True Patriotism.

True Patriotism.

Give me the man—be he or rich or poor—
Who seeks for Truth, and boldly speaks his mind;
Who will not stoop to flatter humankind
By doctrines trimm’d to pander to the hour:
Not wishful to offend, yet will not shrink 5
To point out Error whene’er Duty calls:
Who loves his country, and whate’er befals*
Holds it dishonour when we seek to link
Her interests with evil to our race.
Such are the noble and the truly wise: 10
No patriot he who ever can despise
The good in other nations. Let all embrace
In arms of love, utility, and grace,
And happiness will spread o’er all the world apace.

George Markham Tweddell
p. 44 [in Miscellaneous Sonnets]
The Democrat, London, January 3rd, 1885. Ulverston Mirror, Aug: 22/85.
Penrith Observer, Sept 1/85. Cleveland News, Sept. 26/85. Voice of
Masonry, Chicago, Feb., 1890.
* [sic]