“My lords—­In answer to the question as to why the sentence of the court should not now be passed upon me, I would desire to make a few remarks in relation to my late exertions in behalf of the suffering people of this country, in aiding them in their earnest endeavours to attain the independence of their native land.  Although not born upon the soil of Ireland, my parents were, and from history, and tradition, and fireside relations, I became conversant with the country’s history from my earliest childhood, and as the human race will ever possess these God-like qualities which inspire mankind with sympathy for the suffering, a desire to aid poor Ireland to rise from her moral degradation took possession of me.  I do not now wish to say to what I assign the failure of that enterprise with which are associated my well-meant acts for this persecuted land.  I feel fully satisfied of the righteousness of my every act in connexion with the late revolutionary movement in this country, being actuated by a holy desire to assist in the emancipation of an enslaved and generous people.  I derive more pleasure from having done the act than from any other event that has occurred to me during my eventful but youthful life.  I wish it to be distinctly understood here, standing as I do perhaps on the brink of an early grave, that I am no fillibuster or freebooter, and that I had no personal object or inclination to gain anything in coming to this country.  I came solely through love of Ireland and sympathy for her people.  If I have forfeited my life.  I am ready to abide the issue.  If my exertions on behalf of a distressed people be a crime, I am willing to pay the penalty, knowing, as I do, that what I have done was in behalf of a people whose cause is just—­a people who will appreciate and honour a man, although he may not be a countryman of their own—­still a man who is willing to suffer in defence of that divine, that American principle—­the right of self-government.  I would wish to tender to my learned and eloquent counsel, Mr. Heron and Mr. Waters, and to my solicitor, Mr. Collins, my sincere and heartfelt thanks for the able manner in which they have conducted my defence.  And now, my lords, I trust I will meet in a becoming manner the penalty which it is now the duty of your lordship to pronounce upon me.  I have nothing more to say.”

* * * * *

EDWARD KELLY.

On the same occasion the prisoner Edward Kelly delivered the following soul-stirring address:—­

“My lords—­The novelty of my situation will plead for any want of fluency on my part; and I beg your lordships’ indulgence if I am unnecessarily tedious.  I have to thank the gentlemen of the jury for their recommendation, which I know was well meant; but knowing, as I do, what that mercy will be, I heartily wish that recommendation will not be received.  Why should I feel regret?