Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/89

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For gold and silver had the Spaniards sought Exploring Paraguay with desperate pains, Their way thro' forests axe in hand they wrought; Drench'd from above by unremitting rains They waded over inundated plains, Forward by hope of plunder still allured; So they might one day count their golden gains, They cared not at what cost of sin procured, All dangers they defied, all sufferings they endured.

Barren alike of glory and of gold That region proved to them; nor would the soil Unto their unindustrious hands unfold Harvests, the fruit of peace,—and wine and oil, The treasures that repay contented toil With health and weal; treasures that with them bring No guilt for priest and penance to assoil, Nor with their venom arm the awaken'd sting Of conscience at that hour when life is vanishing.