He
then tore off his own insignia and declared himself a private citizen.
The scene which followed has been admirably translated by Mr.
Scott-Elliot, and his words may well be reproduced here. O'Higgins had
turned to face the meeting, and addressed it in the following words:
"'Now I am a simple citizen. During my government, that I have
exercised with full authority, I may have committed mistakes, but
believe me when I say that they were due to the very difficult
circumstances when I took up my charge, and not to evil passions. I
am ready to answer any accusations which are made against me. If
these faults have caused evils which can only be purged by my
blood, take what revenge you will upon me. Here is my breast.' The
people cried out: 'We have nothing against you, Viva O'Higgins!' 'I
know well,' he added, 'that you cannot justly accuse me of
intentional faults. Nevertheless, this testimony alleviates the
weight of those which I may have unknowingly committed.' Turning to
the Junta, he added: 'My presence has ceased to be necessary here.'
It was in this noble and dignified manner that the great hero of
Chilian independence retired into private life.
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