No I do not despair of my poor old country, her peace her liberty, her glory.

For that country I can do no more than bid her hope.

To lift up this island--to make her a benefactor to humanity, instead of being the meanest beggar in the world--to restore to her her native Powers and her ancient constitution--this has been my ambition, and this ambition has been my crime.

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

Judged by that history, I am no criminal--you (addressing Mr.MacManus) are no criminal--you (addressing Mr O'Donohoe) are no criminal--I deserve no punishment--we deserve no punishment.