“The Rhine” [poem]

THE RHINE. 1

WE saw it where its billow swells
Beneath the ridge of Drachenfels; 2
We saw it where its ripples ride
ʼNeath Ehrenbreitsteinʼs beetling pride;
We saw it where its whirlpools roar
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5

Among the rocks of gaunt St. Goar—
In all its aspects ʼtis as fair!
That aspect changes everywhere.
From Rhætian and Dinaric crest, 3
From the wild waters to the west, a
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10

From fearful Splügenʼs glaciered head,
The mighty torrent dashes, dread;
And, swelled by every Alpine snow,
Now see it chase these clffs below,
On whose high summits deeply rent
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15

Rise many a fortress battlement,
Seeming the lords of rock and hill,
And mighty in their ruin still.