Stanz

(From The Wanderer of Switzerland)

NATURE’S bulwarks, built by Time,

’Gainst Eternity to stand,

Mountains terribly sublime,

Girt the camp on either hand.

Dim, behind, the valley brake

Into rocks that fled from view;

Fair in front the gleaming lake

Rolled its waters bright and blue.

Midst the hamlets of the dale,

Stanz, with simple grandeur crowned,

Seemed the mother of the vale,

With her children scattered round.