Samuel Taylor Coleridge — Tells Birth-Place

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 kissed the babe, and blessed the day, And prayed 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 arméd power. IV God gave him reverence of laws, Yet stirring blood in Freedom's cause— A spirit to his rocks akin, The eye of the hawk, and the fire therein! V To Nature and to Holy Writ Alone did God the boy commit: Where flashed and roared the torrent, oft His soul found wings, and soared aloft! VI The straining oar and chamois chase Had formed his limbs to strength and grace: On wave and wind the boy would toss, Was great, nor knew how great he was! VII He knew not that his chosen hand, Made strong by God, his native land Would rescue from the shameful yoke Of Slavery——the which he broke