterwork the baleful charm By spells of rival witchcraft was it sought, Less potent was that art to help than harm. No means of safety old experience brought: Nor better fortune did they find who thought From Death, as from some living foe, to fly: For speed or subterfuge avail'd them nought, But wheresoe'er they fled they found him nigh: None ever could elude that unseen enemy.

Bootless the boast, and vain the proud intent Of those who hoped, with arrogant display Of arms and force, to scare him from their tent, As if their threatful shouts and fierce array Of war could drive the Invisible away! Sometimes regardless of the sufferer's groan, They dragg'd the dying out and as a prey Exposed him, that content with him alone Death might depart, and thus his fate avert their own.