“I could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honour more.” This phrase was penned by Richard Lovelace, 17^th century English poet and veteran of the English Civil War.

In one sense, Lovelace was saying that if he lacked honor, his love would be a worthless thing. 

I do wish that our current crop of leaders would adopt this sentiment as a maxim.  It should be their standard of conduct as they perform their public responsibilities. It is right and proper to uphold your political causes and love your party, but your highest allegiance should be given to God, to truth and to honor itself. 

Honor is a sort of bond between an individual and a society that manifests itself in a code of conduct with various elements such as valor, chivalry, honesty, compassion, and magnanimity.  What if the leading lights of the Democratic and Republican parties adopted such a code in dealings with each other and the general public?

A person’s conduct and personal reputation is like his or her escutcheon, the shield which reflects one’s credo and one’s worth.  Would it not be grand if the shields of all our public officials were illumined by honesty, truth, love of God and country, and honor bright.

What a glorious day that would be!