General monologue (Act 1) — André

I hope they know that to themselves they owe it: To that good discipline which they observe, The discipline of men to order train'd, Who know its value, and in whom 't is virtue: To that prompt hardihood with which they meet Or toil or danger, poverty or death. Mankind who know not whence that spirit springs, Which holds at bay all Britain's boasted power, Gaze on their deeds astonish'd. See the youth Start from his plough, and straightway play the hero; Unmurmuring bear such toils as veterans shun; Rest all content upon the dampsome earth; Follow undaunted to the deathful charge; Or, when occasion asks, lead to the breach, Fearless of all the unusual din of war, His former peaceful mates. O patriotism! Thou wond'rous principle of god-like action! Wherever liberty is found, there reigns The love of country. Now the self-same spirit Which fill'd the breast of great Leonidas, Swells in the hearts of thousands on these plains, Thousands who never heard the hero's tale. 'T is this alone which saves thee, O my country! And, till that spirit flies these western shores, No power on earth shall crush thee!