must be enlarged for public delivery.

 

1. Study the following speech, going back in your imagination to the time and

circumstances that brought it forth. Make it not a memorized historical

document, but feel the emotions that gave it birth. The speech is only an

effect; live over in your own heart the causes that produced it and try to

deliver it at white heat. It is not possible for you to put too much real

feeling into it, though of course it would be quite easy to rant and fill it

with false emotion. This speech, according to Thomas Jefferson, started the ball

of the Revolution rolling. Men were then willing to go out and die for liberty.

 

_PATRICK HENRY'S SPEECH_

 

BEFORE THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION OF DELEGATES

 

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 to 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 our 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.

 

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of