=Discussion.= 1. From reading the first paragraph, what idea do you get of Patrick Henry as an opponent? 2. Do you think Patrick Henry expresses a truth for all time when he says, “In proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate”? 3. Find, in your history, the chief acts of the British Ministry for the ten years prior to 1775. 4. What are the arguments which Patrick Henry uses to convince the delegates of the need of immediate action? 5. What did the next gale sweeping from the north bring to their ears? 6. Notice Patrick Henry’s use of figurative language throughout this speech. 7. Pronounce the following: siren; illusion; arduous; solace; insidious; inestimable; formidable. =Phrases= of awful moment, 386, 8 illusions of hope, 387, 10 arduous struggle, 387, 13 temporal salvation, 387, 16 anguish of spirit, 387, 17 insidious smile, 387, 24 implements of war, 387, 33 martial array, 387, 34 preserve inviolate, 388, 22 inestimable privileges, 388, 22 cope with so formidable, 388, 29 supinely on our backs, 388, 35 delusive phantom, 388, 35 extenuate the matter, 389, 14 GEORGE WASHINGTON TO HIS WIFE Philadelphia, 18 June, 1775 My Dearest: I am now set down to write to you on a subject which fills me with inexpressible concern, and this concern is greatly aggravated and increased when I reflect upon the uneasiness I know it will give you. It has been determined in Congress that the whole army raised for the defense of the American cause shall be put under my care, and that it is necessary for me to proceed immediately to Boston to take upon me the command of it.