Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/180

 156 SKETCHES OP THE

this extraordinary requisition. The project, however, was exploded by a member^s rising in his place, and relating the fable of the sick lion and the fox.

The governor having thus virtually abdicated his office, the goveniment was, in effect, dissolved. The house hereupon resolved, " That his lordship^s message, requiring the house to attend him on board one of his majesty^'s ships of war, is a high breach of the rights and privileges of this house.^' " That the unreasonable delays thrown into the proceedings of this house by the governor, and his evasive answers to the sincere and decent addresses of the representatives of the people, give us great reason to fear, that a dangerous attack may be meditated against the unhappy people of this colony.'^ " It is, therefore, our opinion, they say, that they prepare for the preservation of their propert}^, and their inestimable rights and liberties with the greatest care and attention:'' " That we do and will bear faith and true allegiance to our most gracious sovereign George the III. our only lawful and rightful king; that we will, at all times, to the utmost of our power, and at the risk of our lives and properties, maintain and defend his government in this colony, as founded on the esta- bhshed laws and principles of the constitution: That it is our most earnest desire to preserve and strengthen those bonds of amity, with all our fellow-subjects in Great Britain, which are so very essential to the pros- perity and happiness of both countries."' Having adopted these resolutions without a dissenting voice, they adjourned themselves to the 12th of October following; and the delegates were summoned to meet in convention at the town of Richmond, on the 17th of July.*

' On this occasion, Richard H. Lee, standing with two of the burgesses in

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