It is precious both to the pauper and to the prince, to the slave and to his master; and yet I believe there was not one among us who would not rather have been shot down than pass away life in hopeless bondage.
From his autobiography, this emphasizes the universal value of life while asserting that death was preferable to perpetual enslavement for him and his fellow slaves.
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Treason had shot its poisonous roots deeper, and had spread its death-dealing branches further than any northern calculation had covered.
The laws which determine the destinies of individuals and nations are impartial and eternal.