"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty.
Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.
Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force.
Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."
-- Patrick Henry
(1736-1799) US Founding Father
Source: Virginia Convention on the ratification of the Constitution, June 5, 1788, in_Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution,_ Jonathan Elliot, ed., v.3 p.45 (Philadelphia, 1836)
http://liberty-tree.ca/qb/Patrick.Henry.Quote.EEE0

"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusion of hope. We are apt to shut
our eyes against the painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till
she transforms us into beasts."  -- Patrick Henry

"cæsar had his Brutus; Charles the First, his Cromwell; and George the Third ["Treason!" cried
the Speaker]--may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it."
 -- Patrick Henry, Speech in the Virginia Convention, 1765.

"I am not a Virginian, but an American." -- Patrick Henry, September, 1774.

"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?
Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me
liberty, or give me death!"  -- Patrick Henry, March 23rd 1775.

"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter.
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace -- but there is no peace.
The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps
from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!
Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?
What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have?
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased
at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!
I know not what course others may take; but as for me,
give me liberty or give me death!"
-- Patrick Henry
(1736-1799) US Founding Father
Source: March 23,1775
http://liberty-tree.ca/qb/Patrick.Henry.Quote.18D8