Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SWISS DESERTER, by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SWISS DESERTER, by                    
First Line: In strasbourg's fortress old and strong
Last Line: O lord, my god, remember me!
Subject(s): Abandonment; Switzerland; Desertion; Swiss


In Strasbourg's fortress old and strong,
Began this sore mischance of mine:
I heard an Alpine horn prolong
Its echoes from across the Rhine.
I heard—I plunged—and strove to gain
My native shore, alas! in vain.

'Twas at the darkest hour of night
When I, the homesick boy, was caught,
And with my arms both pinioned tight
Before the unpitying Captain brought.
My mates had dragged me from the wave,
And nought, O God, my life can save.

To-morrow—at the hour of ten—
Before the regiment I must stand,
And humbly ask their pardon then,
Obedient to the Chief's command:
Doomed for my crime without delay,
The penalty of Death to pay.

Comrades! ye see me; be it known,
For the last time on earth to-day:
'Twas the young herdsman who alone
Caused that my life must pass away;
His Alpine horn bewitched my youth
To yearn for home—God knows the truth.

Ye three, that armed with rifles stand,
Loved comrades! hear my last desire—
See that ye lift no trembling hand,
Aim true together, when ye fire:
Straight let each bullet pierce my heart,
I ask this only ere we part.

O Lord! who art the King of Heaven,
Draw my poor soul to Thee on high:
May all my frailties be forgiven
By Thy great mercy ere I die.
Hereafter, let me dwell with Thee,
O Lord, my God, remember me!





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