I.

There is one earthly Love, and one alone, Which free from penalty all, all may share; A passion pure, sublime, of loftiest tone, In whose proud service Man may blameless dare All that the heart inspires which scorns to wear A chain--’tis Love of Country! This the power That levels all distinctions--’midst despair Upraising prostrate nations to a tower,-- The flame that kindles men to Gods in peril’s hour!