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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WILLIAM TELL AND THE GENIUS OF SWITZERLAND, by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS 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! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN ALPINE PICTURE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE PRISONER OF CHILLON by GEORGE GORDON BYRON SWITZERLAND by JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES THE COUNTRY OF A THOUSAND YEARS OF PEACE by JAMES INGRAM MERRILL SWITZERLAND AND ITALY by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES THOUGHT OF A BRITON ON THE SUBJUGATION OF SWITZERLAND by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE SWISS EMIGRANT by LUCY AIKEN |
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