Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/372

346 "Here reigns the Russian, there the Turk; observe

"His capital city!"—Thence—along a tract

Of livelier interest to his hopes and fears

His finger moved, distinguishing the spots

Where wide-spread conflict then most fiercely raged;

Nor left unstigmatized those fatal Fields

On which the Sons of mighty Germany

Were taught a base submission.—"Here behold

"A nobler race, the Switzers, and their Land;

"Vales deeper far than these of ours, huge woods,

"And mountains white with everlasting snow!"

—And, surely, he, that spake with kindling brow,

Was a true Patriot, hopeful as the best

Of that young Peasantry, who, in our days,

Have fought and perished for Helvetia's rights,—

Ah not in vain!—or those who, in old time,

For work of happier issue, to the side

Of Tell came trooping from a thousand huts,

When he had risen alone! No braver Youth

Descended from Judea's heights, to march

With righteous Joshua; or appeared in arms

When grove was felled, and altar was cast down,

And Gideon blew the trumpet, soul-enflamed,

And strong in hatred of Idolatry."