Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty? Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings — give us that precious jewel, and you may take every thing else! … Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.

Patrick Henry (1736-1799) American revolutionary and orator

Speech to the Virginia Convention, Richmond, Virginia (5 Jun. 1788)