The following excerpt from Patrick Henry's speech to the Convention of Delegates in Virginia
(1775).
Thave but one lamp by which my feet are quided; 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 these 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.
Discuss how this part of Henry's speech fits into the overall structure of the text and analyze how w
supports Henry's overall purpose. Be sure to use specific details from the speech to support your
answer.