Sonnet on the Aare Gorge

Oh writhing water rushing past high cliffs,
See the gorge your foam has cut between,
These rocks, whose completeness seemed sure, till your rift
Tore them apart, as my own eyes have seen.
Oh water, you have done what no man could do:
You have pulled apart the rocks forever more.
Water, you may conquer all, I fear you!
You have ripped the cliffs apart, as I saw!
Oh why do you rush past? Do you have secret fears?
Do you know your own beauty, or your strength?
You have made too many drop too many tears!
Too many have tried to cross your river length!

Oh water, do you know the feeling hate?
Or is it love that moves you at that rate?