Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WILLIAM TELL AND THE GENIUS OF SWITZERLAND, by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WILLIAM TELL AND THE GENIUS OF SWITZERLAND, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: You have no fears
Last Line: Draw the sword, lift the flag, and away!
Subject(s): Switzerland; Tell, William; Swiss


I.

TELL. -- You have no fears,
My native land!
Then dry your tears,
And draw your brand.
A million made a vow
To free you. -- Wherefore, now,
Tears again, my native land?

II.

GENIUS. -- I weep not from doubt,
I weep not for dread;
There's strength in your shout,
And trust in your tread.
I weep, for I look for the coming dead,
Who for Liberty's cause shall die;
And I hear a wail from the widow's bed
Come mixed with our triumph-cry.
Though dire my woes, yet how can I
Be calm when I know such suffering's nigh?

III.

TELL. -- Death comes to all,
My native land!
Weep not their fall --
A glorious band!
Famine and slavery
Slaughter more cruelly
Than Battle's blood-covered hand!

IV.

GENIUS. -- Yes, and all glory
Shall honour their grave,
With shrine, song, and story,
Denied to the slave.
Thus pride shall so mingle with sorrow,
Their wives half their weeping will stay;
And their sons long to tempt on the morrow
The death they encounter to-day.
Then away, sons, to battle away!
Draw the sword, lift the flag, and away!





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