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? Is it that
insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a
snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this
gracious reception of our petition comports with these warlike preparations which cover our
waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and
reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be
called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of
war and subjugation — the last arguments to which kings resort.
Discuss how this part of Henry's speech fits into the overall structure of the text and analyze how well
it supports Henry's overall purpose. Be sure to use specific details from the speech to support your
answer.