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Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death, by Patrick Henry
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well
as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just
addressed the House. But 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. The questing before the House is one of
awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as
nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in
proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the
freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope
to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility, which
we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions
at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should
consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of
an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I
revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions
of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth,
and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into
beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and
arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the
number of those who, having eyes, see not,and, having ears, hear
not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal
salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost,
I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to
provide for it.
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 and the House. Is it that
insidious smile with which our petition has been lately
received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your
feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask
yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports
with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and
darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of
love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling
to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our
love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the
implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which
kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial
array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can
gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great
Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all
this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none.
They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other.
They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which
the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have
we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been
trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to
offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up
in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in
vain.
Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms
shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us
not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done
everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now
coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have
supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and
have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands
of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been
slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence
and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have
been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In
vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace
and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.
If we wish to be free- if we mean to preserve inviolate those
inestimable privileges for which we have been so long
contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle
in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged
ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our
contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we
must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all
that is left us!
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? Shall we gather strength but irresolution and
inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by
lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of
hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means,
which the God of nature hath placed, in our power. The millions
of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a
country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force
which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not
fight our battles alone.
There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations,
and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The
battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant,
the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election.
If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to
retire from the contest. 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.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry,
Peace, Peace- but there is no peace. The war is actually
begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to
our ears the clash of resounding arms!
Our brethren are already in the field!
Why stand we here idle?
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!
Patrick Henry
March 23, 1775
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