 | Sonnets in Switzerland and Italy |  |
138
THE BEAR HOTEL
KANDERSTEG
At foot of that gigantic mountain stair,
Straight to thy threshold all the paths incline,
And thou with song of waters, scent of pine,
Canst ease poor wandering mortals of their care.
With kind arms right across the path, and air
Of courteous greeting, generous design,
What homely hospitalities are thine,
What chance to welcome angels unaware!
Straight to thy threshold all the paths incline,
And thou with song of waters, scent of pine,
Canst ease poor wandering mortals of their care.
With kind arms right across the path, and air
Of courteous greeting, generous design,
What homely hospitalities are thine,
What chance to welcome angels unaware!
Type of the wise and good, to whom is given
The glory of a sure-appointed place,
For help to others o'er the desolate hills,
Who greet us with unutterable grace,
Comfort the weary, and confirm the wills
Of those whose souls still hesitate for Heaven.
The glory of a sure-appointed place,
For help to others o'er the desolate hills,
Who greet us with unutterable grace,
Comfort the weary, and confirm the wills
Of those whose souls still hesitate for Heaven.
| Sonnets in Switzerland and Italy | |