Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/94

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And now it chanced some traders who had fell'd The trees of precious forage far and wide On Empalado's shore, when they beheld The inviting woodlands on its northern side, Crost thither in their quest, and there espied Yeruti's footsteps: searching then the shade At length a lonely dwelling they descried, And at the thought of hostile hordes dismay'd To the nearest mission sped and ask'd the Jesuit's aid.

That was a call which ne'er was made in vain Upon Loyola's sons. In Paraguay Much of injustice had they to complain, Much of neglect; but faithful labourers they In the Lord's vineyard, there was no delay When summon'd to his work. A little band Of converts made them ready for the way; Their spiritual father took a cross in hand To be his staff, and forth they went to search the land.