Read the following excerpt from Patrick Henry's speech to the Convention of Delegates in Virginia (1775).
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the
lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but
by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there
has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten
years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been
pleased to solace themselves and the house? Is it that insidious
smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it
not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to
be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious
reception of our petition comports with these warlike
preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are
fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation?
Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force
must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive
ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation
- the last arguments to which kings resort.
Discuss how this part of Henry's speech fits into the overall structure of the text and
analyze how well it supports Henry's overall purpose. Be sure to use specific details
from the speech to support your answer.