s we had
Than fly to others which we knew not of_.

I am not disposed to magnify this circumstance in my experience, and yet
I think I shall seem to be so disposed, to the reader. No man can tell
the intense agony which is felt by the slave, when wavering on the point
of making his escape. All that he has is at stake; and even that which
he has not, is at stake, also. The life which he has, may be lost, and
the liberty which he seeks, may not be gained.

Patrick Henry, to a listening senate, thrilled by his magic eloquence,
and ready to stand by him in his boldest flights, could say, GIVE ME
LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH, and this saying was a sublime one, even for
a freeman; but, incomparably more sublime, is the same sentiment, when
_practically_ asserted by men accustomed to the lash and chain--men
whose sensibilities must have become more or less deadened by their
bondage. With us it was a _doubtful_ liberty, at best, that we sought;
and a certain, lingering death in the rice swamps and sugar fields,
if we failed. Life is not lightly regarded by men of sane minds. It is
precious, alike to the pauper and to the prince--to the slave, and to
his master; and yet, I believe there was not one among us, who would not
rather have been shot down, than pass away life in hopeless bondage.

In the progress of our preparations, Sandy, the root man, became
troubled. He began to have dreams, and some of them were very
distressing. One of these, which happened on a Friday night, was, to
him, of great significance; and I am quite ready to confess, that I felt
somewhat damped by it myself. He said, "I dreamed, last night, that I
was roused from sleep, by strange noises, like the voices of a swarm of
angry birds, that caused a roar as they passed, which fell upon my ear
like a coming gale{220} over the tops of the trees. Looking up to see
what it could mean," said Sandy, "I saw you, Frederick, in the claws of
a huge bird, surrounded by a large number of birds, of all colors and
sizes. These were all picking at you, while you, with your arms, seemed
to be trying to protect your eyes. Passing over me, the birds flew in a
south-westerly direction, and I watched them until they were clean
out of sight. Now, I saw this as plainly as I now see you; and furder,
honey, watch de Friday night dream; dare is sumpon in it, shose you
born; dare is, indeed, honey."

I confess I did not like this dream; but I threw off concern about it,