Nasturtion.... Patriotism.
Reading edition
The Nasturtion is a native of Europe and the East. The flowers are of a very brilliant golden yellow, and present a beautiful appearance. The plant is said to emit flashes of light in the morning before sunrise, and also at twilight. Its pure, glowing hue recalls that ardent feeling, so clear of self, which leads men to lay down their lives and fortunes for their country’s safety and glory.
Land of the forest and the rock, Of dark blue lake and mighty river— Of mountain reared aloft to mock The storm’s career and lightning’s shock, My own green land forever! Whittier.
Clime of the daring, thy sheltering banner Unfurls its stars o’er the land and the sea; While tyrants are warring, and freemen love honour, That banner shall be the light of the free. C. Watson.
Our country first, their glory and their pride, Land of their hopes, land where their fathers died, When in the right, they’ll keep thy honour bright, When in the wrong, they’ll die to set it right. James T. Fields.
Pride in the gift of country and of name Speaks in the eye and step— He treads his native land! Halleck.
The patriot! go, to Fame’s proud mount repair, The tardy pile, slow rising there, With tongueless eloquence shall tell Of them who for their country fell. Sprague.
’Tis home-felt pleasure prompts the patriot’s sigh, This makes him wish to live, and dare to die. Campbell.
Land where he learned to lisp a mother’s name, The first beloved in life, the last forgot, Land of his frolic youth, Land of his bridal eve, Land of his children—vain your column’s strength, Invaders! vain your battles’ steel and fire! Choose ye the morrow’s doom— A prison or a grave! Halleck.
My country is my Holy Land. I love her! The purest, brightest skies are spread above her. And heavenliest verdure covers vale and hill. The clearest waters fish did ever swim in Are hers. And oh, what words can praise her virtuous women? MacKellar.