THE SHEPHERD POET OF THE ALPS. God gave him reverence of laws, Yet stirring blood in Freedom's cause- The eye of the hawk, and the fire therein! SINGING of the free blue sky, And the wild-flower glens that lie Far amidst the ancient hills, Which the fountain-music fills; COLERIDGE. Wherefore, from a dungeon-cell Did those notes of freedom swell, Brook the mountain-winds to hear, With a song of liberty? Darkly hung th' oppressor's hand But this might not long endure, Where the mountain-homes were pure; And a valiant voice arose, Thrilling all the silent snows; His-now singing far and lone, Where the young breeze ne'er was known; Singing of the glad blue sky, Wildly-and how mournfully! Are none but the Wind and the Lammer-Geyer So shall the voice that hath seem'd to die, And another power is moving Oh! a sister's heart is deep, And her spirit strong to keep Each light link of early hours, All sweet scents of childhood's flowers! Thus each lay by Erni sung, Rocks and crystal caves among, Each in young Teresa's breast As a rich book on a hidden shrine. Or, if raised to glance above, Dim with its own dews of love; And a pure, Madonna brow, And a silvery voice, and low, Like the echo of a flute, Even the last, ere all be mute. But a loftier soul was seen In the orphan sister's mien, From that hour when chains defiled Him, the high Alps' noble child. Tones in her quivering voice awoke, Light, that seem'd born of an eagle's nest, And her form, like a spreading water-flower, When its frail cup swells with a sudden shower, And grief for that brother, her young heart's guide. The silence of the Alpine sky Had hush'd their hearts to piety; |