Before being hanged by the British as a spy, he stated, "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country."

Before being hanged by the British as a spy, he stated, "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country."

• A. Nathan Hale
• B. Benedict Arnold
• C. John Brown
• D. Patrick Henry

Answer: (A)

This line is a famous expression of a patriot’s willingness to sacrifice everything for the country, tied to a specific person who paid that price. Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was captured by the British in New York, and was executed by hanging. His remark captures the mindset of a young man choosing duty over personal safety, which is why this quote is strongly associated with him. Benedict Arnold is remembered for treason, not a martyr’s last words; John Brown was an abolitionist who led a raid on Harpers Ferry and was executed for his actions, not for spying behind enemy lines; Patrick Henry is famed for fiery speeches like “Give me liberty, or give me death,” not for dying at the hands of the British. In short, the line fits Nathan Hale’s role as a spy who sacrificed his life for his country.

This line is a famous expression of a patriot’s willingness to sacrifice everything for the country, tied to a specific person who paid that price. Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was captured by the British in New York, and was executed by hanging. His remark captures the mindset of a young man choosing duty over personal safety, which is why this quote is strongly associated with him.

Benedict Arnold is remembered for treason, not a martyr’s last words; John Brown was an abolitionist who led a raid on Harpers Ferry and was executed for his actions, not for spying behind enemy lines; Patrick Henry is famed for fiery speeches like “Give me liberty, or give me death,” not for dying at the hands of the British. In short, the line fits Nathan Hale’s role as a spy who sacrificed his life for his country.