Quote: "It is in vain, sir, to extenuate 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!" from: Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death
Paraphrase: It's not smart to think you can postpone what you know is going to happen. There's no such thing as peace when a the tidings of war have already begun! Pretty soon you'll hear the gunfire and our family will be out in the battlefields. Why do we just sit here? What is it we want to do? Is life really so sweet that it must be paid for by slavery? God, forbid it. I don't know what you guys plan to do; but for me...give me liberty, or give me death!
Citation: Henry, Patrick. "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death." USHistory.org. N.p., 23 March 1775. Web. 13 Feb 2012.
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