A thousand voices shout “God save the King!”
When Victory follows with our eagle’s glance,
Our nation’s anthem is a country dance.[[7]]
| [7] | The popular air of “Yankee Doodle,” like the dagger of Hudibras, serves a pacific as well as a martial purpose. |
But the martial song belongs to more warlike countries. France, Germany and England are vast fortified districts, echoing forever the din of conflict or the notes of military preparation; while America is the resting-place of Peace, whence her influence is to irradiate the world. Or, if a different destiny awaits her, there is little danger but that—
When the roused nation bids her armies form,
And screams her eagle through the gathering storm,
When from our ports the bannered frigate rides,