MEMORIALS OF A TOUR ON THE CONTINENT, 1820
XXI. ON HEARING THE “RANZ DES VACHES” ON THE TOP OF THE PASS OF ST. GOTHARD
MEMORIALS OF A TOUR ON THE CONTINENT, 1820
I LISTEN–but no faculty of mine Avails those modulations to detect, Which, heard in foreign lands, the Swiss affect With tenderest passion; leaving him to pine (So fame reports) and die,–his sweet-breathed kine Remembering, and green Alpine pastures decked With vernal flowers. Yet may we not reject The tale as fabulous.–Here while I recline, Mindful how others by this simple Strain Are moved, for me–upou this Mountain named 10 Of God himself from dread pre-eminence– Aspiring thoughts, by memory reclaimed, Yield to the Music’s touching influence; And joys of distant home my heart enchain.