By Patrick Henry
This is a speech that Patrick Henry gave to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond. The question before the Convention was whether to arm the Virginia militia to fight the British. Patrick Henry knew the moment had come for the colonies to gather their strength and commit themselves to action.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions
of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth -- and listen
to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the
part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are
we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having
ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?
For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know
the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it....
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!---I repeat
it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms, and to the God of Hosts, is all
that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak---unable
to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will
it be next week, or next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and
when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength
by irresolution and inaction? 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? Sir, we are not weak,
if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed
in our power. Three 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 a just God who presides over the destinies of nations;
and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir,
is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it
is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission
and slavery! Our chains are forged, their clanking may be heard on the plains
of Boston! The war is inevitable---and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let
it come!
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!