PATRICK HENRY
TEN years and more before the Declaration of Independence there was great excitement in the Colonies over the new Stamp Act. Patrick Henry, a young member of the General Assembly of Virginia, had the temerity to offer a resolution which declared that in the General Assembly lay the sole right and power to lay taxes upon the Colony. An excited debate followed this resolution, in the course of which Patrick Henry arose and addressed the assembly. His speech closed with the words which have made him famous: Cæsar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third—The hall rang with cries of Treason! Treason! The patriot orator paused for an impressive moment, and then continued calmly;—may profit by their example. If this be treason make the most of it!
(His resolution was carried.)
A decade passed before the actual outbreak of the War in New England inspired Patrick Henry to the oration which concluded thus: It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace—but there is no peace. The war has 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 or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!