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...NO MASTER by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES AN ANATOMY OF THE WORLD: THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY by JOHN DONNE AULD ROBIN GRAY by ANNE LINDSAY AN AUTOGRAPH (1) by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER INCIDENT CHARACTERISTIC OF A FAVOURITE DOG by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH CARELESS LINES ON LABOUR by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS |