First, in his own eyes, he, like Marat, is a persecuted man, and, like
Marat, he poses himself as a "martyr," but more skillfully and keeping
within bounds, affecting the resigned and tender air of an innocent
victim, who, offering himself as a sacrifice, ascends to Heaven,
bequeathing to mankind the imperishable souvenir of his virtues.[124]
"I arouse against me the pride of everybody;[125] I sharpen against
me a thousand daggers. I am a sacrifice to every species of hatred.
. . . It is certain that my head will atone for the truths I have
uttered. I have given my life, and shall welcome death almost as a
boon. It is, perhaps, Heaven's will that my blood should indicate the
pathway of my country to happiness and freedom. With what joy I
accept this glorious destiny!"[126] -
"It is hardly in order to live that one declares war against tyrants,
and, what is still more dangerous, against miscreants. . . . The
greater their eagerness to put an end to my career here below, the
more eager I shall be to fill it with actions serving the welfare of
my fellow-creatures."[127]
"All these offenders outrage me;[128] actions which to others may
appear insignificant or completely legitimate are for me crimes.
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