Friday September 17, 2004

States of Nature

I’ve always admired Virginia for having the most aggressive state motto — “Death to Tyrants” — but now, thanks to Francis, I have learned that Maryland has the bloodiest state song. A sample, which clearly states Maryland’s historical position on “crucifixion of the soul”:

Thou wilt not yield the vandal toll,
Maryland, My Maryland!
Thou wilt not crook to his control,
Maryland, My Maryland!
Better the fire upon thee roll,
Better the blade, the shot, the bowl,
Than crucifixion of the soul,
Maryland! My Maryland!