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TELL's BIRTH-PLACE.

Imitated from Stolberg.

 

I.

Mark this holy chapel well!

The Birth-place, this, of William Tell.
Here, where stands God's altar dread,
Stood his parents' marriage-bed.

II.

Here first, an infant to her breast,

Him his loving mother prest;
And kiss'd the babe, and bless'd the day,
And pray'd as mothers use to pray.

III.

"Vouchsafe him health, O God! and give

The child thy servant still to live!"
But God had destined to do more
Through him, than through an armed power.