Patrick Henry. 1736-1799.
Cæsar had his Brutus; Charles the First, his Cromwell; and George the Third ["Treason!" cried the Speaker]—may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.
Speech in the Virginia Convention, 1765.
I am not a Virginian, but an American.[428:1]
Speech in the Virginia Convention. September, 1774.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.[428:2]
Speech in the Virginia Convention. March, 1775.
[430]
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!
Speech in the Virginia Convention. March, 1775.
Footnotes
[428:1] I was born an American; I will live an American; I shall die an American!—Webster: Speech, July 17, 1850.
[428:2] See Burke, page 411.