NOTE. In the following Poem, S. at the beginning of a line stands for Shepherd.....W. for Wanderer.....S's W. for Shepherd's Wife..... W's W. for Wanderer's Wife.... and W's D. for Wanderer's Daughter. THE WANDERER OF SWITZERLAND. PART I, A Wanderer of Switzerland and his Family, consisting of his Wife, his Daughter, and her young Children, emigrating from their country, in consequence of its subjugation by the French in 1798, arrive at the Cottage of a Shepherd, beyond the frontiers, where they are hospitably entertained. SHEPHERD. "WANDERER! whither dost thou roam ? Weary Wanderer, old and grey ! Wherefore hast thou left thine home, In the sunset of thy day?" W." In the sunset of my day, Stranger! I have lost my home : Here, mine arms a wife enfold, These her infants-Oh! their sire, S. "SWITZERLAND then gave thee birth ?” W." Aye-'twas SWITZERLAND of yore; But, degraded spot of earth! Thou art SwITZERLAND no more. O'er thy mountains, sunk in blood, S."Yet will time the deluge stop; W." No-Irreparably lost, On the day that made us slaves, S. "Welcome, Wanderer as thou art, All my blessings to partake; Yet thrice welcome to my heart, For thine injured country's sake. On the western hills afar, While she views her favourite star, Here, though lowly be my lot, All the comforts of my cot; Spouse; I bring a suffering guest, Bid the weary pilgrims rest, Yield, O yield them sweet relief." S's W. "I will yield them sweet relief: Weary pilgrims! welcome here; Welcome, family of grief! Welcome to my warmest cheer." W. "If the prayers of broken hearts Pitying Heaven will take our parts; Helping Heaven reward your love." |