While I walk the pavement sooty
In the town,
Tread the stony path of duty
Up and down,
Oh, the Kern, all clad in beauty
Silver sheen
On blue and green
Down his canon goes cascading,
Cavalcading,
Cannonading,
Seizing all the brooks and fountains
How they beat
Their crystal feet!
Shouting to the haughty mountains,
Giant peaks that frown !
Oh, my heart runs with the river
Far away,
Though through wintry streets I shiver
Day by day!
Oh, I see the sunshine quiver
Shafts of light
That pause in flight!
While the Kern, with white feet prancing,
Downward dancing,
Gaily glancing,
Shakes the massive earth from under
How he shocks
The solemn rocks!
Shoves the mighty cliffs asunder,
Bids them guard his play!
Now I hear the horns a-blowing
From the height,
And I see white garments flowing
Sheer and bright!
Down the hills the Kern is going
Hear him call
His legions all!
Ye intrepid, oh come leaping!
Leave your sleeping
Swords from scabbardshark, the clamor!
Swift and free
Oh would you be?
In the glory, in the glamour,
Follow day and night !
