Giuseppe Garibaldi

She knew me when I was in misfortune; and her interest in me, stronger than any merit of my own, conquered her for me, and united us for ever.

That battle, with so many dangers, and with so brilliant a result, gave much confidence to our troops, and to the inhabitants of that coast, who had been for a long time exposed to the inroads of that adroit and enterprising enemy…

With courage, cheerfulness, and perseverance, no enterprise is impossible; and, for these I must do justice to my favorite companion and usual forerunner, John Griggs, who surmounted numerous difficulties, and patiently endured many…

Although I professed different principles from his, and had fought for a different cause, I have ever been ready to acknowledge my obligations to that officer, and always desired an opportunity to prove my gratitude to him for granting me…

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!

The sufferings which I endured after being unbound were indescribable: yet I did not complain.

Such were the impressions made upon my feelings by the barbarous usage which I received at that time, that I have never since been able to recall the circumstances without a peculiar agitation of mind; and I regard that period as the most…

If it were so, then I should never have seen Italy again; never fought for her—which was the great wish of my life: but then, too, I never should have seen her sink into ignominy.

I was enlisted in a new and hazardous enterprize, and, for the first time, turned a helm for the ocean with a warlike flag flying over my head—the flag of a republic—the Republic of Rio Grande.

Being an ardent lover of Italy from my childhood, I felt a strong desire to become initiated in the mysteries of her restoration; and I sought everywhere for books and writings which might enlighten me on the subject, and for persons…

In cases of difficulty or danger, I have never, in all my life, been disheartened.

I regarded Rome as the centre of Italy, for the union of which I ardently longed.

Even in exile, these feelings were constantly cherished in my heart; and often, very often, have I prayed to the Almighty to permit me to see that city once more.

I not only admired her for her former power and the remains of antiquity, but even the smallest thing connected with her was precious to me.

Rome, which I had before admired and thought of frequently, I ever since have loved.

The future Rome, rising to regenerate the nation, has now long been a dominant idea in my mind, and inspired me with hope and energy.

The Rome which I had painted in my imagination, no longer existed.

Rome, once the capital of the world, now the capital of a sect!

Who, indeed, had then ever said, on those shores, to those young men, that there was such a thing as Italy, or that they had a country to be ameliorated and redeemed?

But who, in those days, had ever taught them how to be patriots and Italians?

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

How everything is embellished by the feelings of youth, and how beautiful appeared, to my ardent eyes, the bark in which I was to navigate the Mediterranean, when I stepped on board as a sailor for the first time!

We were in danger of growing up with only selfish and mercenary views: nothing was offered us as a reward for anything we could do, but money.

When I recur to the principles which were inculcated at school, and the motives used to encourage us to study, I am now able to understand their unsoundness and their evil tendency.

On that occasion, and in various other circumstances of a similar kind, I never hesitated for a moment, or thought of my own safety.