Page:The landmark of freedom.djvu/73

Rh upon freedom. The Union is most precious; but more precious far are that "general "welfare," "domestic tranquillity," and those "blessings of liberty," which it was established to secure; all which are now wantonly endangered. Not that I love the Union less, but freedom more, do I now, in pleading this great cause, insist that freedom, at all hazards, shall be preserved.

One word more, and I have done. The great master, Shakspeare, who, with all-seeing mortal eye, observed mankind, and with immortal pen depicted the manners as they rise, has presented a scene which may be read with advantage by all who would plunge the South into tempestuous quarrel with the North. I refer to the well-known dialogue between Brutus and Cassius. Reading this remarkable passage, it is difficult not to see in Brutus our own North, and in Cassius the South:—

Cas. Urge me no more, I shall forget myself; Have mind upon your health, tempt me no further.

Bru.Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler?

Cas. O ye gods! ye gods! Must I endure all this?

Bru. All this? aye, more: Fret, till your proud heart break; Go, show your slaves how choleric you are, And make your bondmen tremble. Must I budge? Must I observe you? Must I stand and crouch Under your testy humor?

Cas. Do not presume too much upon my love, I may do that I shall be sorry for.

Bru. You have done that you should be sorry for. There is no terror. Cassius, in your threats; For I am arm'd so strong in honesty,