Abuses existed, I combated them; tyrannies existed, I destroyed them; rights and principles existed, I proclaimed and confessed them.

Our territory was invaded, I defended it; France was menaced, I offered my breast.

I was not rich; I am poor.

I have been one of the masters of the state; the vaults of the treasury were encumbered with specie to such a degree that we were forced to shore up the walls, which were on the point of bursting beneath the weight of gold and silver; I dined in Dead Tree Street, at twenty-two sous.

I have succored the oppressed, I have comforted the suffering.