like the harangues of Indian orators, was lost in air.  Who, at the distance of fifty-seven years, would attempt, upon memory, to give even a sketch of it?  Some of the heads are remembered, out of which Livy or Sallust would not scruple to compose an oration for history.  I shall not essay an analysis or a sketch of it at present.  I shall only say, and I do say in the most solemn manner, that Mr. Otis’s oration against “writs of assistance” breathed into this nation the breath of life.

* * * * *

From the “Thoughts on Government.”

=_57._= REQUISITES OF A GOOD GOVERNMENT.

The dignity and stability of government in all its branches, the morals of the people, and every blessing of society, depend so much upon an upright and skilful administration of justice, that the judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislative and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, as both should be checks upon that.

...  Laws for the liberal education of youth, especially of the lower class of people, are so extremely wise and useful, that, to a humane and generous mind, no expense for this purpose would be thought extravagant....  You and I, my dear friend, have been sent into life at a time when the greatest lawgivers of antiquity would have wished to live.  How few of the human race have ever enjoyed an opportunity of making an election of government, more than of air, soil, or climate, for themselves or their children!  When, before the present epocha, had three millions of people full power and a fair opportunity, to form and establish the wisest and happiest government that human wisdom can contrive?

* * * * *

=_Patrick Henry, 1736-1799._= (Manual, p. 484.)

From “Speech in the Convention of Virginia,” 1775.

=_58._= THE NECESSITY OF THE WAR.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.  I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.  And judging by the past, I wish to know what has been the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the house.  Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received.  Trust it not, Sir, it will prove a snare to your feet.  Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.  Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land.  Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation?  Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love?  Let us not deceive ourselves, sir.  These are the implements of war, and subjugation—­the last arguments to which kings resort.  There is no longer any room for hope.  If we wish to be free,