INSPIRING and romantic Switzers' land, Though marked with majesty by Nature's hand, What charm ennobles most thy landscape's face? The heroic memory of thy native race, -- Who forced tyrannic hosts to bleed or flee, And made their rocks the ramparts of the free; Their fastnesses rolled back the invading tide Of conquest, and their mountains taught them pride. Hence they have patriot names, -- in fancy's eye, Bright as their glaciers glittering in the sky; Patriots who make the pageantries of kings Like shadows seem and unsubstantial things. Their guiltless glory mocks oblivion's rust, Imperishable, for their cause was just. Heroes of old! to whom the Nine have strung Their lyres, and spirit-stirring anthems sung; Heroes of chivalry! whose banners grace The isles of many a consecrated place, Confess how few of you can match in fame The martyr Winkelried's immortal name! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...I PAY MY DEBT FOR LAFAYETTE AND ROCHAMBEAU' by EDGAR LEE MASTERS A MOTHER TO HER SICK CHILD by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES IMITATION OF CHAUCER by ALEXANDER POPE ADVENTURE ON THE WINGS OF MORNING by RACHEL ALBRIGHT MOUNT RAINIER by HERBERT BASHFORD |