Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-07-05
VIRGINIA Argus.
Richmond. LnIY S, 1915.
FOR THE VIRGINIA ARGUS.
" Dulee ct decorrsn est bro ta,ri,, NOR,


This is a sentiment universally expressed and
admired, wherever liberty dwells among an en-
ligltened people. How many instances of this
exalted virtue have been displayed among the
Greeks and Romans How of en- have the cjti-
zens or those countries cheerfully fallen martyrs
to the public rood How often have they will
lngly Welded up Their lives 10 save their coun-
try Their history IS replete with chivalrc deeds
of hcroism n the field, and philosophical patti
cHee and torbearailce 1T disappointment al home
we have an instance of General retiring from
the sblsHda3 Of command to failo4v tie bloHgh -
Another afer having the control of the national
treasure during his lie, DYING so poor that his
estate was unable to detray the expense of a de-
cent rnterment Nor does tie patienc and 6dei-
" Of Roman patriot stop here-the public good
was the b,imum Aaobie OF every citizen, and the
trRng thing seLfwas lost inthe true nnao, baf,1,r
every wish Of his heart, every purpose of his
soul, was devoted 10 the good Of Rome. Her
sons have returned from the fedof honor, cover
ed with aurels and marked with scars--yet in
curing the displeasure of aR ungra' efl people
they have been compelled TO seek an asylum IN
foreign land, Far from all those objects Their souls
held most dear, to pass Their Ives N disgrace
pcnury and want and vet under all the q scour-
agemcnts, their country was Their 6ol--to it they
sacrificed every selfish, every endearng senti-
meDt--ahscnt from Their country, pIeiernents
deed, 4 6sbaHded General was induced to lead ar
army against his native place; he marched upon
Rome and all oppos ton celsed the dazzling
ailurements Of victor were IN view, ard the cit-
zens treubled for the ftje Of her much loved
capitoi---the, knew his power and remembered
their former base ingrattdde--but IT was his
country he saw endanger ed--he forgot his PR
waite wrongs ~ the strong feelings of patriot,
and sacrificed himself for III. good of Rome.
tune 10
that dauntiess courage "a Leon das and his brave
associate enabling them to meet deHh rrih a sJhile
at the pass of Thermopyle. Immortal band {!
thy glory will flourish IN the shades Of death, and
freemen shall long sang thy praise. II was the
same spirit that robrei death Of all its gram ter.
fors in the eyes OF the great Socrates and 1t IS The
same spirit that stimulates man IN every age and
in every country, to deeds Of heroism and gal
iantry, IN defending the place of his youthful
sports, and the land which contains the ashes of
has fathers.
MS tie Lore IF comfrb that calls forth the
deep Sigh from the heavy heart Of the poor Swiss,
who Is compelled TO serve m distant wars,
leaving the nigh hills and deep valleys of his
country Gar behind HIM. Carry him to ID lder
climates and happier regions, still lac longs to
roam through the fields and over the wild noun
tGiHs OF his native land--he prefers a rude and
miserable cottage at home, TO splendid pageantry
abroad, and eXclaims IN the anguish of has soul,
"Oh when shall visit the land of my birth,
"'Tis tie lovehest land on the face Of the
earth"
But why do longer stray from our own country
TO hnd instances OF dnor bafrae and individual
devotion TO public good. We need only open the
pages of the Revolution, TO find every thing that
IS noble and exalted IN nation, every thing that
is brave, genefous, humane, patriotic and wise,
IN individuals. The bravery and patriotism of
Washington Warren and Montgomery, have
been known and celebrated in song, in every ham
let IN the Union. Their names and glorious
deeds equally familiar with the people as the
RISING Of the sun or the return Of spring after win
Ter. 1he wisdom Of a Franklin, Jefferson, an
Adams and a Hancock, Still covers us with a
olaze OF glory the Declaration OF independence
stands the proudest monument Of the wisdom,
genius and taents of our statesmen, ard the de-
votion Of Americans to the public good is exem-
plried IN he high SPIRITED answer OF ur. Reed to
| he British elniSsaries, who WISHED to purchase
his fidelity b. gold THIS sterling Republican,
N the energetic language ola freeman, repl ed
IGs ~. 'sO'gs ksgshaagg'--6Rt such 10 I ON, ia