Page:Memorials of a tour on the continent, 1820 (IA memorialsoftouro00word).pdf/41

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25

SONNET.

THE TOWN OF SCHWYTZ.

By antique Fancy trimmed—tho' lowly, bred
To dignity—in thee O Schwytz! are seen
The genuine features of the golden mean;
Equality by Prudence governed,
Or jealous Nature ruling in her stead;
And, therefore, art thou blest with peace, serene
As that of the sweet fields and meadows green
In unambitious compass round thee spread!
Majestic Berne, high on her guardian steep,
Holding a central station of command,
Might well be styled this noble Body's Head;
Thou, lodg'd 'mid mountainous entrenchments deep,
Its Heart;9 and ever may the heroic Land
Thy name, O Schwytz, in happy freedom keep!