Patrick Henry

Different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I shall speak my sentiments freely and without reserve. For I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom. 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. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, I ask, what means if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Shall we try argument? Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? 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! They tell us, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and guards shall be stationed in every house? 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? 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 no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our brethren are already in the field! 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!