Page:Tale of Paraguay - Southey.djvu/112

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106
A TALE OF PARAGUAY.

L.

Full of such hopes this night they lie them down,
But not as they were wont, this night to rest.
Their old tranquillity of heart is gone;
The peace wherewith till now they have been blest
Hath taken its departure. In the breast
Fast following thoughts and busy fancies throng;
Their sleep itself is feverish, and possest
With dreams that to the wakeful mind belong;
To Mooma and the youth then first the night seem'd long.

LI.

Day comes, and now a first and last farewell
To that fair bower within their native wood,
Their quiet nest till now. The bird may dwell
Henceforth in safety there, and rear her brood,
And beasts and reptiles undisturb'd intrude.
Reckless of this, the simple tenants go,
Emerging from their peaceful solitude,
To mingle with the world,—but not to know
Its crimes, nor to partake its cares, nor feel its woe.