our answer.

2. Interpret the following passages: "hues from
heaven"; "burning star"; "flaming band"; lines
9-14, page 348; lines 19-20, page 348; "blades of
heroes"; "empire on the sea"; "thrice-holy."

3. What other poems on the flag have you read?
Which do you like best? How does this one compare
in quality with the others?

4. Bring to class another poem by Holmes and read
an interesting extract from it.

TRUE PATRIOTISM

BY BENJAMIN HARRISON

Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) was the twenty-third
President of the United States; the grandson of
President William Henry Harrison; and the
great-grandson of Benjamin Harrison, Sr., a signer
of the Declaration of Independence. He was well
qualified to speak on the subject of real
patriotism as against mere loyalty to political
party.

Let us exalt patriotism and moderate our party contentions.
Let those who would die for the flag on the
field of battle give a better proof of their patriotism and a
higher glory to their country by promoting fraternity and
justice. A party success that is achieved by unfair methods 5
or by practices that partake of revolution is hurtful and
evanescent, even from a party standpoint. We should
hold our different opinions in mutual respect; and, having
submitted them to the arbitrament of the ballot, should
accept an adverse judgment with the same respect that we 10
would have demanded of our opponents if the decision had
been more in our favor.

No other people have a government more worthy of their
respect and love, or a land so magnificent in extent, so
pleasant to look upon, and so full of generous suggestion 15
to enterprise and labor. God has placed upon our head
a diadem, and has laid at our feet power and wealth beyond
definition or calculation. But we must not forget that
we take these gifts upon the condition that justice and
mercy shall hold the reins of power, and that the upward 20
avenues of hope shall be free for all the people.

I do not mistrust the future. Dangers have been in
frequent ambush along our path, but we have uncovered
and vanquished them all. Passion has swept some of our
communities, but only to give us a new demonstration that
the great body of o