rd them as being unfortunate without being
liable to blame. I am perfectly easy as to their glory, and
willingly consent to participate in the honor of being oppressed
by their enemies. They are accused of having conspired against
their country, but I know that they were firm friends of the
Republic. They were, however, humane men, and were persuaded that
good laws were necessary to procure the Republic the good will of
persons who doubted whether the Republic could be maintained. It
is more difficult to conciliate than to kill. The history of
every age proves that it requires great talents to lead men to
virtue by wise institutions, while force suffices to oppress them
by terror, or to annihilate them by death. I have often heard
them assert that abundance, as well as happiness, can only
proceed from an equitable, protecting, and beneficent government.
The omnipotence of the bayonet may produce fear, but not bread. I
have seen them animated by the most lively enthusiasm for the
good of the people, disdaining to flatter them, and resolved
rather to fall victims to their delusion than to be the means of
keeping it up. I confess that these principles and this conduct
appeared to me totally different from the sentiments and
proceedings of tyrants, or ambitious men, who seek to please the
people to effect their subjugation. It inspired me with the
highest esteem for those generous men. This error, if an error it
be, will accompany me to the grave, whither I shall be proud of
following those whom I was not permitted to accompany.

"My defense is more important for those who wish for the truth
than it is for myself. Calm and contented in the consciousness of
having done my duty, I look forward to futurity with perfect
peace of mind. My serious turn and studious habits have preserved
me alike from the follies of dissipation and from the bustle of
intrigue. A friend to liberty, on which reflection had taught me
to set a just value, I beheld the Revolution with delight,
persuaded it was destined to put an end to the arbitrary power I
detested, and to the abuses I had so often lamented, when
reflecting with pity upon the indigent classes of society. I took
an interest in the progress of the Revolution, and spoke with
warmth of public affairs, but I did