Louise Michel 1872

To the Commission of Pardons


Source: International Institute of Social History.


Auberive prison, November 28, 1872, 7 a.m.

Murderers, can you hear time’s bell?

In any event, I'm content with this.

We suffered but we saved our cause.

So many cynically accumulated crimes, coldly done, so much cowardice and inability widely expose you.

Bravo, Gentlemen! The white orgy is complete!

Can you take your good name away from here, no!

In history you will always be the commission for the “coup de grāce,” executioner’s valet!

Gentlemen, you must remember that we will be afraid, and we will laugh at you because you are such horrible, grotesque people.

Louise Michel