In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary, patriotism is defined as the last refuge of a scoundrel. With all due respect to read more

In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary, patriotism is defined as the last refuge of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer, I beg to submit that it is the first.

First pledge our Queen this solemn night,
Then drink to England, every guest;
That man's the best read more

First pledge our Queen this solemn night,
Then drink to England, every guest;
That man's the best Cosmopolite
Who knows his native country best.

He serves me most who serves his country best.

He serves me most who serves his country best.

I, whenever I see thee, thirst, and holding the cup, apply it to
my lips more for thy sake read more

I, whenever I see thee, thirst, and holding the cup, apply it to
my lips more for thy sake than for drinking.

Our native land charms us with inexpressible sweetness, and never
never allows us to forget that we belong to read more

Our native land charms us with inexpressible sweetness, and never
never allows us to forget that we belong to it.
[Lat., Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine captos
Ducit, et immemores non sinit esse sui.]

Strike--for your altars and your fires;
Strike--for the green graves of your sires.
God--and your native land!

Strike--for your altars and your fires;
Strike--for the green graves of your sires.
God--and your native land!

To the old, long life and treasure;
To the young, all health and pleasure.

To the old, long life and treasure;
To the young, all health and pleasure.

Ask not what your country can do for you: Ask what you can do for your country.

Ask not what your country can do for you: Ask what you can do for your country.

Here's to the red of it,
There's not a thread of it,
No, not a shred of read more

Here's to the red of it,
There's not a thread of it,
No, not a shred of it,
In all the spread of it,
From foot to head,
Not heroes bled for it,
Faced steel and lead for it,
Precious blood shed for it,
Bathing in red.