Patric Henry

The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extentuate 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!

Patrick Henry

Reflection:

Patrick Henry knows that the only to attain freedom is to have a revolution and he knows that he has to die for the cause. This makes his speech all the more believable because you know that it is really coming from the heart. You can feel the emotion in the author’s word choice when reading this passage. He has a tone of urgency because of the upcoming war that he hopes for.

Dear Diary:

I know that today is going to be my last unless by a miracle of God I am freed from this dark and dreary prison. The revolution will be great and I know that I have to die for the cause though I am scared. But I know that I would rather have death then have no liberty for me or my children. I pray to God that this death will not be to incredibly painful and because I a ma Christian I know that to be absent from the body is to be present with God.