Judged by the law of England, I know this crime entails upon me the penalty of death; but the history of Ireland explains that crime and justifies it.

A jury of my countrymen, it is true, have found me guilty of the crime of which I stood indicted. For this I entertain not the slightest feeling of resentment towards them.

The treason of which I stand convicted loses all its guilt, has been sanctified as a duty, and will be ennobled as a sacrifice.

Judged by the law of England, I know this crime entails upon me the penalty of death; but the history of Ireland explains that crime and justifies it.

Great interests demand great safeguards.

A good government may, indeed, redress the grievances of an injured people; but a strong people can alone build up a great nation.

I now bid farewell to the country of my birth – of my passions – of my death; a country whose misfortunes have invoked my sympathies – whose factions I sought to quell – whose intelligence I prompted to a lofty aim – whose freedom has been my fatal dream.

The dependence of one people upon another, even for the benefits of legislation, is the deepest source of national weakness.

I have done what I felt to be my duty.

The prosperity of a nation requires the protection of a senate. Hereafter a national senate may require the protection of a national army.