The Swiss patriot/William Tell

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WILLIAM TELL.

When William Tell was doom’d to die,
Or hit the mark upon his infant’s head—
The bell toll’d out, the hour was nigh,
And soldiers march'd with grief and dread!
The warrior came, serene and mild,
Gaz’d all around with dauntless look,
Till his fond boy unconscious smil’d;
Then nature and the father spoke.
And, now, each valiant Swiss his grief partakes,
For they sigh,
And wildly cry,
Poor William Tell! once hero of the lakes.

But soon is heard the muffled drum,
And straight the pointed arrow flies,
The trembling boy expects his doom,
All, all shriek out—'he dies! he dies!'
When lo! the lofty trumpet sounds!
The mark is hit! the child is free!
Into his father’s arms he bounds,
Inspir’d by love and liberty!
And now each valiant Swiss their joy partakes,
For mountains ring,
Whilst they sing,
Live William Tell! the hero of the lakes.