The author, Patrick Henry, is making the point that it would be treason against his country if he didn't speak for its freedom. He expresses a deep sense of duty to voice his opinions candidly, especially in a time of crisis, arguing that holding back his views out of fear would be an act of disloyalty.
"Patrick Henry
Speech"
by Patrick Henry
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.
Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet.
Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain.
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 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 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 sur anomina shall haus harind un
Use the passage to answer the question.
at man dain a the author making
(1 point)
that to be considered a
"gentleman," one must also speak frankly as well as with restraint
• One is not a patriot if one doesn't speak freely.
It is treason to suggest that a
• country is behaving unfairly to another.
It would be treason against his
• country if he didn't speak for its freedom.
1 answer
1 answer