Question
(1775)
by Patrick Henry
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. 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.
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 may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
15
Read the sentence from the passage.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.
What does the phrase indulge in mean as it is used in this sentence?
A.
to take unrestrained pleasure in (gratify)
B.
to yield to the desire of (humor)
C.
to treat with excessive consideration
D.
to give free rein to
by Patrick Henry
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. 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.
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 may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
15
Read the sentence from the passage.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.
What does the phrase indulge in mean as it is used in this sentence?
A.
to take unrestrained pleasure in (gratify)
B.
to yield to the desire of (humor)
C.
to treat with excessive consideration
D.
to give free rein to
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
In the sentence "Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope," the phrase "indulge in" means:
**A. to take unrestrained pleasure in (gratify)**
In this context, Henry is suggesting that it is natural for people to seek comfort or pleasure in hopeful illusions, even if they may not reflect the reality of a situation.
**A. to take unrestrained pleasure in (gratify)**
In this context, Henry is suggesting that it is natural for people to seek comfort or pleasure in hopeful illusions, even if they may not reflect the reality of a situation.