Anguish
formidable
temporal
arduous
illusions
delusive
irresolution
disposed
supinely
transforms
excerpts from patrick henry's speech to the virginia convention
it is natural to man to indulge in the world
of hope. we are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of
that siren till she
us into beasts. is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and
struggle for
liberty? are we
to be of the number of those who having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not the things which so nearly
concern their
salvation? for my part, whatever
of spirit it may cost, i am willing to know the whole
truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
they tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so
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
and inaction? shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying
on our backs, and
hugging the
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
by