PBC0152: love of homeland

PBC 152 expresses Russian nationalists’ love for their country with all its virtues and vices. The Russia that goes hungover to church, bows to the filthy floor, and goes home to count profits—even so, says the poet, “my Russia, you are the dearest to me of all lands” (W112). Russian spirit, in another instance, is felt in “simple songs dear to the heart,” that bring strength and sincerity to the human soul; in these melodies “wafts the scent of true Rus’, in them our life is reflected” (W363).