PATRIOTIC SONG PATRIOTIC SONG A Book of English Verse BEING AN ANTHOLOGY OF THE PATRIOTIC POETRY OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE, FROM THE DEFEAT OF THE SPANISH ARMADA TILL THE DEATH OF QUEEN VICTORIA SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY ARTHUR STANLEY WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE RIGHT REVEREND J. E. C. WELLDON Lord Bishop of Calcutta; late Head-Master of Harrow School TORONTO WILLIAM BRIGGS 1901 THIS BOOK IS Sacred to the Memory OF THAT GLORIOUS COMPANY OF MEN WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR ENGLAND’S SAKE EDITOR’S PREFACE This book is intended to be a representative collection of the patriotic poetry of the British Empire. I have taken a wide view of the term “patriotic”--wide enough, indeed, to include the Jacobite Songs of Scotland and the National Songs of Ireland. Many of my numbers breathe the spirit of war; for the national instinct is most deeply stirred in times of great national emotion. But I have aimed at making this volume something more than a book of war-songs, holding that a man may prove his patriotism as well at home in the pursuit of his daily business as on the battlefield in the presence of his country’s enemies. Love of country is the root of the matter; and, after all, it is harder to live for one’s country than to die for it. I gratefully acknowledge the debt I owe to authors and owners of copyright poems. I am equally grateful to all who, whether at home or in the Colonies, have given me encouragement, assistance, or advice. My obligations to Professor Dowden, Mr. W. E. Henley, and Mr. A. T. Quiller-Couch are very great. My scheme, as originally conceived, provided for the inclusion of a section representing the patriotism of America; but, on reconsideration, I have decided not to go beyond the limits of the British Empire. A. S. INTRODUCTION The present collection of patriotic songs will, I think, accord with the imperial spirit of the day; for they are representative of the whole British Empire. It is needless to dwell upon the inspiring energy of song. Since the age of Tyrtæus it has everywhere been recognised as a powerful incentive to valour. A nation can scarcely exist without a national anthem. How characteristic are the anthems of the nations! It may almost be said that the difference of the English and the French nations is expressed by the contrast between _God Save the King_ and the _Marseillaise_. What an influence songs have exercised upon the life of nations! The debt of Scotland to Burns, the debt of Ireland to Moore, is greater than words can tell. Fletcher of Saltoun was perhaps not wrong in his estimate of the songs, as compared with the laws, of a nation.