Delphi Complete Works of Richard Brinsley Sheridan by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Author:Richard Brinsley Sheridan [Sheridan, Richard Brinsley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Delphi Main Series
ISBN: 9781786560834
Publisher: PublishDrive
Published: 2017-05-30T04:00:00+00:00

Me, me, adsum qui feci, in me convertite ferrum,

O Rutuli; mea fraus omnis; nihil iste nec ausus,

Nec potuit —

My Hon. Friend’s abilities might, however, prove that potuit; and as to his courage, he was satisfied the House had no reason to call it in question. — The generous ardour of the Right Hon. Gentleman to protect his Hon. Friend, was therefore only the impulse of affection.

Tantum in…licem ninium delexit amicum.

Then, with respect to the rejection of the question by the Parliament of Ireland, the Hon. Gentleman says the measure is necessary to the people of Ireland; and at the conclusion of his observation he adds, that he will wait a more favourable unity. What does he mean? That he will till the Parliament of Ireland is convinced by reasoning? No, he will wait till a day or an hour of additional weakness, when the country shall be still further incapacitated for resisting their enemies, and more intimidated at the consequence of our withdrawing our assistance. What does he mean by saying he will wait? Does he mean he will wait till a period, as one which may or may not arrive, when he knows he has it in his power to create it whenever he thinks proper? It seems the Hon. Gentleman has now been fifteen years with this system of an Union rankling in his heart, but has never thought proper to bring it forward till the present moment. — What conclusion will the people of Ireland draw from such conduct? Have they not a right to suppose, if the measure was never proposed in the hour of their strength and prosperity, but is attempted when they are weakened and unable to resist, that it is not intended as a measure of advantage to them? If when a Lord Lieutenant was sent over to heal the differences respecting the Catholics; if when the cup was at their lips, it was dashed away, and that Lord Lieutenant withdrawn; if the hostilities of the Catholics and the Protestants were not necessary for him to attend to, what must they consider of his conduct when he attempts to introduce an alteration at a time when their weakness prevents them from resisting it? Does he think that he will by such a measure, so carried into effect, produce a permanent connexion between the two countries? Does he not consider what will be the feelings of men so provoked? — But is this the real argument of one who wields the power of national will? When we have already pledged ourselves to support that independent legislation which Ireland claimed as its right, what reason have we to suppose that if we attempt to destroy that pledge, we shall not drive that country to the expedient of gaining assistance, and repelling our attacks? The Hon. Gentleman treated the pledge of this House and the Government, at the last Adjustment in 1782, as a circumstance of a silly and trifling nature. Among other terms of scorn

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