could observe and reflect, I perceived that there were two kinds of
laws--the laws of the State and the laws of God--frequently clashing
with each other; by the latter kind, I have always endeavoured to
regulate my conduct; but that laws of the former kind do exist in
Ireland I believe no one who hears me can deny. That such laws have
existed in former times many and various examples clearly evince. The
Saviour of the world suffered by the Roman laws--by the same laws His
Apostles were put to the torture, and deprived of their lives in His
cause. By my conduct I do not consider that I have incurred any moral
guilt. I have committed no moral evil. I do not want the many and
bright examples of those gone before me; but did I want this
encouragement, the recent example of a youthful hero--a martyr in the
cause of liberty--who has just died for his country, would inspire
me. I have descended into the vale of manhood. I have learned to
estimate the reality and delusions of this world; _he_ was surrounded
by everything which could endear this world to him--in the bloom of
youth, with fond attachments, and with all the fascinating charms of
health and innocence; to his death I look back even in this moment
with rapture. I have travelled much, and seen various parts of the
world, and I think the Irish are the most virtuous nation on the face
of the earth--they are a good and brave people, and had I a thousand
lives I would yield them in their service. If it be the will of God
that I suffer for that with which I stand charged, I am perfectly
resigned to His holy will and dispensation. I do not wish to trespass
much more on the time of those that hear me, and did I do so an
indisposition which has seized on me since I came into court would
prevent my purpose. Before I depart from this for a better world I
wish to address myself to the landed aristocracy of this country. The
word 'aristocracy' I do not mean to use as an insulting epithet, but
in the common sense of the expression.