Monday, October 10, 2011

Patrick Henry

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 remonstrations has produced additional violence and insult; our supplication have been disregarded; we have been spurned, with contempt from the foot of the throne...

Reconciliation? What reconciliation? We are infected with armies and fleets sent from England. A military presence with only one purpose-to force our submission.

And what is our reply? More argument and petitions? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. We have nothing but the same old argument to present. We have already done enough petitions, remonstrations, and prostrations.

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...we must fight! I repeat sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts, is all we have left!

They say we are weak, but when shall we be stronger? Next week or next year? Shall we wait until there's an army stationed at guard at every door? No.

We are not weak. We are invincible in the holy cause of liberty. Three million people invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.

There is no retreat, but 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, sir, let it come!

Gentleman may cry, peace, peace-but there is no peace. The war has already 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 gentleman 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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