The American Crisis

These are the times that try men's souls.

The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from 

the service of their country;

but he that stands it NOW,

deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered;

yet we have this consolation with us,

that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:

it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods:

and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.