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!