Memorials Of A Tour On The Continent, 1820 - XI. - On Approaching The Staub-Bach, Lauterbrunnen

Uttered by whom, or how inspired designed For what strange service, does this concert reach Our ears, and near the dwellings of mankind! 'Mid fields familiarized to human speech? No Mermaid's warble to allay the wind Driving some vessel toward a dangerous beach, More thrilling melodies; Witch answering Witch, To chant a love-spell, never intertwined Notes shrill and wild with art more musical: Alas! that from the lips of abject Want Or Idleness in tatters mendicant The strain should flow, free Fancy to enthrall, And with regret and useless pity haunt This bold, this bright, this sky-born, waterfall!