Henry Alford

The Salzburg Chimes.

Sweetly float o'er town and tower Strains that mark the dawning hour; Soothing, as it glides along, Yon fair stream with tinkling song; Over vineyard, rock, and wood, And where ancient bastion stood, Heralds now of peaceful times, Sweetly float the Salzburg chimes. Once again--from this green hill Echo lets no leaf be still; Once again--the Salza's breast Gives the welling sounds no rest: Distant in the spreading plain Mount and tower take up the strain, Till in yonder Alpine climes Herdsmen catch the Salzburg chimes. Yet once again--the merry merry child Dances to the melody with gambols wild: Yet once more--the sentry stern Paces to the time at every turn: E'en the sick on painful bed Lifts in hope his weary head, And hoary elders bless the times When first they heard the Salzburg chimes. Yet once more--ere noonday rise, Part our steps for other skies: Yet once more--in memory's ear Still shall sound that music clear: And in England's homes of light, When the cheerful hearth is bright, Will we, in far distant climes, Wake the slumbering Salzburg chimes.