The holiest most just and virtuous thought, when it passes through the medium of imperfect humanity, comes out in rags and in blood.

Those very persons who conceived it, no longer recognise, disavow it.

Yet it is not permitted, even to crime, to degrade the truth, that survives all, even its victims.

The blood which sullies men does not stain its idea; and despite the selfishness which debases it, the infamies which trammel it, the crimes which pollute it, the blood-stained Revolution purifies itself, feels its own worth, triumphs, and will triumph..