TORY. I cannot see, good sir, of what advantage it will be to them;--they've only a mind, I suppose, to keep their soldiers from being inactive, which may prejudice their health. WHIG. I wish it may prove so, I would very gladly confess your superior knowledge in military manoeuvres; but till then, suffer me to tell you, it's a stroke the most fatal to us,--no less, sir, but to cut off the communication between the town and country, making prisoners of us all by degrees, and give 'em an opportunity of making excursions, and in a short time subdue us without resistance. TORY. I think your fears are groundless. WHIG. Sir, my reason is not to be trifled with. Do you not see or hear ev'ry day of insults and provocations to the peaceable inhabitants? This is only a prelude. Can men of spirit bear forever with such usage? I know not what business they have here at all. TORY. I suppose they're come to protect us. WHIG. Damn such protectors, such cut-throat villains; protect us? from what? from whom?-- TORY. Nay, sir, I know not their business;--let us yet bear with them till we know the success of the petition from the Congress;--if unfavourable, then it will be our time. WHIG. Then, I fear, it will be too late; all that time we lose, and they gain ground; I have no notion of trusting to the success of petitions, waiting twelve months for no answer at all. Our assemblies have petitioned often, and as often in vain; 't would be a miracle in these days to hear of an American petition being granted; their omnipotences, their demi-godships (as they think themselves) no doubt think it too great a favour done us to throw our petitions under their table, much less vouchsafe to read them. TORY. You go too far;--the power of King, Lords and Commons is uncontroulable. WHIG. With respect to tyrannising they would make it so, if they could, I know, but there's a good deal to be said and done first; we have more than half the bargain to make. TORY. Sure you would not go to dispute by arms with Great-Britain. WHIG. Sure I would not suffer you to pick my pocket, sir. TORY. If I did, the law is open for you-- WHIG. I have but a poor opinion of law, when the devil sits judge. TORY. What would you do then, sir, if I was to pick your pocket? WHIG. Break your head, sir-- TORY. Sure you don't mean as you say, sir-- WHIG. I surely do--try me, sir-- TORY. Excuse me, sir, I am not of your mind, I would avoid every thing that has the appearance of rashness.--Great-Britain's power, sir-- WHIG. Great-Britain's power, sir, is too much magnified, 't will soon grow weak, by endeavouring to make slaves of American freemen; we are not Africans yet, neither bond-slaves.--You would avoid and discourage every thing that has the appearance of patriotism, you mean.-- TORY. Who? me, sir?