Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practiced.

The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!

It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Is it no imputation to be arraigned before this House, in which I have sat forty years, and to have my name transmitted to posterity with disgrace and infamy?

But I have the satisfaction, at the same time, to reflect that the impression to be made depends upon the consistency of the charge and the motives of the prosecutors.