Mankind has no title to demand that we should be slaves to their guilt
and insolence; or that we should serve them in spite of themselves.
Minds, sore with the poignant sense of insulted virtue, filled with high
disdain against the pride of triumphant baseness, often have it not in
their choice to stand their ground. Their complexion (which might defy
the rack) cannot go through such a trial. Something very high must
fortify men to that proof. But when I am driven to comparison, surely I
cannot hesitate for a moment to prefer to such men as are common, those
heroes who, in the midst of despair, perform all the tasks of hope; who
subdue their feelings to their duties; who, in the cause of humanity,
liberty, and honour, abandon all the satisfactions of life, and every
day incur a fresh risk of life itself. Do me the justice to believe
that I never can prefer any fastidious virtue (virtue still) to the
unconquered perseverance, to the affectionate patience of those who
watch day and night by the bedside of their delirious country, who, for
their love to that dear and venerable name, bear all the disgusts and
all the buffets they receive from their frantic mother. Sir, I do look
on you as true martyrs; I regard you as soldiers who act far more in the
spirit of our Commander-in-Chief and the Captain of our salvation,
than those who have left you; though I must first bolt myself very
thoroughly, and know that I could do better, before I can censure them.
I assure you, sir, that, when I consider your unconquerable fidelity
to your sovereign, and to your country; the courage, fortitude,
magnanimity, and long-suffering of yourself, and the Abbe Maury, and of
Mr. Cazales, and of many worthy persons of all orders in your Assembly,
I forget, in the lustre of these great qualities, that on your side has
been displayed an eloquence so rational, manly, and convincing, that no
time or country, perhaps, has ever excelled. But your talents disappear
in my admiration of your virtues.