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.
-"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!"
Patrick Henry
How does Henry's diction support his purpose of
persuading the audience?
The phrase "my feet are guided" shows that he is
man of faith.
O The phrase "lamp of experience" emphasizes that
his opinion is based on past events.
O The phrase "justify those hopes" shows that the
colonists have reason to be optimistic.
The phrase "pleased to solace" shows that all men
want peace.