PATRIOTIC LYRICS

Patriotism is a subject not often treated in English

poetry, nor does there seem to be here quite the depth of feeling that is shown in our American patriotic poems.

Now and then we find a ring of true patriotism in the Elizabethan plays such as:

"The blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England"

Shakespeare, RICHARD II.

"Cry, God for Harry, England. and St. George!"

Shakespeare, HENRY V.

"This England never did nor never shall,

Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror,

But when it first did help to wound itself.

Come the three corners of the world in arms,
And we shall shock them: nought shall make us rue,
If England to itself do rest but true.

Shakespeare, KING JO1N.

The few lyrics of battle may show, to rather a

limited extent, a contrast in tone and spirit. We shall

see that the Victorian spirit is not only courageous, but

there is a certain loyalty mingled with wisdom and trust that we do not find in the earlier age. Where in the

Elizabethan poetry should we ever find anything like Kip

ling's "RECESSIONAL"- trustful and beautiful?

LEST WE FORGET!

By Rudyard Kipling

"God of our Fathers: known of old
Lord of our far-flung battle-line
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies,
The captains and the kings depart.
Still stands thine ancient sacrifice,
A humble and a contrite heart,
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forret - lest we forret!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding, calls not Thee to guard
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy mercy on thy people, Lord.

delicate little poem by Browning, showing his love for

England:

HOME THOUGHTS FROM ABROAD

By Robert Browning.

(Vic. An. page 351).

"Oh, to be in England now that April's there
And whoever wakes in England sees, some morning

aware,

That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf
Round the elm-tree bele are in tiny leaf,
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough
In England - now!"

-מיו

Among the Elizabethan lyrics we find this descrip

tion of a battle.

ODE

AGINCOURT

By Michael Drayton

(Schelling pare 136)

"Fair stood the wind for France,

When we our sails advance,
And now to prove our chance
Longer not tarry,

But put unto the main,

At Caux, the mouth of Seine,
With all his warlike train,

Landed King Harry.