|  |
Primary source: Patrick Henry, "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death," speech, 1775.
Caption: At the second Virginia Convention, on March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry (1736–99) delivered this speech in which he argued that war with Great Britain was inevitable.
. . . This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. 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, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. . .
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-but there is no peace. The war is 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 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!
|
Patrick Henry, "Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death," in Patrick Henry: Life, Correspondence and Speeches by William Henry Wirt (1891; reprint, New York: B. Franklin, 1969), at http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/patrick.htm.
Courtesy of the Avalon Project at Yale Law School.
|
| |
