"
The King of England is one of the readiest believers in the world.
In the beginning of the contest he passed an act to put America out of
the protection of the crown of England, and though providence, for
seven years together, has put him out of her protection, still the man
has no doubt. Like Pharaoh on the edge of the Red Sea, he sees not the
plunge he is making, and precipitately drives across the flood that is
closing over his head.
I think it is a reasonable supposition, that this part of the speech
was composed before the arrival of the news of the capture of
Cornwallis: for it certainly has no relation to their condition at the
time it was spoken. But, be this as it may, it is nothing to us. Our
line is fixed. Our lot is cast; and America, the child of fate, is
arriving at maturity. We have nothing to do but by a spirited and
quick exertion, to stand prepared for war or peace. Too great to
yield, and too noble to insult; superior to misfortune, and generous
in success, let us untaintedly preserve the character which we have
gained, and show to future ages an example of unequalled
magnanimity. There is something in the cause and consequence of
America that has drawn on her the attention of all mankind. The
world has seen her brave. Her love of liberty; her ardour in
supporting it; the justice of her claims, and the constancy of her
fortitude have won her the esteem of Europe, and attached to her
interest the first power in that country.
Her situation now is such, that to whatever point, past, present
or to come, she casts her eyes, new matter rises to convince her
that she is right.
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