Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/95

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He was a man of rarest qualities, Who to this barbarous region had confined A spirit with the learned and the wise Worthy to take its place, and from mankind Receive their homage, to the immortal mind Paid in its just inheritance of fame. But he to humbler thoughts his heart inclined; From Gratz amid the Styrian hills he came, And Dobrizhoffer was the good man's honour'd name.

It was his evil fortune to behold The labours of his painful life destroy'd; His flock which he had brought within the fold Dispersed; the work of ages render'd void, And all of good that Paraguay enjoy 'd By blind and suicidal power o'erthrown. So he the years of his old age employ'd, A faithful chronicler in handing down Names which he loved, and things well worthy to be known.