Page 363 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

362 THIRD OOK OF
r whom they cherished so pro und a contempt. The inhabitants of assachusetts, on the other hand, were proudly indignant at this opinion of their cow­ ardice, entertained by the soldiers; and panted r an occasion to prove, by a signal vengeance, the lse­ hood of the reproach.
7., In the mean time, the news arrived of the king's spe h at the opening of Parliament; of the resolu­ tions adopted by this body; and, nally, of the act by ,which the inhabitants of assachusetts were de­ clared rebels. All the province ew to arms: indig­ nation became fury,-obstinacy, desperation. All idea of reconciliation had become chimerical': neces­ sity stimulated the most timid; a thirst of vengeance red every breast. The match is lighted,-the ma­ terials disposed,-the con agration impends. The children are prepared to combat against their fathers; citizens against citizens; and, as the Americans de­ clared, the iends of liberty against its oppressors,­ against the unders of tyranny.
8. "In these arms," said they, "in our right hands, are placed the hope of sa ty, the existence of coun- try, the defence ,of property, the honour of our wives and daughters. · With these alone can we repulse a licentious soldiery, protect what man holds dearest upon earth, and, unimpaired, transmit our rights to our descendants. The world will admire our courage; all good me will second us with their wishes and prayers, and celebrate our names with immortal
praises. Our memory will become dear to posterity.
It will be the example, as the hope, of eemen, aud the dread of tyrants, to the latest ages. It is time that old and contaminated England should be made acquainted with the energies of America, in the