Hoffer

Composed 1809.--Published 1809[A]

The six sonnets of this Tyrolean group were placed among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty."--ED.

Of mortal parents is the Hero born By whom the undaunted Tyrolese are led? Or is it Tell's great Spirit, from the dead Returned to animate an age forlorn? He comes like Phoebus through the gates of morn When dreary darkness is discomfited, Yet mark his modest state! upon his head, That simple crest, a heron's plume, is worn. O Liberty! they stagger at the shock From van to rear--and with one mind would flee, But half their host is buried:--rock on rock Descends:--beneath this godlike Warrior, see! Hills, torrents, woods, embodied to bemock The Tyrant, and confound his cruelty.

The expectation that the Germans would rise against the French in 1807 was realised only in the Tyrol. Andreas Hofer, an innkeeper in the Passeierthal, was the chief of the Tyrolese leaders. More than once he called his countrymen to arms, and was successful for a time. The Bavarians, however, defeated him, in October 1809. He was tried by court-martial, and shot in 1810.--ED.

VARIANTS:

1815.

... simple ... 1809.

1815.

A Heron's feather for a crest is worn. 1809.

1837.

... at the shock; The Murderers are aghast; they strive to flee And half their Host is buried:-- ... 1809.