Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/345

 impatient multitude. The noise and tumult occasioned by seeking a more favourable station was at length hushed, and the profound silence which reigned within the room gave notice to those without, that the orator had risen, or was on the point of rising. Eveiy eye in front of the bar was rivetted upon him with the most eager attention: and so still and deep was the silence, that every one might hear the throbbing of his ovm heart. Mr. Henry however, appeared wholly uncon- scious that all this preparation was on his account, and rose with as much simplicity and composure, as if the occasion had been one of ordinary occurrence. No- thing can be more plain, modest, and unaffected, than his exordium: — " I stand here, may it please your ho- nours, to support according to my power, that side of the question which respects the American debtor. I beg leave to beseech the patience of this honourable court; because the subject is very great and important, and because I have not only the greatness of the subject to consider, but those numerous observations which have come from the opposing counsel to answer. Thus therefore, the matter proper for my discussion is unavoidably accumulated. Sir, there is a circumstance in this case, that is more to be deplored than that which I have just mentioned; and that is this: — Those animo- sities, which the injustice of the British nation hath produced, and which I had well hoped would never again be the subject of discussion, are necessarily brought forth. The conduct of that nation, which bore so hard upon us in the late contest, becomes once more the subject of investigation. I know, sir, how well it becomes a liberal man and a Christian to forget and to forgive. As individuals, professing a holy religion, it is our bounden duty to forgive injuries done us as indi-

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