Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/79

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A different sentiment within them stirr'd, When Monnema recall'd to mind one day, Imperfectly, what she had sometimes heard In childhood, long ago, the Elders say: Almost from memory had it past away,— How there appear'd amid the woodlands men Whom the Great Spirit sent there to convey His gracious will; but little heed she then Had given, and like a dream it now recurr'd again.

But these young questioners from time to time Call'd up the long-forgotten theme anew. Strange men they were, from some remotest clime She said, of different speech, uncouth to view, Having hair upon their face, and white in hue: Across the world of waters wide they came Devotedly the Father's work to do, And seek the Red Men out, and in his name His merciful laws, and love, and promises proclaim.