Question

from speech to second virginia convention (1775) by patrick henry i think more highly than i do of the patriotism, abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who addressed the house but different men often view the same subject in different lights, and, therefore, i hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as i do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, i shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve this is no time for ceremony the question before the house is one of awful moment to this country for my own part, i consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate it is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to god and our country should i keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, i should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which i revere above all earthly kings mr president, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope we are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? are we disposed to be of the number of those who having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? read the sentence from the passage mr president, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope what does the phrase indulge in mean as it is used in this sentence? a to treat with excessive consideration b to take unrestrained pleasure in (gratify) c to yield to the desire of (humor) d to give free rein to

Explanation:

In the context of "it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope", "indulge in" means to give free rein to one's desires or inclinations. It implies allowing oneself to fully experience or engage in the feeling of hope without restraint. Option D "to give free rein to" best captures this meaning.

Answer:

D. to give free rein to