"You are too young to bother your head with politics, and you would lose patience in a very short time.

I do myself, occasionally.

Many who are the foremost in talk, when there is no prospect of doing anything, draw back when the time approaches for action, and it is sickening to listen to the timorous objections and paltry arguments that are brought forward.

Here am I, a man of sixty, ready to risk life and fortune in the good cause, and there are many, not half my age, who speak with as much caution as if they were graybeards.
Still, lad, I have no doubt that the matter will straighten itself out, and come right in the end.

It is always the most trying time, for timorous hearts, before the first shot of a battle is fired.
Once the engagement commences, there is no time for fear.