Robert Emmet Quotes

• Let there be no inscription upon my tomb; let no man write my epitaph: no man can write my epitaph.

  Robert Emmet

  Writing, Men, Inscriptions

  Robert Emmet (1803). “The trial of Robert Emmet: upon an indictment for high treason. Special commission”, p.111

  50 Copy quote

• A man in my situation, my lords, has not only to encounter the difficulties of fortune. and the force of power over minds which it has corrupted or subjugated. but the difficulties of established prejudice: the man dies, but his memory lives.

  Robert Emmet

  Memories, Men, Mind

  Charles Phillips, John Philpot Curran, Henry Grattan, Robert Emmet (1840). “Irish eloquence: The speeches of the celebrated Irish orators, Philips, Curran and Grattan”, p.365

  51 Copy quote

• I have but one request to ask at my departure from this world; it is-THE CHARITY OF ITS SILENCE. Let no man write my epitaph; for as no man who knows my motives dare now vindicate them, let not prejudice or ignorance asperse them. Let them and me rest in obscurity and peace, and my name remain uninscribed, until other times and other men can do justice to my character. When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and not till then, let my epitaph be written.

  Robert Emmet

  Country, Writing, Ignorance

  Charles Phillips, John Philpot Curran, Henry Grattan, Robert Emmet (1840). “Irish eloquence: The speeches of the celebrated Irish orators, Philips, Curran and Grattan”, p.370

  26 Copy quote

• Let no man write my epitaph. When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and not till then, let my epitaph be written.

  Robert Emmet

  Country, Writing, Men

  Speech at trial after being sentenced to death, 19 Sept. 1803

  14 Copy quote

• Let no man dare, when I am dead. to charge me with dishonor; let no man attaint my memory by believing that I could have engaged in any cause but that of my country's liberty and independence, or that I could have become the pliant minion of power in the oppression or the miseries of my countrymen.

  Robert Emmet

  Country, Memories, Believe

  Charles Phillips, John Philpot Curran, Henry Grattan, Robert Emmet (1834). “Irish Eloquence: The Speeches of the Celebrated Irish Orators: Phillips, Curran and Grattan, to which is Added the Powerful Appeal of Robert Emmett, at the Close of His Trial for High Treason”, p.369

  8 Copy quote

• Calumniators are those who have neither good hearts nor good understandings. We ought not to think ill of any one till we have palpable proof; and even then we should not expose them to others.

  Robert Emmet

  Heart, Thinking, Calumny Is

  13 Copy quote

• I have much to say why my reputation should be rescued from the load of false accusation and calumny which has been heaped upon it.

  Robert Emmet

  Calumny Is, Reputation, Accusation

  Charles Phillips, John Finlay (barrister-at-law.), Robert Emmet (1820). “The Speeches of Charles Phillip: Esquire, Delivered at the Bar and on Various Occasions, in Ireland and England”, p.272

  24 Copy quote

• "Let there be no inscription upon my tomb. Let no man write my epitaph. No man can write my epitaph. I am here ready to die. I am not allowed to vindicate my character; and when I am prevented from vindicating myself, let no man dare calumniate me. Let my character and motives repose in obscurity and peace, till other times and other men can do them justice.

  Robert Emmet

  Writing, Character, Men

  Speech on his trial and conviction for high treason (September, 1803); reported in "Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations" by Jehiel Keeler Hoyt, (p. 230), 1922.

  9 Copy quote

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