It is a torture even to remember, how like a dream vanished all our hopes that there is yet justice on earth.  When I saw my nation, as a handful of brave men, forsaken to fight alone that immense battle for humanity; when I saw Russian diplomacy stealing, like secret poison, into our ranks, introducing treason into them;—­but let me not look back; it is all in vain; the past is past. Forward is my word, and forward I will go; for I know that there is yet a God in heaven, and there is a people like you on earth, and there is a power of decided will here also in this bleeding heart.  It is my motto still, that “there is no difficulty to him who wills.”  But so much is a fact, so much is sure, that the Czar did not dare to interfere until he was assured that he would meet no foreign power to oppose him.  Show him, free people of America—­show him in a manly declaration, that he will meet your force if he dares once more to trample on the laws of nations—­accompany this declaration with an augmentation of your Mediterranean fleets, and be sure he will not stir.  You will have no war, and Austria falls almost without a battle, like a house without foundation, raised upon the sand; Hungary—­my poor Hungary—­will be free, and Europe’s oppressed continent able to arrange its domestic concerns.  Even without my appeal to your sympathy, you have the source in your own generous hearts.  This meeting is a substantial proof of it.  Receive my thanks.

I have done, gentlemen; I am worn out.  I must reserve for another occasion what I would say further, were I able.  I know that when I speak in this glorious country, there is the mighty engine of the press which enables me to address the whole people.  Let me now say that the ground on which the hopes of my native land rest, is the principle of justice, right, and law.  To the maintenance of these you have devoted your lives, gentlemen of the Bar.  I leave them under your professional care, and trust they will find many advocates among you.

* * * * *

XIII.—­CLAIMS OF HUNGARY ON THE FEMALE SEX.

[Speech to the Ladies of New York.]

The Rev. Dr. Tyng having spoken in the name of the Ladies of New York, and concluded with the words:  “And now, sir, the ladies whom I have the honour to represent, knowing your history, and fully aware of its vast importance, desire themselves to be the audience, and to hear the voice of Kossuth, and the claims of Hungary.”  Kossuth replied as follows:—­

I would I were able to answer that call.  I would I were able suitably to fill the place which your kindness has assigned to me.  You were pleased to say that Austria was blind to let me escape.  Be assured that it was not the merit of Austria.  She would have been very glad to bury me alive, but the Sultan of Turkey took courage, and notwithstanding all the remonstrances of Austria, I am free.