dividual freedom and the rights of states. Nor will their admiration be limited by any consideration arising from the fate of your country, or the failure of the patriotic hopes with which it was inspired.
“Liberty can never die. The generations of men appear and pass away, but the principles and aspirations of their nature are immortal.
“Despotism is of time. It contains within itself the elements and the necessity of decay and death.
“Fifty years of your eventful life are past; but take courage, sir, in the belief that, in the providence of God, the moment is near when the light of freedom shall penetrate the darkness of European despotism. Then shall your own Hungary welcome you to her fields and mountains, to her homes and heart; and we will welcome Hungary to the family of republican, constitutional, sovereign states.
“In the name of the people, I tender to you the hospitalities of a commonwealth founded by Exiles and Pilgrims.”
To this welcome to the capitol of Massachusetts, Kossuth
replied as follows:
“I feel deeply sensible of the immense benefit which a
happy and prosperous people has conferred upon an
unfortunate people. Moments like the present can only be felt, not
spoken. I feel a deep emotion, sir. I am not ashamed of it.
Allow me to say that, in taking that hand, the hand of the
people of Massachusetts, and having listened in your voice to
the sentiments and feelings of the people of Massachusetts, I
indeed cannot forbear to believe that humanity has arrived
at a great turning point in its destinies, because such a sight
was never yet seen on earth.
“Conquerors, triumphant and proud of success, confer honors and glory on a poor exile, having nothing to speak for him but his misfortunes.
