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Robert Emmet Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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.

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