-excerpts from a speech by Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775-
“Different men often see the same subject in different lights and, therefore,
I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if,
entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs,
I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.
This is no time for ceremony.”
“I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.
And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct
of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes
with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves.”
“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary.
But when shall we be stronger?
Will it be the next week, or the next year?
Will it be when we are totally disarmed,
and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?”
“The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
There is no retreat but in submission and slavery!
Our chains are forged!
Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!
The war is inevitable; and let it come!
I repeat it, sir, let it come.”
“Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace; but there is no peace.
What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have?
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?
Forbid it, Almighty God!
I know not what course others may take;
but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
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Full Text Is Available Here:
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/patrick.asp
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The questing before [you] is one of awful moment to this country . . . in proportion to the magnitude of the subject [there must] be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that [you] can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should [you] keep back [your] opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, [you] should consider [your]self as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which [is] above all earthly kings . . . Are [you] disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not [the not sees], and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? . . . whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, [you must be] willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.