The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 1 [of 2]Shelley, Percy Bysshe
General
The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 1 [of 2]
Shelley, Percy Bysshe
English prose literature
by using methods which will suit the purposes of liars as well as their
own. Speak boldly and daringly what you think; an Irishman was never
accused of cowardice, do not let it be thought possible that he is a
coward. Let him say what he thinks; a lie is the basest and meanest
employment of men: leave lies and secrets to courtiers and lordlings.
Be open, sincere, and single-hearted. Let it be seen that the Irish
votaries of Freedom dare to speak what they think; let them resist
oppression, not by force of arms, but by power of mind and reliance on
truth and justice. Will any be arraigned for libel--will imprisonment
or death be the consequences of this mode of proceeding? Probably not.
But if it were so? Is danger frightful to an Irishman who speaks for
his own liberty and the liberty of his wife and children? No; he will
steadily persevere, and sooner shall pensioners cease to vote with
their benefactors than an Irishman swerve from the path of duty. But
steadily persevere in the system above laid down, its benefits will
speedily be manifested. Persecution may destroy some, but cannot
destroy all, or nearly all; let it do its will. Ye have appealed to
truth and justice, show the goodness of your religion by persisting
in a reliance on these things, which must be the rules even of the
Almighty’s conduct. But before this can be done with any effect, habits
of Sobriety, Regularity, and Thought must be entered into, and firmly
resolved upon.
My warm-hearted friends who meet together to talk of the distresses of
your countrymen until social chat induces you to drink rather freely,
as ye have felt passionately, so reason coolly. Nothing hasty can be
lasting; lay up the money with which you usually purchase drunkenness
and ill-health to relieve the pains of your fellow sufferers. Let
your children lisp of freedom in the cradle--let your deathbed be the
school for fresh exertions--let every street of the city and field of
the country be connected with thoughts which liberty has made holy. Be
warm in your cause, yet rational and charitable and tolerant--never let
the oppressor grind you into justifying his conduct by imitating his
meanness.
Many circumstances, I will own, may excuse what is called rebellion,
but no circumstances can ever make it good for your cause, and however
honourable to your feelings, it will reflect no credit on your
judgments. It will bind you more closely to the block of the oppressor,
and your children’s children, whilst they talk of your exploits, will
feel that you have done them injury instead of benefit.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account