The British Military Does Not Play
- Henry asks, "Where is this ridiculous hope coming from, anyway?" (That's a Shmoop paraphrase.)
- He answers his own question: it can't be coming from the British government. They've had ten years to compromise and make things better, and they haven't done it.
- He reminds his listeners that just because the British are smiling doesn't mean they're friends.
- Because, guys: while they've been smiling, they've also been sending armies and navies.
- Henry asks another pointed question: does Great Britain have any enemies in North America? Nope. So who do you think those guns are pointed at?
- So, he points out, we've tried arguing, we've tried begging, we've tried groveling. We've tried everything to avoid a war.
- And in response to that, Great Britain…sends guns.
- There's no hope that these issues will be resolved peacefully.
- So, Henry concludes, unless we want to give up, all we can do is fight and pray.