Giuseppe Garibaldi: “Can a people appreciate and derive much benefit from free institutions so long as they permit their senses to be cheated…”

They sang of love, until I was transported; and they endeavored to excite themselves to patriotism by singing of Italy!

I have in fancy seen her on her knees before the Most High—my dear mother!—imploring for the life of her son; and I have believed in the efficacy of her prayers.

Be great, then, once more, O Italy! and then the powerful voice of the Almighty will be heard by all thy sons; and the hungry and cowardly vultures which destroy thee, will be stunned by its thundering sound.

Spurning every suggestion of fear, she came forward to the assistance of the tortured prisoner; and from that time I wanted nothing—thanks to my benefactress!