The Poetry Corner

Memorials Of A Tour On The Continent, 1820 - XIII. - Memorial

By William Wordsworth

Near The Outlet Of The Lake Of Thun "Dem Andenken Meines Freundes Aloys Reding MDCCCXVIII." Around a wild and woody hill A gravelled pathway treading, We reached a votive Stone that bears The name of Aloys Reding. Well judged the Friend who placed it there For silence and protection; And haply with a finer care Of dutiful affection. The Sun regards it from the West; And, while in summer glory He sets, his sinking yields a type Of that pathetic story: And oft he tempts the patriot Swiss Amid the grove to linger; Till all is dim, save this bright Stone Touched by his golden finger.