He was not
dreaming of his foes when the governor thought he looked so brave.
It turns what sweetness I have to gall, to hear, or hear of, the
remarks of some of my neighbors. When we heard at first that he was
dead, one of my townsmen observed that "he died as the fool dieth";
which, pardon me, for an instant suggested a likeness in him dying
to my neighbor living. Others, craven-hearted, said disparagingly,
that "he threw his life away," because he resisted the government.
Which way have they thrown their lives, pray?- such as would praise
a man for attacking singly an ordinary band of thieves or murderers. I
hear another ask, Yankee-like, "What will he gain by it?" as if he
expected to fill his pockets by this enterprise. Such a one has no
idea of gain but in this worldly sense. If it does not lead to a
'surprise' party, if he does not get a new pair of boots, or a vote of
thanks, it must be a failure. "But he won't gain anything by it."
Well, no, I don't suppose he could get four-and-sixpence a day for
being hung, take the year round; but then he stands a chance to save a
considerable part of his soul-and such a soul!- when you do not.
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