The last pines stand on Montanvert,
Gazing on giant spires that grow
From the great frozen gulfs below.
How sheer they soared, how piercing rose
Above the mists, beyond the snows!
No thinnest veil of vapour hid
Each sharp and airy pyramid.
No breeze moaned there, nor cooing bird,
Deep down the torrent raved, unheard,
Only the cow-bells’ clang, subdued,