Chapter XXXI: Alpine Song. (88)

William W. Story, the author, was born in Salem, Mass.,

In 1819. His writings in poetry and prose are well known, and he also gained distinction in his profession as a sculptor. He died in 1895.

1. With alpenstock and knapsack light,
I wander o'er hill and valley;
I climb the snow peak's flashing height,
And sleep in the sheltered chalet,--
Free in heart--happy and free--
This is the summer life for me.

2. The city's dust I leave behind
For the keen, sweet air of the mountain,
The grassy path by the wild rose lined,
The gush of the living fountain,--
Free in heart--happy and free--
This is the summer life for me.

3. High above me snow clouds rise,
In the early morning gleaming;
And the patterned valley beneath me lies
Softly in sunshine dreaming,--
Free in heart--happy and free--
This is the summer life for me.

4. The bells of wandering herds I list,
Chiming in upland meadows;
How sweet they sound, as I lie at rest
Under the dark pine shadows--
Glad in heart--happy and free--
This is the summer life for me.

DEFINITIONS.--l. Al'pen-stock, a long staff, pointed with iron, used in traveling among the Alps. Knap'sack, a leather sack for carrying food or clothing, borne on the back. Cha-let' (pro. sha-la'), a mountain hut. 2. Gush, a rapid outflowing. 3. Pat'terned, marked off in figures or patterns. 4. List, hearken to.