Classic Poem

Edelweiss

On the rock and girt with ice,
Neighbor to the circling star,
Bloomest thou, dear edelweiss,
From all other flowers afar;
By their joyous spring unblest,
Lonely on the rock's cold breast.

Where the lightnings have their home,
And the startled chamois listen,
Where the plunging waters foam,
Eagles reign, and glaciers glisten,—
Death and terror everywhere,—
Pure and glad thou bloomest there.

So stands he in noble pain,
Lone anear the arching heaven,
Lonely proud, who worldly gain,
Smiles and honors, all has given
Freely as his freedom's price,—
As thou bloomest, edelweiss!EnglishHerman Von Lingg