WHAT CONSTITUTES A STATE?
Reading edition
By William Jones
What constitutes a State? Not high-raised battlement or labored mound, Thick wall or moated gate; Not cities proud with spires and turrets crowned; Not bays and broad-armed ports,5 Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride; Not starred and spangled courts, Where low-browed baseness wafts perfume to pride. No:—men, high-minded men, With powers as far above dull brutes endued 10 In forest, brake, or den, As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude; Men who their duties know, But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain, Prevent the long-aimed blow,15 And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain:— These constitute a State.
1. What is meant by the word "State" as it is here used? In what "State" do you live?
2. How many things are named, which do not constitute a State? Why do these things not make a State?
3. What is it that makes a State? Why?
4. Give in your own words the meaning of lines 13-16.