Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.
Prostrate the beauteous ruin lies; and all That shared its shelter perish in its fall.
Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who posses it; and this I know, my lords: that where laws end, tyranny begins.
A long train of these practices has at length unwillingly convinced me that there is something behind the throne greater than the King himself.
Reparation for our rights at home, and security against the like future violations.
The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the force of the Crown. It may be frail; its roof may shake; the wind may blow through it; the storms may enter, the rain may enter,- but the King of England cannot enter; all his forces dare not cross the threshold of the ruined tenement!
If I were an American, as I am an Englishman, while a foreign troop was landed in my country, I never would lay down my arms,-never! never! never! You cannot conquer America.
Necessity is the excuse for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of the tyrant and the creed of the slave.
I invoke the genius of the constitution.
