Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Switzerland and Austria: Vol. XVI. 1876–79.
The Town of Schwytz
By William Wordsworth (1770–1850)B
To dignity,—in thee, O Schwytz! are seen
The genuine features of the golden mean;
Equality by Prudence governéd,
Or jealous Nature ruling in her stead;
And therefore art thou blest with peace, serene
As that of the sweet fields and meadows green
In unambitious compass round thee spread.
Majestic Berne, high on her guardian steep,
Holding a central station of command,
Might well be styled this noble body’s head;
Thou, lodged mid mountainous intrenchments deep,
Its heart; and ever may the heroic land
Thy name, O Schwytz! in happy freedom keep!