Temperance in power--though in reality governing all France, Robespierre assumed to himself none of the attributes or privileges of political power.

He took to himself no high place, no public situation of profit or grandeur.

He was neither haughty in his language, nor imperious in his demeanour.

Love of country--who ever showed a more devoted love?
For his country he laboured, and suffered a life which surely in itself could have had nothing attractive; the hope of the future felicity of France alone fed his energies, and sustained his courage.

His only selfish ambition was to be able to retire into private life and contemplate from thence the general happiness which he had given to his country.