The advocates of slavery had committed a fatal error.

They had abolished freedom of speech and freedom of petition to save an obnoxious institution.

As soon as the panic should subside, the people would demand the restoration of those precious rights, and would scrutinize with fearless fidelity the cause for which they had been suppressed.

He offered petition after petition, each bolder and more importunate than the last.
He debated questions, kindred to those which were forbidden, with the firmness and fervor of his noble nature.

For age Had not quenched the open truth And fiery vehemence of youth.
Soon he gained upon his adversaries.