Perpetual Mirage
About
No man knows the intense love he nourishes for his own country before he visits foreign lands. A man whilst at home may find fault with it; but should he by compulsion, or even voluntarily, turn away and depart from what excited his displeasure, reprobation, or disgust - why, lo! distance lends enchantment to the scene; busy memory wakes up and stirs the very depth of his soul; endearing recollections crowd upon him; it becomes to him a perpetual mirage, and tempts him back with outstretched arms, like the loving and forgiving mother, who is always ready to welcome the return of the prodigal son.
- Charles Gayarre, Love of Country