----"may profit by their example." Then, firmly: "If this be
treason, make the most of it!"

Thus began the public life of a man whose youth had been
most unpromising in its slovenliness and laziness, who had
failed at farming and at business, and who had succeeded at
law only after a dubious beginning which was turned into
triumph by a quite unlooked-for burst of eloquence. His
services to his country continued until his voluntary
retirement from public life in 1791, at the age of
fifty-five. Subsequently Washington and Adams offered him
high offices, but Henry declined successively to be United
States Senator, Secretary of State, Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court, or minister to France. In 1799, urged by
Washington, he consented to be elected to the Virginia
Legislature, but died June 6, before taking his seat. We
here print his great speech in the Virginia Conventon, 1775,
as recorded by his first biographer.

Mr. President: It is natural for 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 worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of
experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.
And, judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the
conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those
hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the
House?

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. T