GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH/Patrick Henry 1. Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. But different men often see the same object in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining, as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony.议长先生：我比任何人更钦佩刚刚在议会上发言的先生们的爱国主义精神和才干。但是，对同样的问题，智者见智，仁者见仁。因此，尽管我的观点与他们大相径庭，但是我仍要把自己的心里话一吐为快，并希望不要因此而被看做是对他们大不敬：现在不是讲客套的时候。 The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery. And in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason toward my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. 摆在议会面前的问题关系到国家的存亡。我认为，这是关系到享受自由还是蒙受奴役的关键问题，而且正因为事关重大，我们的辩论就要做到各抒己见。只有这样，我们才能弄清事实的真相，才能不辜负上帝和祖国赋予我们的责任。在这种时刻，如果怕得罪人而闭口不言，我认为就是叛国，就是比对世上所有国君更为神圣的上帝的不忠行为。2. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt t...
