Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just Power who

presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight

our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the

vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were

base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There

is no retreat, but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. Their

clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston. The war is inevitable; and let it

come! I repeat it, sir, let it come! 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 Powers!--I know not what course others may take; but as for

me, give me liberty or give me death!

 

2. Live over in your imagination all the solemnity and sorrow that Lincoln felt

at the Gettysburg cemetery. The feeling in this speech is very deep, but it is

quieter and more subdued than the preceding one. The purpose of Henry's address

was to get action; Lincoln's speech was meant only to dedicate the last resting

place of those who had acted. Read it over and over (see page 50) until it burns

in your soul. Then commit it and repeat it for emotional expression.

 

3. Beecher's speech on Lincoln, page 76; Thurston's speech on "A Plea for Cuba,"

page 50; and the following selection, are recommended for practise in developing