Excerpts from patrick henry's speech to the virginia convention

it is natural to man to indulge in the of hope. we are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she us into beasts. is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and struggle for liberty? are we to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their salvation? for my part, whatever of spirit it may cost, i am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

they tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so an adversary. but when shall we be stronger? will it be the next week, or the 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 and inaction? shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying on our backs, and hugging the 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.