PATRIOTIC HYMNS.
The ethnic anthologies growing out of love of country are a mingled literature of filial and religious piety, ranging from war-like pæans to lyric prayers. They become the cherished inheritance of a nation, and, once fixed in the common memory and common heart, the people rarely let them die. The “Songs of the Fathers” have perennial breath, and in every generation—
The green woods of their native land
Shall whisper in the strain;
The voices of their household band
Shall sweetly speak again.
—Felicia Hemans.