- WHAT glowing thoughts, what glorious themes
- To mountain-tops belong!
- The law from Sinai's summit came;
- From Sion sacred song; –
- And Genius, on Parnassian heights,
- His banner first unfurled;
- And from the Seven-hilled city waved
- The sword that swayed the world!
- Then let us raise the hymn of praise –
- To us the Hills were given;
- And mountain-tops are altars, set
- To lift the soul to heaven.
- Though Europe's plains are crushed with chains,
- As every tyrant wills,
- Yet Freedom's light is flashing bright
- Along Helvetia's hills!
- And should our Eagle stoop his wing
- O'er prairie, plain, or sea,
- Mount Washington an eyry holds
- Of deathless liberty!
- Then let us raise the song of praise –
- To us the heights were given;
- Our Granite Hills are altars all,
- To lift our hopes to heaven.
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