RUTLI. 19 



On the giant mountain's side 



See the chamois roam at will : 

 See the river roll its tide 



Onward onward, chainless still. 

 Do the winds that round our way 



Throng rejoicing from their home 



On St. Gothard's snowy dome 

 Feel restraint or despot sway ? 



Shall we, recreant, shrink to claim 



The noble boon that nature gave ? 

 Shall stern Helvetia's ancient fame 



Still blacken 'neath the brand of " slave ? " 

 No ! may our heart springs cease to ply, 



Our right hands hang beside us perished 



If, for the clime our fathers cherished, 

 One man among us fears to die. 



Our country's sword which erst withstood 



The Roman, in unequal fight, 

 And found the way to Gallia's blood, 



Though mafched against superior might : 

 Our country's sword ! a mutual vow 



Devotes thee to the sacred cause 



Of wresting right from tyrant laws 

 Thou wilt not canst not fail us now. 



Be witness, all ye orbs sublime 



That lend our lonely meeting light : 

 Hills of Helvetia, strong through time 



Keep record of our oath, to night. 

 We swear by every sacred tie 



By the Immortal's throne in Heaven, 



Before whose shrine our vows are given, 

 To burst our slavish bonds, or die* 



FRANZ. 



