Rather than do this thing, better for the fast-anchored isle that it should sink beneath the sea, carrying down its cathedrals, its castles, its happy homes, its fields of glory, Runnymede, Westminster Hall, and the tomb of Shakespeare.
Sumner expresses a dramatic sentiment that it would be better for Britain to sink than to engage in immoral actions.
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More from Charles Sumner
Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
I am opposed to a tariff for protection merely, and not for revenue."--Letter to John K.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
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