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arnold de winkelried.
And as pressed the hardy Switzers close upon their leader's track,
Everywhere that wall of lances met their way, and hurled them back;
Till the blood of brave Confederates stained the hill-side and the plain,
Drenching all the trampled greensward like a storm of mountain rain;
Till the boldest brow was darkened, and the firmest lip was paled;
Till the peasant's heart grew fearful, and the shepherd's stout arm failed.
Then from out the Swiss ranks stepping, high above the tumult called,
He, the Knight de Winkelried, Arnold, pride of Underwald:
"Yield not, dear and faithful allies!—stay, for I your way will make!
Care you for the wife and children, for your old companion's sake;
Follow now, and strike for freedom, God, and Switzerland!" he cried;
Full against the close ranks rushing, with his arms extended wide,
Everywhere that wall of lances met their way, and hurled them back;
Till the blood of brave Confederates stained the hill-side and the plain,
Drenching all the trampled greensward like a storm of mountain rain;
Till the boldest brow was darkened, and the firmest lip was paled;
Till the peasant's heart grew fearful, and the shepherd's stout arm failed.
Then from out the Swiss ranks stepping, high above the tumult called,
He, the Knight de Winkelried, Arnold, pride of Underwald:
"Yield not, dear and faithful allies!—stay, for I your way will make!
Care you for the wife and children, for your old companion's sake;
Follow now, and strike for freedom, God, and Switzerland!" he cried;
Full against the close ranks rushing, with his arms extended wide,
