To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is cruelty.

Terror is only justice: prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue; it is less a distinct principle than a natural consequence of the general principle of democracy, applied to the most pressing wants of the country.

By sealing our work with our blood, we may see at least the bright dawn of universal happiness.

No one loves armed missionaries; the first lesson of nature and prudence is to repulse them as enemies.

Is it to be thought unreasonable that the people, in atonement for wrongs of a century, demand the vengeance of a single day?

Softness to traitors will destroy us all.

It is with regret that I pronounce the fatal truth: Louis ought to perish rather than a hundred thousand virtuous citizens; Louis must die that the country may live