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" "Cry, Shakespeare, RICHARD II. God for Harry, England. and St. George!" Shakespeare, HENRY V. "This England never did nor never shall, Come the three corners of the world in arms, Shakespeare, KING JOIN. 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 The tumult and the shouting dies, For heathen heart that puts her trust Amen. " How different from the Elizabethan spirit is the 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 That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf -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, But put unto the main, At Caux, the mouth of Seine, Landed King Harry. |