Page:Memorials of a tour on the continent, 1820 (IA memorialsoftouro00word).pdf/118

102 benefit of shade, and a view of the magnificent Country. The Pictures are attached to the rafters; those from Scripture History on the Cathedral-bridge, amount, according to my notes, to 240. Subjects from the Old Testament face the Passenger as he goes towards the Cathedral, and those from the New as he returns. The pictures on these Bridges, as well as those in most other parts of Switzerland, are not to be spoken of as works of art; but they are instruments admirably answering the purpose for which they were designed.

The following Stanzas were suggested by the " of ," at, on the outside walls of which the chief exploits of the Hero are painted: it is said to stand upon the very ground where grew the Lime Tree against which his Son was placed when the Father's archery was put to proof under the circumstances so famous in Swiss History.

What though the Italian pencil wrought not here, Nor such as did the public meed bestow On Marathonian valour, yet the tear Springs forth in presence of this gaudy show, While narrow cares their limits overflow. Thrice happy, Burghers, Peasants, Warriors old, Infants in arms, and Ye, that as ye go Home-ward or School-ward, ape what ye behold; Heroes before your time, in frolic fancy bold!

But when that calm Spectatress from on high Looks down—the bright and solitary Moon, Who never gazes but to beautify; And snow-fed torrents, which the blaze of noon