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 everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial and article as Freedom should not be highly rated.
Authentication Score 3
Original Citation
Paine, Thomas. The American Crisis: Number 1. Philadelphia: Styner and Cist, 1776.
Current Citation
Paine, Thomas. "The American Crisis, Number I, December 19, 1776." Common Sense, The Crisis, & Other Writings from the American Revolution. Library of America, 2015.