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  ... How easy 'tis for parents to forgive! With how few tears a pardon might be won From nature, pleading for a darling son! 960 Poor, pitied youth, by my paternal care, Raised up to all the height his frame could bear! Had God ordain'd his fate for empire born, He would have given his soul another turn: Gull'd with a patriot's name, whose modern sense Is one that would by law supplant his prince; The people's brave, the politician's tool; Never was patriot yet, but was a fool.   Whence comes it, that religion and the laws Should more be Absalom's than David's cause? 970 His old instructor, ere he lost his place, Was never thought endued with so much grace. Good heavens, how faction can a patriot paint! My rebel ever proves my people's saint. Would they impose an heir upon the throne, Let Sanhedrims be taught to give their own. A king's at least a part of government; And mine as requisite as their consent: Without...   Dryden, John

Excerpt from The Poetical Works of John Dryden, Volume 1 With Life, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes · This quote is about patriotism · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation.

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