Loyalty And Service To One’s Country
(Written of Nathan Hale, a graduate of Tale Univertity, a school teacher and soldier. Just before being hanged without trial by the British he said: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my Country.”)
One hero dies—a thousand new ones rise,
As flowers are sown where perfect blossoms fall;
Then quite unknown, the name of Hale now cries
Wherever duty sounds her silent call.
With head erect he moves and stately pace,
To meet an awful doom—no ribald jest
Brings scorn or hate to that exalted face:
His thoughts are far away, poised and at rest;
Now on the scaffold see him turn and bid
Farewell to home and all his heart holds dear.
Majestic presence! all man’s weakness hid,
And all his strength in that last hour made clear;
“My sole regret, that it is mine to give
Only one life, that my dear Land may live!”
—W. O. Partridge.
From Scaffold To Scaffold
Every step of progress the world has made has been from scaffold to scaffold, and from stake to stake. It would hardly be exaggeration to say that all the great truths relating to society and government have been first heard in the solemn protests of martyred patriotism, (ft the loud cries of crushed and starving labor.
—Wendell Phillips.
Alternate Reading: II Peter 1: 2-11.