Lines Suggested by the Statue of Arnold Von Winkelried Stanz-Unterwalden

SUGGESTED BY THE STATUE OF ARNOLD VON WINKELRIED STANZ-UNTERWALDEN

Inspiring and romantic Switzers' land,
Though mark'd with majesty by Nature's hand,
What charm ennobles most thy landscape's face?
Th' 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 roll'd back th' 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 aisles of many a consecrated place, —
Confess how few of you can match in fame
The martyr Winkelried's immortal name!
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