My Native Land

Before all lands, in east or west,
I love my native land the best;
With God's best gifts 't is teeming;
No gold or jewels here are found,
Yet men of noble soul abound,
And eyes of joy are gleaming.

Before all tongues, in east or west,
I love my native tongue the best;
Though not so smoothly spoken,
Nor woven with Italian art,
Yet when it speaks from heart to heart,
The word is never broken.

Before all people, east or west,
I love my countrymen the best, —
A race of noble spirit.
A vigorous mind, a generous heart
To virtue bound, yet free from art,
They from their sires inherit.

To east and west I reach ray hand;
My heart I give my native land;
I seek her good, — her glory;
I honor every nation's name,
Respect their fortunes and their fame.
But I love the land that bore me.