Footnotes
[529:3] This oration will be read five hundred years hence with as much rapture as it was heard. It ought to be read at the end of every century, and indeed at the end of every year, forever and ever.—John Adams: Letter to Webster, Dec. 23, 1821.
[530:1] Mr. Adams, describing a conversation with Jonathan Sewall in 1774, says: "I answered that the die was now cast; I had passed the Rubicon. Swim or sink, live or die, survive or perish with my country was my unalterable determination."—John Adams: Works, vol. iv. p. 8.
Live or die, sink or swim.—Peele: Edward I. (1584?).
[531:1] Mr. Webster says of Mr. Adams: "On the day of his death, hearing the noise of bells and cannon, he asked the occasion. On being reminded that it was 'Independent Day,' he replied, 'Independence forever.'"—Works, vol. i. p. 150. Bancroft: History of the United States, vol. vii. p. 65.
We shall be strong to run the race,
And climb the upper sky.
Watts: Spiritual Hymns, xxiv.
[531:3] He it was that first gave to the law the air of a science. He found it a skeleton, and clothed it with life, colour, and complexion; he embraced the cold statue, and by his touch it grew into youth, health, and beauty.—Barry Yelverton (Lord Avonmore): On Blackstone.
[531:4] See Scott, page [493].
[532:1] A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.—Alexander Hamilton.
[532:2] When the State of Pennsylvania held its convention to consider the Constitution of the United States, Judge Wilson said of the introductory clause, "We, the people, do ordain and establish," etc.: "It is not an unmeaning flourish. The expressions declare in a practical manner the principle of this Constitution. It is ordained and established by the people themselves." This was regarded as an authoritative exposition.—The Nation.
That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.—Abraham Lincoln: Speech at Gettysburg, Nov. 19, 1863.
[533:1] See Scott, page [495].
The martial airs of England
Encircle still the earth.
Amelia B. Richards: The Martial Airs of England.
[533:3] See Patrick Henry, page [429].
[534:1] See Scott, page [494].
[534:2] Mr. Webster's reply to the invitation of his friends, who had been refused the use of Faneuil Hall by the Mayor and Aldermen of Boston.
JANE TAYLOR. 1783-1824.
Though man a thinking being is defined,
Few use the grand prerogative of mind.
How few think justly of the thinking few!
How many never think, who think they do!
Essays in Rhyme. (On Morals and Manners. Prejudice.) Essay i. Stanza 45.
Far from mortal cares retreating,
Sordid hopes and vain desires,
Here, our willing footsteps meeting,
Every heart to heaven aspires.
Hymn.
I thank the goodness and the grace
Which on my birth have smiled,
And made me, in these Christian days,
A happy Christian child.
A Child's Hymn of Praise.
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Oh that it were my chief delight
To do the things I ought!
Then let me try with all my might
To mind what I am taught.
For a Very Little Child.[535:1]
Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My mother.
My Mother.