Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 9.djvu/220

THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS in the future, as they have been in the past, if you so will it. The reverse may bring dis- aster on every portion of the country; and if you will have it thus, we will invoke the God of our fathers, who delivered them from the power of the lion, to protect us from the ravages of the bear ; and thus, putting our trust in God, and in our firm hearts and strong arms, we will vindicate the right as best we may. In the course of my service here, associated at different times with a great variety of senators, I see now around me some with whom I have served long ; there have been points of collision ; but whatever of offense there has been to me, I leave here; I carry with me no hostile re- membrance. Whatever offense I have given which has not been redressed, or for which sat- isfaction has not been demanded, I have, sen- ators, in this hour of our parting, to offer you my apology for any pain which, in heat of discussion, I have inflicted. I go hence unen- cumbered of the remembrance of any injury received, and having discharged the duty of making the only reparation in my power for any injury offered. Mr. President and senators, having made the announcement which the occasion seemed to me to require, it only remains for me to bid you a final adieu. 210