PATRICK     HENRY  81

can  only  know  what  taxes  the  people  are  able  to  bear,  or  the
easiest  method  of  raising  them ;  and  must,  themselves,  be
affected  by  every  tax  laid  on  the  people,  is  the  only  security
against  a  burdensome  taxation,  and  the  distinguishing  charac-
teristic of  British  freedom.,  without  which  the  ancient  con
stitution  cannot  exist.
