Thought of a Briton on the Subjugation of Switzerland

Thought of a Briton on the Subjugation of Switzerland

1Two Voices are there; one is of the sea,
2One of the mountains; each a mighty Voice:
3In both from age to age thou didst rejoice,
4They were thy chosen music, Liberty!
5There came a Tyrant, and with holy glee
6Thou fought'st against him; but hast vainly striven:
7Thou from thy Alpine holds at length art driven,
9Of one deep bliss thine ear hath been bereft:
10Then cleave, O cleave to that which still is left;
11For, high-souled Maid, what sorrow would it be
12That Mountain floods should thunder as before,
13And Ocean bellow from his rocky shore,
14And neither awful Voice be heard by thee!

Notes

8] France overcame Switzerland in 1802. Back to Line