Dedication
TO
THE MOTHERS OF THE HEROES
WHO HAVE FALLEN
I HUMBLY DEDICATE THESE RECORDS OF
GLORIOUS DEEDS
TO THE MOTHER COUNTRY
Epigraph
Because you trusted them, and gave them dower
Of your own ancient birthright, Liberty—
Forwent the meagre semblances of power
To win the deepest truth and loyalty—
Now, when these seeming slender roots are tried
Of all your strength, behold, they do not move;
The stripling nations hasten to your side,
Impelled, as children should be, by their love.
And who shall grudge the pride of Motherhood
To this old Northern Kingdom of the sea?
Indeed our fathers’ husbandry was good;
This is the harvest of our history;
Yet boast not. Rather pray we be not found
Unworthy those great men who tilled the ground.
F. D. Livingstone