Terror is only justice: prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue; it is less a distinct principle than a natural consequence of the general principle of democracy, applied to the most pressing wants of the country.

Summary

This quote suggests that terror, when employed in the pursuit of justice, is not inherently evil but rather an expression of virtue. It argues that in a democratic society, the severity and inflexibility of acts of terror can be seen as a natural consequence of meeting the urgent needs of the nation. Essentially, the quote implies that in certain circumstances, employing terror as a form of justice aligns with the principles of democracy, allowing for the necessary actions to address pressing issues.