He was a volunteer of democracy.

He recalled by his part, and his bearing, to those democrats behind him, that from the time of the Gracchi to his own, the tribunes who most served the people had sprung from the ranks of the patricians.

His talent, unequalled for philosophy of thought, for depth of reflection, and loftiness of expression, was another kind of aristocracy, which could never be pardoned him.

Nature placed him in the foremost rank; and death only created a space around him for secondary minds.

They all endeavoured to acquire his position, and all endeavoured in vain.