MEMORIALS OF A TOUR ON THE CONTINENT, 1820

XXI. ON HEARING THE "RANZ DES VACHES" ON THE TOP OF THE PASS OF ST. GOTHARD

          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.