An Alpine Descent

MY mule refreshed, his bells Jingled once more, the signal to depart, And we set out in the gray light of dawn, Descending rapidly,—by waterfalls Fast frozen, and among huge blocks of ice That in their long career had stopt midway; At length, unchecked, unbidden, he stood still, And all his bells were muffled. Then my guide, Lowering his voice, addressed me:—“Through this chasm On, and say nothing,—for a word, a breath, Stirring the air, may loosen and bring down A winter’s snow,—enough to overwhelm The horse and foot that, night and day, defiled Along this path to conquer at Marengo.”