Holy Genius of Words

"I am aware that many object to the severity of my language;

but is there not cause for severity?

I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice.

On this subject, I do not wish to think, or to speak, or write, with moderation.

No! no! Tell a man whose house is on fire to give a moderate alarm;

tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher;

tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen;

-- but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present.

I am in earnest -- I will not equivocate -- I will not excuse --

I will not retreat a single inch

-- AND I WILL BE HEARD.

The apathy of the people is enough to make every statue leap from its pedestal,

and to hasten the resurrection of the dead."

- William Lloyd Garrison