On the Castle of Chillon

On the Castle of Chillon

ETERNAL Spirit of the chainless Mind!

Brightest in dungeons Liberty! thou art

For there thy habitation is the heart—

The heart which love of Thee alone can bind.

And when thy sons to fetters are consign'd 5

To fetters and the damp vault's dayless gloom

Their country conquers with their martyrdom

And Freedom's fame finds wings on every wind.

Chillon! thy prison is a holy place

And thy sad floor an altar for 'twas trod 10

Until his very steps have left a trace

Worn as if thy cold pavement were a sod

By Bonnivard! May none those marks efface!

For they appeal from tyranny to God.