This was the instinct of the old Teutonic races. They were often
unfaithful to it--as all men are to their higher instincts; and fulfilled
it very imperfectly--as all men fulfil their duties. But it was there--
in their heart of hearts. It helped to make them; and, therefore, it
helped to make us. It ennobled them; it called out in them the sense of
unity, order, discipline, and a lofty and unselfish affection. And I
thank God, as an Englishman, for any event, however exquisitely painful,
which may call out those true graces in us, their descendants. And,
therefore, my good friends, if any cynic shall sneer, as he may, after
the present danger is past, at this sudden outburst of loyalty, and speak
of it as unreasoning and childish, answer not him. "Give not that which
is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest
they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." But
answer yourselves, and answer too your children, when they ask you what
has moved you thus--answer, I say, not childishly, but childlike: "We
have gone back, for a moment at least, to England's childhood--to the
mood of England when she was still young.
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