The French Revolution
Thomas Carlyle
The French Revolution
Table of Contents
The French Revolution.............................................................................................................................................1
Thomas Carlyle..............................................................................................................................................1
i
The French Revolution
Thomas Carlyle
VOLUME I.−−THE BASTILLE
BOOK 1.I. DEATH OF LOUIS XV.
Chapter 1.1.I. Louis the Well−Beloved.
President Henault, remarking on royal Surnames of Honour how difficult it often is to ascertain not only why, but
even when, they were conferred, takes occasion in his sleek official way, to make a philosophical reflection. 'The
Surname of Bien−aime (Well−beloved),' says he, 'which Louis XV. bears, will not leave posterity in the same
doubt. This Prince, in the year 1744, while hastening from one end of his kingdom to the other, and suspending
his conquests in Flanders that he might fly to the assistance of Alsace, was arrested at Metz by a malady which
threatened to cut short his days. At the news of this, Paris, all in terror, seemed a city taken by storm: the churches
resounded with supplications and groans; the prayers of priests and people were every moment interrupted by
their sobs: and it was from an interest so dear and tender that this Surname of Bien−aime fashioned itself, a title
higher still than all the rest which this great Prince has earned.' (Abrege Chronologique de l'Histoire de France
(Paris, 1775), p. 701.)
So stands it written; in lasting memorial of that year 1744. Thirty other years have come and gone; and 'this great
Prince' again lies sick; but in how altered circumstances now! Churches resound not with excessive groanings;
Paris is stoically calm: sobs interrupt no prayers, for indeed none are offered; except Priests' Litanies, read or
chanted at fixed money− rate per hour, which are not liable to interruption. The shepherd of the people has been
carried home from Little Trianon, heavy of heart, and been put to bed in his own Chateau of Versailles: the flock
knows it, and heeds it not. At most, in the immeasurable tide of French Speech (which ceases not day after day,
and only ebbs towards the short hours of night), may this of the royal sickness emerge from time to time as an
article of news. Bets are doubtless depending; nay, some people 'express themselves loudly in the streets.'
(Memoires de M. le Baron Besenval (Paris, 1805), ii. 59− 90.) But for the rest, on green field and steepled city,
the May sun shines out, the May evening fades; and men ply their useful or useless business as if no Louis lay in
danger.
Dame Dubarry, indeed, might pray, if she had a talent for it; Duke d'Aiguillon too, Maupeou and the Parlement
Maupeou: these, as they sit in their high places, with France harnessed under their feet, know well on what basis
they continue there. Look to it, D'Aiguillon; sharply as thou didst, from the Mill of St. Cast, on Quiberon and the
invading English; thou, 'covered if not with glory yet with meal!' Fortune was ever accounted inconstant: and each
dog has but his day.
Forlorn enough languished Duke d'Aiguillon, some years ago; covered, as we said, with meal; nay with worse.
For La Chalotais, the Breton Parlementeer, accused him not only of poltroonery and tyranny, but even of
concussion (official plunder of money); which accusations it was easier to get 'quashed' by backstairs Influences
than to get answered: neither could the thoughts, or even the tongues, of men be tied. Thus, under disastrous
eclipse, had this grand−nephew of the great Richelieu to glide about; unworshipped by the world; resolute
Choiseul, the abrupt proud man, disdaining him, or even forgetting him. Little prospect but to glide into Gascony,
to rebuild Chateaus there, (Arthur Young, Travels during the years 1787−88−89 (Bury St. Edmunds, 1792), i. 44.)
and die inglorious killing game! However, in the year 1770, a certain young soldier, Dumouriez by name,
returning from Corsica, could see 'with sorrow, at Compiegne, the old King of France, on foot, with doffed hat, in
sight of his army, at the side of a magnificent phaeton, doing homage the−−Dubarry.' (La Vie et les Memoires du
General Dumouriez (Paris, 1822), i. 141.)
The French Revolution
1
The French Revolution
Much lay therein! Thereby, for one thing, could D'Aiguillon postpone the rebuilding of his Chateau, and rebuild
his fortunes first. For stout Choiseul would discern in the Dubarry nothing but a wonderfully dizened
Scarlet−woman; and go on his way as if she were not. Intolerable: the source of sighs, tears, of pettings and
pouting; which would not end till 'France' (La France, as she named her royal valet) finally mustered heart to see
Choiseul; and with that 'quivering in the chin (tremblement du menton natural in such cases) (Besenval,
Memoires, ii. 21.) faltered out a dismissal: dismissal of his last substantial man, but pacification of his
scarlet−woman. Thus D'Aiguillon rose again, and culminated. And with him there rose Maupeou, the banisher of
Parlements; who plants you a refractory President 'at Croe in Combrailles on the top of steep rocks, inaccessible
except by litters,' there to consider himself. Likewise there rose Abbe Terray, dissolute Financier, paying
eightpence in the shilling,−−so that wits exclaim in some press at the playhouse, "Where is Abbe Terray, that he
might reduce us to two−thirds!" And so have these individuals (verily by black−art) built them a Domdaniel, or
enchanted Dubarrydom; call it an Armida−Palace, where they dwell pleasantly; Chancellor Maupeou 'playing
blind−man's−buff' with the scarlet Enchantress; or gallantly presenting her with dwarf Negroes;−−and a Most
Christian King has unspeakable peace within doors, whatever he may have without. "My Chancellor is a
scoundrel; but I cannot do without him." (Dulaure, Histoire de Paris (Paris, 1824), vii. 328.)
Beautiful Armida−Palace, where the inmates live enchanted lives; lapped in soft music of adulation; waited on by
the splendours of the world;−−which nevertheless hangs wondrously as by a single hair. Should the Most
Christian King die; or even get seriously afraid of dying! For, alas, had not the fair haughty Chateauroux to fly,
with wet cheeks and flaming heart, from that Fever−scene at Metz; driven forth by sour shavelings? She hardly
returned, when fever and shavelings were both swept into the background. Pompadour too, when Damiens
wounded Royalty 'slightly, under the fifth rib,' and our drive to Trianon went off futile, in shrieks and madly
shaken torches,−−had to pack, and be in readiness: yet did not go, the wound not proving poisoned. For his
Majesty has religious faith; believes, at least in a Devil. And now a third peril; and who knows what may be in it!
For the Doctors look grave; ask privily, If his Majesty had not the small−pox long ago?−−and doubt it may have
been a false kind. Yes, Maupeou, pucker those sinister brows of thine, and peer out on it with thy malign
rat−eyes: it is a questionable case. Sure only that man is mortal; that with the life of one mortal snaps irrevocably
the wonderfulest talisman, and all Dubarrydom rushes off, with tumult, into infinite Space; and ye, as
subterranean Apparitions are wont, vanish utterly,−−leaving only a smell of sulphur!
These, and what holds of these may pray,−−to Beelzebub, or whoever will hear them. But from the rest of France
there comes, as was said, no prayer; or one of an opposite character, 'expressed openly in the streets.' Chateau or
Hotel, were an enlightened Philosophism scrutinises many things, is not given to prayer: neither are Rossbach
victories, Terray Finances, nor, say only 'sixty thousand Lettres de Cachet' (which is Maupeou's share),
persuasives towards that. O Henault! Prayers? From a France smitten (by black−art) with plague after plague, and
lying now in shame and pain, with a Harlot's foot on its neck, what prayer can come? Those lank scarecrows, that
prowl hunger−stricken through all highways and byways of French Existence, will they pray? The dull millions
that, in the workshop or furrowfield, grind fore−done at the wheel of Labour, like haltered gin− horses, if blind so
much the quieter? Or they that in the Bicetre Hospital, 'eight to a bed,' lie waiting their manumission? Dim are
those heads of theirs, dull stagnant those hearts: to them the great Sovereign is known mainly as the great
Regrater of Bread. If they hear of his sickness, they will answer with a dull Tant pis pour lui; or with the question,
Will he die?
Yes, will he die? that is now, for all France, the grand question, and hope; whereby alone the King's sickness has
still some interest.
Chapter 1.1.II. Realised Ideals.
Such a changed France have we; and a changed Louis. Changed, truly; and further than thou yet seest!−−To the
eye of History many things, in that sick−room of Louis, are now visible, which to the Courtiers there present were
invisible. For indeed it is well said, 'in every object there is inexhaustible meaning; the eye sees in it what the eye
The French Revolution
2
The French Revolution
brings means of seeing.' To Newton and to Newton's Dog Diamond, what a different pair of Universes; while the
painting on the optical retina of both was, most likely, the same! Let the Reader here, in this sick−room of Louis,
endeavour to look with the mind too.
Time was when men could (so to speak) of a given man, by nourishing and decorating him with fit appliances, to
the due pitch, make themselves a King, almost as the Bees do; and what was still more to the purpose, loyally
obey him when made. The man so nourished and decorated, thenceforth named royal, does verily bear rule; and is
said, and even thought, to be, for example, 'prosecuting conquests in Flanders,' when he lets himself like luggage
be carried thither: and no light luggage; covering miles of road. For he has his unblushing Chateauroux, with her
band−boxes and rouge−pots, at his side; so that, at every new station, a wooden gallery must be run up between
their lodgings. He has not only his Maison−Bouche, and Valetaille without end, but his very Troop of Players,
with their pasteboard coulisses, thunder−barrels, their kettles, fiddles, stage−wardrobes, portable larders (and
chaffering and quarrelling enough); all mounted in wagons, tumbrils, second−hand chaises,−−sufficient not to
conquer Flanders, but the patience of the world. With such a flood of loud jingling appurtenances does he lumber
along, prosecuting his conquests in Flanders; wonderful to behold. So nevertheless it was and had been: to some
solitary thinker it might seem strange; but even to him inevitable, not unnatural.
For ours is a most fictile world; and man is the most fingent plastic of creatures. A world not fixable; not
fathomable! An unfathomable Somewhat, which is Not we; which we can work with, and live amidst,−−and
model, miraculously in our miraculous Being, and name World.−−But if the very Rocks and Rivers (as
Metaphysic teaches) are, in strict language, made by those outward Senses of ours, how much more, by the
Inward Sense, are all Phenomena of the spiritual kind: Dignities, Authorities, Holies, Unholies! Which inward
sense, moreover is not permanent like the outward ones, but forever growing and changing. Does not the Black
African take of Sticks and Old Clothes (say, exported Monmouth−Street cast−clothes) what will suffice, and of
these, cunningly combining them, fabricate for himself an Eidolon (Idol, or Thing Seen), and name it
Mumbo−Jumbo; which he can thenceforth pray to, with upturned awestruck eye, not without hope? The white
European mocks; but ought rather to consider; and see whether he, at home, could not do the like a little more
wisely.
So it was, we say, in those conquests of Flanders, thirty years ago: but so it no longer is. Alas, much more lies
sick than poor Louis: not the French King only, but the French Kingship; this too, after long rough tear and wear,
is breaking down. The world is all so changed; so much that seemed vigorous has sunk decrepit, so much that was
not is beginning to be!−−Borne over the Atlantic, to the closing ear of Louis, King by the Grace of God, what
sounds are these; muffled ominous, new in our centuries? Boston Harbour is black with unexpected Tea: behold a
Pennsylvanian Congress gather; and ere long, on Bunker Hill, DEMOCRACY announcing, in rifle−volleys
death−winged, under her Star Banner, to the tune of Yankee− doodle−doo, that she is born, and, whirlwind−like,
will envelope the whole world!
Sovereigns die and Sovereignties: how all dies, and is for a Time only; is a 'Time−phantasm, yet reckons itself
real!' The Merovingian Kings, slowly wending on their bullock−carts through the streets of Paris, with their long
hair flowing, have all wended slowly on,−−into Eternity. Charlemagne sleeps at Salzburg, with truncheon
grounded; only Fable expecting that he will awaken. Charles the Hammer, Pepin Bow−legged, where now is their
eye of menace, their voice of command? Rollo and his shaggy Northmen cover not the Seine with ships; but have
sailed off on a longer voyage. The hair of Towhead (Tete d'etoupes) now needs no combing; Iron−cutter
(Taillefer) cannot cut a cobweb; shrill Fredegonda, shrill Brunhilda have had out their hot life−scold, and lie
silent, their hot life−frenzy cooled. Neither from that black Tower de Nesle descends now darkling the doomed
gallant, in his sack, to the Seine waters; plunging into Night: for Dame de Nesle how cares not for this world's
gallantry, heeds not this world's scandal; Dame de Nesle is herself gone into Night. They are all gone;
sunk,−−down, down, with the tumult they made; and the rolling and the trampling of ever new generations passes
over them, and they hear it not any more forever.
The French Revolution
3
The French Revolution
And yet withal has there not been realised somewhat? Consider (to go no further) these strong Stone−edifices, and
what they hold! Mud−Town of the Borderers (Lutetia Parisiorum or Barisiorum) has paved itself, has spread over
all the Seine Islands, and far and wide on each bank, and become City of Paris, sometimes boasting to be 'Athens
of Europe,' and even 'Capital of the Universe.' Stone towers frown aloft; long−lasting, grim with a thousand years.
Cathedrals are there, and a Creed (or memory of a Creed) in them; Palaces, and a State and Law. Thou seest the
Smoke−vapour; unextinguished Breath as of a thing living. Labour's thousand hammers ring on her anvils: also a
more miraculous Labour works noiselessly, not with the Hand but with the Thought. How have cunning workmen
in all crafts, with their cunning head and right−hand, tamed the Four Elements to be their ministers; yoking the
winds to their Sea−chariot, making the very Stars their Nautical Timepiece;−−and written and collected a
Bibliotheque du Roi; among whose Books is the Hebrew Book! A wondrous race of creatures: these have been
realised, and what of Skill is in these: call not the Past Time, with all its confused wretchednesses, a lost one.
Observe, however, that of man's whole terrestrial possessions and attainments, unspeakably the noblest are his
Symbols, divine or divine− seeming; under which he marches and fights, with victorious assurance, in this
life−battle: what we can call his Realised Ideals. Of which realised ideals, omitting the rest, consider only these
two: his Church, or spiritual Guidance; his Kingship, or temporal one. The Church: what a word was there; richer
than Golconda and the treasures of the world! In the heart of the remotest mountains rises the little Kirk; the Dead
all slumbering round it, under their white memorial−stones, 'in hope of a happy resurrection:'−−dull wert thou, O
Reader, if never in any hour (say of moaning midnight, when such Kirk hung spectral in the sky, and Being was
as if swallowed up of Darkness) it spoke to thee−−things unspeakable, that went into thy soul's soul. Strong was
he that had a Church, what we can call a Church: he stood thereby, though 'in the centre of Immensities, in the
conflux of Eternities,' yet manlike towards God and man; the vague shoreless Universe had become for him a firm
city, and dwelling which he knew. Such virtue was in Belief; in these words, well spoken: I believe. Well might
men prize their Credo, and raise stateliest Temples for it, and reverend Hierarchies, and give it the tithe of their
substance; it was worth living for and dying for.
Neither was that an inconsiderable moment when wild armed men first raised their Strongest aloft on the
buckler−throne, and with clanging armour and hearts, said solemnly: Be thou our Acknowledged Strongest! In
such Acknowledged Strongest (well named King, Kon−ning, Can−ning, or Man that was Able) what a Symbol
shone now for them,−−significant with the destinies of the world! A Symbol of true Guidance in return for loving
Obedience; properly, if he knew it, the prime want of man. A Symbol which might be called sacred; for is there
not, in reverence for what is better than we, an indestructible sacredness? On which ground, too, it was well said
there lay in the Acknowledged Strongest a divine right; as surely there might in the Strongest, whether
Acknowledged or not,−−considering who made him strong. And so, in the midst of confusions and unutterable
incongruities (as all growth is confused), did this of Royalty, with Loyalty environing it, spring up; and grow
mysteriously, subduing and assimilating (for a principle of Life was in it); till it also had grown world−great, and
was among the main Facts of our modern existence. Such a Fact, that Louis XIV., for example, could answer the
expostulatory Magistrate with his "L'Etat c'est moi (The State? I am the State);" and be replied to by silence and
abashed looks. So far had accident and forethought; had your Louis Elevenths, with the leaden Virgin in their
hatband, and torture− wheels and conical oubliettes (man−eating!) under their feet; your Henri Fourths, with their
prophesied social millennium, 'when every peasant should have his fowl in the pot;' and on the whole, the fertility
of this most fertile Existence (named of Good and Evil),−−brought it, in the matter of the Kingship. Wondrous!
Concerning which may we not again say, that in the huge mass of Evil, as it rolls and swells, there is ever some
Good working imprisoned; working towards deliverance and triumph?
How such Ideals do realise themselves; and grow, wondrously, from amid the incongruous ever−fluctuating chaos
of the Actual: this is what World− History, if it teach any thing, has to teach us, How they grow; and, after long
stormy growth, bloom out mature, supreme; then quickly (for the blossom is brief) fall into decay; sorrowfully
dwindle; and crumble down, or rush down, noisily or noiselessly disappearing. The blossom is so brief; as of
some centennial Cactus−flower, which after a century of waiting shines out for hours! Thus from the day when
rough Clovis, in the Champ de Mars, in sight of his whole army, had to cleave retributively the head of that rough
The French Revolution
4
The French Revolution
Frank, with sudden battleaxe, and the fierce words, "It was thus thou clavest the vase" (St. Remi's and mine) "at
Soissons," forward to Louis the Grand and his L'Etat c'est moi, we count some twelve hundred years: and now
this the very next Louis is dying, and so much dying with him!−−Nay, thus too, if Catholicism, with and against
Feudalism (but not against Nature and her bounty), gave us English a Shakspeare and Era of Shakspeare, and so
produced a blossom of Catholicism−−it was not till Catholicism itself, so far as Law could abolish it, had been
abolished here.
But of those decadent ages in which no Ideal either grows or blossoms? When Belief and Loyalty have passed
away, and only the cant and false echo of them remains; and all Solemnity has become Pageantry; and the Creed
of persons in authority has become one of two things: an Imbecility or a Macchiavelism? Alas, of these ages
World−History can take no notice; they have to become compressed more and more, and finally suppressed in the
Annals of Mankind; blotted out as spurious,−−which indeed they are. Hapless ages: wherein, if ever in any, it is
an unhappiness to be born. To be born, and to learn only, by every tradition and example, that God's Universe is
Belial's and a Lie; and 'the Supreme Quack' the hierarch of men! In which mournfulest faith, nevertheless, do we
not see whole generations (two, and sometimes even three successively) live, what they call living; and
vanish,−−without chance of reappearance?
In such a decadent age, or one fast verging that way, had our poor Louis been born. Grant also that if the French
Kingship had not, by course of Nature, long to live, he of all men was the man to accelerate Nature. The Blossom
of French Royalty, cactus−like, has accordingly made an astonishing progress. In those Metz days, it was still
standing with all its petals, though bedimmed by Orleans Regents and Roue Ministers and Cardinals; but now, in
1774, we behold it bald, and the virtue nigh gone out of it.
Disastrous indeed does it look with those same 'realised ideals,' one and all! The Church, which in its palmy
season, seven hundred years ago, could make an Emperor wait barefoot, in penance−shift; three days, in the snow,
has for centuries seen itself decaying; reduced even to forget old purposes and enmities, and join interest with the
Kingship: on this younger strength it would fain stay its decrepitude; and these two will henceforth stand and fall
together. Alas, the Sorbonne still sits there, in its old mansion; but mumbles only jargon of dotage, and no longer
leads the consciences of men: not the Sorbonne; it is Encyclopedies, Philosophie, and who knows what nameless
innumerable multitude of ready Writers, profane Singers, Romancers, Players, Disputators, and Pamphleteers,
that now form the Spiritual Guidance of the world. The world's Practical Guidance too is lost, or has glided into
the same miscellaneous hands. Who is it that the King (Able−man, named also Roi, Rex, or Director) now
guides? His own huntsmen and prickers: when there is to be no hunt, it is well said, 'Le Roi ne fera rien (To−day
his Majesty will do nothing). (Memoires sur la Vie privee de Marie Antoinette, par Madame Campan (Paris,
1826), i. 12). He lives and lingers there, because he is living there, and none has yet laid hands on him.
The nobles, in like manner, have nearly ceased either to guide or misguide; and are now, as their master is, little
more than ornamental figures. It is long since they have done with butchering one another or their king: the
Workers, protected, encouraged by Majesty, have ages ago built walled towns, and there ply their crafts; will
permit no Robber Baron to 'live by the saddle,' but maintain a gallows to prevent it. Ever since that period of the
Fronde, the Noble has changed his fighting sword into a court rapier, and now loyally attends his king as
ministering satellite; divides the spoil, not now by violence and murder, but by soliciting and finesse. These men
call themselves supports of the throne, singular gilt−pasteboard caryatides in that singular edifice! For the rest,
their privileges every way are now much curtailed. That law authorizing a Seigneur, as he returned from hunting,
to kill not more than two Serfs, and refresh his feet in their warm blood and bowels, has fallen into perfect
desuetude,−− and even into incredibility; for if Deputy Lapoule can believe in it, and call for the abrogation of it,
so cannot we. (Histoire de la Revolution Francaise, par Deux Amis de la Liberte (Paris, 1793), ii. 212.) No
Charolois, for these last fifty years, though never so fond of shooting, has been in use to bring down slaters and
plumbers, and see them roll from their roofs; (Lacretelle, Histoire de France pendant le 18me Siecle (Paris, 1819)
i. 271.) but contents himself with partridges and grouse. Close− viewed, their industry and function is that of
dressing gracefully and eating sumptuously. As for their debauchery and depravity, it is perhaps unexampled
The French Revolution
5
The French Revolution
since the era of Tiberius and Commodus. Nevertheless, one has still partly a feeling with the lady Marechale:
"Depend upon it, Sir, God thinks twice before damning a man of that quality." (Dulaure, vii. 261.) These people,
of old, surely had virtues, uses; or they could not have been there. Nay, one virtue they are still required to have
(for mortal man cannot live without a conscience): the virtue of perfect readiness to fight duels.
Such are the shepherds of the people: and now how fares it with the flock? With the flock, as is inevitable, it fares
ill, and ever worse. They are not tended, they are only regularly shorn. They are sent for, to do statute−labour, to
pay statute−taxes; to fatten battle−fields (named 'Bed of honour') with their bodies, in quarrels which are not
theirs; their hand and toil is in every possession of man; but for themselves they have little or no possession.
Untaught, uncomforted, unfed; to pine dully in thick obscuration, in squalid destitution and obstruction: this is the
lot of the millions; peuple taillable et corveable a merci et misericorde. In Brittany they once rose in revolt at the
first introduction of Pendulum Clocks; thinking it had something to do with the Gabelle. Paris requires to be
cleared out periodically by the Police; and the horde of hunger− stricken vagabonds to be sent wandering again
over space−−for a time. 'During one such periodical clearance,' says Lacretelle, 'in May, 1750, the Police had
presumed withal to carry off some reputable people's children, in the hope of extorting ransoms for them. The
mothers fill the public places with cries of despair; crowds gather, get excited: so many women in destraction run
about exaggerating the alarm: an absurd and horrid fable arises among the people; it is said that the doctors have
ordered a Great Person to take baths of young human blood for the restoration of his own, all spoiled by
debaucheries. Some of the rioters,' adds Lacretelle, quite coolly, 'were hanged on the following days:' the Police
went on. (Lacretelle, iii. 175.) O ye poor naked wretches! and this, then, is your inarticulate cry to Heaven, as of a
dumb tortured animal, crying from uttermost depths of pain and debasement? Do these azure skies, like a dead
crystalline vault, only reverberate the echo of it on you? Respond to it only by 'hanging on the following
days?'−−Not so: not forever! Ye are heard in Heaven. And the answer too will come,−−in a horror of great
darkness, and shakings of the world, and a cup of trembling which all the nations shall drink.
Remark, meanwhile, how from amid the wrecks and dust of this universal Decay new Powers are fashioning
themselves, adapted to the new time and its destinies. Besides the old Noblesse, originally of Fighters, there is a
new recognised Noblesse of Lawyers; whose gala−day and proud battle−day even now is. An unrecognised
Noblesse of Commerce; powerful enough, with money in its pocket. Lastly, powerfulest of all, least recognised of
all, a Noblesse of Literature; without steel on their thigh, without gold in their purse, but with the 'grand
thaumaturgic faculty of Thought' in their head. French Philosophism has arisen; in which little word how much do
we include! Here, indeed, lies properly the cardinal symptom of the whole wide−spread malady. Faith is gone out;
Scepticism is come in. Evil abounds and accumulates: no man has Faith to withstand it, to amend it, to begin by
amending himself; it must even go on accumulating. While hollow langour and vacuity is the lot of the Upper,
and want and stagnation of the Lower, and universal misery is very certain, what other thing is certain? That a Lie
cannot be believed! Philosophism knows only this: her other belief is mainly that, in spiritual supersensual matters
no Belief is possible. Unhappy! Nay, as yet the Contradiction of a Lie is some kind of Belief; but the Lie with its
Contradiction once swept away, what will remain? The five unsatiated Senses will remain, the sixth insatiable
Sense (of vanity); the whole daemonic nature of man will remain,−−hurled forth to rage blindly without rule or
rein; savage itself, yet with all the tools and weapons of civilisation; a spectacle new in History.
In such a France, as in a Powder−tower, where fire unquenched and now unquenchable is smoking and
smouldering all round, has Louis XV. lain down to die. With Pompadourism and Dubarryism, his Fleur−de−lis
has been shamefully struck down in all lands and on all seas; Poverty invades even the Royal Exchequer, and
Tax−farming can squeeze out no more; there is a quarrel of twenty−five years' standing with the Parlement;
everywhere Want, Dishonesty, Unbelief, and hotbrained Sciolists for state−physicians: it is a portentous hour.
Such things can the eye of History see in this sick−room of King Louis, which were invisible to the Courtiers
there. It is twenty years, gone Christmas−day, since Lord Chesterfield, summing up what he had noted of this
same France, wrote, and sent off by post, the following words, that have become memorable: 'In short, all the
symptoms which I have ever met with in History, previous to great Changes and Revolutions in government, now
The French Revolution
6
The French Revolution
exist and daily increase in France.' (Chesterfield's Letters: December 25th, 1753.)
Chapter 1.1.III. Viaticum.
For the present, however, the grand question with the Governors of France is: Shall extreme unction, or other
ghostly viaticum (to Louis, not to France), be administered?
It is a deep question. For, if administered, if so much as spoken of, must not, on the very threshold of the business,
Witch Dubarry vanish; hardly to return should Louis even recover? With her vanishes Duke d'Aiguillon and
Company, and all their Armida−Palace, as was said; Chaos swallows the whole again, and there is left nothing but
a smell of brimstone. But then, on the other hand, what will the Dauphinists and Choiseulists say? Nay what may
the royal martyr himself say, should he happen to get deadly worse, without getting delirious? For the present, he
still kisses the Dubarry hand; so we, from the ante−room, can note: but afterwards? Doctors' bulletins may run as
they are ordered, but it is 'confluent small−pox,'−−of which, as is whispered too, the Gatekeepers's once so buxom
Daughter lies ill: and Louis XV. is not a man to be trifled with in his viaticum. Was he not wont to catechise his
very girls in the Parc−aux−cerfs, and pray with and for them, that they might preserve their−−orthodoxy?
(Dulaure, viii. (217), Besenval, A strange fact, not an unexampled one; for there is no animal so strange as man.
For the moment, indeed, it were all well, could Archbishop Beaumont but be prevailed upon−−to wink with one
eye! Alas, Beaumont would himself so fain do it: for, singular to tell, the Church too, and whole posthumous hope
of Jesuitism, now hangs by the apron of this same unmentionable woman. But then 'the force of public opinion'?
Rigorous Christophe de Beaumont, who has spent his life in persecuting hysterical Jansenists and incredulous
Non−confessors; or even their dead bodies, if no better might be,−−how shall he now open Heaven's gate, and
give Absolution with the corpus delicti still under his nose? Our Grand−Almoner Roche−Aymon, for his part, will
not higgle with a royal sinner about turning of the key: but there are other Churchmen; there is a King's
Confessor, foolish Abbe Moudon; and Fanaticism and Decency are not yet extinct. On the whole, what is to be
done? The doors can be well watched; the Medical Bulletin adjusted; and much, as usual, be hoped for from time
and chance.
The doors are well watched, no improper figure can enter. Indeed, few wish to enter; for the putrid infection
reaches even to the Oeil−de−Boeuf; so that 'more than fifty fall sick, and ten die.' Mesdames the Princesses alone
wait at the loathsome sick−bed; impelled by filial piety. The three Princesses, Graille, Chiffe, Coche (Rag, Snip,
Pig, as he was wont to name them), are assiduous there; when all have fled. The fourth Princess Loque (Dud), as
we guess, is already in the Nunnery, and can only give her orisons. Poor Graille and Sisterhood, they have never
known a Father: such is the hard bargain Grandeur must make. Scarcely at the Debotter (when Royalty took off
its boots) could they snatch up their 'enormous hoops, gird the long train round their waists, huddle on their black
cloaks of taffeta up to the very chin;' and so, in fit appearance of full dress, 'every evening at six,' walk
majestically in; receive their royal kiss on the brow; and then walk majestically out again, to embroidery, small−
scandal, prayers, and vacancy. If Majesty came some morning, with coffee of its own making, and swallowed it
with them hastily while the dogs were uncoupling for the hunt, it was received as a grace of Heaven. (Campan, i.
11−36.) Poor withered ancient women! in the wild tossings that yet await your fragile existence, before it be
crushed and broken; as ye fly through hostile countries, over tempestuous seas, are almost taken by the Turks; and
wholly, in the Sansculottic Earthquake, know not your right hand from your left, be this always an assured place
in your remembrance: for the act was good and loving! To us also it is a little sunny spot, in that dismal howling
waste, where we hardly find another.
Meanwhile, what shall an impartial prudent Courtier do? In these delicate circumstances, while not only death or
life, but even sacrament or no sacrament, is a question, the skilfulest may falter. Few are so happy as the Duke
d'Orleans and the Prince de Conde; who can themselves, with volatile salts, attend the King's ante−chamber; and,
at the same time, send their brave sons (Duke de Chartres, Egalite that is to be; Duke de Bourbon, one day Conde
too, and famous among Dotards) to wait upon the Dauphin. With another few, it is a resolution taken; jacta est
The French Revolution
7
The French Revolution
alea. Old Richelieu,−−when Beaumont, driven by public opinion, is at last for entering the sick−room,−−will
twitch him by the rochet, into a recess; and there, with his old dissipated mastiff−face, and the oiliest vehemence,
be seen pleading (and even, as we judge by Beaumont's change of colour, prevailing) 'that the King be not killed
by a proposition in Divinity.' Duke de Fronsac, son of Richelieu, can follow his father: when the Cure of
Versailles whimpers something about sacraments, he will threaten to 'throw him out of the window if he mention
such a thing.'
Happy these, we may say; but to the rest that hover between two opinions, is it not trying? He who would
understand to what a pass Catholicism, and much else, had now got; and how the symbols of the Holiest have
become gambling−dice of the Basest,−−must read the narrative of those things by Besenval, and Soulavie, and the
other Court Newsmen of the time. He will see the Versailles Galaxy all scattered asunder, grouped into new ever−
shifting Constellations. There are nods and sagacious glances; go− betweens, silk dowagers mysteriously gliding,
with smiles for this constellation, sighs for that: there is tremor, of hope or desperation, in several hearts. There is
the pale grinning Shadow of Death, ceremoniously ushered along by another grinning Shadow, of Etiquette: at
intervals the growl of Chapel Organs, like prayer by machinery; proclaiming, as in a kind of horrid diabolic
horse−laughter, Vanity of vanities, all is Vanity!
Chapter 1.1.IV. Louis the Unforgotten.
Poor Louis! With these it is a hollow phantasmagory, where like mimes they mope and mowl, and utter false
sounds for hire; but with thee it is frightful earnest.
Frightful to all men is Death; from of old named King of Terrors. Our little compact home of an Existence, where
we dwelt complaining, yet as in a home, is passing, in dark agonies, into an Unknown of Separation, Foreignness,
unconditioned Possibility. The Heathen Emperor asks of his soul: Into what places art thou now departing? The
Catholic King must answer: To the Judgment−bar of the Most High God! Yes, it is a summing−up of Life; a final
settling, and giving−in the 'account of the deeds done in the body:' they are done now; and lie there unalterable,
and do bear their fruits, long as Eternity shall last.
Louis XV. had always the kingliest abhorrence of Death. Unlike that praying Duke of Orleans, Egalite's
grandfather,−−for indeed several of them had a touch of madness,−−who honesty believed that there was no
Death! He, if the Court Newsmen can be believed, started up once on a time, glowing with sulphurous contempt
and indignation on his poor Secretary, who had stumbled on the words, feu roi d'Espagne (the late King of Spain):
"Feu roi, Monsieur?"−−"Monseigneur," hastily answered the trembling but adroit man of business, "c'est une titre
qu'ils prennent ('tis a title they take)." (Besenval, i. 199.) Louis, we say, was not so happy; but he did what he
could. He would not suffer Death to be spoken of; avoided the sight of churchyards, funereal monuments, and
whatsoever could bring it to mind. It is the resource of the Ostrich; who, hard hunted, sticks his foolish head in the
ground, and would fain forget that his foolish unseeing body is not unseen too. Or sometimes, with a spasmodic
antagonism, significant of the same thing, and of more, he would go; or stopping his court carriages, would send
into churchyards, and ask 'how many new graves there were today,' though it gave his poor Pompadour the
disagreeablest qualms. We can figure the thought of Louis that day, when, all royally caparisoned for hunting, he
met, at some sudden turning in the Wood of Senart, a ragged Peasant with a coffin: "For whom?"−−It was for a
poor brother slave, whom Majesty had sometimes noticed slaving in those quarters. "What did he die of?"−−"Of
hunger:"−−the King gave his steed the spur. (Campan, iii. 39.)
But figure his thought, when Death is now clutching at his own heart− strings, unlooked for, inexorable! Yes,
poor Louis, Death has found thee. No palace walls or life−guards, gorgeous tapestries or gilt buckram of stiffest
ceremonial could keep him out; but he is here, here at thy very life−breath, and will extinguish it. Thou, whose
whole existence hitherto was a chimera and scenic show, at length becomest a reality: sumptuous Versailles bursts
asunder, like a dream, into void Immensity; Time is done, and all the scaffolding of Time falls wrecked with
hideous clangour round thy soul: the pale Kingdoms yawn open; there must thou enter, naked, all unking'd, and
The French Revolution
8
The French Revolution
await what is appointed thee! Unhappy man, there as thou turnest, in dull agony, on thy bed of weariness, what a
thought is thine! Purgatory and Hell−fire, now all−too possible, in the prospect; in the retrospect,−−alas, what
thing didst thou do that were not better undone; what mortal didst thou generously help; what sorrow hadst thou
mercy on? Do the 'five hundred thousand' ghosts, who sank shamefully on so many battle−fields from Rossbach
to Quebec, that thy Harlot might take revenge for an epigram,−−crowd round thee in this hour? Thy foul Harem;
the curses of mothers, the tears and infamy of daughters? Miserable man! thou 'hast done evil as thou couldst:' thy
whole existence seems one hideous abortion and mistake of Nature; the use and meaning of thee not yet known.
Wert thou a fabulous Griffin, devouring the works of men; daily dragging virgins to thy cave;−−clad also in scales
that no spear would pierce: no spear but Death's? A Griffin not fabulous but real! Frightful, O Louis, seem these
moments for thee.−−We will pry no further into the horrors of a sinner's death−bed.
And yet let no meanest man lay flattering unction to his soul. Louis was a Ruler; but art not thou also one? His
wide France, look at it from the Fixed Stars (themselves not yet Infinitude), is no wider than thy narrow
brickfield, where thou too didst faithfully, or didst unfaithfully. Man, 'Symbol of Eternity imprisoned into 'Time!'
it is not thy works, which are all mortal, infinitely little, and the greatest no greater than the least, but only the
Spirit thou workest in, that can have worth or continuance.
But reflect, in any case, what a life−problem this of poor Louis, when he rose as Bien−Aime from that Metz
sick−bed, really was! What son of Adam could have swayed such incoherences into coherence? Could he?
Blindest Fortune alone has cast him on the top of it: he swims there; can as little sway it as the drift−log sways the
wind−tossed moon−stirred Atlantic. "What have I done to be so loved?" he said then. He may say now: What
have I done to be so hated? Thou hast done nothing, poor Louis! Thy fault is properly even this, that thou didst
nothing. What could poor Louis do? Abdicate, and wash his hands of it,−−in favour of the first that would accept!
Other clear wisdom there was none for him. As it was, he stood gazing dubiously, the absurdest mortal extant (a
very Solecism Incarnate), into the absurdest confused world;−−wherein at lost nothing seemed so certain as that
he, the incarnate Solecism, had five senses; that were Flying Tables (Tables Volantes, which vanish through the
floor, to come back reloaded). and a Parc−aux−cerfs.
Whereby at least we have again this historical curiosity: a human being in an original position; swimming
passively, as on some boundless 'Mother of Dead Dogs,' towards issues which he partly saw. For Louis had withal
a kind of insight in him. So, when a new Minister of Marine, or what else it might be, came announcing his new
era, the Scarlet−woman would hear from the lips of Majesty at supper: "He laid out his ware like another;
promised the beautifulest things in the world; not a thing of which will come: he does not know this region; he
will see." Or again: "'Tis the twentieth time I hear all that; France will never get a Navy, I believe." How touching
also was this: "If I were Lieutenant of Police, I would prohibit those Paris cabriolets." (Journal de Madame de
Hausset, p. 293,
Doomed mortal;−−for is it not a doom to be Solecism incarnate! A new Roi Faineant, King Donothing; but with
the strangest new Mayor of the Palace: no bow−legged Pepin now, but that same cloud−capt, fire−breathing
Spectre of DEMOCRACY; incalculable, which is enveloping the world!−−Was Louis no wickeder than this or
the other private Donothing and Eatall; such as we often enough see, under the name of Man, and even Man of
Pleasure, cumbering God's diligent Creation, for a time? Say, wretcheder! His Life− solecism was seen and felt of
a whole scandalised world; him endless Oblivion cannot engulf, and swallow to endless depths,−−not yet for a
generation or two.
However, be this as it will, we remark, not without interest, that 'on the evening of the 4th,' Dame Dubarry issues
from the sick−room, with perceptible 'trouble in her visage.' It is the fourth evening of May, year of Grace 1774.
Such a whispering in the Oeil−de−Boeuf! Is he dying then? What can be said is, that Dubarry seems making up
her packages; she sails weeping through her gilt boudoirs, as if taking leave. D'Aiguilon and Company are near
their last card; nevertheless they will not yet throw up the game. But as for the sacramental controversy, it is as
good as settled without being mentioned; Louis can send for his Abbe Moudon in the course of next night, be
The French Revolution
9
The French Revolution
confessed by him, some say for the space of 'seventeen minutes,' and demand the sacraments of his own accord.
Nay, already, in the afternoon, behold is not this your Sorceress Dubarry with the handkerchief at her eyes,
mounting D'Aiguillon's chariot; rolling off in his Duchess's consolatory arms? She is gone; and her place knows
her no more. Vanish, false Sorceress; into Space! Needless to hover at neighbouring Ruel; for thy day is done.
Shut are the royal palace−gates for evermore; hardly in coming years shalt thou, under cloud of night, descend
once, in black domino, like a black night−bird, and disturb the fair Antoinette's music−party in the Park: all Birds
of Paradise flying from thee, and musical windpipes growing mute. (Campan, i. 197.) Thou unclean, yet
unmalignant, not unpitiable thing! What a course was thine: from that first trucklebed (in Joan of Arc's country)
where thy mother bore thee, with tears, to an unnamed father: forward, through lowest subterranean depths, and
over highest sunlit heights, of Harlotdom and Rascaldom−−to the guillotine−axe, which shears away thy vainly
whimpering head! Rest there uncursed; only buried and abolished: what else befitted thee?
Louis, meanwhile, is in considerable impatience for his sacraments; sends more than once to the window, to see
whether they are not coming. Be of comfort, Louis, what comfort thou canst: they are under way, those
sacraments. Towards six in the morning, they arrive. Cardinal Grand− Almoner Roche−Aymon is here, in
pontificals, with his pyxes and his tools; he approaches the royal pillow; elevates his wafer; mutters or seems to
mutter somewhat;−−and so (as the Abbe Georgel, in words that stick to one, expresses it) has Louis 'made the
amende honorable to God;' so does your Jesuit construe it.−−"Wa, Wa," as the wild Clotaire groaned out, when
life was departing, "what great God is this that pulls down the strength of the strongest kings!" (Gregorius
Turonensis, Histor. lib. iv. cap. 21.)
The amende honorable, what 'legal apology' you will, to God:−−but not, if D'Aiguillon can help it, to man.
Dubarry still hovers in his mansion at Ruel; and while there is life, there is hope. Grand−Almoner Roche−Aymon,
accordingly (for he seems to be in the secret), has no sooner seen his pyxes and gear repacked, then he is stepping
majestically forth again, as if the work were done! But King's Confessor Abbe Moudon starts forward; with
anxious acidulent face, twitches him by the sleeve; whispers in his ear. Whereupon the poor Cardinal must turn
round; and declare audibly; "That his Majesty repents of any subjects of scandal he may have given (a pu donner);
and purposes, by the strength of Heaven assisting him, to avoid the like−−for the future!" Words listened to by
Richelieu with mastiff− face, growing blacker; answered to, aloud, 'with an epithet,'−−which Besenval will not
repeat. Old Richelieu, conqueror of Minorca, companion of Flying−Table orgies, perforator of bedroom walls,
(Besenval, i. 159−172. Genlis; Duc de Levis, is thy day also done?
Alas, the Chapel organs may keep going; the Shrine of Sainte Genevieve be let down, and pulled up
again,−−without effect. In the evening the whole Court, with Dauphin and Dauphiness, assist at the Chapel:
priests are hoarse with chanting their 'Prayers of Forty Hours;' and the heaving bellows blow. Almost frightful!
For the very heaven blackens; battering rain−torrents dash, with thunder; almost drowning the organ's voice: and
electric fire−flashes make the very flambeaux on the altar pale. So that the most, as we are told, retired, when it
was over, with hurried steps, 'in a state of meditation (recueillement),' and said little or nothing. (Weber,
Memoires concernant Marie−Antoinette (London, 1809), i. 22.)
So it has lasted for the better half of a fortnight; the Dubarry gone almost a week. Besenval says, all the world was
getting impatient que cela finit; that poor Louis would have done with it. It is now the 10th of May 1774. He will
soon have done now.
This tenth May day falls into the loathsome sick−bed; but dull, unnoticed there: for they that look out of the
windows are quite darkened; the cistern−wheel moves discordant on its axis; Life, like a spent steed, is panting
towards the goal. In their remote apartments, Dauphin and Dauphiness stand road−ready; all grooms and equerries
booted and spurred: waiting for some signal to escape the house of pestilence. (One grudges to interfere with the
beautiful theatrical 'candle,' which Madame Campan (i. 79) has lit on this occasion, and blown out at the moment
of death. What candles might be lit or blown out, in so large an Establishment as that of Versailles, no man at
The French Revolution
10
The French Revolution
such distance would like to affirm: at the same time, as it was two o'clock in a May Afternoon, and these royal
Stables must have been some five or six hundred yards from the royal sick−room, the 'candle' does threaten to go
out in spite of us. It remains burning indeed−−in her fantasy; throwing light on much in those Memoires of hers.)
And, hark! across the Oeil−de−Boeuf, what sound is that; sound 'terrible and absolutely like thunder'? It is the
rush of the whole Court, rushing as in wager, to salute the new Sovereigns: Hail to your Majesties! The Dauphin
and Dauphiness are King and Queen! Over−powered with many emotions, they two fall on their knees together,
and, with streaming tears, exclaim, "O God, guide us, protect us; we are too young to reign!"−−Too young indeed.
Thus, in any case, 'with a sound absolutely like thunder,' has the Horologe of Time struck, and an old Era passed
away. The Louis that was, lies forsaken, a mass of abhorred clay; abandoned 'to some poor persons, and priests of
the Chapelle Ardente,'−−who make haste to put him 'in two lead coffins, pouring in abundant spirits of wine.' The
new Louis with his Court is rolling towards Choisy, through the summer afternoon: the royal tears still flow; but a
word mispronounced by Monseigneur d'Artois sets them all laughing, and they weep no more. Light mortals, how
ye walk your light life−minuet, over bottomless abysses, divided from you by a film!
For the rest, the proper authorities felt that no Funeral could be too unceremonious. Besenval himself thinks it was
unceremonious enough. Two carriages containing two noblemen of the usher species, and a Versailles clerical
person; some score of mounted pages, some fifty palfreniers; these, with torches, but not so much as in black, start
from Versailles on the second evening with their leaden bier. At a high trot they start; and keep up that pace. For
the jibes (brocards) of those Parisians, who stand planted in two rows, all the way to St. Denis, and 'give vent to
their pleasantry, the characteristic of the nation,' do not tempt one to slacken. Towards midnight the vaults of St.
Denis receive their own; unwept by any eye of all these; if not by poor Loque his neglected Daughter's, whose
Nunnery is hard by.
Him they crush down, and huddle under−ground, in this impatient way; him and his era of sin and tyranny and
shame; for behold a New Era is come; the future all the brighter that the past was base.
BOOK 1.II. THE PAPER AGE
Chapter 1.2.I. Astraea Redux.
A paradoxical philosopher, carrying to the uttermost length that aphorism of Montesquieu's, 'Happy the people
whose annals are tiresome,' has said, 'Happy the people whose annals are vacant.' In which saying, mad as it
looks, may there not still be found some grain of reason? For truly, as it has been written, 'Silence is divine,' and
of Heaven; so in all earthly things too there is a silence which is better than any speech. Consider it well, the
Event, the thing which can be spoken of and recorded, is it not, in all cases, some disruption, some solution of
continuity? Were it even a glad Event, it involves change, involves loss (of active Force); and so far, either in the
past or in the present, is an irregularity, a disease. Stillest perseverance were our blessedness; not dislocation and
alteration,−−could they be avoided.
The oak grows silently, in the forest, a thousand years; only in the thousandth year, when the woodman arrives
with his axe, is there heard an echoing through the solitudes; and the oak announces itself when, with a
far−sounding crash, it falls. How silent too was the planting of the acorn; scattered from the lap of some
wandering wind! Nay, when our oak flowered, or put on its leaves (its glad Events), what shout of proclamation
could there be? Hardly from the most observant a word of recognition. These things befell not, they were slowly
done; not in an hour, but through the flight of days: what was to be said of it? This hour seemed altogether as the
last was, as the next would be.
It is thus everywhere that foolish Rumour babbles not of what was done, but of what was misdone or undone; and
foolish History (ever, more or less, the written epitomised synopsis of Rumour) knows so little that were not as
well unknown. Attila Invasions, Walter−the−Penniless Crusades, Sicilian Vespers, Thirty−Years Wars: mere sin
The French Revolution
11
The French Revolution
and misery; not work, but hindrance of work! For the Earth, all this while, was yearly green and yellow with her
kind harvests; the hand of the craftsman, the mind of the thinker rested not: and so, after all, and in spite of all, we
have this so glorious high−domed blossoming World; concerning which, poor History may well ask, with wonder,
Whence it came? She knows so little of it, knows so much of what obstructed it, what would have rendered it
impossible. Such, nevertheless, by necessity or foolish choice, is her rule and practice; whereby that paradox,
'Happy the people whose annals are vacant,' is not without its true side.
And yet, what seems more pertinent to note here, there is a stillness, not of unobstructed growth, but of passive
inertness, and symptom of imminent downfall. As victory is silent, so is defeat. Of the opposing forces the weaker
has resigned itself; the stronger marches on, noiseless now, but rapid, inevitable: the fall and overturn will not be
noiseless. How all grows, and has its period, even as the herbs of the fields, be it annual, centennial, millennial!
All grows and dies, each by its own wondrous laws, in wondrous fashion of its own; spiritual things most
wondrously of all. Inscrutable, to the wisest, are these latter; not to be prophesied of, or understood. If when the
oak stands proudliest flourishing to the eye, you know that its heart is sound, it is not so with the man; how much
less with the Society, with the Nation of men! Of such it may be affirmed even that the superficial aspect, that the
inward feeling of full health, is generally ominous. For indeed it is of apoplexy, so to speak, and a plethoric lazy
habit of body, that Churches, Kingships, Social Institutions, oftenest die. Sad, when such Institution plethorically
says to itself, Take thy ease, thou hast goods laid up;−−like the fool of the Gospel, to whom it was answered,
Fool, this night thy life shall be required of thee!
Is it the healthy peace, or the ominous unhealthy, that rests on France, for these next Ten Years? Over which the
Historian can pass lightly, without call to linger: for as yet events are not, much less performances. Time of
sunniest stillness;−−shall we call it, what all men thought it, the new Age of God? Call it at least, of Paper; which
in many ways is the succedaneum of Gold. Bank−paper, wherewith you can still buy when there is no gold left;
Book−paper, splendent with Theories, Philosophies, Sensibilities,−−beautiful art, not only of revealing Thought,
but also of so beautifully hiding from us the want of Thought! Paper is made from the rags of things that did once
exist; there are endless excellences in Paper.−−What wisest Philosophe, in this halcyon uneventful period, could
prophesy that there was approaching, big with darkness and confusion, the event of events? Hope ushers in a
Revolution,−−as earthquakes are preceded by bright weather. On the Fifth of May, fifteen years hence, old Louis
will not be sending for the Sacraments; but a new Louis, his grandson, with the whole pomp of astonished
intoxicated France, will be opening the States−General.
Dubarrydom and its D'Aiguillons are gone forever. There is a young, still docile, well−intentioned King; a young,
beautiful and bountiful, well− intentioned Queen; and with them all France, as it were, become young. Maupeou
and his Parlement have to vanish into thick night; respectable Magistrates, not indifferent to the Nation, were it
only for having been opponents of the Court, can descend unchained from their 'steep rocks at Croe in
Combrailles' and elsewhere, and return singing praises: the old Parlement of Paris resumes its functions. Instead
of a profligate bankrupt Abbe Terray, we have now, for Controller−General, a virtuous philosophic Turgot, with a
whole Reformed France in his head. By whom whatsoever is wrong, in Finance or otherwise, will be righted,−−as
far as possible. Is it not as if Wisdom herself were henceforth to have seat and voice in the Council of Kings?
Turgot has taken office with the noblest plainness of speech to that effect; been listened to with the noblest royal
trustfulness. (Turgot's Letter: Condorcet, Vie de Turgot (Oeuvres de Condorcet, t. v.), p. 67. The date is 24th
August, 1774.) It is true, as King Louis objects, "They say he never goes to mass;" but liberal France likes him
little worse for that; liberal France answers, "The Abbe Terray always went." Philosophism sees, for the first time,
a Philosophe (or even a Philosopher) in office: she in all things will applausively second him; neither will light
old Maurepas obstruct, if he can easily help it.
Then how 'sweet' are the manners; vice 'losing all its deformity;' becoming decent (as established things, making
regulations for themselves, do); becoming almost a kind of 'sweet' virtue! Intelligence so abounds; irradiated by
wit and the art of conversation. Philosophism sits joyful in her glittering saloons, the dinner−guest of Opulence
grown ingenuous, the very nobles proud to sit by her; and preaches, lifted up over all Bastilles, a coming
The French Revolution
12
The French Revolution
millennium. From far Ferney, Patriarch Voltaire gives sign: veterans Diderot, D'Alembert have lived to see this
day; these with their younger Marmontels, Morellets, Chamforts, Raynals, make glad the spicy board of rich
ministering Dowager, of philosophic Farmer−General. O nights and suppers of the gods! Of a truth, the
long−demonstrated will now be done: 'the Age of Revolutions approaches' (as Jean Jacques wrote), but then of
happy blessed ones. Man awakens from his long somnambulism; chases the Phantasms that beleagured and
bewitched him. Behold the new morning glittering down the eastern steeps; fly, false Phantasms, from its shafts
of light; let the Absurd fly utterly forsaking this lower Earth for ever. It is Truth and Astraea Redux that (in the
shape of Philosophism) henceforth reign. For what imaginable purpose was man made, if not to be 'happy'? By
victorious Analysis, and Progress of the Species, happiness enough now awaits him. Kings can become
philosophers; or else philosophers Kings. Let but Society be once rightly constituted,−−by victorious Analysis.
The stomach that is empty shall be filled; the throat that is dry shall be wetted with wine. Labour itself shall be all
one as rest; not grievous, but joyous. Wheatfields, one would think, cannot come to grow untilled; no man made
clayey, or made weary thereby;−−unless indeed machinery will do it? Gratuitous Tailors and Restaurateurs may
start up, at fit intervals, one as yet sees not how. But if each will, according to rule of Benevolence, have a care
for all, then surely−−no one will be uncared for. Nay, who knows but, by sufficiently victorious Analysis, 'human
life may be indefinitely lengthened,' and men get rid of Death, as they have already done of the Devil? We shall
then be happy in spite of Death and the Devil.−−So preaches magniloquent Philosophism her Redeunt Saturnia
regna.
The prophetic song of Paris and its Philosophes is audible enough in the Versailles Oeil−de−Boeuf; and the
Oeil−de−Boeuf, intent chiefly on nearer blessedness, can answer, at worst, with a polite "Why not?" Good old
cheery Maurepas is too joyful a Prime Minister to dash the world's joy. Sufficient for the day be its own evil.
Cheery old man, he cuts his jokes, and hovers careless along; his cloak well adjusted to the wind, if so be he may
please all persons. The simple young King, whom a Maurepas cannot think of troubling with business, has retired
into the interior apartments; taciturn, irresolute; though with a sharpness of temper at times: he, at length,
determines on a little smithwork; and so, in apprenticeship with a Sieur Gamain (whom one day he shall have
little cause to bless), is learning to make locks. (Campan, i. 125.) It appears further, he understood Geography;
and could read English. Unhappy young King, his childlike trust in that foolish old Maurepas deserved another
return. But friend and foe, destiny and himself have combined to do him hurt.
Meanwhile the fair young Queen, in her halls of state, walks like a goddess of Beauty, the cynosure of all eyes; as
yet mingles not with affairs; heeds not the future; least of all, dreads it. Weber and Campan (Ib. i. 100−151.
Weber, i. 11−50.) have pictured her, there within the royal tapestries, in bright boudoirs, baths, peignoirs, and the
Grand and Little Toilette; with a whole brilliant world waiting obsequious on her glance: fair young daughter of
Time, what things has Time in store for thee! Like Earth's brightest Appearance, she moves gracefully, environed
with the grandeur of Earth: a reality, and yet a magic vision; for, behold, shall not utter Darkness swallow it! The
soft young heart adopts orphans, portions meritorious maids, delights to succour the poor,−−such poor as come
picturesquely in her way; and sets the fashion of doing it; for as was said, Benevolence has now begun reigning.
In her Duchess de Polignac, in Princess de Lamballe, she enjoys something almost like friendship; now too, after
seven long years, she has a child, and soon even a Dauphin, of her own; can reckon herself, as Queens go, happy
in a husband.
Events? The Grand events are but charitable Feasts of Morals (Fetes des moeurs), with their Prizes and Speeches;
Poissarde Processions to the Dauphin's cradle; above all, Flirtations, their rise, progress, decline and fall. There
are Snow−statues raised by the poor in hard winter to a Queen who has given them fuel. There are masquerades,
theatricals; beautifyings of little Trianon, purchase and repair of St. Cloud; journeyings from the summer
Court−Elysium to the winter one. There are poutings and grudgings from the Sardinian Sisters−in−law (for the
Princes too are wedded); little jealousies, which Court−Etiquette can moderate. Wholly the lightest− hearted
frivolous foam of Existence; yet an artfully refined foam; pleasant were it not so costly, like that which mantles
on the wine of Champagne!
The French Revolution
13
The French Revolution
Monsieur, the King's elder Brother, has set up for a kind of wit; and leans towards the Philosophe side.
Monseigneur d'Artois pulls the mask from a fair impertinent; fights a duel in consequence,−−almost drawing
blood. (Besenval, ii. 282−330.) He has breeches of a kind new in this world;−−a fabulous kind; 'four tall lackeys,'
says Mercier, as if he had seen it, 'hold him up in the air, that he may fall into the garment without vestige of
wrinkle; from which rigorous encasement the same four, in the same way, and with more effort, must deliver him
at night.' (Mercier, Nouveau Paris, iii. 147.) This last is he who now, as a gray time−worn man, sits desolate at
Gratz; (A.D. 1834.) having winded up his destiny with the Three Days. In such sort are poor mortals swept and
shovelled to and fro.
Chapter 1.2.II. Petition in Hieroglyphs.
With the working people, again it is not so well. Unlucky! For there are twenty to twenty−five millions of them.
Whom, however, we lump together into a kind of dim compendious unity, monstrous but dim, far off, as the
canaille; or, more humanely, as 'the masses.' Masses, indeed: and yet, singular to say, if, with an effort of
imagination, thou follow them, over broad France, into their clay hovels, into their garrets and hutches, the masses
consist all of units. Every unit of whom has his own heart and sorrows; stands covered there with his own skin,
and if you prick him he will bleed. O purple Sovereignty, Holiness, Reverence; thou, for example, Cardinal
Grand−Almoner, with thy plush covering of honour, who hast thy hands strengthened with dignities and moneys,
and art set on thy world watch−tower solemnly, in sight of God, for such ends,−−what a thought: that every unit
of these masses is a miraculous Man, even as thyself art; struggling, with vision, or with blindness, for his infinite
Kingdom (this life which he has got, once only, in the middle of Eternities); with a spark of the Divinity, what
thou callest an immortal soul, in him!
Dreary, languid do these struggle in their obscure remoteness; their hearth cheerless, their diet thin. For them, in
this world, rises no Era of Hope; hardly now in the other,−−if it be not hope in the gloomy rest of Death, for their
faith too is failing. Untaught, uncomforted, unfed! A dumb generation; their voice only an inarticulate cry:
spokesman, in the King's Council, in the world's forum, they have none that finds credence. At rare intervals (as
now, in 1775), they will fling down their hoes and hammers; and, to the astonishment of thinking mankind,
(Lacretelle, France pendant le 18me Siecle, ii. 455. Biographie Universelle, para Turgot (by Durozoir).) flock
hither and thither, dangerous, aimless; get the length even of Versailles. Turgot is altering the Corn−trade,
abrogating the absurdest Corn−laws; there is dearth, real, or were it even 'factitious;' an indubitable scarcity of
bread. And so, on the second day of May 1775, these waste multitudes do here, at Versailles Chateau, in
wide−spread wretchedness, in sallow faces, squalor, winged raggedness, present, as in legible hieroglyphic
writing, their Petition of Grievances. The Chateau gates have to be shut; but the King will appear on the balcony,
and speak to them. They have seen the King's face; their Petition of Grievances has been, if not read, looked at.
For answer, two of them are hanged, 'on a new gallows forty feet high;' and the rest driven back to their
dens,−−for a time.
Clearly a difficult 'point' for Government, that of dealing with these masses;−−if indeed it be not rather the sole
point and problem of Government, and all other points mere accidental crotchets, superficialities, and beatings of
the wind! For let Charter−Chests, Use and Wont, Law common and special say what they will, the masses count
to so many millions of units; made, to all appearance, by God,−−whose Earth this is declared to be. Besides, the
people are not without ferocity; they have sinews and indignation. Do but look what holiday old Marquis
Mirabeau, the crabbed old friend of Men, looked on, in these same years, from his lodging, at the Baths of Mont
d'Or: 'The savages descending in torrents from the mountains; our people ordered not to go out. The Curate in
surplice and stole; Justice in its peruke; Marechausee sabre in hand, guarding the place, till the bagpipes can
begin. The dance interrupted, in a quarter of an hour, by battle; the cries, the squealings of children, of infirm
persons, and other assistants, tarring them on, as the rabble does when dogs fight: frightful men, or rather frightful
wild animals, clad in jupes of coarse woollen, with large girdles of leather studded with copper nails; of gigantic
stature, heightened by high wooden−clogs (sabots); rising on tiptoe to see the fight; tramping time to it; rubbing
their sides with their elbows: their faces haggard (figures haves), and covered with their long greasy hair; the
The French Revolution
14
The French Revolution
upper part of the visage waxing pale, the lower distorting itself into the attempt at a cruel laugh and a sort of
ferocious impatience. And these people pay the taille! And you want further to take their salt from them! And you
know not what it is you are stripping barer, or as you call it, governing; what by the spurt of your pen, in its cold
dastard indifference, you will fancy you can starve always with impunity; always till the catastrophe come!−−Ah
Madame, such Government by Blindman's−buff, stumbling along too far, will end in the General Overturn
(culbute generale). (Memoires de Mirabeau, ecrits par Lui−meme, par son Pere, son Oncle et son Fils Adoptif
(Paris, 34−5), ii.186.)
Undoubtedly a dark feature this in an Age of Gold,−−Age, at least, of Paper and Hope! Meanwhile, trouble us not
with thy prophecies, O croaking Friend of Men: 'tis long that we have heard such; and still the old world keeps
wagging, in its old way.
Chapter 1.2.III. Questionable.
Or is this same Age of Hope itself but a simulacrum; as Hope too often is? Cloud−vapour with rainbows painted
on it, beautiful to see, to sail towards,−−which hovers over Niagara Falls? In that case, victorious Analysis will
have enough to do.
Alas, yes! a whole world to remake, if she could see it; work for another than she! For all is wrong, and gone out
of joint; the inward spiritual, and the outward economical; head or heart, there is no soundness in it. As indeed,
evils of all sorts are more or less of kin, and do usually go together: especially it is an old truth, that wherever
huge physical evil is, there, as the parent and origin of it, has moral evil to a proportionate extent been. Before
those five−and−twenty labouring Millions, for instance, could get that haggardness of face, which old Mirabeau
now looks on, in a Nation calling itself Christian, and calling man the brother of man,−−what unspeakable, nigh
infinite Dishonesty (of seeming and not being) in all manner of Rulers, and appointed Watchers, spiritual and
temporal, must there not, through long ages, have gone on accumulating! It will accumulate: moreover, it will
reach a head; for the first of all Gospels is this, that a Lie cannot endure for ever.
In fact, if we pierce through that rosepink vapour of Sentimentalism, Philanthropy, and Feasts of Morals, there
lies behind it one of the sorriest spectacles. You might ask, What bonds that ever held a human society happily
together, or held it together at all, are in force here? It is an unbelieving people; which has suppositions,
hypotheses, and froth− systems of victorious Analysis; and for belief this mainly, that Pleasure is pleasant.
Hunger they have for all sweet things; and the law of Hunger; but what other law? Within them, or over them,
properly none!
Their King has become a King Popinjay; with his Maurepas Government, gyrating as the weather−cock does,
blown about by every wind. Above them they see no God; or they even do not look above, except with
astronomical glasses. The Church indeed still is; but in the most submissive state; quite tamed by Philosophism;
in a singularly short time; for the hour was come. Some twenty years ago, your Archbishop Beaumont would not
even let the poor Jansenists get buried: your Lomenie Brienne (a rising man, whom we shall meet with yet) could,
in the name of the Clergy, insist on having the Anti−protestant laws, which condemn to death for preaching, 'put
in execution.' (Boissy d'Anglas, Vie de Malesherbes, i. 15−22.) And, alas, now not so much as Baron Holbach's
Atheism can be burnt,−−except as pipe− matches by the private speculative individual. Our Church stands
haltered, dumb, like a dumb ox; lowing only for provender (of tithes); content if it can have that; or, dumbly,
dully expecting its further doom. And the Twenty Millions of 'haggard faces;' and, as finger−post and guidance to
them in their dark struggle, 'a gallows forty feet high'! Certainly a singular Golden Age; with its Feasts of Morals,
its 'sweet manners,' its sweet institutions (institutions douces); betokening nothing but peace among
men!−−Peace? O Philosophe−Sentimentalism, what hast thou to do with peace, when thy mother's name is
Jezebel? Foul Product of still fouler Corruption, thou with the corruption art doomed!
The French Revolution
15
The French Revolution
Meanwhile it is singular how long the rotten will hold together, provided you do not handle it roughly. For whole
generations it continues standing, 'with a ghastly affectation of life,' after all life and truth has fled out of it; so
loth are men to quit their old ways; and, conquering indolence and inertia, venture on new. Great truly is the
Actual; is the Thing that has rescued itself from bottomless deeps of theory and possibility, and stands there as a
definite indisputable Fact, whereby men do work and live, or once did so. Widely shall men cleave to that, while
it will endure; and quit it with regret, when it gives way under them. Rash enthusiast of Change, beware! Hast
thou well considered all that Habit does in this life of ours; how all Knowledge and all Practice hang wondrous
over infinite abysses of the Unknown, Impracticable; and our whole being is an infinite abyss, over−arched by
Habit, as by a thin Earth−rind, laboriously built together?
But if 'every man,' as it has been written, 'holds confined within him a mad−man,' what must every Society
do;−−Society, which in its commonest state is called 'the standing miracle of this world'! 'Without such Earth−
rind of Habit,' continues our author, 'call it System of Habits, in a word, fixed ways of acting and of
believing,−−Society would not exist at all. With such it exists, better or worse. Herein too, in this its System of
Habits, acquired, retained how you will, lies the true Law−Code and Constitution of a Society; the only Code,
though an unwritten one which it can in nowise disobey. The thing we call written Code, Constitution, Form of
Government, and the like, what is it but some miniature image, and solemnly expressed summary of this
unwritten Code? Is,−−or rather alas, is not; but only should be, and always tends to be! In which latter
discrepancy lies struggle without end.' And now, we add in the same dialect, let but, by ill chance, in such
ever−enduring struggle,−−your 'thin Earth−rind' be once broken! The fountains of the great deep boil forth;
fire−fountains, enveloping, engulfing. Your 'Earth−rind' is shattered, swallowed up; instead of a green flowery
world, there is a waste wild−weltering chaos:−−which has again, with tumult and struggle, to make itself into a
world.
On the other hand, be this conceded: Where thou findest a Lie that is oppressing thee, extinguish it. Lies exist
there only to be extinguished; they wait and cry earnestly for extinction. Think well, meanwhile, in what spirit
thou wilt do it: not with hatred, with headlong selfish violence; but in clearness of heart, with holy zeal, gently,
almost with pity. Thou wouldst not replace such extinct Lie by a new Lie, which a new Injustice of thy own were;
the parent of still other Lies? Whereby the latter end of that business were worse than the beginning.
So, however, in this world of ours, which has both an indestructible hope in the Future, and an indestructible
tendency to persevere as in the Past, must Innovation and Conservation wage their perpetual conflict, as they may
and can. Wherein the 'daemonic element,' that lurks in all human things, may doubtless, some once in the
thousand years−−get vent! But indeed may we not regret that such conflict,−−which, after all, is but like that
classical one of 'hate−filled Amazons with heroic Youths,' and will end in embraces,−−should usually be so
spasmodic? For Conservation, strengthened by that mightiest quality in us, our indolence, sits for long ages, not
victorious only, which she should be; but tyrannical, incommunicative. She holds her adversary as if annihilated;
such adversary lying, all the while, like some buried Enceladus; who, to gain the smallest freedom, must stir a
whole Trinacria with it Aetnas.
Wherefore, on the whole, we will honour a Paper Age too; an Era of hope! For in this same frightful process of
Enceladus Revolt; when the task, on which no mortal would willingly enter, has become imperative, inevitable,−−
is it not even a kindness of Nature that she lures us forward by cheerful promises, fallacious or not; and a whole
generation plunges into the Erebus Blackness, lighted on by an Era of Hope? It has been well said: 'Man is based
on Hope; he has properly no other possession but Hope; this habitation of his is named the Place of Hope.'
Chapter 1.2.IV. Maurepas.
But now, among French hopes, is not that of old M. de Maurepas one of the best−grounded; who hopes that he, by
dexterity, shall contrive to continue Minister? Nimble old man, who for all emergencies has his light jest; and
ever in the worst confusion will emerge, cork−like, unsunk! Small care to him is Perfectibility, Progress of the
The French Revolution
16
The French Revolution
Species, and Astraea Redux: good only, that a man of light wit, verging towards fourscore, can in the seat of
authority feel himself important among men. Shall we call him, as haughty Chateauroux was wont of old, 'M.
Faquinet (Diminutive of Scoundrel)'? In courtier dialect, he is now named 'the Nestor of France;' such governing
Nestor as France has.
At bottom, nevertheless, it might puzzle one to say where the Government of France, in these days, specially is. In
that Chateau of Versailles, we have Nestor, King, Queen, ministers and clerks, with paper−bundles tied in tape:
but the Government? For Government is a thing that governs, that guides; and if need be, compels. Visible in
France there is not such a thing. Invisible, inorganic, on the other hand, there is: in Philosophe saloons, in
Oeil−de−Boeuf galleries; in the tongue of the babbler, in the pen of the pamphleteer. Her Majesty appearing at the
Opera is applauded; she returns all radiant with joy. Anon the applauses wax fainter, or threaten to cease; she is
heavy of heart, the light of her face has fled. Is Sovereignty some poor Montgolfier; which, blown into by the
popular wind, grows great and mounts; or sinks flaccid, if the wind be withdrawn? France was long a 'Despotism
tempered by Epigrams;' and now, it would seem, the Epigrams have get the upper hand.
Happy were a young 'Louis the Desired' to make France happy; if it did not prove too troublesome, and he only
knew the way. But there is endless discrepancy round him; so many claims and clamours; a mere confusion of
tongues. Not reconcilable by man; not manageable, suppressible, save by some strongest and wisest men;−−which
only a lightly−jesting lightly− gyrating M. de Maurepas can so much as subsist amidst. Philosophism claims her
new Era, meaning thereby innumerable things. And claims it in no faint voice; for France at large, hitherto mute,
is now beginning to speak also; and speaks in that same sense. A huge, many−toned sound; distant, yet not
unimpressive. On the other hand, the Oeil−de−Boeuf, which, as nearest, one can hear best, claims with shrill
vehemence that the Monarchy be as heretofore a Horn of Plenty; wherefrom loyal courtiers may draw,−−to the
just support of the throne. Let Liberalism and a New Era, if such is the wish, be introduced; only no curtailment of
the royal moneys? Which latter condition, alas, is precisely the impossible one.
Philosophism, as we saw, has got her Turgot made Controller−General; and there shall be endless reformation.
Unhappily this Turgot could continue only twenty months. With a miraculous Fortunatus' Purse in his Treasury, it
might have lasted longer; with such Purse indeed, every French Controller−General, that would prosper in these
days, ought first to provide himself. But here again may we not remark the bounty of Nature in regard to Hope?
Man after man advances confident to the Augean Stable, as if he could clean it; expends his little fraction of an
ability on it, with such cheerfulness; does, in so far as he was honest, accomplish something. Turgot has faculties;
honesty, insight, heroic volition; but the Fortunatus' Purse he has not. Sanguine Controller−General! a whole
pacific French Revolution may stand schemed in the head of the thinker; but who shall pay the unspeakable
'indemnities' that will be needed? Alas, far from that: on the very threshold of the business, he proposes that the
Clergy, the Noblesse, the very Parlements be subjected to taxes! One shriek of indignation and astonishment
reverberates through all the Chateau galleries; M. de Maurepas has to gyrate: the poor King, who had written few
weeks ago, 'Il n'y a que vous et moi qui aimions le peuple (There is none but you and I that has the people's
interest at heart),' must write now a dismissal; (In May, 1776.) and let the French Revolution accomplish itself,
pacifically or not, as it can.
Hope, then, is deferred? Deferred; not destroyed, or abated. Is not this, for example, our Patriarch Voltaire, after
long years of absence, revisiting Paris? With face shrivelled to nothing; with 'huge peruke a la Louis Quatorze,
which leaves only two eyes "visible" glittering like carbuncles,' the old man is here. (February, 1778.) What an
outburst! Sneering Paris has suddenly grown reverent; devotional with Hero−worship. Nobles have disguised
themselves as tavern−waiters to obtain sight of him: the loveliest of France would lay their hair beneath his feet.
'His chariot is the nucleus of a comet; whose train fills whole streets:' they crown him in the theatre, with
immortal vivats; 'finally stifle him under roses,'−−for old Richelieu recommended opium in such state of the
nerves, and the excessive Patriarch took too much. Her Majesty herself had some thought of sending for him; but
was dissuaded. Let Majesty consider it, nevertheless. The purport of this man's existence has been to wither up
and annihilate all whereon Majesty and Worship for the present rests: and is it so that the world recognises him?
The French Revolution
17
The French Revolution
With Apotheosis; as its Prophet and Speaker, who has spoken wisely the thing it longed to say? Add only, that the
body of this same rose−stifled, beatified−Patriarch cannot get buried except by stealth. It is wholly a notable
business; and France, without doubt, is big (what the Germans call 'Of good Hope'): we shall wish her a happy
birth−hour, and blessed fruit.
Beaumarchais too has now winded−up his Law−Pleadings (Memoires); (1773−6. See Oeuvres de Beaumarchais;
where they, and the history of them, are given.) not without result, to himself and to the world. Caron
Beaumarchais (or de Beaumarchais, for he got ennobled) had been born poor, but aspiring, esurient; with talents,
audacity, adroitness; above all, with the talent for intrigue: a lean, but also a tough, indomitable man. Fortune and
dexterity brought him to the harpsichord of Mesdames, our good Princesses Loque, Graille and Sisterhood. Still
better, Paris Duvernier, the Court−Banker, honoured him with some confidence; to the length even of transactions
in cash. Which confidence, however, Duvernier's Heir, a person of quality, would not continue. Quite otherwise;
there springs a Lawsuit from it: wherein tough Beaumarchais, losing both money and repute, is, in the opinion of
Judge−Reporter Goezman, of the Parlement Maupeou, of a whole indifferent acquiescing world, miserably
beaten. In all men's opinions, only not in his own! Inspired by the indignation, which makes, if not verses,
satirical law−papers, the withered Music−master, with a desperate heroism, takes up his lost cause in spite of the
world; fights for it, against Reporters, Parlements and Principalities, with light banter, with clear logic; adroitly,
with an inexhaustible toughness and resource, like the skilfullest fencer; on whom, so skilful is he, the whole
world now looks. Three long years it lasts; with wavering fortune. In fine, after labours comparable to the Twelve
of Hercules, our unconquerable Caron triumphs; regains his Lawsuit and Lawsuits; strips Reporter Goezman of
the judicial ermine; covering him with a perpetual garment of obloquy instead:−−and in regard to the Parlement
Maupeou (which he has helped to extinguish), to Parlements of all kinds, and to French Justice generally, gives
rise to endless reflections in the minds of men. Thus has Beaumarchais, like a lean French Hercules, ventured
down, driven by destiny, into the Nether Kingdoms; and victoriously tamed hell−dogs there. He also is henceforth
among the notabilities of his generation.
Chapter 1.2.V. Astraea Redux without Cash.
Observe, however, beyond the Atlantic, has not the new day verily dawned! Democracy, as we said, is born;
storm−girt, is struggling for life and victory. A sympathetic France rejoices over the Rights of Man; in all saloons,
it is said, What a spectacle! Now too behold our Deane, our Franklin, American Plenipotentiaries, here in position
soliciting; (1777; Deane somewhat earlier: Franklin remained till 1785.) the sons of the Saxon Puritans, with their
Old−Saxon temper, Old−Hebrew culture, sleek Silas, sleek Benjamin, here on such errand, among the light
children of Heathenism, Monarchy, Sentimentalism, and the Scarlet−woman. A spectacle indeed; over which
saloons may cackle joyous; though Kaiser Joseph, questioned on it, gave this answer, most unexpected from a
Philosophe: "Madame, the trade I live by is that of royalist (Mon metier a moi c'est d'etre royaliste)."
So thinks light Maurepas too; but the wind of Philosophism and force of public opinion will blow him round. Best
wishes, meanwhile, are sent; clandestine privateers armed. Paul Jones shall equip his Bon Homme Richard:
weapons, military stores can be smuggled over (if the English do not seize them); wherein, once more
Beaumarchais, dimly as the Giant Smuggler becomes visible,−−filling his own lank pocket withal. But surely, in
any case, France should have a Navy. For which great object were not now the time: now when that proud
Termagant of the Seas has her hands full? It is true, an impoverished Treasury cannot build ships; but the hint
once given (which Beaumarchais says he gave), this and the other loyal Seaport, Chamber of Commerce, will
build and offer them. Goodly vessels bound into the waters; a Ville de Paris, Leviathan of ships.
And now when gratuitous three−deckers dance there at anchor, with streamers flying; and eleutheromaniac
Philosophedom grows ever more clamorous, what can a Maurepas do−−but gyrate? Squadrons cross the ocean:
Gages, Lees, rough Yankee Generals, 'with woollen night−caps under their hats,' present arms to the far−glancing
Chivalry of France; and new−born Democracy sees, not without amazement, 'Despotism tempered by Epigrams
fight at her side. So, however, it is. King's forces and heroic volunteers; Rochambeaus, Bouilles, Lameths,
The French Revolution
18
The French Revolution
Lafayettes, have drawn their swords in this sacred quarrel of mankind;−−shall draw them again elsewhere, in the
strangest way.
Off Ushant some naval thunder is heard. In the course of which did our young Prince, Duke de Chartres, 'hide in
the hold;' or did he materially, by active heroism, contribute to the victory? Alas, by a second edition, we learn
that there was no victory; or that English Keppel had it. (27th July, 1778.) Our poor young Prince gets his Opera
plaudits changed into mocking tehees; and cannot become Grand−Admiral,−−the source to him of woes which
one may call endless.
Woe also for Ville de Paris, the Leviathan of ships! English Rodney has clutched it, and led it home, with the rest;
so successful was his new 'manoeuvre of breaking the enemy's line.' (9th and 12th April, 1782.) It seems as if,
according to Louis XV., 'France were never to have a Navy.' Brave Suffren must return from Hyder Ally and the
Indian Waters; with small result; yet with great glory for 'six non−defeats;−−which indeed, with such seconding
as he had, one may reckon heroic. Let the old sea−hero rest now, honoured of France, in his native Cevennes
mountains; send smoke, not of gunpowder, but mere culinary smoke, through the old chimneys of the Castle of
Jales,−−which one day, in other hands, shall have other fame. Brave Laperouse shall by and by lift anchor, on
philanthropic Voyage of Discovery; for the King knows Geography. (August 1st, 1785.) But, alas, this also will
not prosper: the brave Navigator goes, and returns not; the Seekers search far seas for him in vain. He has
vanished trackless into blue Immensity; and only some mournful mysterious shadow of him hovers long in all
heads and hearts.
Neither, while the War yet lasts, will Gibraltar surrender. Not though Crillon, Nassau−Siegen, with the ablest
projectors extant, are there; and Prince Conde and Prince d'Artois have hastened to help. Wondrous leather−
roofed Floating−batteries, set afloat by French−Spanish Pacte de Famille, give gallant summons: to which,
nevertheless, Gibraltar answers Plutonically, with mere torrents of redhot iron,−−as if stone Calpe had become a
throat of the Pit; and utters such a Doom's−blast of a No, as all men must credit. (Annual Register (Dodsley's),
xxv. 258−267. September, October, 1782.)
And so, with this loud explosion, the noise of War has ceased; an Age of Benevolence may hope, for ever. Our
noble volunteers of Freedom have returned, to be her missionaries. Lafayette, as the matchless of his time, glitters
in the Versailles Oeil−de−Beouf; has his Bust set up in the Paris Hotel−de−Ville. Democracy stands
inexpugnable, immeasurable, in her New World; has even a foot lifted towards the Old;−−and our French
Finances, little strengthened by such work, are in no healthy way.
What to do with the Finance? This indeed is the great question: a small but most black weather−symptom, which
no radiance of universal hope can cover. We saw Turgot cast forth from the Controllership, with shrieks,−− for
want of a Fortunatus' Purse. As little could M. de Clugny manage the duty; or indeed do anything, but consume
his wages; attain 'a place in History,' where as an ineffectual shadow thou beholdest him still lingering;−−and let
the duty manage itself. Did Genevese Necker possess such a Purse, then? He possessed banker's skill, banker's
honesty; credit of all kinds, for he had written Academic Prize Essays, struggled for India Companies, given
dinners to Philosophes, and 'realised a fortune in twenty years.' He possessed, further, a taciturnity and solemnity;
of depth, or else of dulness. How singular for Celadon Gibbon, false swain as he had proved; whose father,
keeping most probably his own gig, 'would not hear of such a union,'−−to find now his forsaken Demoiselle
Curchod sitting in the high places of the world, as Minister's Madame, and 'Necker not jealous!' (Gibbon's Letters:
date, 16th June, 1777,
A new young Demoiselle, one day to be famed as a Madame and De Stael, was romping about the knees of the
Decline and Fall: the lady Necker founds Hospitals; gives solemn Philosophe dinner−parties, to cheer her
exhausted Controller−General. Strange things have happened: by clamour of Philosophism, management of
Marquis de Pezay, and Poverty constraining even Kings. And so Necker, Atlas−like, sustains the burden of the
Finances, for five years long? (Till May, 1781.) Without wages, for he refused such; cheered only by Public
The French Revolution
19
The French Revolution
Opinion, and the ministering of his noble Wife. With many thoughts in him, it is hoped;−−which, however, he is
shy of uttering. His Compte Rendu, published by the royal permission, fresh sign of a New Era, shows
wonders;−−which what but the genius of some Atlas− Necker can prevent from becoming portents? In Necker's
head too there is a whole pacific French Revolution, of its kind; and in that taciturn dull depth, or deep dulness,
ambition enough.
Meanwhile, alas, his Fotunatus' Purse turns out to be little other than the old 'vectigal of Parsimony.' Nay, he too
has to produce his scheme of taxing: Clergy, Noblesse to be taxed; Provincial Assemblies, and the rest,−−like a
mere Turgot! The expiring M. de Maurepas must gyrate one other time. Let Necker also depart; not unlamented.
Great in a private station, Necker looks on from the distance; abiding his time. 'Eighty thousand copies' of his new
Book, which he calls Administration des Finances, will be sold in few days. He is gone; but shall return, and that
more than once, borne by a whole shouting Nation. Singular Controller−General of the Finances; once Clerk in
Thelusson's Bank!
Chapter 1.2.VI. Windbags.
So marches the world, in this its Paper Age, or Era of Hope. Not without obstructions, war−explosions; which,
however, heard from such distance, are little other than a cheerful marching−music. If indeed that dark living
chaos of Ignorance and Hunger, five−and−twenty million strong, under your feet,−−were to begin playing!
For the present, however, consider Longchamp; now when Lent is ending, and the glory of Paris and France has
gone forth, as in annual wont. Not to assist at Tenebris Masses, but to sun itself and show itself, and salute the
Young Spring. (Mercier, Tableau de Paris, ii. 51. Louvet, Roman de Faublas, Manifold, bright−tinted, glittering
with gold; all through the Bois de Boulogne, in longdrawn variegated rows;−−like longdrawn living
flower−borders, tulips, dahlias, lilies of the valley; all in their moving flower−pots (of new−gilt carriages):
pleasure of the eye, and pride of life! So rolls and dances the Procession: steady, of firm assurance, as if it rolled
on adamant and the foundations of the world; not on mere heraldic parchment,−−under which smoulders a lake of
fire. Dance on, ye foolish ones; ye sought not wisdom, neither have ye found it. Ye and your fathers have sown
the wind, ye shall reap the whirlwind. Was it not, from of old, written: The wages of sin is death?
But at Longchamp, as elsewhere, we remark for one thing, that dame and cavalier are waited on each by a kind of
human familiar, named jokei. Little elf, or imp; though young, already withered; with its withered air of
premature vice, of knowingness, of completed elf−hood: useful in various emergencies. The name jokei (jockey)
comes from the English; as the thing also fancies that it does. Our Anglomania, in fact , is grown considerable;
prophetic of much. If France is to be free, why shall she not, now when mad war is hushed, love neighbouring
Freedom? Cultivated men, your Dukes de Liancourt, de la Rochefoucault admire the English Constitution, the
English National Character; would import what of it they can.
Of what is lighter, especially if it be light as wind, how much easier the freightage! Non−Admiral Duke de
Chartres (not yet d'Orleans or Egalite) flies to and fro across the Strait; importing English Fashions; this he, as
hand−and−glove with an English Prince of Wales, is surely qualified to do. Carriages and saddles; top−boots and
redingotes, as we call riding−coats. Nay the very mode of riding: for now no man on a level with his age but will
trot a l'Anglaise, rising in the stirrups; scornful of the old sitfast method, in which, according to Shakspeare,
'butter and eggs' go to market. Also, he can urge the fervid wheels, this brave Chartres of ours; no whip in Paris is
rasher and surer than the unprofessional one of Monseigneur.
Elf jokeis, we have seen; but see now real Yorkshire jockeys, and what they ride on, and train: English racers for
French Races. These likewise we owe first (under the Providence of the Devil) to Monseigneur. Prince d'Artois
also has his stud of racers. Prince d'Artois has withal the strangest horseleech: a moonstruck, much−enduring
individual, of Neuchatel in Switzerland,−−named Jean Paul Marat. A problematic Chevalier d'Eon, now in
The French Revolution
20
The French Revolution
petticoats, now in breeches, is no less problematic in London than in Paris; and causes bets and lawsuits. Beautiful
days of international communion! Swindlery and Blackguardism have stretched hands across the Channel, and
saluted mutually: on the racecourse of Vincennes or Sablons, behold in English curricle−and−four, wafted
glorious among the principalities and rascalities, an English Dr. Dodd, (Adelung, Geschichte der Menschlichen
Narrheit, para Dodd.)−−for whom also the too early gallows gapes.
Duke de Chartres was a young Prince of great promise, as young Princes often are; which promise unfortunately
has belied itself. With the huge Orleans Property, with Duke de Penthievre for Father−in−law (and now the young
Brother−in−law Lamballe killed by excesses),−−he will one day be the richest man in France. Meanwhile, 'his
hair is all falling out, his blood is quite spoiled,'−−by early transcendentalism of debauchery. Carbuncles stud his
face; dark studs on a ground of burnished copper. A most signal failure, this young Prince! The stuff prematurely
burnt out of him: little left but foul smoke and ashes of expiring sensualities: what might have been Thought,
Insight, and even Conduct, gone now, or fast going,−−to confused darkness, broken by bewildering dazzlements;
to obstreperous crotchets; to activities which you may call semi−delirious, or even semi− galvanic! Paris affects to
laugh at his charioteering; but he heeds not such laughter.
On the other hand, what a day, not of laughter, was that, when he threatened, for lucre's sake, to lay sacrilegious
hand on the Palais−Royal Garden! (1781−82. (Dulaure, viii. 423.)) The flower−parterres shall be riven up; the
Chestnut Avenues shall fall: time−honoured boscages, under which the Opera Hamadryads were wont to wander,
not inexorable to men. Paris moans aloud. Philidor, from his Cafe de la Regence, shall no longer look on
greenness; the loungers and losels of the world, where now shall they haunt? In vain is moaning. The axe glitters;
the sacred groves fall crashing,−−for indeed Monseigneur was short of money: the Opera Hamadryads fly with
shrieks. Shriek not, ye Opera Hamadryads; or not as those that have no comfort. He will surround your Garden
with new edifices and piazzas: though narrowed, it shall be replanted; dizened with hydraulic jets, cannon which
the sun fires at noon; things bodily, things spiritual, such as man has not imagined;−−and in the Palais−Royal
shall again, and more than ever, be the Sorcerer's Sabbath and Satan−at−Home of our Planet.
What will not mortals attempt? From remote Annonay in the Vivarais, the Brothers Montgolfier send up their
paper−dome, filled with the smoke of burnt wool. (5th June, 1783.) The Vivarais provincial assembly is to be
prorogued this same day: Vivarais Assembly−members applaud, and the shouts of congregated men. Will
victorious Analysis scale the very Heavens, then?
Paris hears with eager wonder; Paris shall ere long see. From Reveilion's Paper−warehouse there, in the Rue St.
Antoine (a noted Warehouse),−−the new Montgolfier air−ship launches itself. Ducks and poultry are borne
skyward: but now shall men be borne. (October and November, 1783.) Nay, Chemist Charles thinks of hydrogen
and glazed silk. Chemist Charles will himself ascend, from the Tuileries Garden; Montgolfier solemnly cutting
the cord. By Heaven, he also mounts, he and another? Ten times ten thousand hearts go palpitating; all tongues
are mute with wonder and fear; till a shout, like the voice of seas, rolls after him, on his wild way. He soars, he
dwindles upwards; has become a mere gleaming circlet,−−like some Turgotine snuff−box, what we call
'Turgotine Platitude;' like some new daylight Moon! Finally he descends; welcomed by the universe. Duchess
Polignac, with a party, is in the Bois de Boulogne, waiting; though it is drizzly winter; the 1st of December 1783.
The whole chivalry of France, Duke de Chartres foremost, gallops to receive him. (Lacretelle, 18me Siecle, iii.
258.)
Beautiful invention; mounting heavenward, so beautifully,−−so unguidably! Emblem of much, and of our Age of
Hope itself; which shall mount, specifically−light, majestically in this same manner; and hover,−−tumbling
whither Fate will. Well if it do not, Pilatre−like, explode; and demount all the more tragically!−−So, riding on
windbags, will men scale the Empyrean.
Or observe Herr Doctor Mesmer, in his spacious Magnetic Halls. Long−stoled he walks; reverend, glancing
upwards, as in rapt commerce; an Antique Egyptian Hierophant in this new age. Soft music flits; breaking fitfully
The French Revolution
21
The French Revolution
the sacred stillness. Round their Magnetic Mystery, which to the eye is mere tubs with water,−−sit breathless, rod
in hand, the circles of Beauty and Fashion, each circle a living circular Passion−Flower: expecting the magnetic
afflatus, and new−manufactured Heaven−on−Earth. O women, O men, great is your infidel−faith! A Parlementary
Duport, a Bergasse, D'Espremenil we notice there; Chemist Berthollet too,−−on the part of Monseigneur de
Chartres.
Had not the Academy of Sciences, with its Baillys, Franklins, Lavoisiers, interfered! But it did interfere.
(Lacretelle, 18me Siecle, iii.258.) Mesmer may pocket his hard money, and withdraw. Let him walk silent by the
shore of the Bodensee, by the ancient town of Constance; meditating on much. For so, under the strangest new
vesture, the old great truth (since no vesture can hide it) begins again to be revealed: That man is what we call a
miraculous creature, with miraculous power over men; and, on the whole, with such a Life in him, and such a
World round him, as victorious Analysis, with her Physiologies, Nervous−systems, Physic and Metaphysic, will
never completely name, to say nothing of explaining. Wherein also the Quack shall, in all ages, come in for his
share. (August, 1784.)
Chapter 1.2.VII. Contrat Social.
In such succession of singular prismatic tints, flush after flush suffusing our horizon, does the Era of Hope dawn
on towards fulfilment. Questionable! As indeed, with an Era of Hope that rests on mere universal Benevolence,
victorious Analysis, Vice cured of its deformity; and, in the long run, on Twenty−five dark savage Millions,
looking up, in hunger and weariness, to that Ecce−signum of theirs 'forty feet high,'−−how could it but be
questionable?
Through all time, if we read aright, sin was, is, will be, the parent of misery. This land calls itself most Christian,
and has crosses and cathedrals; but its High−priest is some Roche−Aymon, some Necklace−Cardinal Louis de
Rohan. The voice of the poor, through long years, ascends inarticulate, in Jacqueries, meal−mobs;
low−whimpering of infinite moan: unheeded of the Earth; not unheeded of Heaven. Always moreover where the
Millions are wretched, there are the Thousands straitened, unhappy; only the Units can flourish; or say rather, be
ruined the last. Industry, all noosed and haltered, as if it too were some beast of chase for the mighty hunters of
this world to bait, and cut slices from,−−cries passionately to these its well−paid guides and watchers, not, Guide
me; but, Laissez faire, Leave me alone of your guidance! What market has Industry in this France? For two things
there may be market and demand: for the coarser kind of field−fruits, since the Millions will live: for the fine
kinds of luxury and spicery,−−of multiform taste, from opera−melodies down to racers and courtesans; since the
Units will be amused. It is at bottom but a mad state of things.
To mend and remake all which we have, indeed, victorious Analysis. Honour to victorious Analysis; nevertheless,
out of the Workshop and Laboratory, what thing was victorious Analysis yet known to make? Detection of
incoherences, mainly; destruction of the incoherent. From of old, Doubt was but half a magician; she evokes the
spectres which she cannot quell. We shall have 'endless vortices of froth−logic;' whereon first words, and then
things, are whirled and swallowed. Remark, accordingly, as acknowledged grounds of Hope, at bottom mere
precursors of Despair, this perpetual theorising about Man, the Mind of Man, Philosophy of Government,
Progress of the Species and such−like; the main thinking furniture of every head. Time, and so many
Montesquieus, Mablys, spokesmen of Time, have discovered innumerable things: and now has not Jean Jacques
promulgated his new Evangel of a Contrat Social; explaining the whole mystery of Government, and how it is
contracted and bargained for,−−to universal satisfaction? Theories of Government! Such have been, and will be;
in ages of decadence. Acknowledge them in their degree; as processes of Nature, who does nothing in vain; as
steps in her great process. Meanwhile, what theory is so certain as this, That all theories, were they never so
earnest, painfully elaborated, are, and, by the very conditions of them, must be incomplete, questionable, and even
false? Thou shalt know that this Universe is, what it professes to be, an infinite one. Attempt not to swallow it, for
thy logical digestion; be thankful, if skilfully planting down this and the other fixed pillar in the chaos, thou
prevent its swallowing thee. That a new young generation has exchanged the Sceptic Creed, What shall I believe?
The French Revolution
22
The French Revolution
for passionate Faith in this Gospel according to Jean Jacques is a further step in the business; and betokens much.
Blessed also is Hope; and always from the beginning there was some Millennium prophesied; Millennium of
Holiness; but (what is notable) never till this new Era, any Millennium of mere Ease and plentiful Supply. In such
prophesied Lubberland, of Happiness, Benevolence, and Vice cured of its deformity, trust not, my friends! Man is
not what one calls a happy animal; his appetite for sweet victual is so enormous. How, in this wild Universe,
which storms in on him, infinite, vague−menacing, shall poor man find, say not happiness, but existence, and
footing to stand on, if it be not by girding himself together for continual endeavour and endurance? Woe, if in his
heart there dwelt no devout Faith; if the word Duty had lost its meaning for him! For as to this of Sentimentalism,
so useful for weeping with over romances and on pathetic occasions, it otherwise verily will avail nothing; nay
less. The healthy heart that said to itself, 'How healthy am I!' was already fallen into the fatalest sort of disease. Is
not Sentimentalism twin−sister to Cant, if not one and the same with it? Is not Cant the materia prima of the
Devil; from which all falsehoods, imbecilities, abominations body themselves; from which no true thing can
come? For Cant is itself properly a double−distilled Lie; the second−power of a Lie.
And now if a whole Nation fall into that? In such case, I answer, infallibly they will return out of it! For life is no
cunningly−devised deception or self−deception: it is a great truth that thou art alive, that thou hast desires,
necessities; neither can these subsist and satisfy themselves on delusions, but on fact. To fact, depend on it, we
shall come back: to such fact, blessed or cursed, as we have wisdom for. The lowest, least blessed fact one knows
of, on which necessitous mortals have ever based themselves, seems to be the primitive one of Cannibalism: That
I can devour Thee. What if such Primitive Fact were precisely the one we had (with our improved methods) to
revert to, and begin anew from!
Chapter 1.2.VIII. Printed Paper.
In such a practical France, let the theory of Perfectibility say what it will, discontents cannot be wanting: your
promised Reformation is so indispensable; yet it comes not; who will begin it−−with himself? Discontent with
what is around us, still more with what is above us, goes on increasing; seeking ever new vents.
Of Street Ballads, of Epigrams that from of old tempered Despotism, we need not speak. Nor of Manuscript
Newspapers (Nouvelles a la main) do we speak. Bachaumont and his journeymen and followers may close those
'thirty volumes of scurrilous eaves−dropping,' and quit that trade; for at length if not liberty of the Press, there is
license. Pamphlets can be surreptititiously vended and read in Paris, did they even bear to be 'Printed at Pekin.'
We have a Courrier de l'Europe in those years, regularly published at London; by a De Morande, whom the
guillotine has not yet devoured. There too an unruly Linguet, still unguillotined, when his own country has
become too hot for him, and his brother Advocates have cast him out, can emit his hoarse wailings, and Bastille
Devoilee (Bastille unveiled). Loquacious Abbe Raynal, at length, has his wish; sees the Histoire Philosophique,
with its 'lubricity,' unveracity, loose loud eleutheromaniac rant (contributed, they say, by Philosophedom at large,
though in the Abbe's name, and to his glory), burnt by the common hangman;−−and sets out on his travels as a
martyr. It was the edition of 1781; perhaps the last notable book that had such fire−beatitude,−−the hangman
discovering now that it did not serve.
Again, in Courts of Law, with their money−quarrels, divorce−cases, wheresoever a glimpse into the household
existence can be had, what indications! The Parlements of Besancon and Aix ring, audible to all France, with the
amours and destinies of a young Mirabeau. He, under the nurture of a 'Friend of Men,' has, in State Prisons, in
marching Regiments, Dutch Authors' garrets, and quite other scenes, 'been for twenty years learning to resist
'despotism:' despotism of men, and alas also of gods. How, beneath this rose−coloured veil of Universal
Benevolence and Astraea Redux, is the sanctuary of Home so often a dreary void, or a dark contentious
Hell−on−Earth! The old Friend of Men has his own divorce case too; and at times, 'his whole family but one'
under lock and key: he writes much about reforming and enfranchising the world; and for his own private behoof
he has needed sixty Lettres−de−Cachet. A man of insight too, with resolution, even with manful principle: but in
The French Revolution
23
The French Revolution
such an element, inward and outward; which he could not rule, but only madden. Edacity, rapacity;−−quite
contrary to the finer sensibilities of the heart! Fools, that expect your verdant Millennium, and nothing but Love
and Abundance, brooks running wine, winds whispering music,−−with the whole ground and basis of your
existence champed into a mud of Sensuality; which, daily growing deeper, will soon have no bottom but the
Abyss!
Or consider that unutterable business of the Diamond Necklace. Red−hatted Cardinal Louis de Rohan; Sicilian
jail−bird Balsamo Cagliostro; milliner Dame de Lamotte, 'with a face of some piquancy:' the highest Church
Dignitaries waltzing, in Walpurgis Dance, with quack−prophets, pickpurses and public women;−−a whole Satan's
Invisible World displayed; working there continually under the daylight visible one; the smoke of its torment
going up for ever! The Throne has been brought into scandalous collision with the Treadmill. Astonished Europe
rings with the mystery for ten months; sees only lie unfold itself from lie; corruption among the lofty and the low,
gulosity, credulity, imbecility, strength nowhere but in the hunger. Weep, fair Queen, thy first tears of unmixed
wretchedness! Thy fair name has been tarnished by foul breath; irremediably while life lasts. No more shalt thou
be loved and pitied by living hearts, till a new generation has been born, and thy own heart lies cold, cured of all
its sorrows.−−The Epigrams henceforth become, not sharp and bitter; but cruel, atrocious, unmentionable. On that
31st of May, 1786, a miserable Cardinal Grand− Almoner Rohan, on issuing from his Bastille, is escorted by
hurrahing crowds: unloved he, and worthy of no love; but important since the Court and Queen are his enemies.
(Fils Adoptif, Memoires de Mirabeau, iv. 325.)
How is our bright Era of Hope dimmed: and the whole sky growing bleak with signs of hurricane and earthquake!
It is a doomed world: gone all 'obedience that made men free;' fast going the obedience that made men slaves,−−at
least to one another. Slaves only of their own lusts they now are, and will be. Slaves of sin; inevitably also of
sorrow. Behold the mouldering mass of Sensuality and Falsehood; round which plays foolishly, itself a corrupt
phosphorescence, some glimmer of Sentimentalism;−−and over all, rising, as Ark of their Covenant, the grim
Patibulary Fork 'forty feet high;' which also is now nigh rotted. Add only that the French Nation distinguishes
itself among Nations by the characteristic of Excitability; with the good, but also with the perilous evil, which
belongs to that. Rebellion, explosion, of unknown extent is to be calculated on. There are, as Chesterfield wrote,
'all the symptoms I have ever met with in History!'
Shall we say, then: Wo to Philosophism, that it destroyed Religion, what it called 'extinguishing the abomination
(ecraser 'l'infame)'? Wo rather to those that made the Holy an abomination, and extinguishable; wo at all men that
live in such a time of world−abomination and world−destruction! Nay, answer the Courtiers, it was Turgot, it was
Necker, with their mad innovating; it was the Queen's want of etiquette; it was he, it was she, it was that. Friends!
it was every scoundrel that had lived, and quack−like pretended to be doing, and been only eating and misdoing,
in all provinces of life, as Shoeblack or as Sovereign Lord, each in his degree, from the time of Charlemagne and
earlier. All this (for be sure no falsehood perishes, but is as seed sown out to grow) has been storing itself for
thousands of years; and now the account−day has come. And rude will the settlement be: of wrath laid up against
the day of wrath. O my Brother, be not thou a Quack! Die rather, if thou wilt take counsel; 'tis but dying once, and
thou art quit of it for ever. Cursed is that trade; and bears curses, thou knowest not how, long ages after thou art
departed, and the wages thou hadst are all consumed; nay, as the ancient wise have written,−− through Eternity
itself, and is verily marked in the Doom−Book of a God!
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick. And yet, as we said, Hope is but deferred; not abolished, not abolishable. It
is very notable, and touching, how this same Hope does still light onwards the French Nation through all its wild
destinies. For we shall still find Hope shining, be it for fond invitation, be it for anger and menace; as a mild
heavenly light it shone; as a red conflagration it shines: burning sulphurous blue, through darkest regions of
Terror, it still shines; and goes sent out at all, since Desperation itself is a kind of Hope. Thus is our Era still to be
named of Hope, though in the saddest sense,−−when there is nothing left but Hope.
The French Revolution
24
The French Revolution
But if any one would know summarily what a Pandora's Box lies there for the opening, he may see it in what by
its nature is the symptom of all symptoms, the surviving Literature of the Period. Abbe Raynal, with his lubricity
and loud loose rant, has spoken his word; and already the fast− hastening generation responds to another. Glance
at Beaumarchais' Mariage de Figaro; which now (in 1784), after difficulty enough, has issued on the stage; and
'runs its hundred nights,' to the admiration of all men. By what virtue or internal vigour it so ran, the reader of our
day will rather wonder:−−and indeed will know so much the better that it flattered some pruriency of the time;
that it spoke what all were feeling, and longing to speak. Small substance in that Figaro: thin wiredrawn intrigues,
thin wiredrawn sentiments and sarcasms; a thing lean, barren; yet which winds and whisks itself, as through a
wholly mad universe, adroitly, with a high− sniffing air: wherein each, as was hinted, which is the grand secret,
may see some image of himself, and of his own state and ways. So it runs its hundred nights, and all France runs
with it; laughing applause. If the soliloquising Barber ask: "What has your Lordship done to earn all this?" and
can only answer: "You took the trouble to be born (Vous vous etes donne la peine de naitre)," all men must laugh:
and a gay horse−racing Anglomaniac Noblesse loudest of all. For how can small books have a great danger in
them? asks the Sieur Caron; and fancies his thin epigram may be a kind of reason. Conqueror of a golden fleece,
by giant smuggling; tamer of hell−dogs, in the Parlement Maupeou; and finally crowned Orpheus in the Theatre
Francais, Beaumarchais has now culminated, and unites the attributes of several demigods. We shall meet him
once again, in the course of his decline.
Still more significant are two Books produced on the eve of the ever− memorable Explosion itself, and read
eagerly by all the world: Saint− Pierre's Paul et Virginie, and Louvet's Chevalier de Faublas. Noteworthy Books;
which may be considered as the last speech of old Feudal France. In the first there rises melodiously, as it were,
the wail of a moribund world: everywhere wholesome Nature in unequal conflict with diseased perfidious Art;
cannot escape from it in the lowest hut, in the remotest island of the sea. Ruin and death must strike down the
loved one; and, what is most significant of all, death even here not by necessity, but by etiquette. What a world of
prurient corruption lies visible in that super− sublime of modesty! Yet, on the whole, our good Saint−Pierre is
musical, poetical though most morbid: we will call his Book the swan−song of old dying France.
Louvet's again, let no man account musical. Truly, if this wretched Faublas is a death−speech, it is one under the
gallows, and by a felon that does not repent. Wretched cloaca of a Book; without depth even as a cloaca! What
'picture of French society' is here? Picture properly of nothing, if not of the mind that gave it out as some sort of
picture. Yet symptom of much; above all, of the world that could nourish itself thereon.
BOOK 1.III. THE PARLEMENT OF PARIS
Chapter 1.3.I. Dishonoured Bills.
While the unspeakable confusion is everywhere weltering within, and through so many cracks in the surface
sulphur−smoke is issuing, the question arises: Through what crevice will the main Explosion carry itself?
Through which of the old craters or chimneys; or must it, at once, form a new crater for itself? In every Society
are such chimneys, are Institutions serving as such: even Constantinople is not without its safety−valves; there too
Discontent can vent itself,−−in material fire; by the number of nocturnal conflagrations, or of hanged bakers, the
Reigning Power can read the signs of the times, and change course according to these.
We may say that this French Explosion will doubtless first try all the old Institutions of escape; for by each of
these there is, or at least there used to be, some communication with the interior deep; they are national
Institutions in virtue of that. Had they even become personal Institutions, and what we can call choked up from
their original uses, there nevertheless must the impediment be weaker than elsewhere. Through which of them
then? An observer might have guessed: Through the Law Parlements; above all, through the Parlement of Paris.
Men, though never so thickly clad in dignities, sit not inaccessible to the influences of their time; especially men
whose life is business; who at all turns, were it even from behind judgment−seats, have come in contact with the
The French Revolution
25
The French Revolution
actual workings of the world. The Counsellor of Parlement, the President himself, who has bought his place with
hard money that he might be looked up to by his fellow−creatures, how shall he, in all Philosophe− soirees, and
saloons of elegant culture, become notable as a Friend of Darkness? Among the Paris Long−robes there may be
more than one patriotic Malesherbes, whose rule is conscience and the public good; there are clearly more than
one hotheaded D'Espremenil, to whose confused thought any loud reputation of the Brutus sort may seem
glorious. The Lepelletiers, Lamoignons have titles and wealth; yet, at Court, are only styled 'Noblesse of the
Robe.' There are Duports of deep scheme; Freteaus, Sabatiers, of incontinent tongue: all nursed more or less on
the milk of the Contrat Social. Nay, for the whole Body, is not this patriotic opposition also a fighting for oneself?
Awake, Parlement of Paris, renew thy long warfare! Was not the Parlement Maupeou abolished with ignominy?
Not now hast thou to dread a Louis XIV., with the crack of his whip, and his Olympian looks; not now a
Richelieu and Bastilles: no, the whole Nation is behind thee. Thou too (O heavens!) mayest become a Political
Power; and with the shakings of thy horse−hair wig shake principalities and dynasties, like a very Jove with his
ambrosial curls!
Light old M. de Maurepas, since the end of 1781, has been fixed in the frost of death: "Never more," said the good
Louis, "shall I hear his step overhead;" his light jestings and gyratings are at an end. No more can the importunate
reality be hidden by pleasant wit, and today's evil be deftly rolled over upon tomorrow. The morrow itself has
arrived; and now nothing but a solid phlegmatic M. de Vergennes sits there, in dull matter of fact, like some dull
punctual Clerk (which he originally was); admits what cannot be denied, let the remedy come whence it will. In
him is no remedy; only clerklike 'despatch of business' according to routine. The poor King, grown older yet
hardly more experienced, must himself, with such no−faculty as he has, begin governing; wherein also his Queen
will give help. Bright Queen, with her quick clear glances and impulses; clear, and even noble; but all too
superficial, vehement−shallow, for that work! To govern France were such a problem; and now it has grown
well−nigh too hard to govern even the Oeil−de−Boeuf. For if a distressed People has its cry, so likewise, and
more audibly, has a bereaved Court. To the Oeil−de−Boeuf it remains inconceivable how, in a France of such
resources, the Horn of Plenty should run dry: did it not use to flow? Nevertheless Necker, with his revenue of
parsimony, has 'suppressed above six hundred places,' before the Courtiers could oust him; parsimonious
finance−pedant as he was. Again, a military pedant, Saint−Germain, with his Prussian manoeuvres; with his
Prussian notions, as if merit and not coat−of−arms should be the rule of promotion, has disaffected military men;
the Mousquetaires, with much else are suppressed: for he too was one of your suppressors; and unsettling and
oversetting, did mere mischief−−to the Oeil−de−Boeuf. Complaints abound; scarcity, anxiety: it is a changed
Oeil−de−Boeuf. Besenval says, already in these years (1781) there was such a melancholy (such a tristesse) about
Court, compared with former days, as made it quite dispiriting to look upon.
No wonder that the Oeil−de−Boeuf feels melancholy, when you are suppressing its places! Not a place can be
suppressed, but some purse is the lighter for it; and more than one heart the heavier; for did it not employ the
working−classes too,−−manufacturers, male and female, of laces, essences; of Pleasure generally, whosoever
could manufacture Pleasure? Miserable economies; never felt over Twenty−five Millions! So, however, it goes
on: and is not yet ended. Few years more and the Wolf−hounds shall fall suppressed, the Bear−hounds, the
Falconry; places shall fall, thick as autumnal leaves. Duke de Polignac demonstrates, to the complete silencing of
ministerial logic, that his place cannot be abolished; then gallantly, turning to the Queen, surrenders it, since her
Majesty so wishes. Less chivalrous was Duke de Coigny, and yet not luckier: "We got into a real quarrel, Coigny
and I," said King Louis; "but if he had even struck me, I could not have blamed him." (Besenval, iii. 255−58.) In
regard to such matters there can be but one opinion. Baron Besenval, with that frankness of speech which stamps
the independent man, plainly assures her Majesty that it is frightful (affreux); "you go to bed, and are not sure but
you shall rise impoverished on the morrow: one might as well be in Turkey." It is indeed a dog's life.
How singular this perpetual distress of the royal treasury! And yet it is a thing not more incredible than
undeniable. A thing mournfully true: the stumbling−block on which all Ministers successively stumble, and fall.
Be it 'want of fiscal genius,' or some far other want, there is the palpablest discrepancy between Revenue and
Expenditure; a Deficit of the Revenue: you must 'choke (combler) the Deficit,' or else it will swallow you! This is
The French Revolution
26
The French Revolution
the stern problem; hopeless seemingly as squaring of the circle. Controller Joly de Fleury, who succeeded Necker,
could do nothing with it; nothing but propose loans, which were tardily filled up; impose new taxes, unproductive
of money, productive of clamour and discontent. As little could Controller d'Ormesson do, or even less; for if Joly
maintained himself beyond year and day, d'Ormesson reckons only by months: till 'the King purchased
Rambouillet without consulting him,' which he took as a hint to withdraw. And so, towards the end of 1783,
matters threaten to come to still−stand. Vain seems human ingenuity. In vain has our newly−devised 'Council of
Finances' struggled, our Intendants of Finance, Controller− General of Finances: there are unhappily no Finances
to control. Fatal paralysis invades the social movement; clouds, of blindness or of blackness, envelop us: are we
breaking down, then, into the black horrors of NATIONAL BANKRUPTCY?
Great is Bankruptcy: the great bottomless gulf into which all Falsehoods, public and private, do sink,
disappearing; whither, from the first origin of them, they were all doomed. For Nature is true and not a lie. No lie
you can speak or act but it will come, after longer or shorter circulation, like a Bill drawn on Nature's Reality, and
be presented there for payment,− −with the answer, No effects. Pity only that it often had so long a circulation:
that the original forger were so seldom he who bore the final smart of it! Lies, and the burden of evil they bring,
are passed on; shifted from back to back, and from rank to rank; and so land ultimately on the dumb lowest rank,
who with spade and mattock, with sore heart and empty wallet, daily come in contact with reality, and can pass
the cheat no further.
Observe nevertheless how, by a just compensating law, if the lie with its burden (in this confused whirlpool of
Society) sinks and is shifted ever downwards, then in return the distress of it rises ever upwards and upwards.
Whereby, after the long pining and demi−starvation of those Twenty Millions, a Duke de Coigny and his Majesty
come also to have their 'real quarrel.' Such is the law of just Nature; bringing, though at long intervals, and were it
only by Bankruptcy, matters round again to the mark.
But with a Fortunatus' Purse in his pocket, through what length of time might not almost any Falsehood last! Your
Society, your Household, practical or spiritual Arrangement, is untrue, unjust, offensive to the eye of God and
man. Nevertheless its hearth is warm, its larder well replenished: the innumerable Swiss of Heaven, with a kind of
Natural loyalty, gather round it; will prove, by pamphleteering, musketeering, that it is a truth; or if not an
unmixed (unearthly, impossible) Truth, then better, a wholesomely attempered one, (as wind is to the shorn lamb),
and works well. Changed outlook, however, when purse and larder grow empty! Was your Arrangement so true,
so accordant to Nature's ways, then how, in the name of wonder, has Nature, with her infinite bounty, come to
leave it famishing there? To all men, to all women and all children, it is now indutiable that your Arrangement
was false. Honour to Bankruptcy; ever righteous on the great scale, though in detail it is so cruel! Under all
Falsehoods it works, unweariedly mining. No Falsehood, did it rise heaven− high and cover the world, but
Bankruptcy, one day, will sweep it down, and make us free of it.
Chapter 1.3.II. Controller Calonne.
Under such circumstances of tristesse, obstruction and sick langour, when to an exasperated Court it seems as if
fiscal genius had departed from among men, what apparition could be welcomer than that of M. de Calonne?
Calonne, a man of indisputable genius; even fiscal genius, more or less; of experience both in managing Finance
and Parlements, for he has been Intendant at Metz, at Lille; King's Procureur at Douai. A man of weight,
connected with the moneyed classes; of unstained name,−−if it were not some peccadillo (of showing a Client's
Letter) in that old D'Aiguillon− Lachalotais business, as good as forgotten now. He has kinsmen of heavy purse,
felt on the Stock Exchange. Our Foulons, Berthiers intrigue for him:−−old Foulon, who has now nothing to do but
intrigue; who is known and even seen to be what they call a scoundrel; but of unmeasured wealth; who, from
Commissariat−clerk which he once was, may hope, some think, if the game go right, to be Minister himself one
day.
The French Revolution
27
The French Revolution
Such propping and backing has M. de Calonne; and then intrinsically such qualities! Hope radiates from his face;
persuasion hangs on his tongue. For all straits he has present remedy, and will make the world roll on wheels
before him. On the 3d of November 1783, the Oeil−de−Boeuf rejoices in its new Controller−General. Calonne
also shall have trial; Calonne also, in his way, as Turgot and Necker had done in theirs, shall forward the
consummation; suffuse, with one other flush of brilliancy, our now too leaden−coloured Era of Hope, and wind it
up−−into fulfilment.
Great, in any case, is the felicity of the Oeil−de−Boeuf. Stinginess has fled from these royal abodes: suppression
ceases; your Besenval may go peaceably to sleep, sure that he shall awake unplundered. Smiling Plenty, as if
conjured by some enchanter, has returned; scatters contentment from her new−flowing horn. And mark what
suavity of manners! A bland smile distinguishes our Controller: to all men he listens with an air of interest, nay of
anticipation; makes their own wish clear to themselves, and grants it; or at least, grants conditional promise of it.
"I fear this is a matter of difficulty," said her Majesty.−−"Madame," answered the Controller, "if it is but difficult,
it is done, if it is impossible, it shall be done (se fera)." A man of such 'facility' withal. To observe him in the
pleasure−vortex of society, which none partakes of with more gusto, you might ask, When does he work? And yet
his work, as we see, is never behindhand; above all, the fruit of his work: ready−money. Truly a man of incredible
facility; facile action, facile elocution, facile thought: how, in mild suasion, philosophic depth sparkles up from
him, as mere wit and lambent sprightliness; and in her Majesty's Soirees, with the weight of a world lying on him,
he is the delight of men and women! By what magic does he accomplish miracles? By the only true magic, that of
genius. Men name him 'the Minister;' as indeed, when was there another such? Crooked things are become
straight by him, rough places plain; and over the Oeil−de−Boeuf there rests an unspeakable sunshine.
Nay, in seriousness, let no man say that Calonne had not genius: genius for Persuading; before all things, for
Borrowing. With the skilfulest judicious appliances of underhand money, he keeps the Stock−Exchanges
flourishing; so that Loan after Loan is filled up as soon as opened. 'Calculators likely to know' (Besenval, iii.
216.) have calculated that he spent, in extraordinaries, 'at the rate of one million daily;' which indeed is some fifty
thousand pounds sterling: but did he not procure something with it; namely peace and prosperity, for the time
being? Philosophedom grumbles and croaks; buys, as we said, 80,000 copies of Necker's new Book: but
Nonpareil Calonne, in her Majesty's Apartment, with the glittering retinue of Dukes, Duchesses, and mere happy
admiring faces, can let Necker and Philosophedom croak.
The misery is, such a time cannot last! Squandering, and Payment by Loan is no way to choke a Deficit. Neither
is oil the substance for quenching conflagrations;−−but, only for assuaging them, not permanently! To the
Nonpareil himself, who wanted not insight, it is clear at intervals, and dimly certain at all times, that his trade is
by nature temporary, growing daily more difficult; that changes incalculable lie at no great distance. Apart from
financial Deficit, the world is wholly in such a new−fangled humour; all things working loose from their old
fastenings, towards new issues and combinations. There is not a dwarf jokei, a cropt Brutus'−head, or
Anglomaniac horseman rising on his stirrups, that does not betoken change. But what then? The day, in any case,
passes pleasantly; for the morrow, if the morrow come, there shall be counsel too. Once mounted (by
munificence, suasion, magic of genius) high enough in favour with the Oeil− de−Boeuf, with the King, Queen,
Stock−Exchange, and so far as possible with all men, a Nonpareil Controller may hope to go careering through
the Inevitable, in some unimagined way, as handsomely as another.
At all events, for these three miraculous years, it has been expedient heaped on expedient; till now, with such
cumulation and height, the pile topples perilous. And here has this world's−wonder of a Diamond Necklace
brought it at last to the clear verge of tumbling. Genius in that direction can no more: mounted high enough, or
not mounted, we must fare forth. Hardly is poor Rohan, the Necklace−Cardinal, safely bestowed in the Auvergne
Mountains, Dame de Lamotte (unsafely) in the Salpetriere, and that mournful business hushed up, when our
sanguine Controller once more astonishes the world. An expedient, unheard of for these hundred and sixty years,
has been propounded; and, by dint of suasion (for his light audacity, his hope and eloquence are matchless) has
been got adopted,−− Convocation of the Notables.
The French Revolution
28
The French Revolution
Let notable persons, the actual or virtual rulers of their districts, be summoned from all sides of France: let a true
tale, of his Majesty's patriotic purposes and wretched pecuniary impossibilities, be suasively told them; and then
the question put: What are we to do? Surely to adopt healing measures; such as the magic of genius will unfold;
such as, once sanctioned by Notables, all Parlements and all men must, with more or less reluctance, submit to.
Chapter 1.3.III. The Notables.
Here, then is verily a sign and wonder; visible to the whole world; bodeful of much. The Oeil−de−Boeuf
dolorously grumbles; were we not well as we stood,−−quenching conflagrations by oil? Constitutional
Philosophedom starts with joyful surprise; stares eagerly what the result will be. The public creditor, the public
debtor, the whole thinking and thoughtless public have their several surprises, joyful and sorrowful. Count
Mirabeau, who has got his matrimonial and other Lawsuits huddled up, better or worse; and works now in the
dimmest element at Berlin; compiling Prussian Monarchies, Pamphlets On Cagliostro; writing, with pay, but not
with honourable recognition, innumerable Despatches for his Government,−−scents or descries richer quarry from
afar. He, like an eagle or vulture, or mixture of both, preens his wings for flight homewards. (Fils Adoptif,
Memoires de Mirabeau, t. iv. livv. 4 et 5.)
M. de Calonne has stretched out an Aaron's Rod over France; miraculous; and is summoning quite unexpected
things. Audacity and hope alternate in him with misgivings; though the sanguine−valiant side carries it. Anon he
writes to an intimate friend, "Here me fais pitie a moi−meme (I am an object of pity to myself);" anon, invites
some dedicating Poet or Poetaster to sing 'this Assembly of the Notables and the Revolution that is preparing.'
(Biographie Universelle, para Calonne (by Guizot).) Preparing indeed; and a matter to be sung,−−only not till we
have seen it, and what the issue of it is. In deep obscure unrest, all things have so long gone rocking and swaying:
will M. de Calonne, with this his alchemy of the Notables, fasten all together again, and get new revenues? Or
wrench all asunder; so that it go no longer rocking and swaying, but clashing and colliding?
Be this as it may, in the bleak short days, we behold men of weight and influence threading the great vortex of
French Locomotion, each on his several line, from all sides of France towards the Chateau of Versailles:
summoned thither de par le roi. There, on the 22d day of February 1787, they have met, and got installed:
Notables to the number of a Hundred and Thirty−seven, as we count them name by name: (Lacretelle, iii. 286.
Montgaillard, i. 347.) add Seven Princes of the Blood, it makes the round Gross of Notables. Men of the sword,
men of the robe; Peers, dignified Clergy, Parlementary Presidents: divided into Seven Boards (Bureaux); under
our Seven Princes of the Blood, Monsieur, D'Artois, Penthievre, and the rest; among whom let not our new Duke
d'Orleans (for, since 1785, he is Chartres no longer) be forgotten. Never yet made Admiral, and now turning the
corner of his fortieth year, with spoiled blood and prospects; half− weary of a world which is more than
half−weary of him, Monseigneur's future is most questionable. Not in illumination and insight, not even in
conflagration; but, as was said, 'in dull smoke and ashes of outburnt sensualities,' does he live and digest.
Sumptuosity and sordidness; revenge, life−weariness, ambition, darkness, putrescence; and, say, in sterling
money, three hundred thousand a year,−−were this poor Prince once to burst loose from his Court−moorings, to
what regions, with what phenomena, might he not sail and drift! Happily as yet he 'affects to hunt daily;' sits
there, since he must sit, presiding that Bureau of his, with dull moon−visage, dull glassy eyes, as if it were a mere
tedium to him.
We observe finally, that Count Mirabeau has actually arrived. He descends from Berlin, on the scene of action;
glares into it with flashing sun− glance; discerns that it will do nothing for him. He had hoped these Notables
might need a Secretary. They do need one; but have fixed on Dupont de Nemours; a man of smaller fame, but
then of better;−−who indeed, as his friends often hear, labours under this complaint, surely not a universal one, of
having 'five kings to correspond with.' (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau (Paris, 1832), p. 20.) The pen of a
Mirabeau cannot become an official one; nevertheless it remains a pen. In defect of Secretaryship, he sets to
denouncing Stock−brokerage (Denonciation de l'Agiotage); testifying, as his wont is, by loud bruit, that he is
present and busy;−−till, warned by friend Talleyrand, and even by Calonne himself underhand, that 'a seventeenth
The French Revolution
29
The French Revolution
Lettre−de−Cachet may be launched against him,' he timefully flits over the marches.
And now, in stately royal apartments, as Pictures of that time still represent them, our hundred and forty−four
Notables sit organised; ready to hear and consider. Controller Calonne is dreadfully behindhand with his
speeches, his preparatives; however, the man's 'facility of work' is known to us. For freshness of style, lucidity,
ingenuity, largeness of view, that opening Harangue of his was unsurpassable:−−had not the subject−matter been
so appalling. A Deficit, concerning which accounts vary, and the Controller's own account is not unquestioned;
but which all accounts agree in representing as 'enormous.' This is the epitome of our Controller's difficulties: and
then his means? Mere Turgotism; for thither, it seems, we must come at last: Provincial Assemblies; new
Taxation; nay, strangest of all, new Land−tax, what he calls Subvention Territoriale, from which neither
Privileged nor Unprivileged, Noblemen, Clergy, nor Parlementeers, shall be exempt!
Foolish enough! These Privileged Classes have been used to tax; levying toll, tribute and custom, at all hands,
while a penny was left: but to be themselves taxed? Of such Privileged persons, meanwhile, do these Notables, all
but the merest fraction, consist. Headlong Calonne had given no heed to the 'composition,' or judicious packing of
them; but chosen such Notables as were really notable; trusting for the issue to off−hand ingenuity, good fortune,
and eloquence that never yet failed. Headlong Controller−General! Eloquence can do much, but not all. Orpheus,
with eloquence grown rhythmic, musical (what we call Poetry), drew iron tears from the cheek of Pluto: but by
what witchery of rhyme or prose wilt thou from the pocket of Plutus draw gold?
Accordingly, the storm that now rose and began to whistle round Calonne, first in these Seven Bureaus, and then
on the outside of them, awakened by them, spreading wider and wider over all France, threatens to become
unappeasable. A Deficit so enormous! Mismanagement, profusion is too clear. Peculation itself is hinted at; nay,
Lafayette and others go so far as to speak it out, with attempts at proof. The blame of his Deficit our brave
Calonne, as was natural, had endeavoured to shift from himself on his predecessors; not excepting even Necker.
But now Necker vehemently denies; whereupon an 'angry Correspondence,' which also finds its way into print.
In the Oeil−de−Boeuf, and her Majesty's private Apartments, an eloquent Controller, with his "Madame, if it is
but difficult," had been persuasive: but, alas, the cause is now carried elsewhither. Behold him, one of these sad
days, in Monsieur's Bureau; to which all the other Bureaus have sent deputies. He is standing at bay: alone;
exposed to an incessant fire of questions, interpellations, objurgations, from those 'hundred and thirty− seven'
pieces of logic−ordnance,−−what we may well call bouches a feu, fire−mouths literally! Never, according to
Besenval, or hardly ever, had such display of intellect, dexterity, coolness, suasive eloquence, been made by man.
To the raging play of so many fire−mouths he opposes nothing angrier than light−beams, self−possession and
fatherly smiles. With the imperturbablest bland clearness, he, for five hours long, keeps answering the incessant
volley of fiery captious questions, reproachful interpellations; in words prompt as lightning, quiet as light. Nay,
the cross−fire too: such side questions and incidental interpellations as, in the heat of the main−battle, he (having
only one tongue) could not get answered; these also he takes up at the first slake; answers even these. (Besenval,
iii. 196.) Could blandest suasive eloquence have saved France, she were saved.
Heavy−laden Controller! In the Seven Bureaus seems nothing but hindrance: in Monsieur's Bureau, a Lomenie de
Brienne, Archbishop of Toulouse, with an eye himself to the Controllership, stirs up the Clergy; there are
meetings, underground intrigues. Neither from without anywhere comes sign of help or hope. For the Nation
(where Mirabeau is now, with stentor−lungs, 'denouncing Agio') the Controller has hitherto done nothing, or less.
For Philosophedom he has done as good as nothing,−−sent out some scientific Laperouse, or the like: and is he
not in 'angry correspondence' with its Necker? The very Oeil−de−Boeuf looks questionable; a falling Controller
has no friends. Solid M. de Vergennes, who with his phlegmatic judicious punctuality might have kept down
many things, died the very week before these sorrowful Notables met. And now a Seal−keeper,
Garde−des−Sceaux Miromenil is thought to be playing the traitor: spinning plots for Lomenie−Brienne!
Queen's−Reader Abbe de Vermond, unloved individual, was Brienne's creature, the work of his hands from the
first: it may be feared the backstairs passage is open, ground getting mined under our feet. Treacherous
The French Revolution
30
The French Revolution
Garde−des−Sceaux Miromenil, at least, should be dismissed; Lamoignon, the eloquent Notable, a stanch man,
with connections, and even ideas, Parlement−President yet intent on reforming Parlements, were not he the right
Keeper? So, for one, thinks busy Besenval; and, at dinner−table, rounds the same into the Controller's ear,−−who
always, in the intervals of landlord−duties, listens to him as with charmed look, but answers nothing positive.
(Besenval, iii. 203.)
Alas, what to answer? The force of private intrigue, and then also the force of public opinion, grows so dangerous,
confused! Philosophedom sneers aloud, as if its Necker already triumphed. The gaping populace gapes over
Wood−cuts or Copper−cuts; where, for example, a Rustic is represented convoking the poultry of his barnyard,
with this opening address: "Dear animals, I have assembled you to advise me what sauce I shall dress you with;"
to which a Cock responding, "We don't want to be eaten," is checked by "You wander from the point (Vous vous
ecartez de la question)." (Republished in the Musee de la Caricature (Paris, 1834).) Laughter and logic;
ballad−singer, pamphleteer; epigram and caricature: what wind of public opinion is this,−−as if the Cave of the
Winds were bursting loose! At nightfall, President Lamoignon steals over to the Controller's; finds him 'walking
with large strides in his chamber, like one out of himself.' (Besenval, iii. 209.) With rapid confused speech the
Controller begs M. de Lamoignon to give him 'an advice.' Lamoignon candidly answers that, except in regard to
his own anticipated Keepership, unless that would prove remedial, he really cannot take upon him to advise.
'On the Monday after Easter,' the 9th of April 1787, a date one rejoices to verify, for nothing can excel the
indolent falsehood of these Histoires and Memoires,−−'On the Monday after Easter, as I, Besenval, was riding
towards Romainville to the Marechal de Segur's, I met a friend on the Boulevards, who told me that M. de
Calonne was out. A little further on came M. the Duke d'Orleans, dashing towards me, head to the wind' (trotting
a l'Anglaise), 'and confirmed the news.' (Ib. iii. 211.) It is true news. Treacherous Garde−des−Sceaux Miromenil
is gone, and Lamoignon is appointed in his room: but appointed for his own profit only, not for the Controller's:
'next day' the Controller also has had to move. A little longer he may linger near; be seen among the money
changers, and even 'working in the Controller's office,' where much lies unfinished: but neither will that hold. Too
strong blows and beats this tempest of public opinion, of private intrigue, as from the Cave of all the Winds; and
blows him (higher Authority giving sign) out of Paris and France,−−over the horizon, into Invisibility, or uuter
(utter, outer?) Darkness.
Such destiny the magic of genius could not forever avert. Ungrateful Oeil− de−Boeuf! did he not miraculously
rain gold manna on you; so that, as a Courtier said, "All the world held out its hand, and I held out my hat,"−− for
a time? Himself is poor; penniless, had not a 'Financier's widow in Lorraine' offered him, though he was turned of
fifty, her hand and the rich purse it held. Dim henceforth shall be his activity, though unwearied: Letters to the
King, Appeals, Prognostications; Pamphlets (from London), written with the old suasive facility; which however
do not persuade. Luckily his widow's purse fails not. Once, in a year or two, some shadow of him shall be seen
hovering on the Northern Border, seeking election as National Deputy; but be sternly beckoned away. Dimmer
then, far−borne over utmost European lands, in uncertain twilight of diplomacy, he shall hover, intriguing for
'Exiled Princes,' and have adventures; be overset into the Rhine stream and half−drowned, nevertheless save his
papers dry. Unwearied, but in vain! In France he works miracles no more; shall hardly return thither to find a
grave. Farewell, thou facile sanguine Controller− General, with thy light rash hand, thy suasive mouth of gold:
worse men there have been, and better; but to thee also was allotted a task,−−of raising the wind, and the winds;
and thou hast done it.
But now, while Ex−Controller Calonne flies storm−driven over the horizon, in this singular way, what has
become of the Controllership? It hangs vacant, one may say; extinct, like the Moon in her vacant interlunar cave.
Two preliminary shadows, poor M. Fourqueux, poor M. Villedeuil, do hold in quick succession some simulacrum
of it, (Besenval, iii. 225.)−−as the new Moon will sometimes shine out with a dim preliminary old one in her
arms. Be patient, ye Notables! An actual new Controller is certain, and even ready; were the indispensable
manoeuvres but gone through. Long−headed Lamoignon, with Home Secretary Breteuil, and Foreign Secretary
Montmorin have exchanged looks; let these three once meet and speak. Who is it that is strong in the Queen's
The French Revolution
31
The French Revolution
favour, and the Abbe de Vermond's? That is a man of great capacity? Or at least that has struggled, these fifty
years, to have it thought great; now, in the Clergy's name, demanding to have Protestant death−penalties 'put in
execution;' no flaunting it in the Oeil− de−Boeuf, as the gayest man−pleaser and woman−pleaser; gleaning even a
good word from Philosophedom and your Voltaires and D'Alemberts? With a party ready−made for him in the
Notables?−−Lomenie de Brienne, Archbishop of Toulouse! answer all the three, with the clearest instantaneous
concord; and rush off to propose him to the King; 'in such haste,' says Besenval, 'that M. de Lamoignon had to
borrow a simarre,' seemingly some kind of cloth apparatus necessary for that. (Ib. iii. 224.)
Lomenie−Brienne, who had all his life 'felt a kind of predestination for the highest offices,' has now therefore
obtained them. He presides over the Finances; he shall have the title of Prime Minister itself, and the effort of his
long life be realised. Unhappy only that it took such talent and industry to gain the place; that to qualify for it
hardly any talent or industry was left disposable! Looking now into his inner man, what qualification he may
have, Lomenie beholds, not without astonishment, next to nothing but vacuity and possibility. Principles or
methods, acquirement outward or inward (for his very body is wasted, by hard tear and wear) he finds none; not
so much as a plan, even an unwise one. Lucky, in these circumstances, that Calonne has had a plan! Calonne's
plan was gathered from Turgot's and Necker's by compilation; shall become Lomenie's by adoption. Not in vain
has Lomenie studied the working of the British Constitution; for he professes to have some Anglomania, of a sort.
Why, in that free country, does one Minister, driven out by Parliament, vanish from his King's presence, and
another enter, borne in by Parliament? (Montgaillard, Histoire de France, i. 410−17.) Surely not for mere change
(which is ever wasteful); but that all men may have share of what is going; and so the strife of Freedom
indefinitely prolong itself, and no harm be done.
The Notables, mollified by Easter festivities, by the sacrifice of Calonne, are not in the worst humour. Already his
Majesty, while the 'interlunar shadows' were in office, had held session of Notables; and from his throne delivered
promissory conciliatory eloquence: 'The Queen stood waiting at a window, till his carriage came back; and
Monsieur from afar clapped hands to her,' in sign that all was well. (Besenval, iii. 220.) It has had the best effect;
if such do but last. Leading Notables meanwhile can be 'caressed;' Brienne's new gloss, Lamoignon's long head
will profit somewhat; conciliatory eloquence shall not be wanting. On the whole, however, is it not undeniable
that this of ousting Calonne and adopting the plans of Calonne, is a measure which, to produce its best effect,
should be looked at from a certain distance, cursorily; not dwelt on with minute near scrutiny. In a word, that no
service the Notables could now do were so obliging as, in some handsome manner, to−−take themselves away!
Their 'Six Propositions' about Provisional Assemblies, suppression of Corvees and suchlike, can be accepted
without criticism. The Subvention on Land−tax, and much else, one must glide hastily over; safe nowhere but in
flourishes of conciliatory eloquence. Till at length, on this 25th of May, year 1787, in solemn final session, there
bursts forth what we can call an explosion of eloquence; King, Lomenie, Lamoignon and retinue taking up the
successive strain; in harrangues to the number of ten, besides his Majesty's, which last the livelong
day;−−whereby, as in a kind of choral anthem, or bravura peal, of thanks, praises, promises, the Notables are, so
to speak, organed out, and dismissed to their respective places of abode. They had sat, and talked, some nine
weeks: they were the first Notables since Richelieu's, in the year 1626.
By some Historians, sitting much at their ease, in the safe distance, Lomenie has been blamed for this dismissal of
his Notables: nevertheless it was clearly time. There are things, as we said, which should not be dwelt on with
minute close scrutiny: over hot coals you cannot glide too fast. In these Seven Bureaus, where no work could be
done, unless talk were work, the questionablest matters were coming up. Lafayette, for example, in Monseigneur
d'Artois' Bureau, took upon him to set forth more than one deprecatory oration about Lettres−de−Cachet, Liberty
of the Subject, Agio, and suchlike; which Monseigneur endeavouring to repress, was answered that a Notable
being summoned to speak his opinion must speak it. (Montgaillard, i. 360.)
Thus too his Grace the Archbishop of Aix perorating once, with a plaintive pulpit tone, in these words? "Tithe,
that free−will offering of the piety of Christians"−−"Tithe," interrupted Duke la Rochefoucault, with the cold
business−manner he has learned from the English, "that free−will offering of the piety of Christians; on which
The French Revolution
32
The French Revolution
there are now forty−thousand lawsuits in this realm." (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau, p. 21.) Nay, Lafayette,
bound to speak his opinion, went the length, one day, of proposing to convoke a 'National Assembly.' "You
demand States−General?" asked Monseigneur with an air of minatory surprise.−−"Yes, Monseigneur; and even
better than that."−−Write it," said Monseigneur to the Clerks. (Toulongeon, Histoire de France depuis la
Revolution de 1789 (Paris, 1803), i. app. 4.)−−Written accordingly it is; and what is more, will be acted by and
by.
Chapter 1.3.IV. Lomenie's Edicts.
Thus, then, have the Notables returned home; carrying to all quarters of France, such notions of deficit,
decrepitude, distraction; and that States− General will cure it, or will not cure it but kill it. Each Notable, we may
fancy, is as a funeral torch; disclosing hideous abysses, better left hid! The unquietest humour possesses all men;
ferments, seeks issue, in pamphleteering, caricaturing, projecting, declaiming; vain jangling of thought, word and
deed.
It is Spiritual Bankruptcy, long tolerated; verging now towards Economical Bankruptcy, and become intolerable.
For from the lowest dumb rank, the inevitable misery, as was predicted, has spread upwards. In every man is
some obscure feeling that his position, oppressive or else oppressed, is a false one: all men, in one or the other
acrid dialect, as assaulters or as defenders, must give vent to the unrest that is in them. Of such stuff national
well−being, and the glory of rulers, is not made. O Lomenie, what a wild−heaving, waste−looking, hungry and
angry world hast thou, after lifelong effort, got promoted to take charge of!
Lomenie's first Edicts are mere soothing ones: creation of Provincial Assemblies, 'for apportioning the imposts,'
when we get any; suppression of Corvees or statute−labour; alleviation of Gabelle. Soothing measures,
recommended by the Notables; long clamoured for by all liberal men. Oil cast on the waters has been known to
produce a good effect. Before venturing with great essential measures, Lomenie will see this singular 'swell of the
public mind' abate somewhat.
Most proper, surely. But what if it were not a swell of the abating kind? There are swells that come of upper
tempest and wind−gust. But again there are swells that come of subterranean pent wind, some say; and even of
inward decomposion, of decay that has become self−combustion:−−as when, according to Neptuno−Plutonic
Geology, the World is all decayed down into due attritus of this sort; and shall now be exploded, and new−made!
These latter abate not by oil.−−The fool says in his heart, How shall not tomorrow be as yesterday; as all
days,−−which were once tomorrows? The wise man, looking on this France, moral, intellectual, economical, sees,
'in short, all the symptoms he has ever met with in history,'−−unabatable by soothing Edicts.
Meanwhile, abate or not, cash must be had; and for that quite another sort of Edicts, namely 'bursal' or fiscal ones.
How easy were fiscal Edicts, did you know for certain that the Parlement of Paris would what they call 'register'
them! Such right of registering, properly of mere writing down, the Parlement has got by old wont; and, though
but a Law−Court, can remonstrate, and higgle considerably about the same. Hence many quarrels; desperate
Maupeou devices, and victory and defeat;−−a quarrel now near forty years long. Hence fiscal Edicts, which
otherwise were easy enough, become such problems. For example, is there not Calonne's Subvention Territoriale,
universal, unexempting Land−tax; the sheet−anchor of Finance? Or, to show, so far as possible, that one is not
without original finance talent, Lomenie himself can devise an Edit du Timbre or Stamp−tax,−− borrowed also, it
is true; but then from America: may it prove luckier in France than there!
France has her resources: nevertheless, it cannot be denied, the aspect of that Parlement is questionable. Already
among the Notables, in that final symphony of dismissal, the Paris President had an ominous tone. Adrien Duport,
quitting magnetic sleep, in this agitation of the world, threatens to rouse himself into preternatural wakefulness.
Shallower but also louder, there is magnetic D'Espremenil, with his tropical heat (he was born at Madras); with
his dusky confused violence; holding of Illumination, Animal Magnetism, Public Opinion, Adam Weisshaupt,
The French Revolution
33
The French Revolution
Harmodius and Aristogiton, and all manner of confused violent things: of whom can come no good. The very
Peerage is infected with the leaven. Our Peers have, in too many cases, laid aside their frogs, laces, bagwigs; and
go about in English costume, or ride rising in their stirrups,−−in the most headlong manner; nothing but
insubordination, eleutheromania, confused unlimited opposition in their heads. Questionable: not to be ventured
upon, if we had a Fortunatus' Purse! But Lomenie has waited all June, casting on the waters what oil he had; and
now, betide as it may, the two Finance Edicts must out. On the 6th of July, he forwards his proposed Stamp−tax
and Land− tax to the Parlement of Paris; and, as if putting his own leg foremost, not his borrowed Calonne's−leg,
places the Stamp−tax first in order.
Alas, the Parlement will not register: the Parlement demands instead a 'state of the expenditure,' a 'state of the
contemplated reductions;' 'states' enough; which his Majesty must decline to furnish! Discussions arise; patriotic
eloquence: the Peers are summoned. Does the Nemean Lion begin to bristle? Here surely is a duel, which France
and the Universe may look upon: with prayers; at lowest, with curiosity and bets. Paris stirs with new animation.
The outer courts of the Palais de Justice roll with unusual crowds, coming and going; their huge outer hum
mingles with the clang of patriotic eloquence within, and gives vigour to it. Poor Lomenie gazes from the
distance, little comforted; has his invisible emissaries flying to and fro, assiduous, without result.
So pass the sultry dog−days, in the most electric manner; and the whole month of July. And still, in the Sanctuary
of Justice, sounds nothing but Harmodius−Aristogiton eloquence, environed with the hum of crowding Paris; and
no registering accomplished, and no 'states' furnished. "States?" said a lively Parlementeer: "Messieurs, the states
that should be furnished us, in my opinion are the STATES−GENERAL." On which timely joke there follow
cachinnatory buzzes of approval. What a word to be spoken in the Palais de Justice! Old D'Ormesson (the
Ex−Controller's uncle) shakes his judicious head; far enough from laughing. But the outer courts, and Paris and
France, catch the glad sound, and repeat it; shall repeat it, and re−echo and reverberate it, till it grow a deafening
peal. Clearly enough here is no registering to be thought of.
The pious Proverb says, 'There are remedies for all things but death.' When a Parlement refuses registering, the
remedy, by long practice, has become familiar to the simplest: a Bed of Justice. One complete month this
Parlement has spent in mere idle jargoning, and sound and fury; the Timbre Edict not registered, or like to be; the
Subvention not yet so much as spoken of. On the 6th of August let the whole refractory Body roll out, in wheeled
vehicles, as far as the King's Chateau of Versailles; there shall the King, holding his Bed of Justice, order them,
by his own royal lips, to register. They may remonstrate, in an under tone; but they must obey, lest a worse
unknown thing befall them.
It is done: the Parlement has rolled out, on royal summons; has heard the express royal order to register.
Whereupon it has rolled back again, amid the hushed expectancy of men. And now, behold, on the morrow, this
Parlement, seated once more in its own Palais, with 'crowds inundating the outer courts,' not only does not
register, but (O portent!) declares all that was done on the prior day to be null, and the Bed of Justice as good as a
futility! In the history of France here verily is a new feature. Nay better still, our heroic Parlement, getting
suddenly enlightened on several things, declares that, for its part, it is incompetent to register Tax− edicts at
all,−−having done it by mistake, during these late centuries; that for such act one authority only is competent: the
assembled Three Estates of the Realm!
To such length can the universal spirit of a Nation penetrate the most isolated Body−corporate: say rather, with
such weapons, homicidal and suicidal, in exasperated political duel, will Bodies−corporate fight! But, in any case,
is not this the real death−grapple of war and internecine duel, Greek meeting Greek; whereon men, had they even
no interest in it, might look with interest unspeakable? Crowds, as was said, inundate the outer courts: inundation
of young eleutheromaniac Noblemen in English costume, uttering audacious speeches; of Procureurs,
Basoche−Clerks, who are idle in these days: of Loungers, Newsmongers and other nondescript classes,−−rolls
tumultuous there. 'From three to four thousand persons,' waiting eagerly to hear the Arretes (Resolutions) you
arrive at within; applauding with bravos, with the clapping of from six to eight thousand hands! Sweet also is the
The French Revolution
34
The French Revolution
meed of patriotic eloquence, when your D'Espremenil, your Freteau, or Sabatier, issuing from his Demosthenic
Olympus, the thunder being hushed for the day, is welcomed, in the outer courts, with a shout from four thousand
throats; is borne home shoulder− high 'with benedictions,' and strikes the stars with his sublime head.
Chapter 1.3.V. Lomenie's Thunderbolts.
Arise, Lomenie−Brienne: here is no case for 'Letters of Jussion;' for faltering or compromise. Thou seest the
whole loose fluent population of Paris (whatsoever is not solid, and fixed to work) inundating these outer courts,
like a loud destructive deluge; the very Basoche of Lawyers' Clerks talks sedition. The lower classes, in this duel
of Authority with Authority, Greek throttling Greek, have ceased to respect the City−Watch: Police−satellites are
marked on the back with chalk (the M signifies mouchard, spy); they are hustled, hunted like ferae naturae.
Subordinate rural Tribunals send messengers of congratulation, of adherence. Their Fountain of Justice is
becoming a Fountain of Revolt. The Provincial Parlements look on, with intent eye, with breathless wishes, while
their elder sister of Paris does battle: the whole Twelve are of one blood and temper; the victory of one is that of
all.
Ever worse it grows: on the 10th of August, there is 'Plainte' emitted touching the 'prodigalities of Calonne,' and
permission to 'proceed' against him. No registering, but instead of it, denouncing: of dilapidation, peculation; and
ever the burden of the song, States−General! Have the royal armories no thunderbolt, that thou couldst, O
Lomenie, with red right−hand, launch it among these Demosthenic theatrical thunder− barrels, mere resin and
noise for most part;−−and shatter, and smite them silent? On the night of the 14th of August, Lomenie launches
his thunderbolt, or handful of them. Letters named of the Seal (de Cachet), as many as needful, some sixscore and
odd, are delivered overnight. And so, next day betimes, the whole Parlement, once more set on wheels, is rolling
incessantly towards Troyes in Champagne; 'escorted,' says History, 'with the blessings of all people;' the very
innkeepers and postillions looking gratuitously reverent. (A. Lameth, Histoire de l'Assemblee Constituante (Int.
73).) This is the 15th of August 1787.
What will not people bless; in their extreme need? Seldom had the Parlement of Paris deserved much blessing, or
received much. An isolated Body−corporate, which, out of old confusions (while the Sceptre of the Sword was
confusedly struggling to become a Sceptre of the Pen), had got itself together, better and worse, as
Bodies−corporate do, to satisfy some dim desire of the world, and many clear desires of individuals; and so had
grown, in the course of centuries, on concession, on acquirement and usurpation, to be what we see it: a
prosperous social Anomaly, deciding Lawsuits, sanctioning or rejecting Laws; and withal disposing of its places
and offices by sale for ready money,−−which method sleek President Henault, after meditation, will demonstrate
to be the indifferent−best. (Abrege Chronologique, p. 975.)
In such a Body, existing by purchase for ready−money, there could not be excess of public spirit; there might well
be excess of eagerness to divide the public spoil. Men in helmets have divided that, with swords; men in wigs,
with quill and inkhorn, do divide it: and even more hatefully these latter, if more peaceably; for the wig−method
is at once irresistibler and baser. By long experience, says Besenval, it has been found useless to sue a
Parlementeer at law; no Officer of Justice will serve a writ on one; his wig and gown are his Vulcan's−panoply,
his enchanted cloak−of−darkness.
The Parlement of Paris may count itself an unloved body; mean, not magnanimous, on the political side. Were the
King weak, always (as now) has his Parlement barked, cur−like at his heels; with what popular cry there might be.
Were he strong, it barked before his face; hunting for him as his alert beagle. An unjust Body; where foul
influences have more than once worked shameful perversion of judgment. Does not, in these very days, the blood
of murdered Lally cry aloud for vengeance? Baited, circumvented, driven mad like the snared lion, Valour had to
sink extinguished under vindictive Chicane. Behold him, that hapless Lally, his wild dark soul looking through his
wild dark face; trailed on the ignominious death− hurdle; the voice of his despair choked by a wooden gag! The
wild fire− soul that has known only peril and toil; and, for threescore years, has buffeted against Fate's obstruction
The French Revolution
35
The French Revolution
and men's perfidy, like genius and courage amid poltroonery, dishonesty and commonplace; faithfully enduring
and endeavouring,−−O Parlement of Paris, dost thou reward it with a gibbet and a gag? (9th May, 1766:
Biographie Universelle, para Lally.) The dying Lally bequeathed his memory to his boy; a young Lally has arisen,
demanding redress in the name of God and man. The Parlement of Paris does its utmost to defend the
indefensible, abominable; nay, what is singular, dusky−glowing Aristogiton d'Espremenil is the man chosen to be
its spokesman in that.
Such Social Anomaly is it that France now blesses. An unclean Social Anomaly; but in duel against another
worse! The exiled Parlement is felt to have 'covered itself with glory.' There are quarrels in which even Satan,
bringing help, were not unwelcome; even Satan, fighting stiffly, might cover himself with glory,−−of a temporary
sort.
But what a stir in the outer courts of the Palais, when Paris finds its Parlement trundled off to Troyes in
Champagne; and nothing left but a few mute Keepers of records; the Demosthenic thunder become extinct, the
martyrs of liberty clean gone! Confused wail and menace rises from the four thousand throats of Procureurs,
Basoche−Clerks, Nondescripts, and Anglomaniac Noblesse; ever new idlers crowd to see and hear; Rascality,
with increasing numbers and vigour, hunts mouchards. Loud whirlpool rolls through these spaces; the rest of the
City, fixed to its work, cannot yet go rolling. Audacious placards are legible, in and about the Palais, the speeches
are as good as seditious. Surely the temper of Paris is much changed. On the third day of this business (18th of
August), Monsieur and Monseigneur d'Artois, coming in state−carriages, according to use and wont, to have these
late obnoxious Arretes and protests 'expunged' from the Records, are received in the most marked manner.
Monsieur, who is thought to be in opposition, is met with vivats and strewed flowers; Monseigneur, on the other
hand, with silence; with murmurs, which rise to hisses and groans; nay, an irreverent Rascality presses towards
him in floods, with such hissing vehemence, that the Captain of the Guards has to give order, "Haut les armes
(Handle arms)!"−−at which thunder−word, indeed, and the flash of the clear iron, the Rascal−flood recoils,
through all avenues, fast enough. (Montgaillard, i. 369. Besenval, New features these. Indeed, as good M. de
Malesherbes pertinently remarks, "it is a quite new kind of contest this with the Parlement:" no transitory sputter,
as from collision of hard bodies; but more like "the first sparks of what, if not quenched, may become a great
conflagration." (Montgaillard, i. 373.)
This good Malesherbes sees himself now again in the King's Council, after an absence of ten years: Lomenie
would profit if not by the faculties of the man, yet by the name he has. As for the man's opinion, it is not listened
to;−−wherefore he will soon withdraw, a second time; back to his books and his trees. In such King's Council
what can a good man profit? Turgot tries it not a second time: Turgot has quitted France and this Earth, some
years ago; and now cares for none of these things. Singular enough: Turgot, this same Lomenie, and the Abbe
Morellet were once a trio of young friends; fellow−scholars in the Sorbonne. Forty new years have carried them
severally thus far.
Meanwhile the Parlement sits daily at Troyes, calling cases; and daily adjourns, no Procureur making his
appearance to plead. Troyes is as hospitable as could be looked for: nevertheless one has comparatively a dull life.
No crowds now to carry you, shoulder−high, to the immortal gods; scarcely a Patriot or two will drive out so far,
and bid you be of firm courage. You are in furnished lodgings, far from home and domestic comfort: little to do,
but wander over the unlovely Champagne fields; seeing the grapes ripen; taking counsel about the thousand−times
consulted: a prey to tedium; in danger even that Paris may forget you. Messengers come and go: pacific Lomenie
is not slack in negotiating, promising; D'Ormesson and the prudent elder Members see no good in strife.
After a dull month, the Parlement, yielding and retaining, makes truce, as all Parlements must. The Stamp−tax is
withdrawn: the Subvention Land−tax is also withdrawn; but, in its stead, there is granted, what they call a
'Prorogation of the Second Twentieth,'−−itself a kind of Land−tax, but not so oppressive to the Influential classes;
which lies mainly on the Dumb class. Moreover, secret promises exist (on the part of the Elders), that finances
may be raised by Loan. Of the ugly word States−General there shall be no mention.
The French Revolution
36
The French Revolution
And so, on the 20th of September, our exiled Parlement returns: D'Espremenil said, 'it went out covered with
glory, but had come back covered with mud (de boue).' Not so, Aristogiton; or if so, thou surely art the man to
clean it.
Chapter 1.3.VI. Lomenie's Plots.
Was ever unfortunate Chief Minister so bested as Lomenie−Brienne? The reins of the State fairly in his hand
these six months; and not the smallest motive−power (of Finance) to stir from the spot with, this way or that! He
flourishes his whip, but advances not. Instead of ready−money, there is nothing but rebellious debating and
recalcitrating.
Far is the public mind from having calmed; it goes chafing and fuming ever worse: and in the royal coffers, with
such yearly Deficit running on, there is hardly the colour of coin. Ominous prognostics! Malesherbes, seeing an
exhausted, exasperated France grow hotter and hotter, talks of 'conflagration:' Mirabeau, without talk, has, as we
perceive, descended on Paris again, close on the rear of the Parlement, (Fils Adoptif, Mirabeau, iv. l. 5.)−−not to
quit his native soil any more.
Over the Frontiers, behold Holland invaded by Prussia; (October, 1787. Montgaillard, i. 374. Besenval, iii. 283.)
the French party oppressed, England and the Stadtholder triumphing: to the sorrow of War−Secretary Montmorin
and all men. But without money, sinews of war, as of work, and of existence itself, what can a Chief Minister do?
Taxes profit little: this of the Second Twentieth falls not due till next year; and will then, with its 'strict valuation,'
produce more controversy than cash. Taxes on the Privileged Classes cannot be got registered; are intolerable to
our supporters themselves: taxes on the Unprivileged yield nothing,−−as from a thing drained dry more cannot be
drawn. Hope is nowhere, if not in the old refuge of Loans.
To Lomenie, aided by the long head of Lamoignon, deeply pondering this sea of troubles, the thought suggested
itself: Why not have a Successive Loan (Emprunt Successif), or Loan that went on lending, year after year, as
much as needful; say, till 1792? The trouble of registering such Loan were the same: we had then breathing time;
money to work with, at least to subsist on. Edict of a Successive Loan must be proposed. To conciliate the
Philosophes, let a liberal Edict walk in front of it, for emancipation of Protestants; let a liberal Promise guard the
rear of it, that when our Loan ends, in that final 1792, the States−General shall be convoked.
Such liberal Edict of Protestant Emancipation, the time having come for it, shall cost a Lomenie as little as the
'Death−penalties to be put in execution' did. As for the liberal Promise, of States−General, it can be fulfilled or
not: the fulfilment is five good years off; in five years much intervenes. But the registering? Ah, truly, there is the
difficulty!−−However, we have that promise of the Elders, given secretly at Troyes. Judicious gratuities,
cajoleries, underground intrigues, with old Foulon, named 'Ame damnee, Familiar−demon, of the Parlement,' may
perhaps do the rest. At worst and lowest, the Royal Authority has resources,−− which ought it not to put forth? If
it cannot realise money, the Royal Authority is as good as dead; dead of that surest and miserablest death,
inanition. Risk and win; without risk all is already lost! For the rest, as in enterprises of pith, a touch of stratagem
often proves furthersome, his Majesty announces a Royal Hunt, for the 19th of November next; and all whom it
concerns are joyfully getting their gear ready.
Royal Hunt indeed; but of two−legged unfeathered game! At eleven in the morning of that Royal−Hunt day, 19th
of November 1787, unexpected blare of trumpetting, tumult of charioteering and cavalcading disturbs the Seat of
Justice: his Majesty is come, with Garde−des−Sceaux Lamoignon, and Peers and retinue, to hold Royal Session
and have Edicts registered. What a change, since Louis XIV. entered here, in boots; and, whip in hand, ordered
his registering to be done,−−with an Olympian look which none durst gainsay; and did, without stratagem, in such
unceremonious fashion, hunt as well as register! (Dulaure, vi. 306.) For Louis XVI., on this day, the Registering
will be enough; if indeed he and the day suffice for it.
The French Revolution
37
The French Revolution
Meanwhile, with fit ceremonial words, the purpose of the royal breast is signified:−−Two Edicts, for Protestant
Emancipation, for Successive Loan: of both which Edicts our trusty Garde−des−Sceaux Lamoignon will explain
the purport; on both which a trusty Parlement is requested to deliver its opinion, each member having free
privilege of speech. And so, Lamoignon too having perorated not amiss, and wound up with that Promise of
States− General,−−the Sphere−music of Parlementary eloquence begins. Explosive, responsive, sphere answering
sphere, it waxes louder and louder. The Peers sit attentive; of diverse sentiment: unfriendly to States−General;
unfriendly to Despotism, which cannot reward merit, and is suppressing places. But what agitates his Highness
d'Orleans? The rubicund moon−head goes wagging; darker beams the copper visage, like unscoured copper; in
the glazed eye is disquietude; he rolls uneasy in his seat, as if he meant something. Amid unutterable satiety, has
sudden new appetite, for new forbidden fruit, been vouchsafed him? Disgust and edacity; laziness that cannot rest;
futile ambition, revenge, non−admiralship:−−O, within that carbuncled skin what a confusion of confusions sits
bottled!
'Eight Couriers,' in course of the day, gallop from Versailles, where Lomenie waits palpitating; and gallop back
again, not with the best news. In the outer Courts of the Palais, huge buzz of expectation reigns; it is whispered
the Chief Minister has lost six votes overnight. And from within, resounds nothing but forensic eloquence,
pathetic and even indignant; heartrending appeals to the royal clemency, that his Majesty would please to
summon States−General forthwith, and be the Saviour of France:−−wherein dusky−glowing D'Espremenil, but
still more Sabatier de Cabre, and Freteau, since named Commere Freteau (Goody Freteau), are among the loudest.
For six mortal hours it lasts, in this manner; the infinite hubbub unslackened.
And so now, when brown dusk is falling through the windows, and no end visible, his Majesty, on hint of
Garde−des−Sceaux, Lamoignon, opens his royal lips once more to say, in brief That he must have his Loan−Edict
registered.−−Momentary deep pause!−−See! Monseigneur d'Orleans rises; with moon−visage turned towards the
royal platform, he asks, with a delicate graciosity of manner covering unutterable things: "Whether it is a Bed of
Justice, then; or a Royal Session?" Fire flashes on him from the throne and neighbourhood: surly answer that "it is
a Session." In that case, Monseigneur will crave leave to remark that Edicts cannot be registered by order in a
Session; and indeed to enter, against such registry, his individual humble Protest. "Vous etes bien le maitre (You
will do your pleasure)", answers the King; and thereupon, in high state, marches out, escorted by his
Court−retinue; D'Orleans himself, as in duty bound, escorting him, but only to the gate. Which duty done,
D'Orleans returns in from the gate; redacts his Protest, in the face of an applauding Parlement, an applauding
France; and so−−has cut his Court−moorings, shall we say? And will now sail and drift, fast enough, towards
Chaos?
Thou foolish D'Orleans; Equality that art to be! Is Royalty grown a mere wooden Scarecrow; whereon thou, pert
scald−headed crow, mayest alight at pleasure, and peck? Not yet wholly.
Next day, a Lettre−de−Cachet sends D'Orleans to bethink himself in his Chateau of Villers−Cotterets, where, alas,
is no Paris with its joyous necessaries of life; no fascinating indispensable Madame de Buffon,−−light wife of a
great Naturalist much too old for her. Monseigneur, it is said, does nothing but walk distractedly, at
Villers−Cotterets; cursing his stars. Versailles itself shall hear penitent wail from him, so hard is his doom. By a
second, simultaneous Lettre−de−Cachet, Goody Freteau is hurled into the Stronghold of Ham, amid the Norman
marshes; by a third, Sabatier de Cabre into Mont St. Michel, amid the Norman quicksands. As for the Parlement,
it must, on summons, travel out to Versailles, with its Register−Book under its arm, to have the Protest biffe
(expunged); not without admonition, and even rebuke. A stroke of authority which, one might have hoped, would
quiet matters.
Unhappily, no; it is a mere taste of the whip to rearing coursers, which makes them rear worse! When a team of
Twenty−five Millions begins rearing, what is Lomenie's whip? The Parlement will nowise acquiesce meekly; and
set to register the Protestant Edict, and do its other work, in salutary fear of these three Lettres−de−Cachet. Far
from that, it begins questioning Lettres−de−Cachet generally, their legality, endurability; emits dolorous
The French Revolution
38
The French Revolution
objurgation, petition on petition to have its three Martyrs delivered; cannot, till that be complied with, so much as
think of examining the Protestant Edict, but puts it off always 'till this day week.' (Besenval, iii. 309.)
In which objurgatory strain Paris and France joins it, or rather has preceded it; making fearful chorus. And now
also the other Parlements, at length opening their mouths, begin to join; some of them, as at Grenoble and at
Rennes, with portentous emphasis,−−threatening, by way of reprisal, to interdict the very Tax−gatherer. (Weber,
i. 266.) "In all former contests," as Malesherbes remarks, "it was the Parlement that excited the Public; but here it
is the Public that excites the Parlement."
Chapter 1.3.VII. Internecine.
What a France, through these winter months of the year 1787! The very Oeil−de−Boeuf is doleful, uncertain; with
a general feeling among the Suppressed, that it were better to be in Turkey. The Wolf−hounds are suppressed, the
Bear−hounds, Duke de Coigny, Duke de Polignac: in the Trianon little−heaven, her Majesty, one evening, takes
Besenval's arm; asks his candid opinion. The intrepid Besenval,−−having, as he hopes, nothing of the sycophant
in him,−−plainly signifies that, with a Parlement in rebellion, and an Oeil−de−Boeuf in suppression, the King's
Crown is in danger;−−whereupon, singular to say, her Majesty, as if hurt, changed the subject, et ne me parla plus
de rien! (Besenval, iii. 264.)
To whom, indeed, can this poor Queen speak? In need of wise counsel, if ever mortal was; yet beset here only by
the hubbub of chaos! Her dwelling− place is so bright to the eye, and confusion and black care darkens it all.
Sorrows of the Sovereign, sorrows of the woman, think−coming sorrows environ her more and more. Lamotte,
the Necklace−Countess, has in these late months escaped, perhaps been suffered to escape, from the Salpetriere.
Vain was the hope that Paris might thereby forget her; and this ever− widening−lie, and heap of lies, subside. The
Lamotte, with a V (for Voleuse, Thief) branded on both shoulders, has got to England; and will therefrom emit lie
on lie; defiling the highest queenly name: mere distracted lies; (Memoires justificatifs de la Comtesse de Lamotte
(London, 1788). Vie de Jeanne de St. Remi, Comtesse de Lamotte, See Diamond Necklace (ut supra).) which, in
its present humour, France will greedily believe.
For the rest, it is too clear our Successive Loan is not filling. As indeed, in such circumstances, a Loan registered
by expunging of Protests was not the likeliest to fill. Denunciation of Lettres−de−Cachet, of Despotism generally,
abates not: the Twelve Parlements are busy; the Twelve hundred Placarders, Balladsingers, Pamphleteers. Paris is
what, in figurative speech, they call 'flooded with pamphlets (regorge de brochures);' flooded and eddying again.
Hot deluge,−−from so many Patriot ready−writers, all at the fervid or boiling point; each ready−writer, now in the
hour of eruption, going like an Iceland Geyser! Against which what can a judicious friend Morellet do; a Rivarol,
an unruly Linguet (well paid for it),−−spouting cold!
Now also, at length, does come discussion of the Protestant Edict: but only for new embroilment; in pamphlet and
counter−pamphlet, increasing the madness of men. Not even Orthodoxy, bedrid as she seemed, but will have a
hand in this confusion. She, once again in the shape of Abbe Lenfant, 'whom Prelates drive to visit and
congratulate,'−−raises audible sound from her pulpit−drum. (Lacretelle, iii. 343. Montgaillard, Or mark how
D'Espremenil, who has his own confused way in all things, produces at the right moment in Parlementary
harangue, a pocket Crucifix, with the apostrophe: "Will ye crucify him afresh?" Him, O D'Espremenil, without
scruple;−−considering what poor stuff, of ivory and filigree, he is made of!
To all which add only that poor Brienne has fallen sick; so hard was the tear and wear of his sinful youth, so
violent, incessant is this agitation of his foolish old age. Baited, bayed at through so many throats, his Grace,
growing consumptive, inflammatory (with humeur de dartre), lies reduced to milk diet; in exasperation, almost in
desperation; with 'repose,' precisely the impossible recipe, prescribed as the indispensable. (Besenval, iii. 317.)
The French Revolution
39
The French Revolution
On the whole, what can a poor Government do, but once more recoil ineffectual? The King's Treasury is running
towards the lees; and Paris 'eddies with a flood of pamphlets.' At all rates, let the latter subside a little! "D'Orleans
gets back to Raincy, which is nearer Paris and the fair frail Buffon; finally to Paris itself: neither are Freteau and
Sabatier banished forever. The Protestant Edict is registered; to the joy of Boissy d'Anglas and good Malesherbes:
Successive Loan, all protests expunged or else withdrawn, remains open,−−the rather as few or none come to fill
it. States−General, for which the Parlement has clamoured, and now the whole Nation clamours, will follow 'in
five years,'−−if indeed not sooner. O Parlement of Paris, what a clamour was that! "Messieurs," said old
d'Ormesson, "you will get States−General, and you will repent it." Like the Horse in the Fable, who, to be
avenged of his enemy, applied to the Man. The Man mounted; did swift execution on the enemy; but, unhappily,
would not dismount! Instead of five years, let three years pass, and this clamorous Parlement shall have both seen
its enemy hurled prostrate, and been itself ridden to foundering (say rather, jugulated for hide and shoes), and lie
dead in the ditch.
Under such omens, however, we have reached the spring of 1788. By no path can the King's Government find
passage for itself, but is everywhere shamefully flung back. Beleaguered by Twelve rebellious Parlements, which
are grown to be the organs of an angry Nation, it can advance nowhither; can accomplish nothing, obtain nothing,
not so much as money to subsist on; but must sit there, seemingly, to be eaten up of Deficit.
The measure of the Iniquity, then, of the Falsehood which has been gathering through long centuries, is nearly
full? At least, that of the misery is! For the hovels of the Twenty−five Millions, the misery, permeating upwards
and forwards, as its law is, has got so far,−−to the very Oeil−de−Boeuf of Versailles. Man's hand, in this blind
pain, is set against man: not only the low against the higher, but the higher against each other; Provincial Noblesse
is bitter against Court Noblesse; Robe against Sword; Rochet against Pen. But against the King's Government
who is not bitter? Not even Besenval, in these days. To it all men and bodies of men are become as enemies; it is
the centre whereon infinite contentions unite and clash. What new universal vertiginous movement is this; of
Institution, social Arrangements, individual Minds, which once worked cooperative; now rolling and grinding in
distracted collision? Inevitable: it is the breaking−up of a World−Solecism, worn out at last, down even to
bankruptcy of money! And so this poor Versailles Court, as the chief or central Solecism, finds all the other
Solecisms arrayed against it. Most natural! For your human Solecism, be it Person or Combination of Persons, is
ever, by law of Nature, uneasy; if verging towards bankruptcy, it is even miserable:−−and when would the
meanest Solecism consent to blame or amend itself, while there remained another to amend?
These threatening signs do not terrify Lomenie, much less teach him. Lomenie, though of light nature, is not
without courage, of a sort. Nay, have we not read of lightest creatures, trained Canary−birds, that could fly
cheerfully with lighted matches, and fire cannon; fire whole powder− magazines? To sit and die of deficit is no
part of Lomenie's plan. The evil is considerable; but can he not remove it, can he not attack it? At lowest, he can
attack the symptom of it: these rebellious Parlements he can attack, and perhaps remove. Much is dim to
Lomenie, but two things are clear: that such Parlementary duel with Royalty is growing perilous, nay internecine;
above all, that money must be had. Take thought, brave Lomenie; thou Garde−des−Sceaux Lamoignon, who hast
ideas! So often defeated, balked cruelly when the golden fruit seemed within clutch, rally for one other struggle.
To tame the Parlement, to fill the King's coffers: these are now life−and−death questions.
Parlements have been tamed, more than once. Set to perch 'on the peaks of rocks in accessible except by litters,' a
Parlement grows reasonable. O Maupeou, thou bold man, had we left thy work where it was!−−But apart from
exile, or other violent methods, is there not one method, whereby all things are tamed, even lions? The method of
hunger! What if the Parlement's supplies were cut off; namely its Lawsuits!
Minor Courts, for the trying of innumerable minor causes, might be instituted: these we could call Grand
Bailliages. Whereon the Parlement, shortened of its prey, would look with yellow despair; but the Public, fond of
cheap justice, with favour and hope. Then for Finance, for registering of Edicts, why not, from our own
Oeil−de−Boeuf Dignitaries, our Princes, Dukes, Marshals, make a thing we could call Plenary Court; and there,
The French Revolution
40
The French Revolution
so to speak, do our registering ourselves? St. Louis had his Plenary Court, of Great Barons; (Montgaillard, i. 405.)
most useful to him: our Great Barons are still here (at least the Name of them is still here); our necessity is greater
than his.
Such is the Lomenie−Lamoignon device; welcome to the King's Council, as a light−beam in great darkness. The
device seems feasible, it is eminently needful: be it once well executed, great deliverance is wrought. Silent, then,
and steady; now or never!−−the World shall see one other Historical Scene; and so singular a man as Lomenie de
Brienne still the Stage−manager there.
Behold, accordingly, a Home−Secretary Breteuil 'beautifying Paris,' in the peaceablest manner, in this hopeful
spring weather of 1788; the old hovels and hutches disappearing from our Bridges: as if for the State too there
were halcyon weather, and nothing to do but beautify. Parlement seems to sit acknowledged victor. Brienne says
nothing of Finance; or even says, and prints, that it is all well. How is this; such halcyon quiet; though the
Successive Loan did not fill? In a victorious Parlement, Counsellor Goeslard de Monsabert even denounces that
'levying of the Second Twentieth on strict valuation;' and gets decree that the valuation shall not be strict,−−not on
the privileged classes. Nevertheless Brienne endures it, launches no Lettre−de−Cachet against it. How is this?
Smiling is such vernal weather; but treacherous, sudden! For one thing, we hear it whispered, 'the Intendants of
Provinces 'have all got order to be at their posts on a certain day.' Still more singular, what incessant Printing is
this that goes on at the King's Chateau, under lock and key? Sentries occupy all gates and windows; the Printers
come not out; they sleep in their workrooms; their very food is handed in to them! (Weber, i. 276.) A victorious
Parlement smells new danger. D'Espremenil has ordered horses to Versailles; prowls round that guarded
Printing−Office; prying, snuffing, if so be the sagacity and ingenuity of man may penetrate it.
To a shower of gold most things are penetrable. D'Espremenil descends on the lap of a Printer's Danae, in the
shape of 'five hundred louis d'or:' the Danae's Husband smuggles a ball of clay to her; which she delivers to the
golden Counsellor of Parlement. Kneaded within it, their stick printed proof−sheets;−−by Heaven! the royal Edict
of that same self−registering Plenary Court; of those Grand Bailliages that shall cut short our Lawsuits! It is to be
promulgated over all France on one and the same day.
This, then, is what the Intendants were bid wait for at their posts: this is what the Court sat hatching, as its
accursed cockatrice−egg; and would not stir, though provoked, till the brood were out! Hie with it, D'Espremenil,
home to Paris; convoke instantaneous Sessions; let the Parlement, and the Earth, and the Heavens know it.
Chapter 1.3.VIII. Lomenie's Death−throes.
On the morrow, which is the 3rd of May, 1788, an astonished Parlement sits convoked; listens speechless to the
speech of D'Espremenil, unfolding the infinite misdeed. Deed of treachery; of unhallowed darkness, such as
Despotism loves! Denounce it, O Parlement of Paris; awaken France and the Universe; roll what thunder−barrels
of forensic eloquence thou hast: with thee too it is verily Now or never!
The Parlement is not wanting, at such juncture. In the hour of his extreme jeopardy, the lion first incites himself
by roaring, by lashing his sides. So here the Parlement of Paris. On the motion of D'Espremenil, a most patriotic
Oath, of the One−and−all sort, is sworn, with united throat;−−an excellent new−idea, which, in these coming
years, shall not remain unimitated. Next comes indomitable Declaration, almost of the rights of man, at least of
the rights of Parlement; Invocation to the friends of French Freedom, in this and in subsequent time. All which, or
the essence of all which, is brought to paper; in a tone wherein something of plaintiveness blends with, and
tempers, heroic valour. And thus, having sounded the storm−bell,−−which Paris hears, which all France will hear;
and hurled such defiance in the teeth of Lomenie and Despotism, the Parlement retires as from a tolerable first
day's work.
The French Revolution
41
The French Revolution
But how Lomenie felt to see his cockatrice−egg (so essential to the salvation of France) broken in this premature
manner, let readers fancy! Indignant he clutches at his thunderbolts (de Cachet, of the Seal); and launches two of
them: a bolt for D'Espremenil; a bolt for that busy Goeslard, whose service in the Second Twentieth and 'strict
valuation' is not forgotten. Such bolts clutched promptly overnight, and launched with the early new morning,
shall strike agitated Paris if not into requiescence, yet into wholesome astonishment.
Ministerial thunderbolts may be launched; but if they do not hit? D'Espremenil and Goeslard, warned, both of
them, as is thought, by the singing of some friendly bird, elude the Lomenie Tipstaves; escape disguised through
skywindows, over roofs, to their own Palais de Justice: the thunderbolts have missed. Paris (for the buzz flies
abroad) is struck into astonishment not wholesome. The two martyrs of Liberty doff their disguises; don their long
gowns; behold, in the space of an hour, by aid of ushers and swift runners, the Parlement, with its Counsellors,
Presidents, even Peers, sits anew assembled. The assembled Parlement declares that these its two martyrs cannot
be given up, to any sublunary authority; moreover that the 'session is permanent,' admitting of no adjournment, till
pursuit of them has been relinquished.
And so, with forensic eloquence, denunciation and protest, with couriers going and returning, the Parlement, in
this state of continual explosion that shall cease neither night nor day, waits the issue. Awakened Paris once more
inundates those outer courts; boils, in floods wilder than ever, through all avenues. Dissonant hubbub there is;
jargon as of Babel, in the hour when they were first smitten (as here) with mutual unintelligibilty, and the people
had not yet dispersed!
Paris City goes through its diurnal epochs, of working and slumbering; and now, for the second time, most
European and African mortals are asleep. But here, in this Whirlpool of Words, sleep falls not; the Night spreads
her coverlid of Darkness over it in vain. Within is the sound of mere martyr invincibility; tempered with the due
tone of plaintiveness. Without is the infinite expectant hum,−−growing drowsier a little. So has it lasted for
six−and−thirty hours.
But hark, through the dead of midnight, what tramp is this? Tramp as of armed men, foot and horse; Gardes
Francaises, Gardes Suisses: marching hither; in silent regularity; in the flare of torchlight! There are Sappers, too,
with axes and crowbars: apparently, if the doors open not, they will be forced!−−It is Captain D'Agoust,
missioned from Versailles. D'Agoust, a man of known firmness;−−who once forced Prince Conde himself, by
mere incessant looking at him, to give satisfaction and fight; (Weber, i. 283.) he now, with axes and torches is
advancing on the very sanctuary of Justice. Sacrilegious; yet what help? The man is a soldier; looks merely at his
orders; impassive, moves forward like an inanimate engine.
The doors open on summons, there need no axes; door after door. And now the innermost door opens; discloses
the long−gowned Senators of France: a hundred and sixty−seven by tale, seventeen of them Peers; sitting there,
majestic, 'in permanent session.' Were not the men military, and of cast− iron, this sight, this silence reechoing the
clank of his own boots, might stagger him! For the hundred and sixty−seven receive him in perfect silence; which
some liken to that of the Roman Senate overfallen by Brennus; some to that of a nest of coiners surprised by
officers of the Police. (Besenval, iii. 355.) Messieurs, said D'Agoust, De par le Roi! Express order has charged
D'Agoust with the sad duty of arresting two individuals: M. Duval d'Espremenil and M. Goeslard de Monsabert.
Which respectable individuals, as he has not the honour of knowing them, are hereby invited, in the King's name,
to surrender themselves.−−Profound silence! Buzz, which grows a murmur: "We are all D'Espremenils!" ventures
a voice; which other voices repeat. The President inquires, Whether he will employ violence? Captain D'Agoust,
honoured with his Majesty's commission, has to execute his Majesty's order; would so gladly do it without
violence, will in any case do it; grants an august Senate space to deliberate which method they prefer. And
thereupon D'Agoust, with grave military courtesy, has withdrawn for the moment.
What boots it, august Senators? All avenues are closed with fixed bayonets. Your Courier gallops to Versailles,
through the dewy Night; but also gallops back again, with tidings that the order is authentic, that it is irrevocable.
The French Revolution
42
The French Revolution
The outer courts simmer with idle population; but D'Agoust's grenadier−ranks stand there as immovable
floodgates: there will be no revolting to deliver you. "Messieurs!" thus spoke D'Espremenil, "when the victorious
Gauls entered Rome, which they had carried by assault, the Roman Senators, clothed in their purple, sat there, in
their curule chairs, with a proud and tranquil countenance, awaiting slavery or death. Such too is the lofty
spectacle, which you, in this hour, offer to the universe (a l'univers), after having generously"−−with much more
of the like, as can still be read. (Toulongeon, i. App. 20.)
In vain, O D'Espremenil! Here is this cast−iron Captain D'Agoust, with his cast−iron military air, come back.
Despotism, constraint, destruction sit waving in his plumes. D'Espremenil must fall silent; heroically give himself
up, lest worst befall. Him Goeslard heroically imitates. With spoken and speechless emotion, they fling
themselves into the arms of their Parlementary brethren, for a last embrace: and so amid plaudits and plaints, from
a hundred and sixty−five throats; amid wavings, sobbings, a whole forest−sigh of Parlementary pathos,−−they are
led through winding passages, to the rear−gate; where, in the gray of the morning, two Coaches with Exempts
stand waiting. There must the victims mount; bayonets menacing behind. D'Espremenil's stern question to the
populace, 'Whether they have courage?' is answered by silence. They mount, and roll; and neither the rising of the
May sun (it is the 6th morning), nor its setting shall lighten their heart: but they fare forward continually;
D'Espremenil towards the utmost Isles of Sainte Marguerite, or Hieres (supposed by some, if that is any comfort,
to be Calypso's Island); Goeslard towards the land− fortress of Pierre−en−Cize, extant then, near the City of
Lyons.
Captain D'Agoust may now therefore look forward to Majorship, to Commandantship of the Tuilleries;
(Montgaillard, i. 404.)−−and withal vanish from History; where nevertheless he has been fated to do a notable
thing. For not only are D'Espremenil and Goeslard safe whirling southward, but the Parlement itself has
straightway to march out: to that also his inexorable order reaches. Gathering up their long skirts, they file out, the
whole Hundred and Sixty−five of them, through two rows of unsympathetic grenadiers: a spectacle to gods and
men. The people revolt not; they only wonder and grumble: also, we remark, these unsympathetic grenadiers are
Gardes Francaises,−−who, one day, will sympathise! In a word, the Palais de Justice is swept clear, the doors of it
are locked; and D'Agoust returns to Versailles with the key in his pocket,−−having, as was said, merited
preferment.
As for this Parlement of Paris, now turned out to the street, we will without reluctance leave it there. The Beds of
Justice it had to undergo, in the coming fortnight, at Versailles, in registering, or rather refusing to register, those
new−hatched Edicts; and how it assembled in taverns and tap−rooms there, for the purpose of Protesting, (Weber,
i. 299−303.) or hovered disconsolate, with outspread skirts, not knowing where to assemble; and was reduced to
lodge Protest 'with a Notary;' and in the end, to sit still (in a state of forced 'vacation'), and do nothing; all this,
natural now, as the burying of the dead after battle, shall not concern us. The Parlement of Paris has as good as
performed its part; doing and misdoing, so far, but hardly further, could it stir the world.
Lomenie has removed the evil then? Not at all: not so much as the symptom of the evil; scarcely the twelfth part
of the symptom, and exasperated the other eleven! The Intendants of Provinces, the Military Commandants are at
their posts, on the appointed 8th of May: but in no Parlement, if not in the single one of Douai, can these new
Edicts get registered. Not peaceable signing with ink; but browbeating, bloodshedding, appeal to primary
club−law! Against these Bailliages, against this Plenary Court, exasperated Themis everywhere shows face of
battle; the Provincial Noblesse are of her party, and whoever hates Lomenie and the evil time; with her attorneys
and Tipstaves, she enlists and operates down even to the populace. At Rennes in Brittany, where the historical
Bertrand de Moleville is Intendant, it has passed from fatal continual duelling, between the military and gentry, to
street−fighting; to stone−volleys and musket−shot: and still the Edicts remained unregistered. The afflicted
Bretons send remonstrance to Lomenie, by a Deputation of Twelve; whom, however, Lomenie, having heard
them, shuts up in the Bastille. A second larger deputation he meets, by his scouts, on the road, and persuades or
frightens back. But now a third largest Deputation is indignantly sent by many roads: refused audience on
arriving, it meets to take council; invites Lafayette and all Patriot Bretons in Paris to assist; agitates itself;
The French Revolution
43
The French Revolution
becomes the Breton Club, first germ of−−the Jacobins' Society. (A. F. de Bertrand−Moleville, Memoires
Particuliers (Paris, 1816), I. ch. i. Marmontel, Memoires, iv. 27.)
So many as eight Parlements get exiled: (Montgaillard, i. 308.) others might need that remedy, but it is one not
always easy of appliance. At Grenoble, for instance, where a Mounier, a Barnave have not been idle, the
Parlement had due order (by Lettres−de−Cachet) to depart, and exile itself: but on the morrow, instead of coaches
getting yoked, the alarm−bell bursts forth, ominous; and peals and booms all day: crowds of mountaineers rush
down, with axes, even with firelocks,−−whom (most ominous of all!) the soldiery shows no eagerness to deal
with. 'Axe over head,' the poor General has to sign capitulation; to engage that the Lettres−de−Cachet shall
remain unexecuted, and a beloved Parlement stay where it is. Besancon, Dijon, Rouen, Bourdeaux, are not what
they should be! At Pau in Bearn, where the old Commandant had failed, the new one (a Grammont, native to
them) is met by a Procession of townsmen with the Cradle of Henri Quatre, the Palladium of their Town; is
conjured as he venerates this old Tortoise−shell, in which the great Henri was rocked, not to trample on Bearnese
liberty; is informed, withal, that his Majesty's cannon are all safe−−in the keeping of his Majesty's faithful
Burghers of Pau, and do now lie pointed on the walls there; ready for action! (Besenval, iii. 348.)
At this rate, your Grand Bailliages are like to have a stormy infancy. As for the Plenary Court, it has literally
expired in the birth. The very Courtiers looked shy at it; old Marshal Broglie declined the honour of sitting
therein. Assaulted by a universal storm of mingled ridicule and execration, (La Cour Pleniere,
heroi−tragi−comedie en trois actes et en prose; jouee le 14 Juillet 1788, par une societe d'amateurs dans un
Chateau aux environs de Versailles; par M. l'Abbe de Vermond, Lecteur de la Reine: A Baville (Lamoignon's
Country−house), et se trouve a Paris, chez la Veuve Liberte, a l'enseigne de la Revolution, 1788.−−La Passion, la
Mort et la Resurrection du Peuple: Imprime a Jerusalem, Montgaillard, i. 407.) this poor Plenary Court met once,
and never any second time. Distracted country! Contention hisses up, with forked hydra−tongues, wheresoever
poor Lomenie sets his foot. 'Let a Commandant, a Commissioner of the King,' says Weber, 'enter one of these
Parlements to have an Edict registered, the whole Tribunal will disappear, and leave the Commandant alone with
the Clerk and First President. The Edict registered and the Commandant gone, the whole Tribunal hastens back, to
declare such registration null. The highways are covered with Grand Deputations of Parlements, proceeding to
Versailles, to have their registers expunged by the King's hand; or returning home, to cover a new page with a
new resolution still more audacious.' (Weber, i. 275.)
Such is the France of this year 1788. Not now a Golden or Paper Age of Hope; with its horse−racings,
balloon−flyings, and finer sensibilities of the heart: ah, gone is that; its golden effulgence paled, bedarkened in
this singular manner,−−brewing towards preternatural weather! For, as in that wreck−storm of Paul et Virginie
and Saint−Pierre,−−'One huge motionless cloud' (say, of Sorrow and Indignation) 'girdles our whole horizon;
streams up, hairy, copper−edged, over a sky of the colour of lead.' Motionless itself; but 'small clouds' (as exiled
Parlements and suchlike), 'parting from it, fly over the zenith, with the velocity of birds:'−−till at last, with one
loud howl, the whole Four Winds be dashed together, and all the world exclaim, There is the tornado! Tout le
monde s'ecria, Voila l'ouragan!
For the rest, in such circumstances, the Successive Loan, very naturally, remains unfilled; neither, indeed, can that
impost of the Second Twentieth, at least not on 'strict valuation,' be levied to good purpose: 'Lenders,' says Weber,
in his hysterical vehement manner, 'are afraid of ruin; tax− gatherers of hanging.' The very Clergy turn away their
face: convoked in Extraordinary Assembly, they afford no gratuitous gift (don gratuit),−−if it be not that of
advice; here too instead of cash is clamour for States− General. (Lameth, Assemb. Const. (Introd.) p. 87.)
O Lomenie−Brienne, with thy poor flimsy mind all bewildered, and now 'three actual cauteries' on thy worn−out
body; who art like to die of inflamation, provocation, milk−diet, dartres vives and maladie−−(best untranslated);
(Montgaillard, i. 424.) and presidest over a France with innumerable actual cauteries, which also is dying of
inflammation and the rest! Was it wise to quit the bosky verdures of Brienne, and thy new ashlar Chateau there,
and what it held, for this? Soft were those shades and lawns; sweet the hymns of Poetasters, the blandishments of
The French Revolution
44
The French Revolution
high−rouged Graces: (See Memoires de Morellet.) and always this and the other Philosophe Morellet (nothing
deeming himself or thee a questionable Sham−Priest) could be so happy in making happy:−−and also (hadst thou
known it), in the Military School hard by there sat, studying mathematics, a dusky−complexioned taciturn Boy,
under the name of: NAPOLEON BONAPARTE!−−With fifty years of effort, and one final dead−lift struggle,
thou hast made an exchange! Thou hast got thy robe of office,−−as Hercules had his Nessus'−shirt.
On the 13th of July of this 1788, there fell, on the very edge of harvest, the most frightful hailstorm; scattering
into wild waste the Fruits of the Year; which had otherwise suffered grievously by drought. For sixty leagues
round Paris especially, the ruin was almost total. (Marmontel, iv. 30.) To so many other evils, then, there is to be
added, that of dearth, perhaps of famine.
Some days before this hailstorm, on the 5th of July; and still more decisively some days after it, on the 8th of
August,−−Lomenie announces that the States−General are actually to meet in the following month of May. Till
after which period, this of the Plenary Court, and the rest, shall remain postponed. Further, as in Lomenie there is
no plan of forming or holding these most desirable States−General, 'thinkers are invited' to furnish him with
one,−−through the medium of discussion by the public press!
What could a poor Minister do? There are still ten months of respite reserved: a sinking pilot will fling out all
things, his very biscuit− bags, lead, log, compass and quadrant, before flinging out himself. It is on this principle,
of sinking, and the incipient delirium of despair, that we explain likewise the almost miraculous 'invitation to
thinkers.' Invitation to Chaos to be so kind as build, out of its tumultuous drift− wood, an Ark of Escape for him!
In these cases, not invitation but command has usually proved serviceable.−−The Queen stood, that evening,
pensive, in a window, with her face turned towards the Garden. The Chef de Gobelet had followed her with an
obsequious cup of coffee; and then retired till it were sipped. Her Majesty beckoned Dame Campan to approach:
"Grand Dieu!" murmured she, with the cup in her hand, "what a piece of news will be made public to−day! The
King grants States−General." Then raising her eyes to Heaven (if Campan were not mistaken), she added: "'Tis a
first beat of the drum, of ill−omen for France. This Noblesse will ruin us." (Campan, iii. 104, 111.)
During all that hatching of the Plenary Court, while Lamoignon looked so mysterious, Besenval had kept asking
him one question: Whether they had cash? To which as Lamoignon always answered (on the faith of Lomenie)
that the cash was safe, judicious Besenval rejoined that then all was safe. Nevertheless, the melancholy fact is,
that the royal coffers are almost getting literally void of coin. Indeed, apart from all other things this 'invitation to
thinkers,' and the great change now at hand are enough to 'arrest the circulation of capital,' and forward only that
of pamphlets. A few thousand gold louis are now all of money or money's worth that remains in the King's
Treasury. With another movement as of desperation, Lomenie invites Necker to come and be Controller of
Finances! Necker has other work in view than controlling Finances for Lomenie: with a dry refusal he stands
taciturn; awaiting his time.
What shall a desperate Prime Minister do? He has grasped at the strongbox of the King's Theatre: some Lottery
had been set on foot for those sufferers by the hailstorm; in his extreme necessity, Lomenie lays hands even on
this. (Besenval, iii. 360.) To make provision for the passing day, on any terms, will soon be impossible.−−On the
16th of August, poor Weber heard, at Paris and Versailles, hawkers, 'with a hoarse stifled tone of voice (voix
etouffee, sourde)' drawling and snuffling, through the streets, an Edict concerning Payments (such was the soft
title Rivarol had contrived for it): all payments at the Royal Treasury shall be made henceforth, three−fifths in
Cash, and the remaining two−fifths−−in Paper bearing interest! Poor Weber almost swooned at the sound of these
cracked voices, with their bodeful raven−note; and will never forget the effect it had on him. (Weber, i. 339.)
But the effect on Paris, on the world generally? From the dens of Stock− brokerage, from the heights of Political
Economy, of Neckerism and Philosophism; from all articulate and inarticulate throats, rise hootings and howlings,
such as ear had not yet heard. Sedition itself may be imminent! Monseigneur d'Artois, moved by Duchess
Polignac, feels called to wait upon her Majesty; and explain frankly what crisis matters stand in. 'The Queen
The French Revolution
45
The French Revolution
wept;' Brienne himself wept;−−for it is now visible and palpable that he must go.
Remains only that the Court, to whom his manners and garrulities were always agreeable, shall make his fall soft.
The grasping old man has already got his Archbishopship of Toulouse exchanged for the richer one of Sens: and
now, in this hour of pity, he shall have the Coadjutorship for his nephew (hardly yet of due age); a Dameship of
the Palace for his niece; a Regiment for her husband; for himself a red Cardinal's−hat, a Coupe de Bois (cutting
from the royal forests), and on the whole 'from five to six hundred thousand livres of revenue:' (Weber, i. 341.)
finally, his Brother, the Comte de Brienne, shall still continue War−minister. Buckled− round with such bolsters
and huge featherbeds of Promotion, let him now fall as soft as he can!
And so Lomenie departs: rich if Court−titles and Money−bonds can enrich him; but if these cannot, perhaps the
poorest of all extant men. 'Hissed at by the people of Versailles,' he drives forth to Jardi; southward to
Brienne,−−for recovery of health. Then to Nice, to Italy; but shall return; shall glide to and fro, tremulous,
faint−twinkling, fallen on awful times: till the Guillotine−−snuff out his weak existence? Alas, worse: for it is
blown out, or choked out, foully, pitiably, on the way to the Guillotine! In his Palace of Sens, rude Jacobin
Bailiffs made him drink with them from his own wine−cellars, feast with them from his own larder; and on the
morrow morning, the miserable old man lies dead. This is the end of Prime Minister, Cardinal Archbishop
Lomenie de Brienne. Flimsier mortal was seldom fated to do as weighty a mischief; to have a life as
despicable−envied, an exit as frightful. Fired, as the phrase is, with ambition: blown, like a kindled rag, the sport
of winds, not this way, not that way, but of all ways, straight towards such a powder−mine,−−which he kindled!
Let us pity the hapless Lomenie; and forgive him; and, as soon as possible, forget him.
Chapter 1.3.IX. Burial with Bonfire.
Besenval, during these extraordinary operations, of Payment two−fifths in Paper, and change of Prime Minister,
had been out on a tour through his District of Command; and indeed, for the last months, peacefully drinking the
waters of Contrexeville. Returning now, in the end of August, towards Moulins, and 'knowing nothing,' he arrives
one evening at Langres; finds the whole Town in a state of uproar (grande rumeur). Doubtless some sedition; a
thing too common in these days! He alights nevertheless; inquires of a 'man tolerably dressed,' what the matter
is?−−"How?" answers the man, "you have not heard the news? The Archbishop is thrown out, and M. Necker is
recalled; and all is going to go well!" (Besenval, iii. 366.)
Such rumeur and vociferous acclaim has risen round M. Necker, ever from 'that day when he issued from the
Queen's Apartments,' a nominated Minister. It was on the 24th of August: 'the galleries of the Chateau, the courts,
the streets of Versailles; in few hours, the Capital; and, as the news flew, all France, resounded with the cry of
Vive le Roi! Vive M. Necker! (Weber, i. 342.) In Paris indeed it unfortunately got the length of turbulence.'
Petards, rockets go off, in the Place Dauphine, more than enough. A 'wicker Figure (Mannequin d'osier),' in
Archbishop's stole, made emblematically, three−fifths of it satin, two−fifths of it paper, is promenaded, not in
silence, to the popular judgment−bar; is doomed; shriven by a mock Abbe de Vermond; then solemnly consumed
by fire, at the foot of Henri's Statue on the Pont Neuf;−−with such petarding and huzzaing that Chevalier Dubois
and his City−watch see good finally to make a charge (more or less ineffectual); and there wanted not burning of
sentry−boxes, forcing of guard−houses, and also 'dead bodies thrown into the Seine over−night,' to avoid new
effervescence. (Histoire Parlementaire de la Revolution Francaise; ou Journal des Assemblees Nationales depuis
1789 (Paris, 1833 et seqq.), i. 253. Lameth, Assemblee Constituante, i. (Introd.) p. 89.)
Parlements therefore shall return from exile: Plenary Court, Payment two− fifths in Paper have vanished; gone off
in smoke, at the foot of Henri's Statue. States−General (with a Political Millennium) are now certain; nay, it shall
be announced, in our fond haste, for January next: and all, as the Langres man said, is 'going to go.'
To the prophetic glance of Besenval, one other thing is too apparent: that Friend Lamoignon cannot keep his
Keepership. Neither he nor War−minister Comte de Brienne! Already old Foulon, with an eye to be war−minister
The French Revolution
46
The French Revolution
himself, is making underground movements. This is that same Foulon named ame damnee du Parlement; a man
grown gray in treachery, in griping, projecting, intriguing and iniquity: who once when it was objected, to some
finance−scheme of his, "What will the people do?"−−made answer, in the fire of discussion, "The people may eat
grass:" hasty words, which fly abroad irrevocable,−−and will send back tidings!
Foulon, to the relief of the world, fails on this occasion; and will always fail. Nevertheless it steads not M. de
Lamoignon. It steads not the doomed man that he have interviews with the King; and be 'seen to return radieux,'
emitting rays. Lamoignon is the hated of Parlements: Comte de Brienne is Brother to the Cardinal Archbishop.
The 24th of August has been; and the 14th September is not yet, when they two, as their great Principal had done,
descend,−−made to fall soft, like him.
And now, as if the last burden had been rolled from its heart, and assurance were at length perfect, Paris bursts
forth anew into extreme jubilee. The Basoche rejoices aloud, that the foe of Parlements is fallen; Nobility, Gentry,
Commonalty have rejoiced; and rejoice. Nay now, with new emphasis, Rascality itself, starting suddenly from its
dim depths, will arise and do it,−−for down even thither the new Political Evangel, in some rude version or other,
has penetrated. It is Monday, the 14th of September 1788: Rascality assembles anew, in great force, in the Place
Dauphine; lets off petards, fires blunderbusses, to an incredible extent, without interval, for eighteen hours. There
is again a wicker Figure, 'Mannequin of osier:' the centre of endless howlings. Also Necker's Portrait snatched, or
purchased, from some Printshop, is borne processionally, aloft on a perch, with huzzas;−−an example to be
remembered.
But chiefly on the Pont Neuf, where the Great Henri, in bronze, rides sublime; there do the crowds gather. All
passengers must stop, till they have bowed to the People's King, and said audibly: Vive Henri Quatre; au diable
Lamoignon! No carriage but must stop; not even that of his Highness d'Orleans. Your coach−doors are opened:
Monsieur will please to put forth his head and bow; or even, if refractory, to alight altogether, and kneel: from
Madame a wave of her plumes, a smile of her fair face, there where she sits, shall suffice;−−and surely a coin or
two (to buy fusees) were not unreasonable from the Upper Classes, friends of Liberty? In this manner it proceeds
for days; in such rude horse−play,−−not without kicks. The City− watch can do nothing; hardly save its own skin:
for the last twelve−month, as we have sometimes seen, it has been a kind of pastime to hunt the Watch. Besenval
indeed is at hand with soldiers; but they have orders to avoid firing, and are not prompt to stir.
On Monday morning the explosion of petards began: and now it is near midnight of Wednesday; and the 'wicker
Mannequin' is to be buried,−− apparently in the Antique fashion. Long rows of torches, following it, move
towards the Hotel Lamoignon; but 'a servant of mine' (Besenval's) has run to give warning, and there are soldiers
come. Gloomy Lamoignon is not to die by conflagration, or this night; not yet for a year, and then by gunshot
(suicidal or accidental is unknown). (Histoire de la Revolution, par Deux Amis de la Liberte, i. 50.) Foiled
Rascality burns its 'Mannikin of osier,' under his windows; 'tears up the sentry−box,' and rolls off: to try Brienne;
to try Dubois Captain of the Watch. Now, however, all is bestirring itself; Gardes Francaises, Invalides,
Horse−patrol: the Torch Procession is met with sharp shot, with the thrusting of bayonets, the slashing of sabres.
Even Dubois makes a charge, with that Cavalry of his, and the cruelest charge of all: 'there are a great many killed
and wounded.' Not without clangour, complaint; subsequent criminal trials, and official persons dying of
heartbreak! (Histoire de la Revolution, par Deux Amis de la Liberte, i. 58.) So, however, with steel−besom,
Rascality is brushed back into its dim depths, and the streets are swept clear.
Not for a century and half had Rascality ventured to step forth in this fashion; not for so long, showed its huge
rude lineaments in the light of day. A Wonder and new Thing: as yet gamboling merely, in awkward Brobdingnag
sport, not without quaintness; hardly in anger: yet in its huge half−vacant laugh lurks a shade of
grimness,−−which could unfold itself!
However, the thinkers invited by Lomenie are now far on with their pamphlets: States−General, on one plan or
another, will infallibly meet; if not in January, as was once hoped, yet at latest in May. Old Duke de Richelieu,
The French Revolution
47
The French Revolution
moribund in these autumn days, opens his eyes once more, murmuring, "What would Louis Fourteenth" (whom
he remembers) "have said!"−− then closes them again, forever, before the evil time.
BOOK 1.IV. STATES−GENERAL
Chapter 1.4.I. The Notables Again.
The universal prayer, therefore, is to be fulfilled! Always in days of national perplexity, when wrong abounded
and help was not, this remedy of States−General was called for; by a Malesherbes, nay by a Fenelon;
(Montgaillard, i. 461.) even Parlements calling for it were 'escorted with blessings.' And now behold it is
vouchsafed us; States−General shall verily be!
To say, let States−General be, was easy; to say in what manner they shall be, is not so easy. Since the year of
1614, there have no States−General met in France, all trace of them has vanished from the living habits of men.
Their structure, powers, methods of procedure, which were never in any measure fixed, have now become wholly
a vague possibility. Clay which the potter may shape, this way or that:−−say rather, the twenty−five millions of
potters; for so many have now, more or less, a vote in it! How to shape the States−General? There is a problem.
Each Body−corporate, each privileged, each organised Class has secret hopes of its own in that matter; and also
secret misgivings of its own,−−for, behold, this monstrous twenty−million Class, hitherto the dumb sheep which
these others had to agree about the manner of shearing, is now also arising with hopes! It has ceased or is ceasing
to be dumb; it speaks through Pamphlets, or at least brays and growls behind them, in unison,−−increasing
wonderfully their volume of sound.
As for the Parlement of Paris, it has at once declared for the 'old form of 1614.' Which form had this advantage,
that the Tiers Etat, Third Estate, or Commons, figured there as a show mainly: whereby the Noblesse and Clergy
had but to avoid quarrel between themselves, and decide unobstructed what they thought best. Such was the
clearly declared opinion of the Paris Parlement. But, being met by a storm of mere hooting and howling from all
men, such opinion was blown straightway to the winds; and the popularity of the Parlement along with it,−−never
to return. The Parlements part, we said above, was as good as played. Concerning which, however, there is this
further to be noted: the proximity of dates. It was on the 22nd of September that the Parlement returned from
'vacation' or 'exile in its estates;' to be reinstalled amid boundless jubilee from all Paris. Precisely next day it was,
that this same Parlement came to its 'clearly declared opinion:' and then on the morrow after that, you behold it
covered with outrages;' its outer court, one vast sibilation, and the glory departed from it for evermore. (Weber, i.
347.) A popularity of twenty− four hours was, in those times, no uncommon allowance.
On the other hand, how superfluous was that invitation of Lomenie's: the invitation to thinkers! Thinkers and
unthinkers, by the million, are spontaneously at their post, doing what is in them. Clubs labour: Societe Publicole;
Breton Club; Enraged Club, Club des Enrages. Likewise Dinner− parties in the Palais Royal; your Mirabeaus,
Talleyrands dining there, in company with Chamforts, Morellets, with Duponts and hot Parlementeers, not
without object! For a certain Neckerean Lion's−provider, whom one could name, assembles them there; (Ibid. i.
360.)−−or even their own private determination to have dinner does it. And then as to Pamphlets−−in figurative
language; 'it is a sheer snowing of pamphlets; like to snow up the Government thoroughfares!' Now is the time for
Friends of Freedom; sane, and even insane.
Count, or self−styled Count, d'Aintrigues, 'the young Languedocian gentleman,' with perhaps Chamfort the Cynic
to help him, rises into furor almost Pythic; highest, where many are high. (Memoire sur les Etats− Generaux. See
Montgaillard, i. 457−9.) Foolish young Languedocian gentleman; who himself so soon, 'emigrating among the
foremost,' must fly indignant over the marches, with the Contrat Social in his pocket,−−towards outer darkness,
thankless intriguings, ignis−fatuus hoverings, and death by the stiletto! Abbe Sieyes has left Chartres Cathedral,
and canonry and book−shelves there; has let his tonsure grow, and come to Paris with a secular head, of the most
irrefragable sort, to ask three questions, and answer them: What is the Third Estate? All.−−What has it hitherto
The French Revolution
48
The French Revolution
been in our form of government? Nothing.−−What does it want? To become Something.
D'Orleans,−−for be sure he, on his way to Chaos, is in the thick of this,−− promulgates his Deliberations;
(Deliberations a prendre pour les Assemblees des Bailliages.) fathered by him, written by Laclos of the Liaisons
Dangereuses. The result of which comes out simply: 'The Third Estate is the Nation.' On the other hand,
Monseigneur d'Artois, with other Princes of the Blood, publishes, in solemn Memorial to the King, that if such
things be listened to, Privilege, Nobility, Monarchy, Church, State and Strongbox are in danger. (Memoire
presente au Roi, par Monseigneur Comte d'Artois, M. le Prince de Conde, M. le Duc de Bourbon, M. le Duc
d'Enghien, et M. le Prince de Conti. (Given in Hist. Parl. i. 256.)) In danger truly: and yet if you do not listen, are
they out of danger? It is the voice of all France, this sound that rises. Immeasurable, manifold; as the sound of
outbreaking waters: wise were he who knew what to do in it,−−if not to fly to the mountains, and hide himself?
How an ideal, all−seeing Versailles Government, sitting there on such principles, in such an environment, would
have determined to demean itself at this new juncture, may even yet be a question. Such a Government would
have felt too well that its long task was now drawing to a close; that, under the guise of these States−General, at
length inevitable, a new omnipotent Unknown of Democracy was coming into being; in presence of which no
Versailles Government either could or should, except in a provisory character, continue extant. To enact which
provisory character, so unspeakably important, might its whole faculties but have sufficed; and so a peaceable,
gradual, well−conducted Abdication and Domine−dimittas have been the issue!
This for our ideal, all−seeing Versailles Government. But for the actual irrational Versailles Government? Alas,
that is a Government existing there only for its own behoof: without right, except possession; and now also
without might. It foresees nothing, sees nothing; has not so much as a purpose, but has only purposes,−−and the
instinct whereby all that exists will struggle to keep existing. Wholly a vortex; in which vain counsels,
hallucinations, falsehoods, intrigues, and imbecilities whirl; like withered rubbish in the meeting of winds! The
Oeil−de−Boeuf has its irrational hopes, if also its fears. Since hitherto all States−General have done as good as
nothing, why should these do more? The Commons, indeed, look dangerous; but on the whole is not revolt,
unknown now for five generations, an impossibility? The Three Estates can, by management, be set against each
other; the Third will, as heretofore, join with the King; will, out of mere spite and self−interest, be eager to tax
and vex the other two. The other two are thus delivered bound into our hands, that we may fleece them likewise.
Whereupon, money being got, and the Three Estates all in quarrel, dismiss them, and let the future go as it can!
As good Archbishop Lomenie was wont to say: "There are so many accidents; and it needs but one to save
us."−−How many to destroy us?
Poor Necker in the midst of such an anarchy does what is possible for him. He looks into it with obstinately
hopeful face; lauds the known rectitude of the kingly mind; listens indulgent−like to the known perverseness of
the queenly and courtly;−−emits if any proclamation or regulation, one favouring the Tiers Etat; but settling
nothing; hovering afar off rather, and advising all things to settle themselves. The grand questions, for the present,
have got reduced to two: the Double Representation, and the Vote by Head. Shall the Commons have a 'double
representation,' that is to say, have as many members as the Noblesse and Clergy united? Shall the States−
General, when once assembled, vote and deliberate, in one body, or in three separate bodies; 'vote by head, or
vote by class,'−−ordre as they call it? These are the moot−points now filling all France with jargon, logic and
eleutheromania. To terminate which, Necker bethinks him, Might not a second Convocation of the Notables be
fittest? Such second Convocation is resolved on.
On the 6th of November of this year 1788, these Notables accordingly have reassembled; after an interval of some
eighteen months. They are Calonne's old Notables, the same Hundred and Forty−four,−−to show one's
impartiality; likewise to save time. They sit there once again, in their Seven Bureaus, in the hard winter weather:
it is the hardest winter seen since 1709; thermometer below zero of Fahrenheit, Seine River frozen over.
(Marmontel, Memoires (London, 1805), iv. 33. Hist. Parl, Cold, scarcity and eleutheromaniac clamour: a
changed world since these Notables were 'organed out,' in May gone a year! They shall see now whether, under
The French Revolution
49
The French Revolution
their Seven Princes of the Blood, in their Seven Bureaus, they can settle the moot−points.
To the surprise of Patriotism, these Notables, once so patriotic, seem to incline the wrong way; towards the
anti−patriotic side. They stagger at the Double Representation, at the Vote by Head: there is not affirmative
decision; there is mere debating, and that not with the best aspects. For, indeed, were not these Notables
themselves mostly of the Privileged Classes? They clamoured once; now they have their misgivings; make their
dolorous representations. Let them vanish, ineffectual; and return no more! They vanish after a month's session,
on this 12th of December, year 1788: the last terrestrial Notables, not to reappear any other time, in the History of
the World.
And so, the clamour still continuing, and the Pamphlets; and nothing but patriotic Addresses, louder and louder,
pouting in on us from all corners of France,−−Necker himself some fortnight after, before the year is yet done, has
to present his Report, (Rapport fait au Roi dans son Conseil, le 27 Decembre 1788.) recommending at his own
risk that same Double Representation; nay almost enjoining it, so loud is the jargon and eleutheromania. What
dubitating, what circumambulating! These whole six noisy months (for it began with Brienne in July,) has not
Report followed Report, and one Proclamation flown in the teeth of the other? (5th July; 8th August; 23rd
September,
However, that first moot−point, as we see, is now settled. As for the second, that of voting by Head or by Order, it
unfortunately is still left hanging. It hangs there, we may say, between the Privileged Orders and the
Unprivileged; as a ready−made battle−prize, and necessity of war, from the very first: which battle−prize
whosoever seizes it−−may thenceforth bear as battle−flag, with the best omens!
But so, at least, by Royal Edict of the 24th of January, (Reglement du Roi pour la Convocation des
Etats−Generaux a Versailles. (Reprinted, wrong dated, in Histoire Parlementaire, i. 262.)) does it finally, to
impatient expectant France, become not only indubitable that National Deputies are to meet, but possible (so far
and hardly farther has the royal Regulation gone) to begin electing them.
Chapter 1.4.II. The Election.
Up, then, and be doing! The royal signal−word flies through France, as through vast forests the rushing of a
mighty wind. At Parish Churches, in Townhalls, and every House of Convocation; by Bailliages, by
Seneschalsies, in whatsoever form men convene; there, with confusion enough, are Primary Assemblies forming.
To elect your Electors; such is the form prescribed: then to draw up your 'Writ of Plaints and Grievances (Cahier
de plaintes et doleances),' of which latter there is no lack.
With such virtue works this Royal January Edict; as it rolls rapidly, in its leathern mails, along these frostbound
highways, towards all the four winds. Like some fiat, or magic spell−word;−−which such things do resemble! For
always, as it sounds out 'at the market−cross,' accompanied with trumpet−blast; presided by Bailli, Seneschal, or
other minor Functionary, with beef−eaters; or, in country churches is droned forth after sermon, 'au prone des
messes paroissales;' and is registered, posted and let fly over all the world,−−you behold how this multitudinous
French People, so long simmering and buzzing in eager expectancy, begins heaping and shaping itself into
organic groups. Which organic groups, again, hold smaller organic grouplets: the inarticulate buzzing becomes
articulate speaking and acting. By Primary Assembly, and then by Secondary; by 'successive elections,' and
infinite elaboration and scrutiny, according to prescribed process−−shall the genuine 'Plaints and Grievances' be at
length got to paper; shall the fit National Representative be at length laid hold of.
How the whole People shakes itself, as if it had one life; and, in thousand−voiced rumour, announces that it is
awake, suddenly out of long death−sleep, and will thenceforth sleep no more! The long looked−for has come at
last; wondrous news, of Victory, Deliverance, Enfranchisement, sounds magical through every heart. To the
proud strong man it has come; whose strong hands shall no more be gyved; to whom boundless unconquered
The French Revolution
50
The French Revolution
continents lie disclosed. The weary day−drudge has heard of it; the beggar with his crusts moistened in tears.
What! To us also has hope reached; down even to us? Hunger and hardship are not to be eternal? The bread we
extorted from the rugged glebe, and, with the toil of our sinews, reaped and ground, and kneaded into loaves, was
not wholly for another, then; but we also shall eat of it, and be filled? Glorious news (answer the prudent elders),
but all−too unlikely!−−Thus, at any rate, may the lower people, who pay no money−taxes and have no right to
vote, (Reglement du Roi (in Histoire Parlementaire, as above, i. 267−307.) assiduously crowd round those that do;
and most Halls of Assembly, within doors and without, seem animated enough.
Paris, alone of Towns, is to have Representatives; the number of them twenty. Paris is divided into Sixty Districts;
each of which (assembled in some church, or the like) is choosing two Electors. Official deputations pass from
District to District, for all is inexperience as yet, and there is endless consulting. The streets swarm strangely with
busy crowds, pacific yet restless and loquacious; at intervals, is seen the gleam of military muskets; especially
about the Palais, where Parlement, once more on duty, sits querulous, almost tremulous.
Busy is the French world! In those great days, what poorest speculative craftsman but will leave his workshop; if
not to vote, yet to assist in voting? On all highways is a rustling and bustling. Over the wide surface of France,
ever and anon, through the spring months, as the Sower casts his corn abroad upon the furrows, sounds of
congregating and dispersing; of crowds in deliberation, acclamation, voting by ballot and by voice,−−rise
discrepant towards the ear of Heaven. To which political phenomena add this economical one, that Trade is
stagnant, and also Bread getting dear; for before the rigorous winter there was, as we said, a rigorous summer,
with drought, and on the 13th of July with destructive hail. What a fearful day! all cried while that tempest fell.
Alas, the next anniversary of it will be a worse. (Bailly, Memoires, i. 336.) Under such aspects is France electing
National Representatives.
The incidents and specialties of these Elections belong not to Universal, but to Local or Parish History: for which
reason let not the new troubles of Grenoble or Besancon; the bloodshed on the streets of Rennes, and consequent
march thither of the Breton 'Young Men' with Manifesto by their 'Mothers, Sisters and Sweethearts;' (Protestation
et Arrete des Jeunes Gens de la Ville de Nantes, du 28 Janvier 1789, avant leur depart pour Rennes. Arrete des
Jeunes Gens de la Ville d'Angers, du 4 Fevrier 1789. Arrete des Meres, Soeurs, Epouses et Amantes des Jeunes
Citoyens d'Angers, du 6 Fevrier 1789. (Reprinted in Histoire Parlementaire, i. 290−3.)) nor suchlike, detain us
here. It is the same sad history everywhere; with superficial variations. A reinstated Parlement (as at Besancon),
which stands astonished at this Behemoth of a States−General it had itself evoked, starts forward, with more or
less audacity, to fix a thorn in its nose; and, alas, is instantaneously struck down, and hurled quite out,−−for the
new popular force can use not only arguments but brickbats! Or else, and perhaps combined with this, it is an
order of Noblesse (as in Brittany), which will beforehand tie up the Third Estate, that it harm not the old
privileges. In which act of tying up, never so skilfully set about, there is likewise no possibility of prospering; but
the Behemoth− Briareus snaps your cords like green rushes. Tie up? Alas, Messieurs! And then, as for your
chivalry rapiers, valour and wager−of−battle, think one moment, how can that answer? The plebeian heart too has
red life in it, which changes not to paleness at glance even of you; and 'the six hundred Breton gentlemen
assembled in arms, for seventy−two hours, in the Cordeliers' Cloister, at Rennes,'−−have to come out again, wiser
than they entered. For the Nantes Youth, the Angers Youth, all Brittany was astir; 'mothers, sisters and
sweethearts' shrieking after them, March! The Breton Noblesse must even let the mad world have its way. (Hist.
Parl. i. 287. Deux Amis de la Liberte, i. 105−128.)
In other Provinces, the Noblesse, with equal goodwill, finds it better to stick to Protests, to well−redacted 'Cahiers
of grievances,' and satirical writings and speeches. Such is partially their course in Provence; whither indeed
Gabriel Honore Riquetti Comte de Mirabeau has rushed down from Paris, to speak a word in season. In Provence,
the Privileged, backed by their Aix Parlement, discover that such novelties, enjoined though they be by Royal
Edict, tend to National detriment; and what is still more indisputable, 'to impair the dignity of the Noblesse.'
Whereupon Mirabeau protesting aloud, this same Noblesse, amid huge tumult within doors and without, flatly
determines to expel him from their Assembly. No other method, not even that of successive duels, would answer
The French Revolution
51
The French Revolution
with him, the obstreperous fierce−glaring man. Expelled he accordingly is.
'In all countries, in all times,' exclaims he departing, 'the Aristocrats have implacably pursued every friend of the
People; and with tenfold implacability, if such a one were himself born of the Aristocracy. It was thus that the last
of the Gracchi perished, by the hands of the Patricians. But he, being struck with the mortal stab, flung dust
towards heaven, and called on the Avenging Deities; and from this dust there was born Marius,−− Marius not so
illustrious for exterminating the Cimbri, as for overturning in Rome the tyranny of the Nobles.' (Fils Adoptif, v.
256.) Casting up which new curious handful of dust (through the Printing−press), to breed what it can and may,
Mirabeau stalks forth into the Third Estate.
That he now, to ingratiate himself with this Third Estate, 'opened a cloth− shop in Marseilles,' and for moments
became a furnishing tailor, or even the fable that he did so, is to us always among the pleasant memorabilities of
this era. Stranger Clothier never wielded the ell−wand, and rent webs for men, or fractional parts of men. The Fils
Adoptif is indignant at such disparaging fable, (Memoires de Mirabeau, v. 307.)−−which nevertheless was widely
believed in those days. (Marat, Ami−du−Peuple Newspaper (in Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 103), But indeed, if
Achilles, in the heroic ages, killed mutton, why should not Mirabeau, in the unheroic ones, measure broadcloth?
More authentic are his triumph−progresses through that disturbed district, with mob jubilee, flaming torches,
'windows hired for two louis,' and voluntary guard of a hundred men. He is Deputy Elect, both of Aix and of
Marseilles; but will prefer Aix. He has opened his far−sounding voice, the depths of his far−sounding soul; he can
quell (such virtue is in a spoken word) the pride−tumults of the rich, the hunger−tumults of the poor; and wild
multitudes move under him, as under the moon do billows of the sea: he has become a world compeller, and ruler
over men.
One other incident and specialty we note; with how different an interest! It is of the Parlement of Paris; which
starts forward, like the others (only with less audacity, seeing better how it lay), to nose−ring that Behemoth of a
States−General. Worthy Doctor Guillotin, respectable practitioner in Paris, has drawn up his little 'Plan of a
Cahier of doleances;'−−as had he not, having the wish and gift, the clearest liberty to do? He is getting the people
to sign it; whereupon the surly Parlement summons him to give an account of himself. He goes; but with all Paris
at his heels; which floods the outer courts, and copiously signs the Cahier even there, while the Doctor is giving
account of himself within! The Parlement cannot too soon dismiss Guillotin, with compliments; to be borne home
shoulder−high. (Deux Amis de la Liberte, i. 141.) This respectable Guillotin we hope to behold once more, and
perhaps only once; the Parlement not even once, but let it be engulphed unseen by us.
Meanwhile such things, cheering as they are, tend little to cheer the national creditor, or indeed the creditor of any
kind. In the midst of universal portentous doubt, what certainty can seem so certain as money in the purse, and the
wisdom of keeping it there? Trading Speculation, Commerce of all kinds, has as far as possible come to a dead
pause; and the hand of the industrious lies idle in his bosom. Frightful enough, when now the rigour of seasons
has also done its part, and to scarcity of work is added scarcity of food! In the opening spring, there come rumours
of forestalment, there come King's Edicts, Petitions of bakers against millers; and at length, in the month of
April−−troops of ragged Lackalls, and fierce cries of starvation! These are the thrice−famed Brigands: an actual
existing quotity of persons: who, long reflected and reverberated through so many millions of heads, as in
concave multiplying mirrors, become a whole Brigand World; and, like a kind of Supernatural Machinery
wondrously move the Epos of the Revolution. The Brigands are here: the Brigands are there; the Brigands are
coming! Not otherwise sounded the clang of Phoebus Apollos's silver bow, scattering pestilence and pale terror;
for this clang too was of the imagination; preternatural; and it too walked in formless immeasurability, having
made itself like to the Night (Greek.)!
But remark at least, for the first time, the singular empire of Suspicion, in those lands, in those days. If poor
famishing men shall, prior to death, gather in groups and crowds, as the poor fieldfares and plovers do in bitter
weather, were it but that they may chirp mournfully together, and misery look in the eyes of misery; if famishing
The French Revolution
52
The French Revolution
men (what famishing fieldfares cannot do) should discover, once congregated, that they need not die while food is
in the land, since they are many, and with empty wallets have right hands: in all this, what need were there of
Preternatural Machinery? To most people none; but not to French people, in a time of Revolution. These Brigands
(as Turgot's also were, fourteen years ago) have all been set on; enlisted, though without tuck of drum,−−by
Aristocrats, by Democrats, by D'Orleans, D'Artois, and enemies of the public weal. Nay Historians, to this day,
will prove it by one argument: these Brigands pretending to have no victual, nevertheless contrive to drink, nay,
have been seen drunk. (Lacretelle, 18me Siecle, ii. 155.) An unexampled fact! But on the whole, may we not
predict that a people, with such a width of Credulity and of Incredulity (the proper union of which makes
Suspicion, and indeed unreason generally), will see Shapes enough of Immortals fighting in its battle−ranks, and
never want for Epical Machinery?
Be this as it may, the Brigands are clearly got to Paris, in considerable multitudes: (Besenval, iii. 385, with sallow
faces, lank hair (the true enthusiast complexion), with sooty rags; and also with large clubs, which they smite
angrily against the pavement! These mingle in the Election tumult; would fain sign Guillotin's Cahier, or any
Cahier or Petition whatsoever, could they but write. Their enthusiast complexion, the smiting of their sticks bodes
little good to any one; least of all to rich master−manufacturers of the Suburb Saint−Antoine, with whose
workmen they consort.
Chapter 1.4.III. Grown Electric.
But now also National Deputies from all ends of France are in Paris, with their commissions, what they call
pouvoirs, or powers, in their pockets; inquiring, consulting; looking out for lodgings at Versailles. The States−
General shall open there, if not on the First, then surely on the Fourth of May, in grand procession and gala. The
Salle des Menus is all new− carpentered, bedizened for them; their very costume has been fixed; a grand
controversy which there was, as to 'slouch−hats or slouched−hats,' for the Commons Deputies, has got as good as
adjusted. Ever new strangers arrive; loungers, miscellaneous persons, officers on furlough,−−as the worthy
Captain Dampmartin, whom we hope to be acquainted with: these also, from all regions, have repaired hither, to
see what is toward. Our Paris Committees, of the Sixty Districts, are busier than ever; it is now too clear, the Paris
Elections will be late.
On Monday, the 27th of April, Astronomer Bailly notices that the Sieur Reveillon is not at his post. The Sieur
Reveillon, 'extensive Paper Manufacturer of the Rue St. Antoine;' he, commonly so punctual, is absent from the
Electoral Committee;−−and even will never reappear there. In those 'immense Magazines of velvet paper' has
aught befallen? Alas, yes! Alas, it is no Montgolfier rising there to−day; but Drudgery, Rascality and the Suburb
that is rising! Was the Sieur Reveillon, himself once a journeyman, heard to say that 'a journeyman might live
handsomely on fifteen sous a−day?' Some sevenpence halfpenny: 'tis a slender sum! Or was he only thought, and
believed, to be heard saying it? By this long chafing and friction it would appear the National temper has got
electric.
Down in those dark dens, in those dark heads and hungry hearts, who knows in what strange figure the new
Political Evangel may have shaped itself; what miraculous 'Communion of Drudges' may be getting formed!
Enough: grim individuals, soon waxing to grim multitudes, and other multitudes crowding to see, beset that
Paper−Warehouse; demonstrate, in loud ungrammatical language (addressed to the passions too), the
insufficiency of sevenpence halfpenny a−day. The City−watch cannot dissipate them; broils arise and bellowings;
Reveillon, at his wits' end, entreats the Populace, entreats the authorities. Besenval, now in active command,
Commandant of Paris, does, towards evening, to Reveillon's earnest prayer, send some thirty Gardes Francaises.
These clear the street, happily without firing; and take post there for the night in hope that it may be all over.
(Besenval, iii. 385−8.)
Not so: on the morrow it is far worse. Saint−Antoine has arisen anew, grimmer than ever;−−reinforced by the
unknown Tatterdemalion Figures, with their enthusiast complexion and large sticks. The City, through all streets,
The French Revolution
53
The French Revolution
is flowing thitherward to see: 'two cartloads of paving−stones, that happened to pass that way' have been seized as
a visible godsend. Another detachment of Gardes Francaises must be sent; Besenval and the Colonel taking
earnest counsel. Then still another; they hardly, with bayonets and menace of bullets, penetrate to the spot. What a
sight! A street choked up, with lumber, tumult and the endless press of men. A Paper−Warehouse eviscerated by
axe and fire: mad din of Revolt; musket− volleys responded to by yells, by miscellaneous missiles; by tiles raining
from roof and window,−−tiles, execrations and slain men!
The Gardes Francaises like it not, but have to persevere. All day it continues, slackening and rallying; the sun is
sinking, and Saint−Antoine has not yielded. The City flies hither and thither: alas, the sound of that
musket−volleying booms into the far dining−rooms of the Chaussee d'Antin; alters the tone of the dinner−gossip
there. Captain Dampmartin leaves his wine; goes out with a friend or two, to see the fighting. Unwashed men
growl on him, with murmurs of "A bas les Aristocrates (Down with the Aristocrats);" and insult the cross of St.
Louis? They elbow him, and hustle him; but do not pick his pocket;−−as indeed at Reveillon's too there was not
the slightest stealing. (Evenemens qui se sont passes sous mes yeux pendant la Revolution Francaise, par A. H.
Dampmartin (Berlin, 1799), i. 25−27.)
At fall of night, as the thing will not end, Besenval takes his resolution: orders out the Gardes Suisses with two
pieces of artillery. The Swiss Guards shall proceed thither; summon that rabble to depart, in the King's name. If
disobeyed, they shall load their artillery with grape−shot, visibly to the general eye; shall again summon; if again
disobeyed, fire,−− and keep firing 'till the last man' be in this manner blasted off, and the street clear. With which
spirited resolution, as might have been hoped, the business is got ended. At sight of the lit matches, of the foreign
red−coated Switzers, Saint−Antoine dissipates; hastily, in the shades of dusk. There is an encumbered street; there
are 'from four to five hundred' dead men. Unfortunate Reveillon has found shelter in the Bastille; does therefrom,
safe behind stone bulwarks, issue, plaint, protestation, explanation, for the next month. Bold Besenval has thanks
from all the respectable Parisian classes; but finds no special notice taken of him at Versailles,−−a thing the man
of true worth is used to. (Besenval, iii. 389.)
But how it originated, this fierce electric sputter and explosion? From D'Orleans! cries the Court−party: he, with
his gold, enlisted these Brigands,−−surely in some surprising manner, without sound of drum: he raked them in
hither, from all corners; to ferment and take fire; evil is his good. From the Court! cries enlightened Patriotism: it
is the cursed gold and wiles of Aristocrats that enlisted them; set them upon ruining an innocent Sieur Reveillon;
to frighten the faint, and disgust men with the career of Freedom.
Besenval, with reluctance, concludes that it came from 'the English, our natural enemies.' Or, alas, might not one
rather attribute it to Diana in the shape of Hunger? To some twin Dioscuri, OPPRESSION and REVENGE; so
often seen in the battles of men? Poor Lackalls, all betoiled, besoiled, encrusted into dim defacement; into whom
nevertheless the breath of the Almighty has breathed a living soul! To them it is clear only that eleutheromaniac
Philosophism has yet baked no bread; that Patrioti Committee−men will level down to their own level, and no
lower. Brigands, or whatever they might be, it was bitter earnest with them. They bury their dead with the title of
Defenseurs de la Patrie, Martyrs of the good Cause.
Or shall we say: Insurrection has now served its Apprenticeship; and this was its proof−stroke, and no
inconclusive one? Its next will be a master− stroke; announcing indisputable Mastership to a whole astonished
world. Let that rock−fortress, Tyranny's stronghold, which they name Bastille, or Building, as if there were no
other building,−−look to its guns!
But, in such wise, with primary and secondary Assemblies, and Cahiers of Grievances; with motions,
congregations of all kinds; with much thunder of froth−eloquence, and at last with thunder of
platoon−musquetry,−−does agitated France accomplish its Elections. With confused winnowing and sifting, in
this rather tumultuous manner, it has now (all except some remnants of Paris) sifted out the true wheat−grains of
National Deputies, Twelve Hundred and Fourteen in number; and will forthwith open its States− General.
The French Revolution
54
The French Revolution
Chapter 1.4.IV. The Procession.
On the first Saturday of May, it is gala at Versailles; and Monday, fourth of the month, is to be a still greater day.
The Deputies have mostly got thither, and sought out lodgings; and are now successively, in long well− ushered
files, kissing the hand of Majesty in the Chateau. Supreme Usher de Breze does not give the highest satisfaction:
we cannot but observe that in ushering Noblesse or Clergy into the anointed Presence, he liberally opens both his
folding−doors; and on the other hand, for members of the Third Estate opens only one! However, there is room to
enter; Majesty has smiles for all.
The good Louis welcomes his Honourable Members, with smiles of hope. He has prepared for them the Hall of
Menus, the largest near him; and often surveyed the workmen as they went on. A spacious Hall: with raised
platform for Throne, Court and Blood−royal; space for six hundred Commons Deputies in front; for half as many
Clergy on this hand, and half as many Noblesse on that. It has lofty galleries; wherefrom dames of honour,
splendent in gaze d'or; foreign Diplomacies, and other gilt−edged white− frilled individuals to the number of two
thousand,−−may sit and look. Broad passages flow through it; and, outside the inner wall, all round it. There are
committee−rooms, guard−rooms, robing−rooms: really a noble Hall; where upholstery, aided by the subject
fine−arts, has done its best; and crimson tasseled cloths, and emblematic fleurs−de−lys are not wanting.
The Hall is ready: the very costume, as we said, has been settled; and the Commons are not to wear that hated
slouch−hat (chapeau clabaud), but one not quite so slouched (chapeau rabattu). As for their manner of working,
when all dressed: for their 'voting by head or by order' and the rest,−− this, which it were perhaps still time to
settle, and in few hours will be no longer time, remains unsettled; hangs dubious in the breast of Twelve Hundred
men.
But now finally the Sun, on Monday the 4th of May, has risen;−−unconcerned, as if it were no special day. And
yet, as his first rays could strike music from the Memnon's Statue on the Nile, what tones were these, so thrilling,
tremulous of preparation and foreboding, which he awoke in every bosom at Versailles! Huge Paris, in all
conceivable and inconceivable vehicles, is pouring itself forth; from each Town and Village come subsidiary rills;
Versailles is a very sea of men. But above all, from the Church of St. Louis to the Church of Notre−Dame: one
vast suspended−billow of Life,−−with spray scattered even to the chimney−pots! For on chimney− tops too, as
over the roofs, and up thitherwards on every lamp−iron, sign− post, breakneck coign of vantage, sits patriotic
Courage; and every window bursts with patriotic Beauty: for the Deputies are gathering at St. Louis Church; to
march in procession to Notre−Dame, and hear sermon.
Yes, friends, ye may sit and look: boldly or in thought, all France, and all Europe, may sit and look; for it is a day
like few others. Oh, one might weep like Xerxes:−−So many serried rows sit perched there; like winged creatures,
alighted out of Heaven: all these, and so many more that follow them, shall have wholly fled aloft again,
vanishing into the blue Deep; and the memory of this day still be fresh. It is the baptism−day of Democracy; sick
Time has given it birth, the numbered months being run. The extreme−unction day of Feudalism! A
superannuated System of Society, decrepit with toils (for has it not done much; produced you, and what ye have
and know!)−−and with thefts and brawls, named glorious−victories; and with profligacies, sensualities, and on the
whole with dotage and senility,−−is now to die: and so, with death−throes and birth−throes, a new one is to be
born. What a work, O Earth and Heavens, what a work! Battles and bloodshed, September Massacres, Bridges of
Lodi, retreats of Moscow, Waterloos, Peterloos, Tenpound Franchises, Tarbarrels and Guillotines;−−and from this
present date, if one might prophesy, some two centuries of it still to fight! Two centuries; hardly less; before
Democracy go through its due, most baleful, stages of Quackocracy; and a pestilential World be burnt up, and
have begun to grow green and young again.
Rejoice nevertheless, ye Versailles multitudes; to you, from whom all this is hid, and glorious end of it is visible.
This day, sentence of death is pronounced on Shams; judgment of resuscitation, were it but far off, is pronounced
on Realities. This day it is declared aloud, as with a Doom− trumpet, that a Lie is unbelievable. Believe that, stand
The French Revolution
55
The French Revolution
by that, if more there be not; and let what thing or things soever will follow it follow. 'Ye can no other; God be
your help!' So spake a greater than any of you; opening his Chapter of World−History.
Behold, however! The doors of St. Louis Church flung wide; and the Procession of Processions advancing
towards Notre−Dame! Shouts rend the air; one shout, at which Grecian birds might drop dead. It is indeed a
stately, solemn sight. The Elected of France, and then the Court of France; they are marshalled and march there,
all in prescribed place and costume. Our Commons 'in plain black mantle and white cravat;' Noblesse, in
gold−worked, bright−dyed cloaks of velvet, resplendent, rustling with laces, waving with plumes; the Clergy in
rochet, alb, or other best pontificalibus: lastly comes the King himself, and King's Household, also in their
brightest blaze of pomp,−−their brightest and final one. Some Fourteen Hundred Men blown together from all
winds, on the deepest errand.
Yes, in that silent marching mass there lies Futurity enough. No symbolic Ark, like the old Hebrews, do these
men bear: yet with them too is a Covenant; they too preside at a new Era in the History of Men. The whole Future
is there, and Destiny dim−brooding over it; in the hearts and unshaped thoughts of these men, it lies illegible,
inevitable. Singular to think: they have it in them; yet not they, not mortal, only the Eye above can read it,−−as it
shall unfold itself, in fire and thunder, of siege, and field−artillery; in the rustling of battle−banners, the tramp of
hosts, in the glow of burning cities, the shriek of strangled nations! Such things lie hidden, safe−wrapt in this
Fourth day of May;−−say rather, had lain in some other unknown day, of which this latter is the public fruit and
outcome. As indeed what wonders lie in every Day,−−had we the sight, as happily we have not, to decipher it: for
is not every meanest Day 'the conflux of two Eternities!'
Meanwhile, suppose we too, good Reader, should, as now without miracle Muse Clio enables us−−take our
station also on some coign of vantage; and glance momentarily over this Procession, and this Life−sea; with far
other eyes than the rest do, namely with prophetic? We can mount, and stand there, without fear of falling.
As for the Life−sea, or onlooking unnumbered Multitude, it is unfortunately all−too dim. Yet as we gaze fixedly,
do not nameless Figures not a few, which shall not always be nameless, disclose themselves; visible or
presumable there! Young Baroness de Stael−−she evidently looks from a window; among older honourable
women. (Madame de Stael, Considerations sur la Revolution Francaise (London, 1818), i. 114−191.) Her father is
Minister, and one of the gala personages; to his own eyes the chief one. Young spiritual Amazon, thy rest is not
there; nor thy loved Father's: 'as Malebranche saw all things in God, so M. Necker sees all things in Necker,'−−a
theorem that will not hold.
But where is the brown−locked, light−behaved, fire−hearted Demoiselle Theroigne? Brown eloquent Beauty;
who, with thy winged words and glances, shalt thrill rough bosoms, whole steel battalions, and persuade an
Austrian Kaiser,−−pike and helm lie provided for thee in due season; and, alas, also strait−waistcoat and long
lodging in the Salpetriere! Better hadst thou staid in native Luxemburg, and been the mother of some brave man's
children: but it was not thy task, it was not thy lot.
Of the rougher sex how, without tongue, or hundred tongues, of iron, enumerate the notabilities! Has not Marquis
Valadi hastily quitted his quaker broadbrim; his Pythagorean Greek in Wapping, and the city of Glasgow?
(Founders of the French Republic (London, 1798), para Valadi.) De Morande from his Courrier de l'Europe;
Linguet from his Annales, they looked eager through the London fog, and became Ex−Editors,−−that they might
feed the guillotine, and have their due. Does Louvet (of Faublas) stand a−tiptoe? And Brissot, hight De Warville,
friend of the Blacks? He, with Marquis Condorcet, and Claviere the Genevese 'have created the Moniteur
Newspaper,' or are about creating it. Able Editors must give account of such a day.
Or seest thou with any distinctness, low down probably, not in places of honour, a Stanislas Maillard,
riding−tipstaff (huissier a cheval) of the Chatelet; one of the shiftiest of men? A Captain Hulin of Geneva, Captain
Elie of the Queen's Regiment; both with an air of half−pay? Jourdan, with tile−coloured whiskers, not yet with
The French Revolution
56
The French Revolution
tile−beard; an unjust dealer in mules? He shall be, in a few months, Jourdan the Headsman, and have other work.
Surely also, in some place not of honour, stands or sprawls up querulous, that he too, though short, may see,−−one
squalidest bleared mortal, redolent of soot and horse−drugs: Jean Paul Marat of Neuchatel! O Marat, Renovator of
Human Science, Lecturer on Optics; O thou remarkablest Horseleech, once in D'Artois' Stables,−−as thy bleared
soul looks forth, through thy bleared, dull−acrid, wo−stricken face, what sees it in all this? Any faintest light of
hope; like dayspring after Nova−Zembla night? Or is it but blue sulphur−light, and spectres; woe, suspicion,
revenge without end?
Of Draper Lecointre, how he shut his cloth−shop hard by, and stepped forth, one need hardly speak. Nor of
Santerre, the sonorous Brewer from the Faubourg St. Antoine. Two other Figures, and only two, we signalise
there. The huge, brawny, Figure; through whose black brows, and rude flattened face (figure ecrasee), there looks
a waste energy as of Hercules not yet furibund,−−he is an esurient, unprovided Advocate; Danton by name: him
mark. Then that other, his slight−built comrade and craft−brother; he with the long curling locks; with the face of
dingy blackguardism, wondrously irradiated with genius, as if a naphtha−lamp burnt within it: that Figure is
Camille Desmoulins. A fellow of infinite shrewdness, wit, nay humour; one of the sprightliest clearest souls in all
these millions. Thou poor Camille, say of thee what they may, it were but falsehood to pretend one did not almost
love thee, thou headlong lightly−sparkling man! But the brawny, not yet furibund Figure, we say, is Jacques
Danton; a name that shall be 'tolerably known in the Revolution.' He is President of the electoral Cordeliers
District at Paris, or about to be it; and shall open his lungs of brass.
We dwell no longer on the mixed shouting Multitude: for now, behold, the Commons Deputies are at hand!
Which of these Six Hundred individuals, in plain white cravat, that have come up to regenerate France, might one
guess would become their king? For a king or leader they, as all bodies of men, must have: be their work what it
may, there is one man there who, by character, faculty, position, is fittest of all to do it; that man, as future not yet
elected king, walks there among the rest. He with the thick black locks, will it be? With the hure, as himself calls
it, or black boar's−head, fit to be 'shaken' as a senatorial portent? Through whose shaggy beetle−brows, and
rough−hewn, seamed, carbuncled face, there look natural ugliness, small−pox, incontinence, bankruptcy,−−and
burning fire of genius; like comet−fire glaring fuliginous through murkiest confusions? It is Gabriel Honore
Riquetti de Mirabeau, the world−compeller; man−ruling Deputy of Aix! According to the Baroness de Stael, he
steps proudly along, though looked at askance here, and shakes his black chevelure, or lion's−mane; as if
prophetic of great deeds.
Yes, Reader, that is the Type−Frenchman of this epoch; as Voltaire was of the last. He is French in his
aspirations, acquisitions, in his virtues, in his vices; perhaps more French than any other man;−−and intrinsically
such a mass of manhood too. Mark him well. The National Assembly were all different without that one; nay, he
might say with the old Despot: "The National Assembly? I am that."
Of a southern climate, of wild southern blood: for the Riquettis, or Arighettis, had to fly from Florence and the
Guelfs, long centuries ago, and settled in Provence; where from generation to generation they have ever approved
themselves a peculiar kindred: irascible, indomitable, sharp− cutting, true, like the steel they wore; of an intensity
and activity that sometimes verged towards madness, yet did not reach it. One ancient Riquetti, in mad fulfilment
of a mad vow, chains two Mountains together; and the chain, with its 'iron star of five rays,' is still to be seen.
May not a modern Riquetti unchain so much, and set it drifting,−−which also shall be seen?
Destiny has work for that swart burly−headed Mirabeau; Destiny has watched over him, prepared him from afar.
Did not his Grandfather, stout Col. d'Argent (Silver−Stock, so they named him), shattered and slashed by seven−
and−twenty wounds in one fell day lie sunk together on the Bridge at Casano; while Prince Eugene's cavalry
galloped and regalloped over him,−− only the flying sergeant had thrown a camp−kettle over that loved head; and
Vendome, dropping his spyglass, moaned out, 'Mirabeau is dead, then!' Nevertheless he was not dead: he awoke
The French Revolution
57
The French Revolution
to breathe, and miraculous surgery;−−for Gabriel was yet to be. With his silver stock he kept his scarred head
erect, through long years; and wedded; and produced tough Marquis Victor, the Friend of Men. Whereby at last in
the appointed year 1749, this long−expected rough−hewn Gabriel Honore did likewise see the light: roughest
lion's−whelp ever littered of that rough breed. How the old lion (for our old Marquis too was lion−like, most
unconquerable, kingly−genial, most perverse) gazed wonderingly on his offspring; and determined to train him as
no lion had yet been! It is in vain, O Marquis! This cub, though thou slay him and flay him, will not learn to draw
in dogcart of Political Economy, and be a Friend of Men; he will not be Thou, must and will be Himself, another
than Thou. Divorce lawsuits, 'whole family save one in prison, and three−score Lettres−de−Cachet' for thy own
sole use, do but astonish the world.
Our Luckless Gabriel, sinned against and sinning, has been in the Isle of Rhe, and heard the Atlantic from his
tower; in the Castle of If, and heard the Mediterranean at Marseilles. He has been in the Fortress of Joux; and
forty−two months, with hardly clothing to his back, in the Dungeon of Vincennes;−−all by Lettre−de−Cachet,
from his lion father. He has been in Pontarlier Jails (self−constituted prisoner); was noticed fording estuaries of
the sea (at low water), in flight from the face of men. He has pleaded before Aix Parlements (to get back his
wife); the public gathering on roofs, to see since they could not hear: "the clatter−teeth (claque− dents)!" snarles
singular old Mirabeau; discerning in such admired forensic eloquence nothing but two clattering jaw−bones, and a
head vacant, sonorous, of the drum species.
But as for Gabriel Honore, in these strange wayfarings, what has he not seen and tried! From drill−sergeants, to
prime−ministers, to foreign and domestic booksellers, all manner of men he has seen. All manner of men he has
gained; for at bottom it is a social, loving heart, that wild unconquerable one:−−more especially all manner of
women. From the Archer's Daughter at Saintes to that fair young Sophie Madame Monnier, whom he could not
but 'steal,' and be beheaded for−−in effigy! For indeed hardly since the Arabian Prophet lay dead to Ali's
admiration, was there seen such a Love−hero, with the strength of thirty men. In War, again, he has helped to
conquer Corsica; fought duels, irregular brawls; horsewhipped calumnious barons. In Literature, he has written on
Despotism, on Lettres−de−Cachet; Erotics Sapphic−Werterean, Obscenities, Profanities; Books on the Prussian
Monarchy, on Cagliostro, on Calonne, on the Water Companies of Paris:−−each book comparable, we will say, to
a bituminous alarum−fire; huge, smoky, sudden! The firepan, the kindling, the bitumen were his own; but the
lumber, of rags, old wood and nameless combustible rubbish (for all is fuel to him), was gathered from huckster,
and ass−panniers, of every description under heaven. Whereby, indeed, hucksters enough have been heard to
exclaim: Out upon it, the fire is mine!
Nay, consider it more generally, seldom had man such a talent for borrowing. The idea, the faculty of another man
he can make his; the man himself he can make his. "All reflex and echo (tout de reflet et de reverbere)!" snarls old
Mirabeau, who can see, but will not. Crabbed old Friend of Men! it is his sociality, his aggregative nature; and
will now be the quality of all for him. In that forty−years 'struggle against despotism,' he has gained the glorious
faculty of self−help, and yet not lost the glorious natural gift of fellowship, of being helped. Rare union! This man
can live self−sufficing−−yet lives also in the life of other men; can make men love him, work with him: a born
king of men!
But consider further how, as the old Marquis still snarls, he has "made away with (hume, swallowed) all
Formulas;"−−a fact which, if we meditate it, will in these days mean much. This is no man of system, then; he is
only a man of instincts and insights. A man nevertheless who will glare fiercely on any object; and see through it,
and conquer it: for he has intellect, he has will, force beyond other men. A man not with logic− spectacles; but
with an eye! Unhappily without Decalogue, moral Code or Theorem of any fixed sort; yet not without a strong
living Soul in him, and Sincerity there: a Reality, not an Artificiality, not a Sham! And so he, having struggled
'forty years against despotism,' and 'made away with all formulas,' shall now become the spokesman of a Nation
bent to do the same. For is it not precisely the struggle of France also to cast off despotism; to make away with
her old formulas,−−having found them naught, worn out, far from the reality? She will make away with such
formulas;−−and even go bare, if need be, till she have found new ones.
The French Revolution
58
The French Revolution
Towards such work, in such manner, marches he, this singular Riquetti Mirabeau. In fiery rough figure, with
black Samson−locks under the slouch− hat, he steps along there. A fiery fuliginous mass, which could not be
choked and smothered, but would fill all France with smoke. And now it has got air; it will burn its whole
substance, its whole smoke−atmosphere too, and fill all France with flame. Strange lot! Forty years of that
smouldering, with foul fire−damp and vapour enough, then victory over that;−−and like a burning mountain he
blazes heaven−high; and, for twenty− three resplendent months, pours out, in flame and molten fire−torrents, all
that is in him, the Pharos and Wonder−sign of an amazed Europe;−−and then lies hollow, cold forever! Pass on,
thou questionable Gabriel Honore, the greatest of them all: in the whole National Deputies, in the whole Nation,
there is none like and none second to thee.
But now if Mirabeau is the greatest, who of these Six Hundred may be the meanest? Shall we say, that anxious,
slight, ineffectual−looking man, under thirty, in spectacles; his eyes (were the glasses off) troubled, careful; with
upturned face, snuffing dimly the uncertain future−time; complexion of a multiplex atrabiliar colour, the final
shade of which may be the pale sea−green. (See De Stael, Considerations (ii. 142); Barbaroux, Memoires, That
greenish−coloured (verdatre) individual is an Advocate of Arras; his name is Maximilien Robespierre. The son of
an Advocate; his father founded mason−lodges under Charles Edward, the English Prince or Pretender.
Maximilien the first−born was thriftily educated; he had brisk Camille Desmoulins for schoolmate in the College
of Louis le Grand, at Paris. But he begged our famed Necklace−Cardinal, Rohan, the patron, to let him depart
thence, and resign in favour of a younger brother. The strict−minded Max departed; home to paternal Arras; and
even had a Law−case there and pleaded, not unsuccessfully, 'in favour of the first Franklin thunder−rod.' With a
strict painful mind, an understanding small but clear and ready, he grew in favour with official persons, who could
foresee in him an excellent man of business, happily quite free from genius. The Bishop, therefore, taking
counsel, appoints him Judge of his diocese; and he faithfully does justice to the people: till behold, one day, a
culprit comes whose crime merits hanging; and the strict−minded Max must abdicate, for his conscience will not
permit the dooming of any son of Adam to die. A strict−minded, strait−laced man! A man unfit for Revolutions?
Whose small soul, transparent wholesome−looking as small ale, could by no chance ferment into virulent
alegar,−−the mother of ever new alegar; till all France were grown acetous virulent? We shall see.
Between which two extremes of grandest and meanest, so many grand and mean roll on, towards their several
destinies, in that Procession! There is Cazales, the learned young soldier; who shall become the eloquent orator of
Royalism, and earn the shadow of a name. Experienced Mounier, experienced Malouet; whose Presidential
Parlementary experience the stream of things shall soon leave stranded. A Petion has left his gown and briefs at
Chartres for a stormier sort of pleading; has not forgotten his violin, being fond of music. His hair is grizzled,
though he is still young: convictions, beliefs, placid−unalterable are in that man; not hindmost of them, belief in
himself. A Protestant−clerical Rabaut−St.−Etienne, a slender young eloquent and vehement Barnave, will help to
regenerate France. There are so many of them young. Till thirty the Spartans did not suffer a man to marry: but
how many men here under thirty; coming to produce not one sufficient citizen, but a nation and a world of such!
The old to heal up rents; the young to remove rubbish:−−which latter, is it not, indeed, the task here?
Dim, formless from this distance, yet authentically there, thou noticest the Deputies from Nantes? To us mere
clothes−screens, with slouch−hat and cloak, but bearing in their pocket a Cahier of doleances with this singular
clause, and more such in it: 'That the master wigmakers of Nantes be not troubled with new gild−brethren, the
actually existing number of ninety−two being more than sufficient!' (Histoire Parlementaire, i. 335.) The Rennes
people have elected Farmer Gerard, 'a man of natural sense and rectitude, without any learning.' He walks there,
with solid step; unique, 'in his rustic farmer−clothes;' which he will wear always; careless of short−cloaks and
costumes. The name Gerard, or 'Pere Gerard, Father Gerard,' as they please to call him, will fly far; borne about in
endless banter; in Royalist satires, in Republican didactic Almanacks. (Actes des Apotres (by Peltier and others);
Almanach du Pere Gerard (by Collot d'Herbois) As for the man Gerard, being asked once, what he did, after trial
of it, candidly think of this Parlementary work,−−"I think," answered he, "that there are a good many scoundrels
among us." so walks Father Gerard; solid in his thick shoes, whithersoever bound.
The French Revolution
59
The French Revolution
And worthy Doctor Guillotin, whom we hoped to behold one other time? If not here, the Doctor should be here,
and we see him with the eye of prophecy: for indeed the Parisian Deputies are all a little late. Singular Guillotin,
respectable practitioner: doomed by a satiric destiny to the strangest immortal glory that ever kept obscure mortal
from his resting−place, the bosom of oblivion! Guillotin can improve the ventilation of the Hall; in all cases of
medical police and hygiene be a present aid: but, greater far, he can produce his 'Report on the Penal Code;' and
reveal therein a cunningly devised Beheading Machine, which shall become famous and world−famous. This is
the product of Guillotin's endeavours, gained not without meditation and reading; which product popular gratitude
or levity christens by a feminine derivative name, as if it were his daughter: La Guillotine! "With my machine,
Messieurs, I whisk off your head (vous fais sauter la tete) in a twinkling, and you have no pain;"−−whereat they
all laugh. (Moniteur Newspaper, of December 1st, 1789 (in Histoire Parlementaire).) Unfortunate Doctor! For
two−and−twenty years he, unguillotined, shall near nothing but guillotine, see nothing but guillotine; then dying,
shall through long centuries wander, as it were, a disconsolate ghost, on the wrong side of Styx and Lethe; his
name like to outlive Caesar's.
See Bailly, likewise of Paris, time−honoured Historian of Astronomy Ancient and Modern. Poor Bailly, how thy
serenely beautiful Philosophising, with its soft moonshiny clearness and thinness, ends in foul thick
confusion−−of Presidency, Mayorship, diplomatic Officiality, rabid Triviality, and the throat of everlasting
Darkness! Far was it to descend from the heavenly Galaxy to the Drapeau Rouge: beside that fatal dung−heap, on
that last hell−day, thou must 'tremble,' though only with cold, 'de froid.' Speculation is not practice: to be weak is
not so miserable; but to be weaker than our task. Wo the day when they mounted thee, a peaceable pedestrian, on
that wild Hippogriff of a Democracy; which, spurning the firm earth, nay lashing at the very stars, no yet known
Astolpho could have ridden!
In the Commons Deputies there are Merchants, Artists, Men of Letters; three hundred and seventy−four Lawyers;
(Bouille, Memoires sur la Revolution Francaise (London, 1797), i. 68.) and at least one Clergyman: the Abbe
Sieyes. Him also Paris sends, among its twenty. Behold him, the light thin man; cold, but elastic, wiry; instinct
with the pride of Logic; passionless, or with but one passion, that of self−conceit. If indeed that can be called a
passion, which, in its independent concentrated greatness, seems to have soared into transcendentalism; and to sit
there with a kind of godlike indifference, and look down on passion! He is the man, and wisdom shall die with
him. This is the Sieyes who shall be System−builder, Constitution−builder General; and build Constitutions (as
many as wanted) skyhigh,−−which shall all unfortunately fall before he get the scaffolding away. "La Politique,"
said he to Dumont, "Polity is a science I think I have completed (achevee)." (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau, p.
64.) What things, O Sieyes, with thy clear assiduous eyes, art thou to see! But were it not curious to know how
Sieyes, now in these days (for he is said to be still alive) (A.D. 1834.) looks out on all that Constitution masonry,
through the rheumy soberness of extreme age? Might we hope, still with the old irrefragable transcendentalism?
The victorious cause pleased the gods, the vanquished one pleased Sieyes (victa Catoni).
Thus, however, amid skyrending vivats, and blessings from every heart, has the Procession of the Commons
Deputies rolled by.
Next follow the Noblesse, and next the Clergy; concerning both of whom it might be asked, What they specially
have come for? Specially, little as they dream of it, to answer this question, put in a voice of thunder: What are
you doing in God's fair Earth and Task−garden; where whosoever is not working is begging or stealing? Wo, wo
to themselves and to all, if they can only answer: Collecting tithes, Preserving game!−−Remark, meanwhile, how
D'Orleans affects to step before his own Order, and mingle with the Commons. For him are vivats: few for the
rest, though all wave in plumed 'hats of a feudal cut,' and have sword on thigh; though among them is
D'Antraigues, the young Languedocian gentleman,−−and indeed many a Peer more or less noteworthy.
There are Liancourt, and La Rochefoucault; the liberal Anglomaniac Dukes. There is a filially pious Lally; a
couple of liberal Lameths. Above all, there is a Lafayette; whose name shall be Cromwell−Grandison, and fill the
world. Many a 'formula' has this Lafayette too made away with; yet not all formulas. He sticks by the
The French Revolution
60
The French Revolution
Washington−formula; and by that he will stick;− −and hang by it, as by sure bower−anchor hangs and swings the
tight war− ship, which, after all changes of wildest weather and water, is found still hanging. Happy for him; be it
glorious or not! Alone of all Frenchmen he has a theory of the world, and right mind to conform thereto; he can
become a hero and perfect character, were it but the hero of one idea. Note further our old Parlementary friend,
Crispin−Catiline d'Espremenil. He is returned from the Mediterranean Islands, a redhot royalist, repentant to the
finger−ends;−−unsettled−looking; whose light, dusky−glowing at best, now flickers foul in the socket; whom the
National Assembly will by and by, to save time, 'regard as in a state of distraction.' Note lastly that globular
Younger Mirabeau; indignant that his elder Brother is among the Commons: it is Viscomte Mirabeau; named
oftener Mirabeau Tonneau (Barrel Mirabeau), on account of his rotundity, and the quantities of strong liquor he
contains.
There then walks our French Noblesse. All in the old pomp of chivalry: and yet, alas, how changed from the old
position; drifted far down from their native latitude, like Arctic icebergs got into the Equatorial sea, and fast
thawing there! Once these Chivalry Duces (Dukes, as they are still named) did actually lead the world,−−were it
only towards battle− spoil, where lay the world's best wages then: moreover, being the ablest Leaders going, they
had their lion's share, those Duces; which none could grudge them. But now, when so many Looms, improved
Ploughshares, Steam− Engines and Bills of Exchange have been invented; and, for battle−brawling itself, men
hire Drill−Sergeants at eighteen−pence a−day,−−what mean these goldmantled Chivalry Figures, walking there
'in black−velvet cloaks,' in high−plumed 'hats of a feudal cut'? Reeds shaken in the wind!
The Clergy have got up; with Cahiers for abolishing pluralities, enforcing residence of bishops, better payment of
tithes. (Hist. Parl. i. 322−27.) The Dignitaries, we can observe, walk stately, apart from the numerous
Undignified,−−who indeed are properly little other than Commons disguised in Curate−frocks. Here, however,
though by strange ways, shall the Precept be fulfilled, and they that are greatest (much to their astonishment)
become least. For one example, out of many, mark that plausible Gregoire: one day Cure Gregoire shall be a
Bishop, when the now stately are wandering distracted, as Bishops in partibus. With other thought, mark also the
Abbe Maury: his broad bold face; mouth accurately primmed; full eyes, that ray out intelligence, falsehood,−−the
sort of sophistry which is astonished you should find it sophistical. Skilfulest vamper−up of old rotten leather, to
make it look like new; always a rising man; he used to tell Mercier, "You will see; I shall be in the Academy
before you." (Mercier, Nouveau Paris.) Likely indeed, thou skilfullest Maury; nay thou shalt have a Cardinal's
Hat, and plush and glory; but alas, also, in the longrun−−mere oblivion, like the rest of us; and six feet of earth!
What boots it, vamping rotten leather on these terms? Glorious in comparison is the livelihood thy good old
Father earns, by making shoes,−−one may hope, in a sufficient manner. Maury does not want for audacity. He
shall wear pistols, by and by; and at death−cries of "The Lamp−iron;" answer coolly, "Friends, will you see better
there?"
But yonder, halting lamely along, thou noticest next Bishop Talleyrand− Perigord, his Reverence of Autun. A
sardonic grimness lies in that irreverent Reverence of Autun. He will do and suffer strange things; and will
become surely one of the strangest things ever seen, or like to be seen. A man living in falsehood, and on
falsehood; yet not what you can call a false man: there is the specialty! It will be an enigma for future ages, one
may hope: hitherto such a product of Nature and Art was possible only for this age of ours,−−Age of Paper, and of
the Burning of Paper. Consider Bishop Talleyrand and Marquis Lafayette as the topmost of their two kinds; and
say once more, looking at what they did and what they were, O Tempus ferax rerum!
On the whole, however, has not this unfortunate Clergy also drifted in the Time−stream, far from its native
latitude? An anomalous mass of men; of whom the whole world has already a dim understanding that it can
understand nothing. They were once a Priesthood, interpreters of Wisdom, revealers of the Holy that is in Man: a
true Clerus (or Inheritance of God on Earth): but now?−−They pass silently, with such Cahiers as they have been
able to redact; and none cries, God bless them.
The French Revolution
61
The French Revolution
King Louis with his Court brings up the rear: he cheerful, in this day of hope, is saluted with plaudits; still more
Necker his Minister. Not so the Queen; on whom hope shines not steadily any more. Ill−fated Queen! Her hair is
already gray with many cares and crosses; her first−born son is dying in these weeks: black falsehood has
ineffaceably soiled her name; ineffaceably while this generation lasts. Instead of Vive la Reine, voices insult her
with Vive d'Orleans. Of her queenly beauty little remains except its stateliness; not now gracious, but haughty,
rigid, silently enduring. With a most mixed feeling, wherein joy has no part, she resigns herself to a day she hoped
never to have seen. Poor Marie Antoinette; with thy quick noble instincts; vehement glancings, vision all−too
fitful narrow for the work thou hast to do! O there are tears in store for thee; bitterest wailings, soft womanly
meltings, though thou hast the heart of an imperial Theresa's Daughter. Thou doomed one, shut thy eyes on the
future!−−
And so, in stately Procession, have passed the Elected of France. Some towards honour and quick
fire−consummation; most towards dishonour; not a few towards massacre, confusion, emigration, desperation: all
towards Eternity!−−So many heterogeneities cast together into the fermenting−vat; there, with incalculable action,
counteraction, elective affinities, explosive developments, to work out healing for a sick moribund System of
Society! Probably the strangest Body of Men, if we consider well, that ever met together on our Planet on such an
errand. So thousandfold complex a Society, ready to burst−up from its infinite depths; and these men, its rulers
and healers, without life−rule for themselves,−−other life−rule than a Gospel according to Jean Jacques! To the
wisest of them, what we must call the wisest, man is properly an Accident under the sky. Man is without Duty
round him; except it be 'to make the Constitution.' He is without Heaven above him, or Hell beneath him; he has
no God in the world.
What further or better belief can be said to exist in these Twelve Hundred? Belief in high−plumed hats of a feudal
cut; in heraldic scutcheons; in the divine right of Kings, in the divine right of Game−destroyers. Belief, or what is
still worse, canting half−belief; or worst of all, mere Macchiavellic pretence−of−belief,−−in consecrated
dough−wafers, and the godhood of a poor old Italian Man! Nevertheless in that immeasurable Confusion and
Corruption, which struggles there so blindly to become less confused and corrupt, there is, as we said, this one
salient point of a New Life discernible: the deep fixed Determination to have done with Shams. A determination,
which, consciously or unconsciously, is fixed; which waxes ever more fixed, into very madness and fixed−idea;
which in such embodiment as lies provided there, shall now unfold itself rapidly: monstrous, stupendous,
unspeakable; new for long thousands of years!−−How has the Heaven's light, oftentimes in this Earth, to clothe
itself in thunder and electric murkiness; and descend as molten lightning, blasting, if purifying! Nay is it not
rather the very murkiness, and atmospheric suffocation, that brings the lightning and the light? The new Evangel,
as the old had been, was it to be born in the Destruction of a World?
But how the Deputies assisted at High Mass, and heard sermon, and applauded the preacher, church as it was,
when he preached politics; how, next day, with sustained pomp, they are, for the first time, installed in their Salles
des Menus (Hall no longer of Amusements), and become a States− General,−−readers can fancy for themselves.
The King from his estrade, gorgeous as Solomon in all his glory, runs his eye over that majestic Hall;
many−plumed, many−glancing; bright−tinted as rainbow, in the galleries and near side spaces, where Beauty sits
raining bright influence. Satisfaction, as of one that after long voyaging had got to port, plays over his broad
simple face: the innocent King! He rises and speaks, with sonorous tone, a conceivable speech. With which, still
more with the succeeding one−hour and two−hour speeches of Garde−des−Sceaux and M. Necker, full of nothing
but patriotism, hope, faith, and deficiency of the revenue,−−no reader of these pages shall be tried.
We remark only that, as his Majesty, on finishing the speech, put on his plumed hat, and the Noblesse according
to custom imitated him, our Tiers− Etat Deputies did mostly, not without a shade of fierceness, in like manner
clap−on, and even crush on their slouched hats; and stand there awaiting the issue. (Histoire Parlementaire (i.
356). Mercier, Nouveau Paris, Thick buzz among them, between majority and minority of Couvrezvous,
Decrouvrez−vous (Hats off, Hats on)! To which his Majesty puts end, by taking off his own royal hat again.
The French Revolution
62
The French Revolution
The session terminates without further accident or omen than this; with which, significantly enough, France has
opened her States−General.
BOOK 1.V. THE THIRD ESTATE
Chapter 1.5.I. Inertia.
That exasperated France, in this same National Assembly of hers, has got something, nay something great,
momentous, indispensable, cannot be doubted; yet still the question were: Specially what? A question hard to
solve, even for calm onlookers at this distance; wholly insoluble to actors in the middle of it. The States−General,
created and conflated by the passionate effort of the whole nation, is there as a thing high and lifted up. Hope,
jubilating, cries aloud that it will prove a miraculous Brazen Serpent in the Wilderness; whereon whosoever
looks, with faith and obedience, shall be healed of all woes and serpent−bites.
We may answer, it will at least prove a symbolic Banner; round which the exasperating complaining
Twenty−Five Millions, otherwise isolated and without power, may rally, and work−−what it is in them to work. If
battle must be the work, as one cannot help expecting, then shall it be a battle− banner (say, an Italian Gonfalon,
in its old Republican Carroccio); and shall tower up, car−borne, shining in the wind: and with iron tongue peal
forth many a signal. A thing of prime necessity; which whether in the van or in the centre, whether leading or led
and driven, must do the fighting multitude incalculable services. For a season, while it floats in the very front, nay
as it were stands solitary there, waiting whether force will gather round it, this same National Carroccio, and the
signal−peals it rings, are a main object with us.
The omen of the 'slouch−hats clapt on' shows the Commons Deputies to have made up their minds on one thing:
that neither Noblesse nor Clergy shall have precedence of them; hardly even Majesty itself. To such length has the
Contrat Social, and force of public opinion, carried us. For what is Majesty but the Delegate of the Nation;
delegated, and bargained with (even rather tightly),−−in some very singular posture of affairs, which Jean Jacques
has not fixed the date of?
Coming therefore into their Hall, on the morrow, an inorganic mass of Six Hundred individuals, these Commons
Deputies perceive, without terror, that they have it all to themselves. Their Hall is also the Grand or general Hall
for all the Three Orders. But the Noblesse and Clergy, it would seem, have retired to their two separate
Apartments, or Halls; and are there 'verifying their powers,' not in a conjoint but in a separate capacity. They are
to constitute two separate, perhaps separately−voting Orders, then? It is as if both Noblesse and Clergy had
silently taken for granted that they already were such! Two Orders against one; and so the Third Order to be left
in a perpetual minority?
Much may remain unfixed; but the negative of that is a thing fixed: in the Slouch−hatted heads, in the French
Nation's head. Double representation, and all else hitherto gained, were otherwise futile, null. Doubtless, the
'powers must be verified;'−−doubtless, the Commission, the electoral Documents of your Deputy must be
inspected by his brother Deputies, and found valid: it is the preliminary of all. Neither is this question, of doing it
separately or doing it conjointly, a vital one: but if it lead to such? It must be resisted; wise was that maxim,
Resist the beginnings! Nay were resistance unadvisable, even dangerous, yet surely pause is very natural: pause,
with Twenty−five Millions behind you, may become resistance enough.−−The inorganic mass of Commons
Deputies will restrict itself to a 'system of inertia,' and for the present remain inorganic.
Such method, recommendable alike to sagacity and to timidity, do the Commons Deputies adopt; and, not without
adroitness, and with ever more tenacity, they persist in it, day after day, week after week. For six weeks their
history is of the kind named barren; which indeed, as Philosophy knows, is often the fruitfulest of all. These were
their still creation−days; wherein they sat incubating! In fact, what they did was to do nothing, in a judicious
manner. Daily the inorganic body reassembles; regrets that they cannot get organisation, 'verification of powers in
The French Revolution
63
The French Revolution
common, and begin regenerating France. Headlong motions may be made, but let such be repressed; inertia alone
is at once unpunishable and unconquerable.
Cunning must be met by cunning; proud pretension by inertia, by a low tone of patriotic sorrow; low, but
incurable, unalterable. Wise as serpents; harmless as doves: what a spectacle for France! Six Hundred inorganic
individuals, essential for its regeneration and salvation, sit there, on their elliptic benches, longing passionately
towards life; in painful durance; like souls waiting to be born. Speeches are spoken; eloquent; audible within
doors and without. Mind agitates itself against mind; the Nation looks on with ever deeper interest. Thus do the
Commons Deputies sit incubating.
There are private conclaves, supper−parties, consultations; Breton Club, Club of Viroflay; germs of many Clubs.
Wholly an element of confused noise, dimness, angry heat;−−wherein, however, the Eros−egg, kept at the fit
temperature, may hover safe, unbroken till it be hatched. In your Mouniers, Malouets, Lechapeliers in science
sufficient for that; fervour in your Barnaves, Rabauts. At times shall come an inspiration from royal Mirabeau: he
is nowise yet recognised as royal; nay he was 'groaned at,' when his name was first mentioned: but he is
struggling towards recognition.
In the course of the week, the Commons having called their Eldest to the chair, and furnished him with young
stronger−lunged assistants,−−can speak articulately; and, in audible lamentable words, declare, as we said, that
they are an inorganic body, longing to become organic. Letters arrive; but an inorganic body cannot open letters;
they lie on the table unopened. The Eldest may at most procure for himself some kind of List or Muster−roll, to
take the votes by, and wait what will betide. Noblesse and Clergy are all elsewhere: however, an eager public
crowds all galleries and vacancies; which is some comfort. With effort, it is determined, not that a Deputation
shall be sent,−−for how can an inorganic body send deputations?− −but that certain individual Commons
Members shall, in an accidental way, stroll into the Clergy Chamber, and then into the Noblesse one; and mention
there, as a thing they have happened to observe, that the Commons seem to be sitting waiting for them, in order to
verify their powers. That is the wiser method!
The Clergy, among whom are such a multitude of Undignified, of mere Commons in Curates' frocks, depute
instant respectful answer that they are, and will now more than ever be, in deepest study as to that very matter.
Contrariwise the Noblesse, in cavalier attitude, reply, after four days, that they, for their part, are all verified and
constituted; which, they had trusted, the Commons also were; such separate verification being clearly the proper
constitutional wisdom−of−ancestors method;−−as they the Noblesse will have much pleasure in demonstrating by
a Commission of their number, if the Commons will meet them, Commission against Commission! Directly in the
rear of which comes a deputation of Clergy, reiterating, in their insidious conciliatory way, the same proposal.
Here, then, is a complexity: what will wise Commons say to this?
Warily, inertly, the wise Commons, considering that they are, if not a French Third Estate, at least an Aggregate
of individuals pretending to some title of that kind, determine, after talking on it five days, to name such a
Commission,−−though, as it were, with proviso not to be convinced: a sixth day is taken up in naming it; a
seventh and an eighth day in getting the forms of meeting, place, hour and the like, settled: so that it is not till the
evening of the 23rd of May that Noblesse Commission first meets Commons Commission, Clergy acting as
Conciliators; and begins the impossible task of convincing it. One other meeting, on the 25th, will suffice: the
Commons are inconvincible, the Noblesse and Clergy irrefragably convincing; the Commissions retire; each
Order persisting in its first pretensions. (Reported Debates, 6th May to 1st June, 1789 (in Histoire Parlementaire,
i. 379−422.)
Thus have three weeks passed. For three weeks, the Third−Estate Carroccio, with far−seen Gonfalon, has stood
stockstill, flouting the wind; waiting what force would gather round it.
The French Revolution
64
The French Revolution
Fancy can conceive the feeling of the Court; and how counsel met counsel, the loud−sounding inanity whirled in
that distracted vortex, where wisdom could not dwell. Your cunningly devised Taxing−Machine has been got
together; set up with incredible labour; and stands there, its three pieces in contact; its two fly−wheels of Noblesse
and Clergy, its huge working− wheel of Tiers−Etat. The two fly−wheels whirl in the softest manner; but,
prodigious to look upon, the huge working−wheel hangs motionless, refuses to stir! The cunningest engineers are
at fault. How will it work, when it does begin? Fearfully, my Friends; and to many purposes; but to gather taxes,
or grind court−meal, one may apprehend, never. Could we but have continued gathering taxes by hand!
Messeigneurs d'Artois, Conti, Conde (named Court Triumvirate), they of the anti−democratic Memoire au Roi,
has not their foreboding proved true? They may wave reproachfully their high heads; they may beat their poor
brains; but the cunningest engineers can do nothing. Necker himself, were he even listened to, begins to look blue.
The only thing one sees advisable is to bring up soldiers. New regiments, two, and a battalion of a third, have
already reached Paris; others shall get in march. Good were it, in all circumstances, to have troops within reach;
good that the command were in sure hands. Let Broglie be appointed; old Marshal Duke de Broglie; veteran
disciplinarian, of a firm drill− sergeant morality, such as may be depended on.
For, alas, neither are the Clergy, or the very Noblesse what they should be; and might be, when so menaced from
without: entire, undivided within. The Noblesse, indeed, have their Catiline or Crispin D'Espremenil, dusky−
glowing, all in renegade heat; their boisterous Barrel−Mirabeau; but also they have their Lafayettes, Liancourts,
Lameths; above all, their D'Orleans, now cut forever from his Court−moorings, and musing drowsily of high and
highest sea−prizes (for is not he too a son of Henri Quatre, and partial potential Heir−Apparent?)−−on his voyage
towards Chaos. From the Clergy again, so numerous are the Cures, actual deserters have run over: two small
parties; in the second party Cure Gregoire. Nay there is talk of a whole Hundred and Forty−nine of them about to
desert in mass, and only restrained by an Archbishop of Paris. It seems a losing game.
But judge if France, if Paris sat idle, all this while! Addresses from far and near flow in: for our Commons have
now grown organic enough to open letters. Or indeed to cavil at them! Thus poor Marquis de Breze, Supreme
Usher, Master of Ceremonies, or whatever his title was, writing about this time on some ceremonial matter, sees
no harm in winding up with a 'Monsieur, yours with sincere attachment.'−−"To whom does it address itself, this
sincere attachment?" inquires Mirabeau. "To the Dean of the Tiers−Etat."−−"There is no man in France entitled to
write that," rejoins he; whereat the Galleries and the World will not be kept from applauding. (Moniteur (in
Histoire Parlementaire, i. 405).) Poor De Breze! These Commons have a still older grudge at him; nor has he yet
done with them.
In another way, Mirabeau has had to protest against the quick suppression of his Newspaper, Journal of the
States−General;−−and to continue it under a new name. In which act of valour, the Paris Electors, still busy
redacting their Cahier, could not but support him, by Address to his Majesty: they claim utmost 'provisory
freedom of the press;' they have spoken even about demolishing the Bastille, and erecting a Bronze Patriot King
on the site!−−These are the rich Burghers: but now consider how it went, for example, with such loose
miscellany, now all grown eleutheromaniac, of Loungers, Prowlers, social Nondescripts (and the distilled
Rascality of our Planet), as whirls forever in the Palais Royal;− −or what low infinite groan, first changing into a
growl, comes from Saint− Antoine, and the Twenty−five Millions in danger of starvation!
There is the indisputablest scarcity of corn;−−be it Aristocrat−plot, D'Orleans−plot, of this year; or drought and
hail of last year: in city and province, the poor man looks desolately towards a nameless lot. And this
States−General, that could make us an age of gold, is forced to stand motionless; cannot get its powers verified!
All industry necessarily languishes, if it be not that of making motions.
In the Palais Royal there has been erected, apparently by subscription, a kind of Wooden Tent (en planches de
bois); (Histoire Parlementaire, i. 429.)−− most convenient; where select Patriotism can now redact resolutions,
deliver harangues, with comfort, let the weather but as it will. Lively is that Satan−at−Home! On his table, on his
chair, in every cafe, stands a patriotic orator; a crowd round him within; a crowd listening from without,
The French Revolution
65
The French Revolution
open−mouthed, through open door and window; with 'thunders of applause for every sentiment of more than
common hardiness.' In Monsieur Dessein's Pamphlet−shop, close by, you cannot without strong elbowing get to
the counter: every hour produces its pamphlet, or litter of pamphlets; 'there were thirteen to−day, sixteen
yesterday, nine−two last week.' (Arthur Young, Travels, i. 104.) Think of Tyranny and Scarcity;
Fervid−eloquence, Rumour, Pamphleteering; Societe Publicole, Breton Club, Enraged Club;−−and whether every
tap−room, coffee−room, social reunion, accidental street−group, over wide France, was not an Enraged Club!
To all which the Commons Deputies can only listen with a sublime inertia of sorrow; reduced to busy themselves
'with their internal police.' Surer position no Deputies ever occupied; if they keep it with skill. Let not the
temperature rise too high; break not the Eros−egg till it be hatched, till it break itself! An eager public crowds all
Galleries and vacancies! 'cannot be restrained from applauding.' The two Privileged Orders, the Noblesse all
verified and constituted, may look on with what face they will; not without a secret tremor of heart. The Clergy,
always acting the part of conciliators, make a clutch at the Galleries, and the popularity there; and miss it.
Deputation of them arrives, with dolorous message about the 'dearth of grains,' and the necessity there is of
casting aside vain formalities, and deliberating on this. An insidious proposal; which, however, the Commons
(moved thereto by seagreen Robespierre) dexterously accept as a sort of hint, or even pledge, that the Clergy will
forthwith come over to them, constitute the States−General, and so cheapen grains! (Bailly, Memoires, i.
114.)−−Finally, on the 27th day of May, Mirabeau, judging the time now nearly come, proposes that 'the inertia
cease;' that, leaving the Noblesse to their own stiff ways, the Clergy be summoned, 'in the name of the God of
Peace,' to join the Commons, and begin. (Histoire Parlementaire, i. 413.) To which summons if they turn a deaf
ear,−−we shall see! Are not one Hundred and Forty−nine of them ready to desert?
O Triumvirate of Princes, new Garde−des−Sceaux Barentin, thou Home− Secretary Breteuil, Duchess Polignac,
and Queen eager to listen,−−what is now to be done? This Third Estate will get in motion, with the force of all
France in it; Clergy−machinery with Noblesse−machinery, which were to serve as beautiful counter−balances and
drags, will be shamefully dragged after it,−−and take fire along with it. What is to be done? The Oeil−de− Boeuf
waxes more confused than ever. Whisper and counter−whisper; a very tempest of whispers! Leading men from all
the Three Orders are nightly spirited thither; conjurors many of them; but can they conjure this? Necker himself
were now welcome, could he interfere to purpose.
Let Necker interfere, then; and in the King's name! Happily that incendiary 'God−of−Peace' message is not yet
answered. The Three Orders shall again have conferences; under this Patriot Minister of theirs, somewhat may be
healed, clouted up;−−we meanwhile getting forward Swiss Regiments, and a 'hundred pieces of field−artillery.'
This is what the Oeil−de−Boeuf, for its part, resolves on.
But as for Necker−−Alas, poor Necker, thy obstinate Third Estate has one first−last word, verification in
common, as the pledge of voting and deliberating in common! Half−way proposals, from such a tried friend, they
answer with a stare. The tardy conferences speedily break up; the Third Estate, now ready and resolute, the whole
world backing it, returns to its Hall of the Three Orders; and Necker to the Oeil−de−Boeuf, with the character of a
disconjured conjuror there−−fit only for dismissal. (Debates, 1st to 17th June 1789 (in Histoire Parlementaire, i.
422−478).)
And so the Commons Deputies are at last on their own strength getting under way? Instead of Chairman, or Dean,
they have now got a President: Astronomer Bailly. Under way, with a vengeance! With endless vociferous and
temperate eloquence, borne on Newspaper wings to all lands, they have now, on this 17th day of June, determined
that their name is not Third Estate, but−−National Assembly! They, then, are the Nation? Triumvirate of Princes,
Queen, refractory Noblesse and Clergy, what, then, are you? A most deep question;−−scarcely answerable in
living political dialects.
All regardless of which, our new National Assembly proceeds to appoint a 'committee of subsistences;' dear to
France, though it can find little or no grain. Next, as if our National Assembly stood quite firm on its legs,− −to
The French Revolution
66
The French Revolution
appoint 'four other standing committees;' then to settle the security of the National Debt; then that of the Annual
Taxation: all within eight− and−forty hours. At such rate of velocity it is going: the conjurors of the
Oeil−de−Boeuf may well ask themselves, Whither?
Chapter 1.5.II. Mercury de Breze.
Now surely were the time for a 'god from the machine;' there is a nodus worthy of one. The only question is,
Which god? Shall it be Mars de Broglie, with his hundred pieces of cannon?−−Not yet, answers prudence; so soft,
irresolute is King Louis. Let it be Messenger Mercury, our Supreme Usher de Breze.
On the morrow, which is the 20th of June, these Hundred and Forty−nine false Curates, no longer restrainable by
his Grace of Paris, will desert in a body: let De Breze intervene, and produce−−closed doors! Not only shall there
be Royal Session, in that Salle des Menus; but no meeting, nor working (except by carpenters), till then. Your
Third Estate, self−styled 'National Assembly,' shall suddenly see itself extruded from its Hall, by carpenters, in
this dexterous way; and reduced to do nothing, not even to meet, or articulately lament,−−till Majesty, with
Seance Royale and new miracles, be ready! In this manner shall De Breze, as Mercury ex machina, intervene;
and, if the Oeil−de−Boeuf mistake not, work deliverance from the nodus.
Of poor De Breze we can remark that he has yet prospered in none of his dealings with these Commons. Five
weeks ago, when they kissed the hand of Majesty, the mode he took got nothing but censure; and then his 'sincere
attachment,' how was it scornfully whiffed aside! Before supper, this night, he writes to President Bailly, a new
Letter, to be delivered shortly after dawn tomorrow, in the King's name. Which Letter, however, Bailly in the
pride of office, will merely crush together into his pocket, like a bill he does not mean to pay.
Accordingly on Saturday morning the 20th of June, shrill−sounding heralds proclaim through the streets of
Versailles, that there is to be a Seance Royale next Monday; and no meeting of the States−General till then. And
yet, we observe, President Bailly in sound of this, and with De Breze's Letter in his pocket, is proceeding, with
National Assembly at his heels, to the accustomed Salles des Menus; as if De Breze and heralds were mere wind.
It is shut, this Salle; occupied by Gardes Francaises. "Where is your Captain?" The Captain shows his royal order:
workmen, he is grieved to say, are all busy setting up the platform for his Majesty's Seance; most unfortunately,
no admission; admission, at furthest, for President and Secretaries to bring away papers, which the joiners might
destroy!−− President Bailly enters with Secretaries; and returns bearing papers: alas, within doors, instead of
patriotic eloquence, there is now no noise but hammering, sawing, and operative screeching and rumbling! A
profanation without parallel.
The Deputies stand grouped on the Paris Road, on this umbrageous Avenue de Versailles; complaining aloud of
the indignity done them. Courtiers, it is supposed, look from their windows, and giggle. The morning is none of
the comfortablest: raw; it is even drizzling a little. (Bailly, Memoires, i. 185−206.) But all travellers pause; patriot
gallery−men, miscellaneous spectators increase the groups. Wild counsels alternate. Some desperate Deputies
propose to go and hold session on the great outer Staircase at Marly, under the King's windows; for his Majesty, it
seems, has driven over thither. Others talk of making the Chateau Forecourt, what they call Place d'Armes, a
Runnymede and new Champ de Mai of free Frenchmen: nay of awakening, to sounds of indignant Patriotism, the
echoes of the Oeil−de− boeuf itself.−−Notice is given that President Bailly, aided by judicious Guillotin and
others, has found place in the Tennis−Court of the Rue St. Francois. Thither, in long−drawn files, hoarse−jingling,
like cranes on wing, the Commons Deputies angrily wend.
Strange sight was this in the Rue St. Francois, Vieux Versailles! A naked Tennis−Court, as the pictures of that
time still give it: four walls; naked, except aloft some poor wooden penthouse, or roofed spectators'− gallery,
hanging round them:−−on the floor not now an idle teeheeing, a snapping of balls and rackets; but the bellowing
din of an indignant National Representation, scandalously exiled hither! However, a cloud of witnesses looks
down on them, from wooden penthouse, from wall−top, from adjoining roof and chimney; rolls towards them
The French Revolution
67
The French Revolution
from all quarters, with passionate spoken blessings. Some table can be procured to write on; some chair, if not to
sit on, then to stand on. The Secretaries undo their tapes; Bailly has constituted the Assembly.
Experienced Mounier, not wholly new to such things, in Parlementary revolts, which he has seen or heard of,
thinks that it were well, in these lamentable threatening circumstances, to unite themselves by an Oath.−−
Universal acclamation, as from smouldering bosoms getting vent! The Oath is redacted; pronounced aloud by
President Bailly,−−and indeed in such a sonorous tone, that the cloud of witnesses, even outdoors, hear it, and
bellow response to it. Six hundred right−hands rise with President Bailly's, to take God above to witness that they
will not separate for man below, but will meet in all places, under all circumstances, wheresoever two or three can
get together, till they have made the Constitution. Made the Constitution, Friends! That is a long task. Six hundred
hands, meanwhile, will sign as they have sworn: six hundred save one; one Loyalist Abdiel, still visible by this
sole light−point, and nameable, poor 'M. Martin d'Auch, from Castelnaudary, in Languedoc.' Him they permit to
sign or signify refusal; they even save him from the cloud of witnesses, by declaring 'his head deranged.' At four
o'clock, the signatures are all appended; new meeting is fixed for Monday morning, earlier than the hour of the
Royal Session; that our Hundred and Forty−nine Clerical deserters be not balked: we shall meet 'at the Recollets
Church or elsewhere,' in hope that our Hundred and Forty−nine will join us;−−and now it is time to go to dinner.
This, then, is the Session of the Tennis−Court, famed Seance du Jeu de Paume; the fame of which has gone forth
to all lands. This is Mercurius de Breze's appearance as Deus ex machina; this is the fruit it brings! The giggle of
Courtiers in the Versailles Avenue has already died into gaunt silence. Did the distracted Court, with
Gardes−des−Sceaux Barentin, Triumvirate and Company, imagine that they could scatter six hundred National
Deputies, big with a National Constitution, like as much barndoor poultry, big with next to nothing,−−by the
white or black rod of a Supreme Usher? Barndoor poultry fly cackling: but National Deputies turn round,
lion−faced; and, with uplifted right−hand, swear an Oath that makes the four corners of France tremble.
President Bailly has covered himself with honour; which shall become rewards. The National Assembly is now
doubly and trebly the Nation's Assembly; not militant, martyred only, but triumphant; insulted, and which could
not be insulted. Paris disembogues itself once more, to witness, 'with grim looks,' the Seance Royale: (See Arthur
Young (Travels, i. 115− 118); A. Lameth, which, by a new felicity, is postponed till Tuesday. The Hundred and
Forty−nine, and even with Bishops among them, all in processional mass, have had free leisure to march off, and
solemnly join the Commons sitting waiting in their Church. The Commons welcomed them with shouts, with
embracings, nay with tears; (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau, c. 4.) for it is growing a life−and−death matter
now.
As for the Seance itself, the Carpenters seem to have accomplished their platform; but all else remains
unaccomplished. Futile, we may say fatal, was the whole matter. King Louis enters, through seas of people, all
grim− silent, angry with many things,−−for it is a bitter rain too. Enters, to a Third Estate, likewise grim−silent;
which has been wetted waiting under mean porches, at back−doors, while Court and Privileged were entering by
the front. King and Garde−des−Sceaux (there is no Necker visible) make known, not without longwindedness, the
determinations of the royal breast. The Three Orders shall vote separately. On the other hand, France may look for
considerable constitutional blessings; as specified in these Five−and− thirty Articles, (Histoire Parlementaire, i.
13.) which Garde−des−Sceaux is waxing hoarse with reading. Which Five−and−Thirty Articles, adds his Majesty
again rising, if the Three Orders most unfortunately cannot agree together to effect them, I myself will effect:
"seul je ferai le bien de mes peuples,"−−which being interpreted may signify, You, contentious Deputies of the
States−General, have probably not long to be here! But, in fine, all shall now withdraw for this day; and meet
again, each Order in its separate place, to−morrow morning, for despatch of business. This is the determination of
the royal breast: pithy and clear. And herewith King, retinue, Noblesse, majority of Clergy file out, as if the whole
matter were satisfactorily completed.
These file out; through grim−silent seas of people. Only the Commons Deputies file not out; but stand there in
gloomy silence, uncertain what they shall do. One man of them is certain; one man of them discerns and dares! It
The French Revolution
68
The French Revolution
is now that King Mirabeau starts to the Tribune, and lifts up his lion−voice. Verily a word in season; for, in such
scenes, the moment is the mother of ages! Had not Gabriel Honore been there,−−one can well fancy, how the
Commons Deputies, affrighted at the perils which now yawned dim all round them, and waxing ever paler in each
other's paleness, might very naturally, one after one, have glided off; and the whole course of European History
have been different!
But he is there. List to the brool of that royal forest−voice; sorrowful, low; fast swelling to a roar! Eyes kindle at
the glance of his eye:−− National Deputies were missioned by a Nation; they have sworn an Oath; they−−but lo!
while the lion's voice roars loudest, what Apparition is this? Apparition of Mercurius de Breze, muttering
somewhat!−−"Speak out," cry several.−−"Messieurs," shrills De Breze, repeating himself, "You have heard the
King's orders!"−−Mirabeau glares on him with fire−flashing face; shakes the black lion's mane: "Yes, Monsieur,
we have heard what the King was advised to say: and you who cannot be the interpreter of his orders to the
States−General; you, who have neither place nor right of speech here; you are not the man to remind us of it. Go,
Monsieur, tell these who sent you that we are here by the will of the People, and that nothing shall send us hence
but the force of bayonets!" (Moniteur (Hist. Parl. ii. 22.).) And poor De Breze shivers forth from the National
Assembly;−−and also (if it be not in one faintest glimmer, months later) finally from the page of History!−−
Hapless De Breze; doomed to survive long ages, in men's memory, in this faint way, with tremulent white rod! He
was true to Etiquette, which was his Faith here below; a martyr to respect of persons. Short woollen cloaks could
not kiss Majesty's hand as long velvet ones did. Nay lately, when the poor little Dauphin lay dead, and some
ceremonial Visitation came, was he not punctual to announce it even to the Dauphin's dead body: "Monseigneur,
a Deputation of the States−General!" (Montgaillard, ii. 38.) Sunt lachrymae rerum.
But what does the Oeil−de−Boeuf, now when De Breze shivers back thither? Despatch that same force of
bayonets? Not so: the seas of people still hang multitudinous, intent on what is passing; nay rush and roll, loud−
billowing, into the Courts of the Chateau itself; for a report has risen that Necker is to be dismissed. Worst of all,
the Gardes Francaises seem indisposed to act: 'two Companies of them do not fire when ordered!' (Histoire
Parlementaire, ii. 26.) Necker, for not being at the Seance, shall be shouted for, carried home in triumph; and must
not be dismissed. His Grace of Paris, on the other hand, has to fly with broken coach−panels, and owe his life to
furious driving. The Gardes−du−Corps (Body−Guards), which you were drawing out, had better be drawn in
again. (Bailly, i. 217.) There is no sending of bayonets to be thought of.
Instead of soldiers, the Oeil−de−Boeuf sends−−carpenters, to take down the platform. Ineffectual shift! In few
instants, the very carpenters cease wrenching and knocking at their platform; stand on it, hammer in hand, and
listen open−mouthed. (Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 23.) The Third Estate is decreeing that it is, was, and will be,
nothing but a National Assembly; and now, moreover, an inviolable one, all members of it inviolable: 'infamous,
traitorous, towards the Nation, and guilty of capital crime, is any person, body−corporate, tribunal, court or
commission that now or henceforth, during the present session or after it, shall dare to pursue, interrogate, arrest,
or cause to be arrested, detain or cause to be detained, any,' 'on whose part soever the same be commanded.'
(Montgaillard, ii. 47.) Which done, one can wind up with this comfortable reflection from Abbe Sieyes:
"Messieurs, you are today what you were yesterday."
Courtiers may shriek; but it is, and remains, even so. Their well−charged explosion has exploded through the
touch−hole; covering themselves with scorches, confusion, and unseemly soot! Poor Triumvirate, poor Queen;
and above all, poor Queen's Husband, who means well, had he any fixed meaning! Folly is that wisdom which is
wise only behindhand. Few months ago these Thirty−five Concessions had filled France with a rejoicing, which
might have lasted for several years. Now it is unavailing, the very mention of it slighted; Majesty's express orders
set at nought.
All France is in a roar; a sea of persons, estimated at 'ten thousand,' whirls 'all this day in the Palais Royal.'
(Arthur Young, i. 119.) The remaining Clergy, and likewise some Forty−eight Noblesse, D'Orleans among them,
The French Revolution
69
The French Revolution
have now forthwith gone over to the victorious Commons; by whom, as is natural, they are received 'with
acclamation.'
The Third Estate triumphs; Versailles Town shouting round it; ten thousand whirling all day in the Palais Royal;
and all France standing a−tiptoe, not unlike whirling! Let the Oeil−de−Boeuf look to it. As for King Louis, he will
swallow his injuries; will temporise, keep silence; will at all costs have present peace. It was Tuesday the 23d of
June, when he spoke that peremptory royal mandate; and the week is not done till he has written to the remaining
obstinate Noblesse, that they also must oblige him, and give in. D'Espremenil rages his last; Barrel Mirabeau
'breaks his sword,' making a vow,−−which he might as well have kept. The 'Triple Family' is now therefore
complete; the third erring brother, the Noblesse, having joined it;−−erring but pardonable; soothed, so far as
possible, by sweet eloquence from President Bailly.
So triumphs the Third Estate; and States−General are become National Assembly; and all France may sing Te
Deum. By wise inertia, and wise cessation of inertia, great victory has been gained. It is the last night of June: all
night you meet nothing on the streets of Versailles but 'men running with torches' with shouts of jubilation. From
the 2nd of May when they kissed the hand of Majesty, to this 30th of June when men run with torches, we count
seven weeks complete. For seven weeks the National Carroccio has stood far−seen, ringing many a signal; and, so
much having now gathered round it, may hope to stand.
Chapter 1.5.III. Broglie the War−God.
The Court feels indignant that it is conquered; but what then? Another time it will do better. Mercury descended
in vain; now has the time come for Mars.−−The gods of the Oeil−de−Boeuf have withdrawn into the darkness of
their cloudy Ida; and sit there, shaping and forging what may be needful, be it 'billets of a new National Bank,'
munitions of war, or things forever inscrutable to men.
Accordingly, what means this 'apparatus of troops'? The National Assembly can get no furtherance for its
Committee of Subsistences; can hear only that, at Paris, the Bakers' shops are besieged; that, in the Provinces,
people are living on 'meal−husks and boiled grass.' But on all highways there hover dust−clouds, with the march
of regiments, with the trailing of cannon: foreign Pandours, of fierce aspect; Salis−Samade, Esterhazy,
Royal−Allemand; so many of them foreign, to the number of thirty thousand,− −which fear can magnify to fifty:
all wending towards Paris and Versailles! Already, on the heights of Montmartre, is a digging and delving; too
like a scarping and trenching. The effluence of Paris is arrested Versailles−ward by a barrier of cannon at Sevres
Bridge. From the Queen's Mews, cannon stand pointed on the National Assembly Hall itself. The National
Assembly has its very slumbers broken by the tramp of soldiery, swarming and defiling, endless, or seemingly
endless, all round those spaces, at dead of night, 'without drum−music, without audible word of command.' (A.
Lameth, Assemblee Constituante, i. 41.) What means it?
Shall eight, or even shall twelve Deputies, our Mirabeaus, Barnaves at the head of them, be whirled suddenly to
the Castle of Ham; the rest ignominiously dispersed to the winds? No National Assembly can make the
Constitution with cannon levelled on it from the Queen's Mews! What means this reticence of the Oeil−de−Boeuf,
broken only by nods and shrugs? In the mystery of that cloudy Ida, what is it that they forge and shape?−−Such
questions must distracted Patriotism keep asking, and receive no answer but an echo.
Enough of themselves! But now, above all, while the hungry food−year, which runs from August to August, is
getting older; becoming more and more a famine−year? With 'meal−husks and boiled grass,' Brigands may
actually collect; and, in crowds, at farm and mansion, howl angrily, Food! Food! It is in vain to send soldiers
against them: at sight of soldiers they disperse, they vanish as under ground; then directly reassemble elsewhere
for new tumult and plunder. Frightful enough to look upon; but what to hear of, reverberated through
Twenty−five Millions of suspicious minds! Brigands and Broglie, open Conflagration, preternatural Rumour are
driving mad most hearts in France. What will the issue of these things be?
The French Revolution
70
The French Revolution
At Marseilles, many weeks ago, the Townsmen have taken arms; for 'suppressing of Brigands,' and other
purposes: the military commandant may make of it what he will. Elsewhere, everywhere, could not the like be
done? Dubious, on the distracted Patriot imagination, wavers, as a last deliverance, some foreshadow of a
National Guard. But conceive, above all, the Wooden Tent in the Palais Royal! A universal hubbub there, as of
dissolving worlds: their loudest bellows the mad, mad−making voice of Rumour; their sharpest gazes Suspicion
into the pale dim World−Whirlpool; discerning shapes and phantasms; imminent bloodthirsty Regiments camped
on the Champ−de−Mars; dispersed National Assembly; redhot cannon−balls (to burn Paris);−−the mad War−god
and Bellona's sounding thongs. To the calmest man it is becoming too plain that battle is inevitable.
Inevitable, silently nod Messeigneurs and Broglie: Inevitable and brief! Your National Assembly, stopped short in
its Constitutional labours, may fatigue the royal ear with addresses and remonstrances: those cannon of ours stand
duly levelled; those troops are here. The King's Declaration, with its Thirty−five too generous Articles, was
spoken, was not listened to; but remains yet unrevoked: he himself shall effect it, seul il fera!
As for Broglie, he has his headquarters at Versailles, all as in a seat of war: clerks writing; significant
staff−officers, inclined to taciturnity; plumed aides−de−camp, scouts, orderlies flying or hovering. He himself
looks forth, important, impenetrable; listens to Besenval Commandant of Paris, and his warning and earnest
counsels (for he has come out repeatedly on purpose), with a silent smile. (Besenval, iii. 398.) The Parisians
resist? scornfully cry Messeigneurs. As a meal−mob may! They have sat quiet, these five generations, submitting
to all. Their Mercier declared, in these very years, that a Parisian revolt was henceforth 'impossible.' (Mercier,
Tableau de Paris, vi. 22.) Stand by the royal Declaration, of the Twenty−third of June. The Nobles of France,
valorous, chivalrous as of old, will rally round us with one heart;−−and as for this which you call Third Estate,
and which we call canaille of unwashed Sansculottes, of Patelins, Scribblers, factious Spouters,−−brave Broglie,
'with a whiff of grapeshot (salve de canons), if need be, will give quick account of it. Thus reason they: on their
cloudy Ida; hidden from men,−−men also hidden from them.
Good is grapeshot, Messeigneurs, on one condition: that the shooter also were made of metal! But unfortunately
he is made of flesh; under his buffs and bandoleers your hired shooter has instincts, feelings, even a kind of
thought. It is his kindred, bone of his bone, this same canaille that shall be whiffed; he has brothers in it, a father
and mother,−−living on meal−husks and boiled grass. His very doxy, not yet 'dead i' the spital,' drives him into
military heterodoxy; declares that if he shed Patriot blood, he shall be accursed among men. The soldier, who has
seen his pay stolen by rapacious Foulons, his blood wasted by Soubises, Pompadours, and the gates of promotion
shut inexorably on him if he were not born noble,−− is himself not without griefs against you. Your cause is not
the soldier's cause; but, as would seem, your own only, and no other god's nor man's.
For example, the world may have heard how, at Bethune lately, when there rose some 'riot about grains,' of which
sort there are so many, and the soldiers stood drawn out, and the word 'Fire!; was given,−−not a trigger stirred;
only the butts of all muskets rattled angrily against the ground; and the soldiers stood glooming, with a mixed
expression of countenance;−− till clutched 'each under the arm of a patriot householder,' they were all hurried off,
in this manner, to be treated and caressed, and have their pay increased by subscription! (Histoire Parlementaire.)
Neither have the Gardes Francaises, the best regiment of the line, shown any promptitude for street−firing lately.
They returned grumbling from Reveillon's; and have not burnt a single cartridge since; nay, as we saw, not even
when bid. A dangerous humour dwells in these Gardes. Notable men too, in their way! Valadi the Pythagorean
was, at one time, an officer of theirs. Nay, in the ranks, under the three−cornered felt and cockade, what hard
heads may there not be, and reflections going on,−−unknown to the public! One head of the hardest we do now
discern there: on the shoulders of a certain Sergeant Hoche. Lazare Hoche, that is the name of him; he used to be
about the Versailles Royal Stables, nephew of a poor herbwoman; a handy lad; exceedingly addicted to reading.
He is now Sergeant Hoche, and can rise no farther: he lays out his pay in rushlights, and cheap editions of books.
(Dictionnaire des Hommes Marquans, Londres (Paris), 1800, ii. 198.)
The French Revolution
71
The French Revolution
On the whole, the best seems to be: Consign these Gardes Francaises to their Barracks. So Besenval thinks, and
orders. Consigned to their barracks, the Gardes Francaises do but form a 'Secret Association,' an Engagement not
to act against the National Assembly. Debauched by Valadi the Pythagorean; debauched by money and women!
cry Besenval and innumerable others. Debauched by what you will, or in need of no debauching, behold them,
long files of them, their consignment broken, arrive, headed by their Sergeants, on the 26th day of June, at the
Palais Royal! Welcomed with vivats, with presents, and a pledge of patriot liquor; embracing and embraced;
declaring in words that the cause of France is their cause! Next day and the following days the like. What is
singular too, except this patriot humour, and breaking of their consignment, they behave otherwise with 'the most
rigorous accuracy.' (Besenval, iii. 394−6.)
They are growing questionable, these Gardes! Eleven ring−leaders of them are put in the Abbaye Prison. It boots
not in the least. The imprisoned Eleven have only, 'by the hand of an individual,' to drop, towards nightfall, a line
in the Cafe de Foy; where Patriotism harangues loudest on its table. 'Two hundred young persons, soon waxing to
four thousand,' with fit crowbars, roll towards the Abbaye; smite asunder the needful doors; and bear out their
Eleven, with other military victims:−−to supper in the Palais Royal Garden; to board, and lodging 'in campbeds,
in the Theatre des Varietes;' other national Prytaneum as yet not being in readiness. Most deliberate! Nay so
punctual were these young persons, that finding one military victim to have been imprisoned for real civil crime,
they returned him to his cell, with protest.
Why new military force was not called out? New military force was called out. New military force did arrive, full
gallop, with drawn sabre: but the people gently 'laid hold of their bridles;' the dragoons sheathed their swords;
lifted their caps by way of salute, and sat like mere statues of dragoons,−−except indeed that a drop of liquor
being brought them, they 'drank to the King and Nation with the greatest cordiality.' (Histoire Parlementaire, ii.
32.)
And now, ask in return, why Messeigneurs and Broglie the great god of war, on seeing these things, did not pause,
and take some other course, any other course? Unhappily, as we said, they could see nothing. Pride, which goes
before a fall; wrath, if not reasonable, yet pardonable, most natural, had hardened their hearts and heated their
heads; so, with imbecility and violence (ill−matched pair), they rush to seek their hour. All Regiments are not
Gardes Francaises, or debauched by Valadi the Pythagorean: let fresh undebauched Regiments come up; let
Royal−Allemand, Salais−Samade, Swiss Chateau−Vieux come up,−−which can fight, but can hardly speak except
in German gutturals; let soldiers march, and highways thunder with artillery−waggons: Majesty has a new Royal
Session to hold,−−and miracles to work there! The whiff of grapeshot can, if needful, become a blast and tempest.
In which circumstances, before the redhot balls begin raining, may not the Hundred−and−twenty Paris Electors,
though their Cahier is long since finished, see good to meet again daily, as an 'Electoral Club'? They meet first 'in
a Tavern;'−−where 'the largest wedding−party' cheerfully give place to them. (Dusaulx, Prise de la Bastille
(Collection des Memoires, par Berville et Barriere, Paris, 1821), p. 269.) But latterly they meet in the
Hotel−de−Ville, in the Townhall itself. Flesselles, Provost of Merchants, with his Four Echevins (Scabins,
Assessors), could not prevent it; such was the force of public opinion. He, with his Echevins, and the
Six−and−Twenty Town−Councillors, all appointed from Above, may well sit silent there, in their long gowns;
and consider, with awed eye, what prelude this is of convulsion coming from Below, and how themselves shall
fare in that!
Chapter 1.5.IV. To Arms!
So hangs it, dubious, fateful, in the sultry days of July. It is the passionate printed advice of M. Marat, to abstain,
of all things, from violence. (Avis au Peuple, ou les Ministres devoiles, 1st July, 1789 (in Histoire Parlementaire,
ii. 37.) Nevertheless the hungry poor are already burning Town Barriers, where Tribute on eatables is levied;
getting clamorous for food.
The French Revolution
72
The French Revolution
The twelfth July morning is Sunday; the streets are all placarded with an enormous−sized De par le Roi, 'inviting
peaceable citizens to remain within doors,' to feel no alarm, to gather in no crowd. Why so? What mean these
'placards of enormous size'? Above all, what means this clatter of military; dragoons, hussars, rattling in from all
points of the compass towards the Place Louis Quinze; with a staid gravity of face, though saluted with mere
nicknames, hootings and even missiles? (Besenval, iii. 411.) Besenval is with them. Swiss Guards of his are
already in the Champs Elysees, with four pieces of artillery.
Have the destroyers descended on us, then? From the Bridge of Sevres to utmost Vincennes, from Saint−Denis to
the Champ−de−Mars, we are begirt! Alarm, of the vague unknown, is in every heart. The Palais Royal has
become a place of awestruck interjections, silent shakings of the head: one can fancy with what dolorous sound
the noon−tide cannon (which the Sun fires at the crossing of his meridian) went off there; bodeful, like an
inarticulate voice of doom. (Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 81.) Are these troops verily come out 'against Brigands'?
Where are the Brigands? What mystery is in the wind?−−Hark! a human voice reporting articulately the
Job's−news: Necker, People's Minister, Saviour of France, is dismissed. Impossible; incredible! Treasonous to the
public peace! Such a voice ought to be choked in the water−works; (Ibid.)−−had not the news−bringer quickly
fled. Nevertheless, friends, make of it what you will, the news is true. Necker is gone. Necker hies northward
incessantly, in obedient secrecy, since yesternight. We have a new Ministry: Broglie the War−god; Aristocrat
Breteuil; Foulon who said the people might eat grass!
Rumour, therefore, shall arise; in the Palais Royal, and in broad France. Paleness sits on every face; confused
tremor and fremescence; waxing into thunder−peals, of Fury stirred on by Fear.
But see Camille Desmoulins, from the Cafe de Foy, rushing out, sibylline in face; his hair streaming, in each hand
a pistol! He springs to a table: the Police satellites are eyeing him; alive they shall not take him, not they alive him
alive. This time he speaks without stammering:−−Friends, shall we die like hunted hares? Like sheep hounded
into their pinfold; bleating for mercy, where is no mercy, but only a whetted knife? The hour is come; the
supreme hour of Frenchman and Man; when Oppressors are to try conclusions with Oppressed; and the word is,
swift Death, or Deliverance forever. Let such hour be well−come! Us, meseems, one cry only befits: To Arms!
Let universal Paris, universal France, as with the throat of the whirlwind, sound only: To arms!−−"To arms!" yell
responsive the innumerable voices: like one great voice, as of a Demon yelling from the air: for all faces wax
fire−eyed, all hearts burn up into madness. In such, or fitter words, (Ibid.) does Camille evoke the Elemental
Powers, in this great moment.−−Friends, continues Camille, some rallying sign! Cockades; green ones;−−the
colour of hope!−−As with the flight of locusts, these green tree leaves; green ribands from the neighbouring
shops; all green things are snatched, and made cockades of. Camille descends from his table, 'stifled with
embraces, wetted with tears;' has a bit of green riband handed him; sticks it in his hat. And now to Curtius'
Image−shop there; to the Boulevards; to the four winds; and rest not till France be on fire! (Vieux Cordelier, par
Camille Desmoulins, No. 5 (reprinted in Collection des Memoires, par Baudouin Freres, Paris, 1825), p. 81.)
France, so long shaken and wind−parched, is probably at the right inflammable point.−−As for poor Curtius, who,
one grieves to think, might be but imperfectly paid,−−he cannot make two words about his Images. The
Wax−bust of Necker, the Wax−bust of D'Orleans, helpers of France: these, covered with crape, as in funeral
procession, or after the manner of suppliants appealing to Heaven, to Earth, and Tartarus itself, a mixed multitude
bears off. For a sign! As indeed man, with his singular imaginative faculties, can do little or nothing without
signs: thus Turks look to their Prophet's banner; also Osier Mannikins have been burnt, and Necker's Portrait has
erewhile figured, aloft on its perch.
In this manner march they, a mixed, continually increasing multitude; armed with axes, staves and miscellanea;
grim, many−sounding, through the streets. Be all Theatres shut; let all dancing, on planked floor, or on the natural
greensward, cease! Instead of a Christian Sabbath, and feast of guinguette tabernacles, it shall be a Sorcerer's
Sabbath; and Paris, gone rabid, dance,−−with the Fiend for piper!
The French Revolution
73
The French Revolution
However, Besenval, with horse and foot, is in the Place Louis Quinze. Mortals promenading homewards, in the
fall of the day, saunter by, from Chaillot or Passy, from flirtation and a little thin wine; with sadder step than
usual. Will the Bust−Procession pass that way! Behold it; behold also Prince Lambesc dash forth on it, with his
Royal−Allemands! Shots fall, and sabre−strokes; Busts are hewn asunder; and, alas, also heads of men. A sabred
Procession has nothing for it but to explode, along what streets, alleys, Tuileries Avenues it finds; and disappear.
One unarmed man lies hewed down; a Garde Francaise by his uniform: bear him (or bear even the report of him)
dead and gory to his Barracks;−−where he has comrades still alive!
But why not now, victorious Lambesc, charge through that Tuileries Garden itself, where the fugitives are
vanishing? Not show the Sunday promenaders too, how steel glitters, besprent with blood; that it be told of, and
men's ears tingle?−−Tingle, alas, they did; but the wrong way. Victorious Lambesc, in this his second or Tuileries
charge, succeeds but in overturning (call it not slashing, for he struck with the flat of his sword) one man, a poor
old schoolmaster, most pacifically tottering there; and is driven out, by barricade of chairs, by flights of 'bottles
and glasses,' by execrations in bass voice and treble. Most delicate is the mob−queller's vocation; wherein
Too−much may be as bad as Not−enough. For each of these bass voices, and more each treble voice, borne to all
points of the City, rings now nothing but distracted indignation; will ring all another. The cry, To arms! roars
tenfold; steeples with their metal storm− voice boom out, as the sun sinks; armorer's shops are broken open,
plundered; the streets are a living foam−sea, chafed by all the winds.
Such issue came of Lambesc's charge on the Tuileries Garden: no striking of salutary terror into Chaillot
promenaders; a striking into broad wakefulness of Frenzy and the three Furies,−−which otherwise were not
asleep! For they lie always, those subterranean Eumenides (fabulous and yet so true), in the dullest existence of
man;−−and can dance, brandishing their dusky torches, shaking their serpent−hair. Lambesc with Royal−
Allemand may ride to his barracks, with curses for his marching−music; then ride back again, like one troubled in
mind: vengeful Gardes Francaises, sacreing, with knit brows, start out on him, from their barracks in the Chaussee
d'Antin; pour a volley into him (killing and wounding); which he must not answer, but ride on. (Weber, ii.
75−91.)
Counsel dwells not under the plumed hat. If the Eumenides awaken, and Broglie has given no orders, what can a
Besenval do? When the Gardes Francaises, with Palais−Royal volunteers, roll down, greedy of more vengeance,
to the Place Louis Quinze itself, they find neither Besenval, Lambesc, Royal−Allemand, nor any soldier now
there. Gone is military order. On the far Eastern Boulevard, of Saint−Antoine, the Chasseurs Normandie arrive,
dusty, thirsty, after a hard day's ride; but can find no billet−master, see no course in this City of confusions;
cannot get to Besenval, cannot so much as discover where he is: Normandie must even bivouac there, in its dust
and thirst,−−unless some patriot will treat it to a cup of liquor, with advices.
Raging multitudes surround the Hotel−de−Ville, crying: Arms! Orders! The Six−and−twenty Town−Councillors,
with their long gowns, have ducked under (into the raging chaos);−−shall never emerge more. Besenval is
painfully wriggling himself out, to the Champ−de−Mars; he must sit there 'in the cruelest uncertainty:' courier
after courier may dash off for Versailles; but will bring back no answer, can hardly bring himself back. For the
roads are all blocked with batteries and pickets, with floods of carriages arrested for examination: such was
Broglie's one sole order; the Oeil−de− Boeuf, hearing in the distance such mad din, which sounded almost like
invasion, will before all things keep its own head whole. A new Ministry, with, as it were, but one foot in the
stirrup, cannot take leaps. Mad Paris is abandoned altogether to itself.
What a Paris, when the darkness fell! A European metropolitan City hurled suddenly forth from its old
combinations and arrangements; to crash tumultuously together, seeking new. Use and wont will now no longer
direct any man; each man, with what of originality he has, must begin thinking; or following those that think.
Seven hundred thousand individuals, on the sudden, find all their old paths, old ways of acting and deciding,
vanish from under their feet. And so there go they, with clangour and terror, they know not as yet whether
running, swimming or flying,−−headlong into the New Era. With clangour and terror: from above, Broglie the
The French Revolution
74
The French Revolution
war−god impends, preternatural, with his redhot cannon−balls; and from below, a preternatural Brigand−world
menaces with dirk and firebrand: madness rules the hour.
Happily, in place of the submerged Twenty−six, the Electoral Club is gathering; has declared itself a 'Provisional
Municipality.' On the morrow it will get Provost Flesselles, with an Echevin or two, to give help in many things.
For the present it decrees one most essential thing: that forthwith a 'Parisian Militia' shall be enrolled. Depart, ye
heads of Districts, to labour in this great work; while we here, in Permanent Committee, sit alert. Let fencible
men, each party in its own range of streets, keep watch and ward, all night. Let Paris court a little fever− sleep;
confused by such fever−dreams, of 'violent motions at the Palais Royal;'−−or from time to time start awake, and
look out, palpitating, in its nightcap, at the clash of discordant mutually−unintelligible Patrols; on the gleam of
distant Barriers, going up all−too ruddy towards the vault of Night. (Deux Amis, i. 267−306.)
Chapter 1.5.V. Give us Arms.
On Monday the huge City has awoke, not to its week−day industry: to what a different one! The working man has
become a fighting man; has one want only: that of arms. The industry of all crafts has paused;−−except it be the
smith's, fiercely hammering pikes; and, in a faint degree, the kitchener's, cooking off−hand victuals; for bouche va
toujours. Women too are sewing cockades;−−not now of green, which being D'Artois colour, the Hotel−de−Ville
has had to interfere in it; but of red and blue, our old Paris colours: these, once based on a ground of constitutional
white, are the famed TRICOLOR,−−which (if Prophecy err not) 'will go round the world.'
All shops, unless it be the Bakers' and Vintners', are shut: Paris is in the streets;−−rushing, foaming like some
Venice wine−glass into which you had dropped poison. The tocsin, by order, is pealing madly from all steeples.
Arms, ye Elector Municipals; thou Flesselles with thy Echevins, give us arms! Flesselles gives what he can:
fallacious, perhaps insidious promises of arms from Charleville; order to seek arms here, order to seek them there.
The new Municipals give what they can; some three hundred and sixty indifferent firelocks, the equipment of the
City−Watch: 'a man in wooden shoes, and without coat, directly clutches one of them, and mounts guard.' Also as
hinted, an order to all Smiths to make pikes with their whole soul.
Heads of Districts are in fervent consultation; subordinate Patriotism roams distracted, ravenous for arms.
Hitherto at the Hotel−de−Ville was only such modicum of indifferent firelocks as we have seen. At the so− called
Arsenal, there lies nothing but rust, rubbish and saltpetre,−− overlooked too by the guns of the Bastille. His
Majesty's Repository, what they call Garde−Meuble, is forced and ransacked: tapestries enough, and gauderies;
but of serviceable fighting−gear small stock! Two silver− mounted cannons there are; an ancient gift from his
Majesty of Siam to Louis Fourteenth: gilt sword of the Good Henri; antique Chivalry arms and armour. These,
and such as these, a necessitous Patriotism snatches greedily, for want of better. The Siamese cannons go
trundling, on an errand they were not meant for. Among the indifferent firelocks are seen tourney−lances; the
princely helm and hauberk glittering amid ill−hatted heads,−−as in a time when all times and their possessions are
suddenly sent jumbling!
At the Maison de Saint−Lazare, Lazar−House once, now a Correction−House with Priests, there was no trace of
arms; but, on the other hand, corn, plainly to a culpable extent. Out with it, to market; in this scarcity of
grains!−−Heavens, will 'fifty−two carts,' in long row, hardly carry it to the Halle aux Bleds? Well, truly, ye
reverend Fathers, was your pantry filled; fat are your larders; over−generous your wine−bins, ye plotting
exasperators of the Poor; traitorous forestallers of bread!
Vain is protesting, entreaty on bare knees: the House of Saint−Lazarus has that in it which comes not out by
protesting. Behold, how, from every window, it vomits: mere torrents of furniture, of bellowing and
hurlyburly;−−the cellars also leaking wine. Till, as was natural, smoke rose,−−kindled, some say, by the desperate
Saint−Lazaristes themselves, desperate of other riddance; and the Establishment vanished from this world in
flame. Remark nevertheless that 'a thief' (set on or not by Aristocrats), being detected there, is 'instantly hanged.'
The French Revolution
75
The French Revolution
Look also at the Chatelet Prison. The Debtors' Prison of La Force is broken from without; and they that sat in
bondage to Aristocrats go free: hearing of which the Felons at the Chatelet do likewise 'dig up their pavements,'
and stand on the offensive; with the best prospects,−−had not Patriotism, passing that way, 'fired a volley' into the
Felon world; and crushed it down again under hatches. Patriotism consorts not with thieving and felony: surely
also Punishment, this day, hitches (if she still hitch) after Crime, with frightful shoes−of−swiftness! 'Some score
or two' of wretched persons, found prostrate with drink in the cellars of that Saint− Lazare, are indignantly haled
to prison; the Jailor has no room; whereupon, other place of security not suggesting itself, it is written, 'on les
pendit, they hanged them.' (Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 96.) Brief is the word; not without significance, be it true or
untrue!
In such circumstances, the Aristocrat, the unpatriotic rich man is packing− up for departure. But he shall not get
departed. A wooden−shod force has seized all Barriers, burnt or not: all that enters, all that seeks to issue, is
stopped there, and dragged to the Hotel−de−Ville: coaches, tumbrils, plate, furniture, 'many meal−sacks,' in time
even 'flocks and herds' encumber the Place de Greve. (Dusaulx, Prise de la Bastille, p. 20.)
And so it roars, and rages, and brays; drums beating, steeples pealing; criers rushing with hand−bells: "Oyez,
oyez. All men to their Districts to be enrolled!" The Districts have met in gardens, open squares; are getting
marshalled into volunteer troops. No redhot ball has yet fallen from Besenval's Camp; on the contrary, Deserters
with their arms are continually dropping in: nay now, joy of joys, at two in the afternoon, the Gardes Francaises,
being ordered to Saint−Denis, and flatly declining, have come over in a body! It is a fact worth many. Three
thousand six hundred of the best fighting men, with complete accoutrement; with cannoneers even, and cannon!
Their officers are left standing alone; could not so much as succeed in 'spiking the guns.' The very Swiss, it may
now be hoped, Chateau−Vieux and the others, will have doubts about fighting.
Our Parisian Militia,−−which some think it were better to name National Guard,−−is prospering as heart could
wish. It promised to be forty−eight thousand; but will in few hours double and quadruple that number: invincible,
if we had only arms!
But see, the promised Charleville Boxes, marked Artillerie! Here, then, are arms enough?−−Conceive the blank
face of Patriotism, when it found them filled with rags, foul linen, candle−ends, and bits of wood! Provost of the
Merchants, how is this? Neither at the Chartreux Convent, whither we were sent with signed order, is there or
ever was there any weapon of war. Nay here, in this Seine Boat, safe under tarpaulings (had not the nose of
Patriotism been of the finest), are 'five thousand−weight of gunpowder;' not coming in, but surreptitiously going
out! What meanest thou, Flesselles? 'Tis a ticklish game, that of 'amusing' us. Cat plays with captive mouse: but
mouse with enraged cat, with enraged National Tiger?
Meanwhile, the faster, O ye black−aproned Smiths, smite; with strong arm and willing heart. This man and that,
all stroke from head to heel, shall thunder alternating, and ply the great forge−hammer, till stithy reel and ring
again; while ever and anon, overhead, booms the alarm−cannon,−−for the City has now got gunpowder. Pikes are
fabricated; fifty thousand of them, in six−and−thirty hours: judge whether the Black−aproned have been idle. Dig
trenches, unpave the streets, ye others, assiduous, man and maid; cram the earth in barrel−barricades, at each of
them a volunteer sentry; pile the whinstones in window−sills and upper rooms. Have scalding pitch, at least
boiling water ready, ye weak old women, to pour it and dash it on Royal−Allemand, with your old skinny arms:
your shrill curses along with it will not be wanting!−−Patrols of the newborn National Guard, bearing torches,
scour the streets, all that night; which otherwise are vacant, yet illuminated in every window by order.
Strange−looking; like some naphtha− lighted City of the Dead, with here and there a flight of perturbed Ghosts.
O poor mortals, how ye make this Earth bitter for each other; this fearful and wonderful Life fearful and horrible;
and Satan has his place in all hearts! Such agonies and ragings and wailings ye have, and have had, in all
times:−−to be buried all, in so deep silence; and the salt sea is not swoln with your tears.
The French Revolution
76
The French Revolution
Great meanwhile is the moment, when tidings of Freedom reach us; when the long−enthralled soul, from amid its
chains and squalid stagnancy, arises, were it still only in blindness and bewilderment, and swears by Him that
made it, that it will be free! Free? Understand that well, it is the deep commandment, dimmer or clearer, of our
whole being, to be free. Freedom is the one purport, wisely aimed at, or unwisely, of all man's struggles, toilings
and sufferings, in this Earth. Yes, supreme is such a moment (if thou have known it): first vision as of a
flame−girt Sinai, in this our waste Pilgrimage,−−which thenceforth wants not its pillar of cloud by day, and pillar
of fire by night! Something it is even,−−nay, something considerable, when the chains have grown corrosive,
poisonous, to be free 'from oppression by our fellow−man.' Forward, ye maddened sons of France; be it towards
this destiny or towards that! Around you is but starvation, falsehood, corruption and the clam of death. Where ye
are is no abiding.
Imagination may, imperfectly, figure how Commandant Besenval, in the Champ− de−Mars, has worn out these
sorrowful hours Insurrection all round; his men melting away! From Versailles, to the most pressing messages,
comes no answer; or once only some vague word of answer which is worse than none. A Council of Officers can
decide merely that there is no decision: Colonels inform him, 'weeping,' that they do not think their men will fight.
Cruel uncertainty is here: war−god Broglie sits yonder, inaccessible in his Olympus; does not descend terror−clad,
does not produce his whiff of grapeshot; sends no orders.
Truly, in the Chateau of Versailles all seems mystery: in the Town of Versailles, were we there, all is rumour,
alarm and indignation. An august National Assembly sits, to appearance, menaced with death; endeavouring to
defy death. It has resolved 'that Necker carries with him the regrets of the Nation.' It has sent solemn Deputation
over to the Chateau, with entreaty to have these troops withdrawn. In vain: his Majesty, with a singular
composure, invites us to be busy rather with our own duty, making the Constitution! Foreign Pandours, and
suchlike, go pricking and prancing, with a swashbuckler air; with an eye too probably to the Salle des
Menus,−−were it not for the 'grim−looking countenances' that crowd all avenues there. (See Lameth; Ferrieres,
Be firm, ye National Senators; the cynosure of a firm, grim−looking people!
The august National Senators determine that there shall, at least, be Permanent Session till this thing end.
Wherein, however, consider that worthy Lafranc de Pompignan, our new President, whom we have named
Bailly's successor, is an old man, wearied with many things. He is the Brother of that Pompignan who meditated
lamentably on the Book of Lamentations:
Saves−voux pourquoi Jeremie Se lamentait toute sa vie? C'est qu'il prevoyait Que Pompignan le traduirait!
Poor Bishop Pompignan withdraws; having got Lafayette for helper or substitute: this latter, as nocturnal
Vice−President, with a thin house in disconsolate humour, sits sleepless, with lights unsnuffed;−−waiting what
the hours will bring.
So at Versailles. But at Paris, agitated Besenval, before retiring for the night, has stept over to old M. de
Sombreuil, of the Hotel des Invalides hard by. M. de Sombreuil has, what is a great secret, some eight−and−
twenty thousand stand of muskets deposited in his cellars there; but no trust in the temper of his Invalides. This
day, for example, he sent twenty of the fellows down to unscrew those muskets; lest Sedition might snatch at
them; but scarcely, in six hours, had the twenty unscrewed twenty gun−locks, or dogsheads (chiens) of
locks,−−each Invalide his dogshead! If ordered to fire, they would, he imagines, turn their cannon against himself.
Unfortunate old military gentlemen, it is your hour, not of glory! Old Marquis de Launay too, of the Bastille, has
pulled up his drawbridges long since, 'and retired into his interior;' with sentries walking on his battlements, under
the midnight sky, aloft over the glare of illuminated Paris;−−whom a National Patrol, passing that way, takes the
liberty of firing at; 'seven shots towards twelve at night,' which do not take effect. (Deux Amis de la Liberte, i.
312.) This was the 13th day of July, 1789; a worse day, many said, than the last 13th was, when only hail fell out
of Heaven, not madness rose out of Tophet, ruining worse than crops!
The French Revolution
77
The French Revolution
In these same days, as Chronology will teach us, hot old Marquis Mirabeau lies stricken down, at
Argenteuil,−−not within sound of these alarm−guns; for he properly is not there, and only the body of him now
lies, deaf and cold forever. It was on Saturday night that he, drawing his last life− breaths, gave up the ghost
there;−−leaving a world, which would never go to his mind, now broken out, seemingly, into deliration and the
culbute generale. What is it to him, departing elsewhither, on his long journey? The old Chateau Mirabeau stands
silent, far off, on its scarped rock, in that 'gorge of two windy valleys;' the pale−fading spectre now of a Chateau:
this huge World−riot, and France, and the World itself, fades also, like a shadow on the great still mirror−sea; and
all shall be as God wills.
Young Mirabeau, sad of heart, for he loved this crabbed brave old Father, sad of heart, and occupied with sad
cares,−−is withdrawn from Public History. The great crisis transacts itself without him. (Fils Adoptif, Mirabeau,
vi. l. 1.)
Chapter 1.5.VI. Storm and Victory.
But, to the living and the struggling, a new, Fourteenth morning dawns. Under all roofs of this distracted City, is
the nodus of a drama, not untragical, crowding towards solution. The bustlings and preparings, the tremors and
menaces; the tears that fell from old eyes! This day, my sons, ye shall quit you like men. By the memory of your
fathers' wrongs, by the hope of your children's rights! Tyranny impends in red wrath: help for you is none if not in
your own right hands. This day ye must do or die.
From earliest light, a sleepless Permanent Committee has heard the old cry, now waxing almost frantic, mutinous:
Arms! Arms! Provost Flesselles, or what traitors there are among you, may think of those Charleville Boxes. A
hundred−and−fifty thousand of us; and but the third man furnished with so much as a pike! Arms are the one
thing needful: with arms we are an unconquerable man−defying National Guard; without arms, a rabble to be
whiffed with grapeshot.
Happily the word has arisen, for no secret can be kept,−−that there lie muskets at the Hotel des Invalides. Thither
will we: King's Procureur M. Ethys de Corny, and whatsoever of authority a Permanent Committee can lend, shall
go with us. Besenval's Camp is there; perhaps he will not fire on us; if he kill us we shall but die.
Alas, poor Besenval, with his troops melting away in that manner, has not the smallest humour to fire! At five
o'clock this morning, as he lay dreaming, oblivious in the Ecole Militaire, a 'figure' stood suddenly at his bedside:
'with face rather handsome; eyes inflamed, speech rapid and curt, air audacious:' such a figure drew Priam's
curtains! The message and monition of the figure was, that resistance would be hopeless; that if blood flowed, wo
to him who shed it. Thus spoke the figure; and vanished. 'Withal there was a kind of eloquence that struck one.'
Besenval admits that he should have arrested him, but did not. (Besenval, iii. 414.) Who this figure, with inflamed
eyes, with speech rapid and curt, might be? Besenval knows but mentions not. Camille Desmoulins? Pythagorean
Marquis Valadi, inflamed with 'violent motions all night at the Palais Royal?' Fame names him, 'Young M.
Meillar'; (Tableaux de la Revolution, Prise de la Bastille (a folio Collection of Pictures and Portraits, with
letter−press, not always uninstructive,−−part of it said to be by Chamfort).) Then shuts her lips about him for
ever.
In any case, behold about nine in the morning, our National Volunteers rolling in long wide flood,
south−westward to the Hotel des Invalides; in search of the one thing needful. King's procureur M. Ethys de
Corny and officials are there; the Cure of Saint−Etienne du Mont marches unpacific, at the head of his militant
Parish; the Clerks of the Bazoche in red coats we see marching, now Volunteers of the Bazoche; the Volunteers of
the Palais Royal:−−National Volunteers, numerable by tens of thousands; of one heart and mind. The King's
muskets are the Nation's; think, old M. de Sombreuil, how, in this extremity, thou wilt refuse them! Old M. de
Sombreuil would fain hold parley, send Couriers; but it skills not: the walls are scaled, no Invalide firing a shot;
the gates must be flung open. Patriotism rushes in, tumultuous, from grundsel up to ridge−tile, through all rooms
The French Revolution
78
The French Revolution
and passages; rummaging distractedly for arms. What cellar, or what cranny can escape it? The arms are found;
all safe there; lying packed in straw,−−apparently with a view to being burnt! More ravenous than famishing lions
over dead prey, the multitude, with clangour and vociferation, pounces on them; struggling, dashing,
clutching:−−to the jamming−up, to the pressure, fracture and probable extinction, of the weaker Patriot. (Deux
Amis, i. 302.) And so, with such protracted crash of deafening, most discordant Orchestra−music, the Scene is
changed: and eight−and−twenty thousand sufficient firelocks are on the shoulders of so many National Guards,
lifted thereby out of darkness into fiery light.
Let Besenval look at the glitter of these muskets, as they flash by! Gardes Francaises, it is said, have cannon
levelled on him; ready to open, if need were, from the other side of the River. (Besenval, iii. 416.) Motionless sits
he; 'astonished,' one may flatter oneself, 'at the proud bearing (fiere contenance) of the Parisians.'−−And now, to
the Bastille, ye intrepid Parisians! There grapeshot still threatens; thither all men's thoughts and steps are now
tending.
Old de Launay, as we hinted, withdrew 'into his interior' soon after midnight of Sunday. He remains there ever
since, hampered, as all military gentlemen now are, in the saddest conflict of uncertainties. The Hotel−de− Ville
'invites' him to admit National Soldiers, which is a soft name for surrendering. On the other hand, His Majesty's
orders were precise. His garrison is but eighty−two old Invalides, reinforced by thirty−two young Swiss; his walls
indeed are nine feet thick, he has cannon and powder; but, alas, only one day's provision of victuals. The city too
is French, the poor garrison mostly French. Rigorous old de Launay, think what thou wilt do!
All morning, since nine, there has been a cry everywhere: To the Bastille! Repeated 'deputations of citizens' have
been here, passionate for arms; whom de Launay has got dismissed by soft speeches through portholes. Towards
noon, Elector Thuriot de la Rosiere gains admittance; finds de Launay indisposed for surrender; nay disposed for
blowing up the place rather. Thuriot mounts with him to the battlements: heaps of paving− stones, old iron and
missiles lie piled; cannon all duly levelled; in every embrasure a cannon,−−only drawn back a little! But outwards
behold, O Thuriot, how the multitude flows on, welling through every street; tocsin furiously pealing, all drums
beating the generale: the Suburb Saint− Antoine rolling hitherward wholly, as one man! Such vision (spectral yet
real) thou, O Thuriot, as from thy Mount of Vision, beholdest in this moment: prophetic of what other
Phantasmagories, and loud−gibbering Spectral Realities, which, thou yet beholdest not, but shalt! "Que voulez
vous?" said de Launay, turning pale at the sight, with an air of reproach, almost of menace. "Monsieur," said
Thuriot, rising into the moral−sublime, "What mean you? Consider if I could not precipitate both of us from this
height,"−−say only a hundred feet, exclusive of the walled ditch! Whereupon de Launay fell silent. Thuriot shews
himself from some pinnacle, to comfort the multitude becoming suspicious, fremescent: then descends; departs
with protest; with warning addressed also to the Invalides,−−on whom, however, it produces but a mixed
indistinct impression. The old heads are none of the clearest; besides, it is said, de Launay has been profuse of
beverages (prodigua des buissons). They think, they will not fire,−−if not fired on, if they can help it; but must, on
the whole, be ruled considerably by circumstances.
Wo to thee, de Launay, in such an hour, if thou canst not, taking some one firm decision, rule circumstances! Soft
speeches will not serve; hard grape−shot is questionable; but hovering between the two is unquestionable. Ever
wilder swells the tide of men; their infinite hum waxing ever louder, into imprecations, perhaps into crackle of
stray musketry,−−which latter, on walls nine feet thick, cannot do execution. The Outer Drawbridge has been
lowered for Thuriot; new deputation of citizens (it is the third, and noisiest of all) penetrates that way into the
Outer Court: soft speeches producing no clearance of these, de Launay gives fire; pulls up his Drawbridge. A
slight sputter;−−which has kindled the too combustible chaos; made it a roaring fire−chaos! Bursts forth
insurrection, at sight of its own blood (for there were deaths by that sputter of fire), into endless rolling explosion
of musketry, distraction, execration;−−and overhead, from the Fortress, let one great gun, with its grape−shot, go
booming, to shew what we could do. The Bastille is besieged!
The French Revolution
79
The French Revolution
On, then, all Frenchmen that have hearts in their bodies! Roar with all your throats, of cartilage and metal, ye
Sons of Liberty; stir spasmodically whatsoever of utmost faculty is in you, soul, body or spirit; for it is the hour!
Smite, thou Louis Tournay, cartwright of the Marais, old−soldier of the Regiment Dauphine; smite at that Outer
Drawbridge chain, though the fiery hail whistles round thee! Never, over nave or felloe, did thy axe strike such a
stroke. Down with it, man; down with it to Orcus: let the whole accursed Edifice sink thither, and Tyranny be
swallowed up for ever! Mounted, some say on the roof of the guard−room, some 'on bayonets stuck into joints of
the wall,' Louis Tournay smites, brave Aubin Bonnemere (also an old soldier) seconding him: the chain yields,
breaks; the huge Drawbridge slams down, thundering (avec fracas). Glorious: and yet, alas, it is still but the
outworks. The Eight grim Towers, with their Invalides' musketry, their paving stones and cannon−mouths, still
soar aloft intact;−−Ditch yawning impassable, stone−faced; the inner Drawbridge with its back towards us: the
Bastille is still to take!
To describe this Siege of the Bastille (thought to be one of the most important in history) perhaps transcends the
talent of mortals. Could one but, after infinite reading, get to understand so much as the plan of the building! But
there is open Esplanade, at the end of the Rue Saint− Antoine; there are such Forecourts, Cour Avance, Cour de
l'Orme, arched Gateway (where Louis Tournay now fights); then new drawbridges, dormant− bridges,
rampart−bastions, and the grim Eight Towers: a labyrinthic Mass, high−frowning there, of all ages from twenty
years to four hundred and twenty;−−beleaguered, in this its last hour, as we said, by mere Chaos come again!
Ordnance of all calibres; throats of all capacities; men of all plans, every man his own engineer: seldom since the
war of Pygmies and Cranes was there seen so anomalous a thing. Half−pay Elie is home for a suit of regimentals;
no one would heed him in coloured clothes: half−pay Hulin is haranguing Gardes Francaises in the Place de
Greve. Frantic Patriots pick up the grape−shots; bear them, still hot (or seemingly so), to the
Hotel−de−Ville:−−Paris, you perceive, is to be burnt! Flesselles is 'pale to the very lips' for the roar of the
multitude grows deep. Paris wholly has got to the acme of its frenzy; whirled, all ways, by panic madness. At
every street−barricade, there whirls simmering, a minor whirlpool,−−strengthening the barricade, since God
knows what is coming; and all minor whirlpools play distractedly into that grand Fire−Mahlstrom which is
lashing round the Bastille.
And so it lashes and it roars. Cholat the wine−merchant has become an impromptu cannoneer. See Georget, of the
Marine Service, fresh from Brest, ply the King of Siam's cannon. Singular (if we were not used to the like):
Georget lay, last night, taking his ease at his inn; the King of Siam's cannon also lay, knowing nothing of him, for
a hundred years. Yet now, at the right instant, they have got together, and discourse eloquent music. For, hearing
what was toward, Georget sprang from the Brest Diligence, and ran. Gardes Francaises also will be here, with real
artillery: were not the walls so thick!−−Upwards from the Esplanade, horizontally from all neighbouring roofs
and windows, flashes one irregular deluge of musketry,−− without effect. The Invalides lie flat, firing
comparatively at their ease from behind stone; hardly through portholes, shew the tip of a nose. We fall, shot; and
make no impression!
Let conflagration rage; of whatsoever is combustible! Guard−rooms are burnt, Invalides mess−rooms. A
distracted 'Peruke−maker with two fiery torches' is for burning 'the saltpetres of the Arsenal;'−−had not a woman
run screaming; had not a Patriot, with some tincture of Natural Philosophy, instantly struck the wind out of him
(butt of musket on pit of stomach), overturned barrels, and stayed the devouring element. A young beautiful lady,
seized escaping in these Outer Courts, and thought falsely to be de Launay's daughter, shall be burnt in de
Launay's sight; she lies swooned on a paillasse: but again a Patriot, it is brave Aubin Bonnemere the old soldier,
dashes in, and rescues her. Straw is burnt; three cartloads of it, hauled thither, go up in white smoke: almost to the
choking of Patriotism itself; so that Elie had, with singed brows, to drag back one cart; and Reole the 'gigantic
haberdasher' another. Smoke as of Tophet; confusion as of Babel; noise as of the Crack of Doom!
Blood flows, the aliment of new madness. The wounded are carried into houses of the Rue Cerisaie; the dying
leave their last mandate not to yield till the accursed Stronghold fall. And yet, alas, how fall? The walls are so
thick! Deputations, three in number, arrive from the Hotel−de−Ville; Abbe Fouchet (who was of one) can say,
The French Revolution
80
The French Revolution
with what almost superhuman courage of benevolence. (Fauchet's Narrative (Deux Amis, i. 324.).) These wave
their Town−flag in the arched Gateway; and stand, rolling their drum; but to no purpose. In such Crack of Doom,
de Launay cannot hear them, dare not believe them: they return, with justified rage, the whew of lead still singing
in their ears. What to do? The Firemen are here, squirting with their fire−pumps on the Invalides' cannon, to wet
the touchholes; they unfortunately cannot squirt so high; but produce only clouds of spray. Individuals of classical
knowledge propose catapults. Santerre, the sonorous Brewer of the Suburb Saint−Antoine, advises rather that the
place be fired, by a 'mixture of phosphorous and oil−of−turpentine spouted up through forcing pumps:' O
Spinola−Santerre, hast thou the mixture ready? Every man his own engineer! And still the fire−deluge abates not;
even women are firing, and Turks; at least one woman (with her sweetheart), and one Turk. (Deux Amis (i. 319);
Dusaulx, Gardes Francaises have come: real cannon, real cannoneers. Usher Maillard is busy; half−pay Elie,
half− pay Hulin rage in the midst of thousands.
How the great Bastille Clock ticks (inaudible) in its Inner Court there, at its ease, hour after hour; as if nothing
special, for it or the world, were passing! It tolled One when the firing began; and is now pointing towards Five,
and still the firing slakes not.−−Far down, in their vaults, the seven Prisoners hear muffled din as of earthquakes;
their Turnkeys answer vaguely.
Wo to thee, de Launay, with thy poor hundred Invalides! Broglie is distant, and his ears heavy: Besenval hears,
but can send no help. One poor troop of Hussars has crept, reconnoitring, cautiously along the Quais, as far as the
Pont Neuf. "We are come to join you," said the Captain; for the crowd seems shoreless. A large−headed dwarfish
individual, of smoke− bleared aspect, shambles forward, opening his blue lips, for there is sense in him; and
croaks: "Alight then, and give up your arms!" the Hussar− Captain is too happy to be escorted to the Barriers, and
dismissed on parole. Who the squat individual was? Men answer, it is M. Marat, author of the excellent pacific
Avis au Peuple! Great truly, O thou remarkable Dogleech, is this thy day of emergence and new birth: and yet this
same day come four years−−!−−But let the curtains of the future hang.
What shall de Launay do? One thing only de Launay could have done: what he said he would do. Fancy him
sitting, from the first, with lighted taper, within arm's length of the Powder−Magazine; motionless, like old
Roman Senator, or bronze Lamp−holder; coldly apprising Thuriot, and all men, by a slight motion of his eye,
what his resolution was:−−Harmless he sat there, while unharmed; but the King's Fortress, meanwhile, could,
might, would, or should, in nowise, be surrendered, save to the King's Messenger: one old man's life worthless, so
it be lost with honour; but think, ye brawling canaille, how will it be when a whole Bastille springs skyward!−−In
such statuesque, taper−holding attitude, one fancies de Launay might have left Thuriot, the red Clerks of the
Bazoche, Cure of Saint− Stephen and all the tagrag−and−bobtail of the world, to work their will.
And yet, withal, he could not do it. Hast thou considered how each man's heart is so tremulously responsive to the
hearts of all men; hast thou noted how omnipotent is the very sound of many men? How their shriek of
indignation palsies the strong soul; their howl of contumely withers with unfelt pangs? The Ritter Gluck
confessed that the ground−tone of the noblest passage, in one of his noblest Operas, was the voice of the Populace
he had heard at Vienna, crying to their Kaiser: Bread! Bread! Great is the combined voice of men; the utterance of
their instincts, which are truer than their thoughts: it is the greatest a man encounters, among the sounds and
shadows, which make up this World of Time. He who can resist that, has his footing some where beyond Time.
De Launay could not do it. Distracted, he hovers between the two; hopes in the middle of despair; surrenders not
his Fortress; declares that he will blow it up, seizes torches to blow it up, and does not blow it. Unhappy old de
Launay, it is the death−agony of thy Bastille and thee! Jail, Jailoring and Jailor, all three, such as they may have
been, must finish.
For four hours now has the World−Bedlam roared: call it the World− Chimaera, blowing fire! The poor Invalides
have sunk under their battlements, or rise only with reversed muskets: they have made a white flag of napkins; go
beating the chamade, or seeming to beat, for one can hear nothing. The very Swiss at the Portcullis look weary of
firing; disheartened in the fire−deluge: a porthole at the drawbridge is opened, as by one that would speak. See
The French Revolution
81
The French Revolution
Huissier Maillard, the shifty man! On his plank, swinging over the abyss of that stone−Ditch; plank resting on
parapet, balanced by weight of Patriots,−−he hovers perilous: such a Dove towards such an Ark! Deftly, thou
shifty Usher: one man already fell; and lies smashed, far down there, against the masonry! Usher Maillard falls
not: deftly, unerring he walks, with outspread palm. The Swiss holds a paper through his porthole; the shifty
Usher snatches it, and returns. Terms of surrender: Pardon, immunity to all! Are they accepted?−−"Foi d'officier,
On the word of an officer," answers half−pay Hulin,−−or half− pay Elie, for men do not agree on it, "they are!"
Sinks the drawbridge,−− Usher Maillard bolting it when down; rushes−in the living deluge: the Bastille is fallen!
Victoire! La Bastille est prise! (Histoire de la Revolution, par Deux Amis de la Liberte, i. 267−306; Besenval, iii.
410− 434; Dusaulx, Prise de la Bastille, 291−301. Bailly, Memoires (Collection de Berville et Barriere), i. 322 et
seqq.)
Chapter 1.5.VII. Not a Revolt.
Why dwell on what follows? Hulin's foi d'officer should have been kept, but could not. The Swiss stand drawn
up; disguised in white canvas smocks; the Invalides without disguise; their arms all piled against the wall. The
first rush of victors, in ecstacy that the death−peril is passed, 'leaps joyfully on their necks;' but new victors rush,
and ever new, also in ecstacy not wholly of joy. As we said, it was a living deluge, plunging headlong; had not the
Gardes Francaises, in their cool military way, 'wheeled round with arms levelled,' it would have plunged
suicidally, by the hundred or the thousand, into the Bastille−ditch.
And so it goes plunging through court and corridor; billowing uncontrollable, firing from windows−−on itself: in
hot frenzy of triumph, of grief and vengeance for its slain. The poor Invalides will fare ill; one Swiss, running off
in his white smock, is driven back, with a death− thrust. Let all prisoners be marched to the Townhall, to be
judged!−−Alas, already one poor Invalide has his right hand slashed off him; his maimed body dragged to the
Place de Greve, and hanged there. This same right hand, it is said, turned back de Launay from the
Powder−Magazine, and saved Paris.
De Launay, 'discovered in gray frock with poppy−coloured riband,' is for killing himself with the sword of his
cane. He shall to the Hotel−de− Ville; Hulin Maillard and others escorting him; Elie marching foremost 'with the
capitulation−paper on his sword's point.' Through roarings and cursings; through hustlings, clutchings, and at last
through strokes! Your escort is hustled aside, felled down; Hulin sinks exhausted on a heap of stones. Miserable
de Launay! He shall never enter the Hotel de Ville: only his 'bloody hair−queue, held up in a bloody hand;' that
shall enter, for a sign. The bleeding trunk lies on the steps there; the head is off through the streets; ghastly, aloft
on a pike.
Rigorous de Launay has died; crying out, "O friends, kill me fast!" Merciful de Losme must die; though Gratitude
embraces him, in this fearful hour, and will die for him; it avails not. Brothers, your wrath is cruel! Your Place de
Greve is become a Throat of the Tiger; full of mere fierce bellowings, and thirst of blood. One other officer is
massacred; one other Invalide is hanged on the Lamp−iron: with difficulty, with generous perseverance, the
Gardes Francaises will save the rest. Provost Flesselles stricken long since with the paleness of death, must
descend from his seat, 'to be judged at the Palais Royal:'−−alas, to be shot dead, by an unknown hand, at the
turning of the first street!−−
O evening sun of July, how, at this hour, thy beams fall slant on reapers amid peaceful woody fields; on old
women spinning in cottages; on ships far out in the silent main; on Balls at the Orangerie of Versailles, where
high−rouged Dames of the Palace are even now dancing with double−jacketted Hussar−Officers;−−and also on
this roaring Hell porch of a Hotel−de−Ville! Babel Tower, with the confusion of tongues, were not Bedlam added
with the conflagration of thoughts, was no type of it. One forest of distracted steel bristles, endless, in front of an
Electoral Committee; points itself, in horrid radii, against this and the other accused breast. It was the Titans
warring with Olympus; and they scarcely crediting it, have conquered: prodigy of prodigies; delirious,−−as it
could not but be. Denunciation, vengeance; blaze of triumph on a dark ground of terror: all outward, all inward
The French Revolution
82
The French Revolution
things fallen into one general wreck of madness!
Electoral Committee? Had it a thousand throats of brass, it would not suffice. Abbe Lefevre, in the Vaults down
below, is black as Vulcan, distributing that 'five thousand weight of Powder;' with what perils, these
eight−and−forty hours! Last night, a Patriot, in liquor, insisted on sitting to smoke on the edge of one of the
Powder−barrels; there smoked he, independent of the world,−−till the Abbe 'purchased his pipe for three francs,'
and pitched it far.
Elie, in the grand Hall, Electoral Committee looking on, sits 'with drawn sword bent in three places;' with battered
helm, for he was of the Queen's Regiment, Cavalry; with torn regimentals, face singed and soiled; comparable,
some think, to 'an antique warrior;'−−judging the people; forming a list of Bastille Heroes. O Friends, stain not
with blood the greenest laurels ever gained in this world: such is the burden of Elie's song; could it but be listened
to. Courage, Elie! Courage, ye Municipal Electors! A declining sun; the need of victuals, and of telling news, will
bring assuagement, dispersion: all earthly things must end.
Along the streets of Paris circulate Seven Bastille Prisoners, borne shoulder−high: seven Heads on pikes; the Keys
of the Bastille; and much else. See also the Garde Francaises, in their steadfast military way, marching home to
their barracks, with the Invalides and Swiss kindly enclosed in hollow square. It is one year and two months since
these same men stood unparticipating, with Brennus d'Agoust at the Palais de Justice, when Fate overtook
d'Espremenil; and now they have participated; and will participate. Not Gardes Francaises henceforth, but Centre
Grenadiers of the National Guard: men of iron discipline and humour,−−not without a kind of thought in them!
Likewise ashlar stones of the Bastille continue thundering through the dusk; its paper−archives shall fly white.
Old secrets come to view; and long−buried Despair finds voice. Read this portion of an old Letter: (Dated, a la
Bastille, 7 Octobre, 1752; signed Queret−Demery. Bastille Devoilee, in Linguet, Memoires sur la Bastille (Paris,
1821), p. 199.) 'If for my consolation Monseigneur would grant me for the sake of God and the Most Blessed
Trinity, that I could have news of my dear wife; were it only her name on card to shew that she is alive! It were
the greatest consolation I could receive; and I should for ever bless the greatness of Monseigneur.' Poor Prisoner,
who namest thyself Queret Demery, and hast no other history,−−she is dead, that dear wife of thine, and thou art
dead! 'Tis fifty years since thy breaking heart put this question; to be heard now first, and long heard, in the hearts
of men.
But so does the July twilight thicken; so must Paris, as sick children, and all distracted creatures do, brawl itself
finally into a kind of sleep. Municipal Electors, astonished to find their heads still uppermost, are home: only
Moreau de Saint−Mery of tropical birth and heart, of coolest judgment; he, with two others, shall sit permanent at
the Townhall. Paris sleeps; gleams upward the illuminated City: patrols go clashing, without common watchword;
there go rumours; alarms of war, to the extent of 'fifteen thousand men marching through the Suburb
Saint−Antoine,'−−who never got it marched through. Of the day's distraction judge by this of the night: Moreau
de Saint−Mery, 'before rising from his seat, gave upwards of three thousand orders.' (Dusaulx.) What a head;
comparable to Friar Bacon's Brass Head! Within it lies all Paris. Prompt must the answer be, right or wrong; in
Paris is no other Authority extant. Seriously, a most cool clear head;−−for which also thou O brave Saint−Mery,
in many capacities, from august Senator to Merchant's−Clerk, Book−dealer, Vice−King; in many places, from
Virginia to Sardinia, shalt, ever as a brave man, find employment. (Biographie Universelle, para Moreau Saint−
Mery (by Fournier−Pescay).)
Besenval has decamped, under cloud of dusk, 'amid a great affluence of people,' who did not harm him; he
marches, with faint−growing tread, down the left bank of the Seine, all night,−−towards infinite space.
Resummoned shall Besenval himself be; for trial, for difficult acquittal. His King's− troops, his Royal Allemand,
are gone hence for ever.
The French Revolution
83
The French Revolution
The Versailles Ball and lemonade is done; the Orangery is silent except for nightbirds. Over in the Salle des
Menus, Vice−president Lafayette, with unsnuffed lights, 'with some hundred of members, stretched on tables
round him,' sits erect; outwatching the Bear. This day, a second solemn Deputation went to his Majesty; a second,
and then a third: with no effect. What will the end of these things be?
In the Court, all is mystery, not without whisperings of terror; though ye dream of lemonade and epaulettes, ye
foolish women! His Majesty, kept in happy ignorance, perhaps dreams of double−barrels and the Woods of
Meudon. Late at night, the Duke de Liancourt, having official right of entrance, gains access to the Royal
Apartments; unfolds, with earnest clearness, in his constitutional way, the Job's−news. "Mais," said poor Louis,
"c'est une revolte, Why, that is a revolt!"−−"Sire," answered Liancourt, "It is not a revolt, it is a revolution."
Chapter 1.5.VIII. Conquering your King.
On the morrow a fourth Deputation to the Chateau is on foot: of a more solemn, not to say awful character, for,
besides 'orgies in the Orangery,' it seems, 'the grain convoys are all stopped;' nor has Mirabeau's thunder been
silent. Such Deputation is on the point of setting out−−when lo, his Majesty himself attended only by his two
Brothers, step in; quite in the paternal manner; announces that the troops, and all causes of offence, are gone, and
henceforth there shall be nothing but trust, reconcilement, good− will; whereof he 'permits and even requests,' a
National Assembly to assure Paris in his name! Acclamation, as of men suddenly delivered from death, gives
answer. The whole Assembly spontaneously rises to escort his Majesty back; 'interlacing their arms to keep off
the excessive pressure from him;' for all Versailles is crowding and shouting. The Chateau Musicians, with a
felicitous promptitude, strike up the Sein de sa Famille (Bosom of one's Family): the Queen appears at the
balcony with her little boy and girl, 'kissing them several times;' infinite Vivats spread far and wide;−−and
suddenly there has come, as it were, a new Heaven−on−Earth.
Eighty−eight august Senators, Bailly, Lafayette, and our repentant Archbishop among them, take coach for Paris,
with the great intelligence; benedictions without end on their heads. From the Place Louis Quinze, where they
alight, all the way to the Hotel−de−Ville, it is one sea of Tricolor cockades, of clear National muskets; one
tempest of huzzaings, hand−clappings, aided by 'occasional rollings' of drum−music. Harangues of due fervour
are delivered; especially by Lally Tollendal, pious son of the ill−fated murdered Lally; on whose head, in
consequence, a civic crown (of oak or parsley) is forced,−−which he forcibly transfers to Bailly's.
But surely, for one thing, the National Guard must have a General! Moreau de Saint−Mery, he of the 'three
thousand orders,' casts one of his significant glances on the Bust of Lafayette, which has stood there ever since the
American War of Liberty. Whereupon, by acclamation, Lafayette is nominated. Again, in room of the slain traitor
or quasi−traitor Flesselles, President Bailly shall be−−Provost of the Merchants? No: Mayor of Paris! So be it.
Maire de Paris! Mayor Bailly, General Lafayette; vive Bailly, vive Lafayette−−the universal out−of−doors
multitude rends the welkin in confirmation.−−And now, finally, let us to Notre−Dame for a Te Deum.
Towards Notre−Dame Cathedral, in glad procession, these Regenerators of the Country walk, through a jubilant
people; in fraternal manner; Abbe Lefevre, still black with his gunpowder services, walking arm in arm with the
white− stoled Archbishop. Poor Bailly comes upon the Foundling Children, sent to kneel to him; and 'weeps.' Te
Deum, our Archbishop officiating, is not only sung, but shot−−with blank cartridges. Our joy is boundless as our
wo threatened to be. Paris, by her own pike and musket, and the valour of her own heart, has conquered the very
wargods,−−to the satisfaction now of Majesty itself. A courier is, this night, getting under way for Necker: the
People's Minister, invited back by King, by National Assembly, and Nation, shall traverse France amid shoutings,
and the sound of trumpet and timbrel.
Seeing which course of things, Messeigneurs of the Court Triumvirate, Messieurs of the dead−born
Broglie−Ministry, and others such, consider that their part also is clear: to mount and ride. Off, ye too−loyal
Broglies, Polignacs, and Princes of the Blood; off while it is yet time! Did not the Palais−Royal in its late
The French Revolution
84
The French Revolution
nocturnal 'violent motions,' set a specific price (place of payment not mentioned) on each of your heads?−−With
precautions, with the aid of pieces of cannon and regiments that can be depended on, Messeigneurs, between the
16th night and the 17th morning, get to their several roads. Not without risk! Prince Conde has (or seems to have)
'men galloping at full speed;' with a view, it is thought, to fling him into the river Oise, at Pont−Sainte−Mayence.
(Weber, ii. 126.) The Polignacs travel disguised; friends, not servants, on their coach−box. Broglie has his own
difficulties at Versailles, runs his own risks at Metz and Verdun; does nevertheless get safe to Luxemburg, and
there rests.
This is what they call the First Emigration; determined on, as appears, in full Court−conclave; his Majesty
assisting; prompt he, for his share of it, to follow any counsel whatsoever. 'Three Sons of France, and four Princes
of the blood of Saint Louis,' says Weber, 'could not more effectually humble the Burghers of Paris 'than by
appearing to withdraw in fear of their life.' Alas, the Burghers of Paris bear it with unexpected Stoicism! The Man
d'Artois indeed is gone; but has he carried, for example, the Land D'Artois with him? Not even Bagatelle the
Country−house (which shall be useful as a Tavern); hardly the four−valet Breeches, leaving the Breeches−
maker!−−As for old Foulon, one learns that he is dead; at least a 'sumptuous funeral' is going on; the undertakers
honouring him, if no other will. Intendant Berthier, his son−in−law, is still living; lurking: he joined Besenval, on
that Eumenides' Sunday; appearing to treat it with levity; and is now fled no man knows whither.
The Emigration is not gone many miles, Prince Conde hardly across the Oise, when his Majesty, according to
arrangement, for the Emigration also thought it might do good,−−undertakes a rather daring enterprise: that of
visiting Paris in person. With a Hundred Members of Assembly; with small or no military escort, which indeed he
dismissed at the Bridge of Sevres, poor Louis sets out; leaving a desolate Palace; a Queen weeping, the Present,
the Past, and the Future all so unfriendly for her.
At the Barrier of Passy, Mayor Bailly, in grand gala, presents him with the keys; harangues him, in Academic
style; mentions that it is a great day; that in Henri Quatre's case, the King had to make conquest of his People, but
in this happier case, the People makes conquest of its King (a conquis son Roi). The King, so happily conquered,
drives forward, slowly, through a steel people, all silent, or shouting only Vive la Nation; is harangued at the
Townhall, by Moreau of the three−thousand orders, by King's Procureur M. Ethys de Corny, by Lally Tollendal,
and others; knows not what to think of it, or say of it; learns that he is 'Restorer of French Liberty,'−−as a Statue
of him, to be raised on the site of the Bastille, shall testify to all men. Finally, he is shewn at the Balcony, with a
Tricolor cockade in his hat; is greeted now, with vehement acclamation, from Square and Street, from all
windows and roofs:−−and so drives home again amid glad mingled and, as it were, intermarried shouts, of Vive le
Roi and Vive la Nation; wearied but safe.
It was Sunday when the red−hot balls hung over us, in mid air: it is now but Friday, and 'the Revolution is
sanctioned.' An August National Assembly shall make the Constitution; and neither foreign Pandour, domestic
Triumvirate, with levelled Cannon, Guy−Faux powder−plots (for that too was spoken of); nor any tyrannic Power
on the Earth, or under the Earth, shall say to it, What dost thou?−−So jubilates the people; sure now of a
Constitution. Cracked Marquis Saint−Huruge is heard under the windows of the Chateau; murmuring sheer
speculative−treason. (Campan, ii. 46−64.)
Chapter 1.5.IX. The Lanterne.
The Fall of the Bastille may be said to have shaken all France to the deepest foundations of its existence. The
rumour of these wonders flies every where: with the natural speed of Rumour; with an effect thought to be
preternatural, produced by plots. Did d'Orleans or Laclos, nay did Mirabeau (not overburdened with money at this
time) send riding Couriers out from Paris; to gallop 'on all radii,' or highways, towards all points of France? It is a
miracle, which no penetrating man will call in question. (Toulongeon, (i. 95); Weber,
The French Revolution
85
The French Revolution
Already in most Towns, Electoral Committees were met; to regret Necker, in harangue and resolution. In many a
Town, as Rennes, Caen, Lyons, an ebullient people was already regretting him in brickbats and musketry. But
now, at every Town's−end in France, there do arrive, in these days of terror,−−'men,' as men will arrive; nay, 'men
on horseback,' since Rumour oftenest travels riding. These men declare, with alarmed countenance, The
BRIGANDS to be coming, to be just at hand; and do then−−ride on, about their further business, be what it
might! Whereupon the whole population of such Town, defensively flies to arms. Petition is soon thereafter
forwarded to National Assembly; in such peril and terror of peril, leave to organise yourself cannot be withheld:
the armed population becomes everywhere an enrolled National Guard. Thus rides Rumour, careering along all
radii, from Paris outwards, to such purpose: in few days, some say in not many hours, all France to the utmost
borders bristles with bayonets. Singular, but undeniable,−−miraculous or not!−−But thus may any chemical
liquid; though cooled to the freezing−point, or far lower, still continue liquid; and then, on the slightest stroke or
shake, it at once rushes wholly into ice. Thus has France, for long months and even years, been chemically dealt
with; brought below zero; and now, shaken by the Fall of a Bastille, it instantaneously congeals: into one
crystallised mass, of sharp−cutting steel! Guai a chi la tocca; 'Ware who touches it!
In Paris, an Electoral Committee, with a new Mayor and General, is urgent with belligerent workmen to resume
their handicrafts. Strong Dames of the Market (Dames de la Halle) deliver congratulatory harangues; present
'bouquets to the Shrine of Sainte Genevieve.' Unenrolled men deposit their arms,−−not so readily as could be
wished; and receive 'nine francs.' With Te Deums, Royal Visits, and sanctioned Revolution, there is halcyon
weather; weather even of preternatural brightness; the hurricane being overblown.
Nevertheless, as is natural, the waves still run high, hollow rocks retaining their murmur. We are but at the 22nd
of the month, hardly above a week since the Bastille fell, when it suddenly appears that old Foulon is alive; nay,
that he is here, in early morning, in the streets of Paris; the extortioner, the plotter, who would make the people eat
grass, and was a liar from the beginning!−−It is even so. The deceptive 'sumptuous funeral' (of some domestic that
died); the hiding−place at Vitry towards Fontainbleau, have not availed that wretched old man. Some living
domestic or dependant, for none loves Foulon, has betrayed him to the Village. Merciless boors of Vitry unearth
him; pounce on him, like hell−hounds: Westward, old Infamy; to Paris, to be judged at the Hotel−de−Ville! His
old head, which seventy−four years have bleached, is bare; they have tied an emblematic bundle of grass on his
back; a garland of nettles and thistles is round his neck: in this manner; led with ropes; goaded on with curses and
menaces, must he, with his old limbs, sprawl forward; the pitiablest, most unpitied of all old men.
Sooty Saint−Antoine, and every street, mustering its crowds as he passes,−− the Place de Greve, the Hall of the
Hotel−de−Ville will scarcely hold his escort and him. Foulon must not only be judged righteously; but judged
there where he stands, without any delay. Appoint seven judges, ye Municipals, or seventy−and−seven; name
them yourselves, or we will name them: but judge him! (Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 146−9.) Electoral rhetoric,
eloquence of Mayor Bailly, is wasted explaining the beauty of the Law's delay. Delay, and still delay! Behold, O
Mayor of the People, the morning has worn itself into noon; and he is still unjudged!−−Lafayette, pressingly sent
for, arrives; gives voice: This Foulon, a known man, is guilty almost beyond doubt; but may he not have
accomplices? Ought not the truth to be cunningly pumped out of him,−−in the Abbaye Prison? It is a new light!
Sansculottism claps hands;−−at which hand−clapping, Foulon (in his fainness, as his Destiny would have it) also
claps. "See! they understand one another!" cries dark Sansculottism, blazing into fury of suspicion.−−"Friends,"
said 'a person in good clothes,' stepping forward, "what is the use of judging this man? Has he not been judged
these thirty years?" With wild yells, Sansculottism clutches him, in its hundred hands: he is whirled across the
Place de Greve, to the 'Lanterne,' Lamp−iron which there is at the corner of the Rue de la Vannerie; pleading
bitterly for life,−−to the deaf winds. Only with the third rope (for two ropes broke, and the quavering voice still
pleaded), can he be so much as got hanged! His Body is dragged through the streets; his Head goes aloft on a
pike, the mouth filled with grass: amid sounds as of Tophet, from a grass−eating people. (Deux Amis de la
Liberte, ii. 60−6.)
The French Revolution
86
The French Revolution
Surely if Revenge is a 'kind of Justice,' it is a 'wild' kind! O mad Sansculottism hast thou risen, in thy mad
darkness, in thy soot and rags; unexpectedly, like an Enceladus, living−buried, from under his Trinacria? They
that would make grass be eaten do now eat grass, in this manner? After long dumb−groaning generations, has the
turn suddenly become thine?−− To such abysmal overturns, and frightful instantaneous inversions of the
centre−of−gravity, are human Solecisms all liable, if they but knew it; the more liable, the falser (and topheavier)
they are!−−
To add to the horror of Mayor Bailly and his Municipals, word comes that Berthier has also been arrested; that he
is on his way hither from Compiegne. Berthier, Intendant (say, Tax−levier) of Paris; sycophant and tyrant;
forestaller of Corn; contriver of Camps against the people;−− accused of many things: is he not Foulon's
son−in−law; and, in that one point, guilty of all? In these hours too, when Sansculottism has its blood up! The
shuddering Municipals send one of their number to escort him, with mounted National Guards.
At the fall of day, the wretched Berthier, still wearing a face of courage, arrives at the Barrier; in an open carriage;
with the Municipal beside him; five hundred horsemen with drawn sabres; unarmed footmen enough, not without
noise! Placards go brandished round him; bearing legibly his indictment, as Sansculottism, with unlegal brevity,
'in huge letters,' draws it up. ('Il a vole le Roi et la France (He robbed the King and France).' 'He devoured the
substance of the People.' 'He was the slave of the rich, and the tyrant of the poor.' 'He drank the blood of the
widow and orphan.' 'He betrayed his country.' See Deux Amis, ii. 67−73.) Paris is come forth to meet him: with
hand−clappings, with windows flung up; with dances, triumph−songs, as of the Furies! Lastly the Head of
Foulon: this also meets him on a pike. Well might his 'look become glazed,' and sense fail him, at such
sight!−−Nevertheless, be the man's conscience what it may, his nerves are of iron. At the Hotel−de−Ville, he will
answer nothing. He says, he obeyed superior order; they have his papers; they may judge and determine: as for
himself, not having closed an eye these two nights, he demands, before all things, to have sleep. Leaden sleep,
thou miserable Berthier! Guards rise with him, in motion towards the Abbaye. At the very door of the
Hotel−de−Ville, they are clutched; flung asunder, as by a vortex of mad arms; Berthier whirls towards the
Lanterne. He snatches a musket; fells and strikes, defending himself like a mad lion; is borne down, trampled,
hanged, mangled: his Head too, and even his Heart, flies over the City on a pike.
Horrible, in Lands that had known equal justice! Not so unnatural in Lands that had never known it. Le sang qui
coule est−il donc si pure? asks Barnave; intimating that the Gallows, though by irregular methods, has its
own.−−Thou thyself, O Reader, when thou turnest that corner of the Rue de la Vannerie, and discernest still that
same grim Bracket of old Iron, wilt not want for reflections. 'Over a grocer's shop,' or otherwise; with 'a bust of
Louis XIV. in the niche under it,' or now no longer in the niche,−− it still sticks there: still holding out an
ineffectual light, of fish− oil; and has seen worlds wrecked, and says nothing.
But to the eye of enlightened Patriotism, what a thunder−cloud was this; suddenly shaping itself in the radiance of
the halcyon weather! Cloud of Erebus blackness: betokening latent electricity without limit. Mayor Bailly,
General Lafayette throw up their commissions, in an indignant manner;−−need to be flattered back again. The
cloud disappears, as thunder−clouds do. The halcyon weather returns, though of a grayer complexion; of a
character more and more evidently not supernatural.
Thus, in any case, with what rubs soever, shall the Bastille be abolished from our Earth; and with it, Feudalism,
Despotism; and, one hopes, Scoundrelism generally, and all hard usage of man by his brother man. Alas, the
Scoundrelism and hard usage are not so easy of abolition! But as for the Bastille, it sinks day after day, and month
after month; its ashlars and boulders tumbling down continually, by express order of our Municipals. Crowds of
the curious roam through its caverns; gaze on the skeletons found walled up, on the oubliettes, iron cages,
monstrous stone− blocks with padlock chains. One day we discern Mirabeau there; along with the Genevese
Dumont. (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau, p. 305.) Workers and onlookers make reverent way for him; fling
verses, flowers on his path, Bastille−papers and curiosities into his carriage, with vivats.
The French Revolution
87
The French Revolution
Able Editors compile Books from the Bastille Archives; from what of them remain unburnt. The Key of that
Robber−Den shall cross the Atlantic; shall lie on Washington's hall−table. The great Clock ticks now in a private
patriotic Clockmaker's apartment; no longer measuring hours of mere heaviness. Vanished is the Bastille, what we
call vanished: the body, or sandstones, of it hanging, in benign metamorphosis, for centuries to come, over the
Seine waters, as Pont Louis Seize; (Dulaure: Histoire de Paris, viii. 434.) the soul of it living, perhaps still longer,
in the memories of men.
So far, ye august Senators, with your Tennis−Court Oaths, your inertia and impetus, your sagacity and pertinacity,
have ye brought us. "And yet think, Messieurs," as the Petitioner justly urged, "you who were our saviours, did
yourselves need saviours,"−−the brave Bastillers, namely; workmen of Paris; many of them in straightened
pecuniary circumstances! (Moniteur: Seance du Samedi 18 Juillet 1789 (in Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 137.)
Subscriptions are opened; Lists are formed, more accurate than Elie's; harangues are delivered. A Body of Bastille
Heroes, tolerably complete, did get together;−−comparable to the Argonauts; hoping to endure like them. But in
little more than a year, the whirlpool of things threw them asunder again, and they sank. So many highest
superlatives achieved by man are followed by new higher; and dwindle into comparatives and positives! The
Siege of the Bastille, weighed with which, in the Historical balance, most other sieges, including that of Troy
Town, are gossamer, cost, as we find, in killed and mortally wounded, on the part of the Besiegers, some
Eighty−three persons: on the part of the Besieged, after all that straw−burning, fire−pumping, and deluge of
musketry, One poor solitary invalid, shot stone−dead (roide−mort) on the battlements; (Dusaulx: Prise de la
Bastille, p. 447, The Bastille Fortress, like the City of Jericho, was overturned by miraculous sound.
BOOK VI. CONSOLIDATION
Chapter 1.6.I. Make the Constitution.
Here perhaps is the place to fix, a little more precisely, what these two words, French Revolution, shall mean; for,
strictly considered, they may have as many meanings as there are speakers of them. All things are in revolution; in
change from moment to moment, which becomes sensible from epoch to epoch: in this Time−World of ours there
is properly nothing else but revolution and mutation, and even nothing else conceivable. Revolution, you answer,
means speedier change. Whereupon one has still to ask: How speedy? At what degree of speed; in what particular
points of this variable course, which varies in velocity, but can never stop till Time itself stops, does revolution
begin and end; cease to be ordinary mutation, and again become such? It is a thing that will depend on definition
more or less arbitrary.
For ourselves we answer that French Revolution means here the open violent Rebellion, and Victory, of
disimprisoned Anarchy against corrupt worn−out Authority: how Anarchy breaks prison; bursts up from the
infinite Deep, and rages uncontrollable, immeasurable, enveloping a world; in phasis after phasis of
fever−frenzy;−−'till the frenzy burning itself out, and what elements of new Order it held (since all Force holds
such) developing themselves, the Uncontrollable be got, if not reimprisoned, yet harnessed, and its mad forces
made to work towards their object as sane regulated ones. For as Hierarchies and Dynasties of all kinds,
Theocracies, Aristocracies, Autocracies, Strumpetocracies, have ruled over the world; so it was appointed, in the
decrees of Providence, that this same Victorious Anarchy, Jacobinism, Sansculottism, French Revolution, Horrors
of French Revolution, or what else mortals name it, should have its turn. The 'destructive wrath' of Sansculottism:
this is what we speak, having unhappily no voice for singing.
Surely a great Phenomenon: nay it is a transcendental one, overstepping all rules and experience; the crowning
Phenomenon of our Modern Time. For here again, most unexpectedly, comes antique Fanaticism in new and
newest vesture; miraculous, as all Fanaticism is. Call it the Fanaticism of 'making away with formulas, de humer
les formulas.' The world of formulas, the formed regulated world, which all habitable world is,−−must needs hate
such Fanaticism like death; and be at deadly variance with it. The world of formulas must conquer it; or failing
that, must die execrating it, anathematising it;−−can nevertheless in nowise prevent its being and its having been.
The French Revolution
88
The French Revolution
The Anathemas are there, and the miraculous Thing is there.
Whence it cometh? Whither it goeth? These are questions! When the age of Miracles lay faded into the distance
as an incredible tradition, and even the age of Conventionalities was now old; and Man's Existence had for long
generations rested on mere formulas which were grown hollow by course of time; and it seemed as if no Reality
any longer existed but only Phantasms of realities, and God's Universe were the work of the Tailor and
Upholsterer mainly, and men were buckram masks that went about becking and grimacing there,−−on a sudden,
the Earth yawns asunder, and amid Tartarean smoke, and glare of fierce brightness, rises SANSCULOTTISM,
many−headed, fire−breathing, and asks: What think ye of me? Well may the buckram masks start together,
terror−struck; 'into expressive well−concerted groups!' It is indeed, Friends, a most singular, most fatal thing. Let
whosoever is but buckram and a phantasm look to it: ill verily may it fare with him; here methinks he cannot
much longer be. Wo also to many a one who is not wholly buckram, but partially real and human! The age of
Miracles has come back! 'Behold the World−Phoenix, in fire−consummation and fire−creation; wide are her
fanning wings; loud is her death−melody, of battle−thunders and falling towns; skyward lashes the funeral flame,
enveloping all things: it is the Death−Birth of a World!'
Whereby, however, as we often say, shall one unspeakable blessing seem attainable. This, namely: that Man and
his Life rest no more on hollowness and a Lie, but on solidity and some kind of Truth. Welcome, the beggarliest
truth, so it be one, in exchange for the royallest sham! Truth of any kind breeds ever new and better truth; thus
hard granite rock will crumble down into soil, under the blessed skyey influences; and cover itself with verdure,
with fruitage and umbrage. But as for Falsehood, which in like contrary manner, grows ever falser,−−what can it,
or what should it do but decease, being ripe; decompose itself, gently or even violently, and return to the Father of
it,−−too probably in flames of fire?
Sansculottism will burn much; but what is incombustible it will not burn. Fear not Sansculottism; recognise it for
what it is, the portentous, inevitable end of much, the miraculous beginning of much. One other thing thou mayest
understand of it: that it too came from God; for has it not been? From of old, as it is written, are His goings forth;
in the great Deep of things; fearful and wonderful now as in the beginning: in the whirlwind also He speaks! and
the wrath of men is made to praise Him.−−But to gauge and measure this immeasurable Thing, and what is called
account for it, and reduce it to a dead logic−formula, attempt not! Much less shalt thou shriek thyself hoarse,
cursing it; for that, to all needful lengths, has been already done. As an actually existing Son of Time, look, with
unspeakable manifold interest, oftenest in silence, at what the Time did bring: therewith edify, instruct, nourish
thyself, or were it but to amuse and gratify thyself, as it is given thee.
Another question which at every new turn will rise on us, requiring ever new reply is this: Where the French
Revolution specially is? In the King's Palace, in his Majesty's or her Majesty's managements, and maltreatments,
cabals, imbecilities and woes, answer some few:−−whom we do not answer. In the National Assembly, answer a
large mixed multitude: who accordingly seat themselves in the Reporter's Chair; and therefrom noting what
Proclamations, Acts, Reports, passages of logic−fence, bursts of parliamentary eloquence seem notable within
doors, and what tumults and rumours of tumult become audible from without,−−produce volume on volume; and,
naming it History of the French Revolution, contentedly publish the same. To do the like, to almost any extent,
with so many Filed Newspapers, Choix des Rapports, Histoires Parlementaires as there are, amounting to many
horseloads, were easy for us. Easy but unprofitable. The National Assembly, named now Constituent Assembly,
goes its course; making the Constitution; but the French Revolution also goes its course.
In general, may we not say that the French Revolution lies in the heart and head of every violent−speaking, of
every violent−thinking French Man? How the Twenty−five Millions of such, in their perplexed combination,
acting and counter−acting may give birth to events; which event successively is the cardinal one; and from what
point of vision it may best be surveyed: this is a problem. Which problem the best insight, seeking light from all
possible sources, shifting its point of vision whithersoever vision or glimpse of vision can be had, may employ
itself in solving; and be well content to solve in some tolerably approximate way.
The French Revolution
89
The French Revolution
As to the National Assembly, in so far as it still towers eminent over France, after the manner of a car−borne
Carroccio, though now no longer in the van; and rings signals for retreat or for advance,−−it is and continues a
reality among other realities. But in so far as it sits making the Constitution, on the other hand, it is a fatuity and
chimera mainly. Alas, in the never so heroic building of Montesquieu−Mably card−castles, though shouted over
by the world, what interest is there? Occupied in that way, an august National Assembly becomes for us little
other than a Sanhedrim of pedants, not of the gerund−grinding, yet of no fruitfuller sort; and its loud debatings
and recriminations about Rights of Man, Right of Peace and War, Veto suspensif, Veto absolu, what are they but
so many Pedant's− curses, 'May God confound you for your Theory of Irregular Verbs!'
A Constitution can be built, Constitutions enough a la Sieyes: but the frightful difficulty is that of getting men to
come and live in them! Could Sieyes have drawn thunder and lightning out of Heaven to sanction his
Constitution, it had been well: but without any thunder? Nay, strictly considered, is it not still true that without
some such celestial sanction, given visibly in thunder or invisibly otherwise, no Constitution can in the long run
be worth much more than the waste−paper it is written on? The Constitution, the set of Laws, or prescribed Habits
of Acting, that men will live under, is the one which images their Convictions,−−their Faith as to this wondrous
Universe, and what rights, duties, capabilities they have there; which stands sanctioned therefore, by Necessity
itself, if not by a seen Deity, then by an unseen one. Other laws, whereof there are always enough ready−made,
are usurpations; which men do not obey, but rebel against, and abolish, by their earliest convenience.
The question of questions accordingly were, Who is it that especially for rebellers and abolishers, can make a
Constitution? He that can image forth the general Belief when there is one; that can impart one when, as here,
there is none. A most rare man; ever as of old a god−missioned man! Here, however, in defect of such
transcendent supreme man, Time with its infinite succession of merely superior men, each yielding his little
contribution, does much. Force likewise (for, as Antiquarian Philosophers teach, the royal Sceptre was from the
first something of a Hammer, to crack such heads as could not be convinced) will all along find somewhat to do.
And thus in perpetual abolition and reparation, rending and mending, with struggle and strife, with present evil
and the hope and effort towards future good, must the Constitution, as all human things do, build itself forward; or
unbuild itself, and sink, as it can and may. O Sieyes, and ye other Committeemen, and Twelve Hundred
miscellaneous individuals from all parts of France! What is the Belief of France, and yours, if ye knew it?
Properly that there shall be no Belief; that all formulas be swallowed. The Constitution which will suit that? Alas,
too clearly, a No−Constitution, an Anarchy;−− which also, in due season, shall be vouchsafed you.
But, after all, what can an unfortunate National Assembly do? Consider only this, that there are Twelve Hundred
miscellaneous individuals; not a unit of whom but has his own thinking−apparatus, his own speaking− apparatus!
In every unit of them is some belief and wish, different for each, both that France should be regenerated, and also
that he individually should do it. Twelve Hundred separate Forces, yoked miscellaneously to any object,
miscellaneously to all sides of it; and bid pull for life!
Or is it the nature of National Assemblies generally to do, with endless labour and clangour, Nothing? Are
Representative Governments mostly at bottom Tyrannies too! Shall we say, the Tyrants, the ambitious
contentious Persons, from all corners of the country do, in this manner, get gathered into one place; and there,
with motion and counter−motion, with jargon and hubbub, cancel one another, like the fabulous Kilkenny Cats;
and produce, for net−result, zero;−−the country meanwhile governing or guiding itself, by such wisdom,
recognised or for most part unrecognised, as may exist in individual heads here and there?−−Nay, even that were
a great improvement: for, of old, with their Guelf Factions and Ghibelline Factions, with their Red Roses and
White Roses, they were wont to cancel the whole country as well. Besides they do it now in a much narrower
cockpit; within the four walls of their Assembly House, and here and there an outpost of Hustings and
Barrel−heads; do it with tongues too, not with swords:−−all which improvements, in the art of producing zero, are
they not great? Nay, best of all, some happy Continents (as the Western one, with its Savannahs, where
whosoever has four willing limbs finds food under his feet, and an infinite sky over his head) can do without
governing.−−What Sphinx− questions; which the distracted world, in these very generations, must answer or die!
The French Revolution
90
The French Revolution
Chapter 1.6.II. The Constituent Assembly.
One thing an elected Assembly of Twelve Hundred is fit for: Destroying. Which indeed is but a more decided
exercise of its natural talent for Doing Nothing. Do nothing, only keep agitating, debating; and things will destroy
themselves.
So and not otherwise proved it with an august National Assembly. It took the name, Constituent, as if its mission
and function had been to construct or build; which also, with its whole soul, it endeavoured to do: yet, in the fates,
in the nature of things, there lay for it precisely of all functions the most opposite to that. Singular, what Gospels
men will believe; even Gospels according to Jean Jacques! It was the fixed Faith of these National Deputies, as of
all thinking Frenchmen, that the Constitution could be made; that they, there and then, were called to make it.
How, with the toughness of Old Hebrews or Ishmaelite Moslem, did the otherwise light unbelieving People
persist in this their Credo quia impossibile ; and front the armed world with it; and grow fanatic, and even heroic,
and do exploits by it! The Constituent Assembly's Constitution, and several others, will, being printed and not
manuscript, survive to future generations, as an instructive well−nigh incredible document of the Time: the most
significant Picture of the then existing France; or at lowest, Picture of these men's Picture of it.
But in truth and seriousness, what could the National Assembly have done? The thing to be done was, actually as
they said, to regenerate France; to abolish the old France, and make a new one; quietly or forcibly, by concession
or by violence, this, by the Law of Nature, has become inevitable. With what degree of violence, depends on the
wisdom of those that preside over it. With perfect wisdom on the part of the National Assembly, it had all been
otherwise; but whether, in any wise, it could have been pacific, nay other than bloody and convulsive, may still be
a question.
Grant, meanwhile, that this Constituent Assembly does to the last continue to be something. With a sigh, it sees
itself incessantly forced away from its infinite divine task, of perfecting 'the Theory of Irregular Verbs,'−− to
finite terrestrial tasks, which latter have still a significance for us. It is the cynosure of revolutionary France, this
National Assembly. All work of Government has fallen into its hands, or under its control; all men look to it for
guidance. In the middle of that huge Revolt of Twenty−five millions, it hovers always aloft as Carroccio or
Battle−Standard, impelling and impelled, in the most confused way; if it cannot give much guidance, it will still
seem to give some. It emits pacificatory Proclamations, not a few; with more or with less result. It authorises the
enrolment of National Guards,−−lest Brigands come to devour us, and reap the unripe crops. It sends missions to
quell 'effervescences;' to deliver men from the Lanterne. It can listen to congratulatory Addresses, which arrive
daily by the sackful; mostly in King Cambyses' vein: also to Petitions and complaints from all mortals; so that
every mortal's complaint, if it cannot get redressed, may at least hear itself complain. For the rest, an august
National Assembly can produce Parliamentary Eloquence; and appoint Committees. Committees of the
Constitution, of Reports, of Researches; and of much else: which again yield mountains of Printed Paper; the
theme of new Parliamentary Eloquence, in bursts, or in plenteous smooth−flowing floods. And so, from the waste
vortex whereon all things go whirling and grinding, Organic Laws, or the similitude of such, slowly emerge.
With endless debating, we get the Rights of Man written down and promulgated: true paper basis of all paper
Constitutions. Neglecting, cry the opponents, to declare the Duties of Man! Forgetting, answer we, to ascertain the
Mights of Man;−−one of the fatalest omissions!−−Nay, sometimes, as on the Fourth of August, our National
Assembly, fired suddenly by an almost preternatural enthusiasm, will get through whole masses of work in one
night. A memorable night, this Fourth of August: Dignitaries temporal and spiritual; Peers, Archbishops,
Parlement− Presidents, each outdoing the other in patriotic devotedness, come successively to throw their
(untenable) possessions on the 'altar of the fatherland.' With louder and louder vivats, for indeed it is 'after dinner'
too,−−they abolish Tithes, Seignorial Dues, Gabelle, excessive Preservation of Game; nay Privilege, Immunity,
Feudalism root and branch; then appoint a Te Deum for it; and so, finally, disperse about three in the morning,
striking the stars with their sublime heads. Such night, unforeseen but for ever memorable, was this of the Fourth
of August 1789. Miraculous, or semi−miraculous, some seem to think it. A new Night of Pentecost, shall we say,
The French Revolution
91
The French Revolution
shaped according to the new Time, and new Church of Jean Jacques Rousseau? It had its causes; also its effects.
In such manner labour the National Deputies; perfecting their Theory of Irregular Verbs; governing France, and
being governed by it; with toil and noise;−−cutting asunder ancient intolerable bonds; and, for new ones,
assiduously spinning ropes of sand. Were their labours a nothing or a something, yet the eyes of all France being
reverently fixed on them, History can never very long leave them altogether out of sight.
For the present, if we glance into that Assembly Hall of theirs, it will be found, as is natural, 'most irregular.' As
many as 'a hundred members are on their feet at once;' no rule in making motions, or only commencements of a
rule; Spectators' Gallery allowed to applaud, and even to hiss; (Arthur Young, i. 111.) President, appointed once a
fortnight, raising many times no serene head above the waves. Nevertheless, as in all human Assemblages, like
does begin arranging itself to like; the perennial rule, Ubi homines sunt modi sunt, proves valid. Rudiments of
Methods disclose themselves; rudiments of Parties. There is a Right Side (Cote Droit), a Left Side (Cote Gauche);
sitting on M. le President's right hand, or on his left: the Cote Droit conservative; the Cote Gauche destructive.
Intermediate is Anglomaniac Constitutionalism, or Two−Chamber Royalism; with its Mouniers, its Lallys,−−fast
verging towards nonentity. Preeminent, on the Right Side, pleads and perorates Cazales, the Dragoon−captain,
eloquent, mildly fervent; earning for himself the shadow of a name. There also blusters Barrel−Mirabeau, the
Younger Mirabeau, not without wit: dusky d'Espremenil does nothing but sniff and ejaculate; might, it is fondly
thought, lay prostrate the Elder Mirabeau himself, would he but try, (Biographie Universelle, para D'Espremenil
(by Beaulieu).)−−which he does not. Last and greatest, see, for one moment, the Abbe Maury; with his jesuitic
eyes, his impassive brass face, 'image of all the cardinal sins.' Indomitable, unquenchable, he fights
jesuitico−rhetorically; with toughest lungs and heart; for Throne, especially for Altar and Tithes. So that a shrill
voice exclaims once, from the Gallery: "Messieurs of the Clergy, you have to be shaved; if you wriggle too much,
you will get cut." (Dictionnaire des Hommes Marquans, ii. 519.)
The Left side is also called the d'Orleans side; and sometimes derisively, the Palais Royal. And yet, so confused,
real−imaginary seems everything, 'it is doubtful,' as Mirabeau said, 'whether d'Orleans himself belong to that
same d'Orleans Party.' What can be known and seen is, that his moon− visage does beam forth from that point of
space. There likewise sits seagreen Robespierre; throwing in his light weight, with decision, not yet with effect. A
thin lean Puritan and Precisian; he would make away with formulas; yet lives, moves, and has his being, wholly in
formulas, of another sort. 'Peuple,' such according to Robespierre ought to be the Royal method of promulgating
laws, 'Peuple, this is the Law I have framed for thee; dost thou accept it?'−−answered from Right Side, from
Centre and Left, by inextinguishable laughter. (Moniteur, No. 67 (in Hist.Parl.).) Yet men of insight discern that
the Seagreen may by chance go far: "this man," observes Mirabeau, "will do somewhat; he believes every word
he says."
Abbe Sieyes is busy with mere Constitutional work: wherein, unluckily, fellow−workmen are less pliable than,
with one who has completed the Science of Polity, they ought to be. Courage, Sieyes nevertheless! Some twenty
months of heroic travail, of contradiction from the stupid, and the Constitution shall be built; the top−stone of it
brought out with shouting,−−say rather, the top−paper, for it is all Paper; and thou hast done in it what the Earth
or the Heaven could require, thy utmost. Note likewise this Trio; memorable for several things; memorable were
it only that their history is written in an epigram: 'whatsoever these Three have in hand,' it is said, 'Duport thinks
it, Barnave speaks it, Lameth does it.' (See Toulongeon, i. c. 3.)
But royal Mirabeau? Conspicuous among all parties, raised above and beyond them all, this man rises more and
more. As we often say, he has an eye, he is a reality; while others are formulas and eye−glasses. In the Transient
he will detect the Perennial, find some firm footing even among Paper− vortexes. His fame is gone forth to all
lands; it gladdened the heart of the crabbed old Friend of Men himself before he died. The very Postilions of inns
have heard of Mirabeau: when an impatient Traveller complains that the team is insufficient, his Postilion
answers, "Yes, Monsieur, the wheelers are weak; but my mirabeau (main horse), you see, is a right one, mais mon
mirabeau est excellent." (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau, p. 255.)
The French Revolution
92
The French Revolution
And now, Reader, thou shalt quit this noisy Discrepancy of a National Assembly; not (if thou be of humane mind)
without pity. Twelve Hundred brother men are there, in the centre of Twenty−five Millions; fighting so fiercely
with Fate and with one another; struggling their lives out, as most sons of Adam do, for that which profiteth not.
Nay, on the whole, it is admitted further to be very dull. "Dull as this day's Assembly," said some one. "Why date,
Pourquoi dater?" answered Mirabeau.
Consider that they are Twelve Hundred; that they not only speak, but read their speeches; and even borrow and
steal speeches to read! With Twelve Hundred fluent speakers, and their Noah's Deluge of vociferous
commonplace, unattainable silence may well seem the one blessing of Life. But figure Twelve Hundred
pamphleteers; droning forth perpetual pamphlets: and no man to gag them! Neither, as in the American Congress,
do the arrangements seem perfect. A Senator has not his own Desk and Newspaper here; of Tobacco (much less
of Pipes) there is not the slightest provision. Conversation itself must be transacted in a low tone, with continual
interruption: only 'pencil Notes' circulate freely; 'in incredible numbers to the foot of the very tribune.' (See
Dumont (pp. 159−67); Arthur Young, work is it, regenerating a Nation; perfecting one's Theory of Irregular
Verbs!
Chapter 1.6.III. The General Overturn.
Of the King's Court, for the present, there is almost nothing whatever to be said. Silent, deserted are these halls;
Royalty languishes forsaken of its war−god and all its hopes, till once the Oeil−de−Boeuf rally again. The sceptre
is departed from King Louis; is gone over to the Salles des Menus, to the Paris Townhall, or one knows not
whither. In the July days, while all ears were yet deafened by the crash of the Bastille, and Ministers and Princes
were scattered to the four winds, it seemed as if the very Valets had grown heavy of hearing. Besenval, also in
flight towards Infinite Space, but hovering a little at Versailles, was addressing his Majesty personally for an
Order about post−horses; when, lo, 'the Valet in waiting places himself familiarly between his Majesty and me,'
stretching out his rascal neck to learn what it was! His Majesty, in sudden choler, whirled round; made a clutch at
the tongs: 'I gently prevented him; he grasped my hand in thankfulness; and I noticed tears in his eyes.' (Besenval,
iii. 419.)
Poor King; for French Kings also are men! Louis Fourteenth himself once clutched the tongs, and even smote
with them; but then it was at Louvois, and Dame Maintenon ran up.−−The Queen sits weeping in her inner
apartments, surrounded by weak women: she is 'at the height of unpopularity;' universally regarded as the evil
genius of France. Her friends and familiar counsellors have all fled; and fled, surely, on the foolishest errand. The
Chateau Polignac still frowns aloft, on its 'bold and enormous' cubical rock, amid the blooming champaigns, amid
the blue girdling mountains of Auvergne: (Arthur Young, i. 165.) but no Duke and Duchess Polignac look forth
from it; they have fled, they have 'met Necker at Bale;' they shall not return. That France should see her Nobles
resist the Irresistible, Inevitable, with the face of angry men, was unhappy, not unexpected: but with the face and
sense of pettish children? This was her peculiarity. They understood nothing; would understand nothing. Does
not, at this hour, a new Polignac, first−born of these Two, sit reflective in the Castle of Ham; (A.D. 1835.) in an
astonishment he will never recover from; the most confused of existing mortals?
King Louis has his new Ministry: mere Popularities; Old−President Pompignan; Necker, coming back in triumph;
and other such. (Montgaillard, ii. 108.) But what will it avail him? As was said, the sceptre, all but the wooden gilt
sceptre, has departed elsewhither. Volition, determination is not in this man: only innocence, indolence;
dependence on all persons but himself, on all circumstances but the circumstances he were lord of. So troublous
internally is our Versailles and its work. Beautiful, if seen from afar, resplendent like a Sun; seen near at hand, a
mere Sun's− Atmosphere, hiding darkness, confused ferment of ruin!
But over France, there goes on the indisputablest 'destruction of formulas;' transaction of realities that follow
therefrom. So many millions of persons, all gyved, and nigh strangled, with formulas; whose Life nevertheless, at
least the digestion and hunger of it, was real enough! Heaven has at length sent an abundant harvest; but what
The French Revolution
93
The French Revolution
profits it the poor man, when Earth with her formulas interposes? Industry, in these times of Insurrection, must
needs lie dormant; capital, as usual, not circulating, but stagnating timorously in nooks. The poor man is short of
work, is therefore short of money; nay even had he money, bread is not to be bought for it. Were it plotting of
Aristocrats, plotting of d'Orleans; were it Brigands, preternatural terror, and the clang of Phoebus Apollo's silver
bow,−−enough, the markets are scarce of grain, plentiful only in tumult. Farmers seem lazy to thresh;−−being
either 'bribed;' or needing no bribe, with prices ever rising, with perhaps rent itself no longer so pressing. Neither,
what is singular, do municipal enactments, 'That along with so many measures of wheat you shall sell so many of
rye,' and other the like, much mend the matter. Dragoons with drawn swords stand ranked among the corn−sacks,
often more dragoons than sacks. (Arthur Young, i. 129, Meal−mobs abound; growing into mobs of a still darker
quality.
Starvation has been known among the French Commonalty before this; known and familiar. Did we not see them,
in the year 1775, presenting, in sallow faces, in wretchedness and raggedness, their Petition of Grievances; and,
for answer, getting a brand−new Gallows forty feet high? Hunger and Darkness, through long years! For look
back on that earlier Paris Riot, when a Great Personage, worn out by debauchery, was believed to be in want of
Blood−baths; and Mothers, in worn raiment, yet with living hearts under it, 'filled the public places' with their
wild Rachel−cries,−−stilled also by the Gallows. Twenty years ago, the Friend of Men (preaching to the deaf)
described the Limousin Peasants as wearing a pain−stricken (souffre− douleur) look, a look past complaint, 'as if
the oppression of the great were like the hail and the thunder, a thing irremediable, the ordinance of Nature.' (Fils
Adoptif: Memoires de Mirabeau, i. 364−394.) And now, if in some great hour, the shock of a falling Bastille
should awaken you; and it were found to be the ordinance of Art merely; and remediable, reversible!
Or has the Reader forgotten that 'flood of savages,' which, in sight of the same Friend of Men, descended from the
mountains at Mont d'Or? Lank−haired haggard faces; shapes rawboned, in high sabots; in woollen jupes, with
leather girdles studded with copper−nails! They rocked from foot to foot, and beat time with their elbows too, as
the quarrel and battle which was not long in beginning went on; shouting fiercely; the lank faces distorted into the
similitude of a cruel laugh. For they were darkened and hardened: long had they been the prey of excise−men and
tax−men; of 'clerks with the cold spurt of their pen.' It was the fixed prophecy of our old Marquis, which no man
would listen to, that 'such Government by Blind−man's−buff, stumbling along too far, would end by the General
Overturn, the Culbute Generale!'
No man would listen, each went his thoughtless way;−−and Time and Destiny also travelled on. The Government
by Blind−man's−buff, stumbling along, has reached the precipice inevitable for it. Dull Drudgery, driven on, by
clerks with the cold dastard spurt of their pen, has been driven−−into a Communion of Drudges! For now,
moreover, there have come the strangest confused tidings; by Paris Journals with their paper wings; or still more
portentous, where no Journals are, (See Arthur Young, i. 137, 150, by rumour and conjecture: Oppression not
inevitable; a Bastille prostrate, and the Constitution fast getting ready! Which Constitution, if it be something and
not nothing, what can it be but bread to eat?
The Traveller, 'walking up hill bridle in hand,' overtakes 'a poor woman;' the image, as such commonly are, of
drudgery and scarcity; 'looking sixty years of age, though she is not yet twenty−eight.' They have seven children,
her poor drudge and she: a farm, with one cow, which helps to make the children soup; also one little horse, or
garron. They have rents and quit−rents, Hens to pay to this Seigneur, Oat−sacks to that; King's taxes,
Statute−labour, Church−taxes, taxes enough;−−and think the times inexpressible. She has heard that somewhere,
in some manner, something is to be done for the poor: "God send it soon; for the dues and taxes crush us down
(nous ecrasent)!" (Ibid. i. 134.)
Fair prophecies are spoken, but they are not fulfilled. There have been Notables, Assemblages, turnings out and
comings in. Intriguing and manoeuvring; Parliamentary eloquence and arguing, Greek meeting Greek in high
places, has long gone on; yet still bread comes not. The harvest is reaped and garnered; yet still we have no bread.
Urged by despair and by hope, what can Drudgery do, but rise, as predicted, and produce the General Overturn?
The French Revolution
94
The French Revolution
Fancy, then, some Five full−grown Millions of such gaunt figures, with their haggard faces (figures haves); in
woollen jupes, with copper−studded leather girths, and high sabots,−−starting up to ask, as in forest− roarings,
their washed Upper−Classes, after long unreviewed centuries, virtually this question: How have ye treated us;
how have ye taught us, fed us, and led us, while we toiled for you? The answer can be read in flames, over the
nightly summer sky. This is the feeding and leading we have had of you: EMPTINESS,−−of pocket, of stomach,
of head, and of heart. Behold there is nothing in us; nothing but what Nature gives her wild children of the desert:
Ferocity and Appetite; Strength grounded on Hunger. Did ye mark among your Rights of Man, that man was not
to die of starvation, while there was bread reaped by him? It is among the Mights of Man.
Seventy−two Chateaus have flamed aloft in the Maconnais and Beaujolais alone: this seems the centre of the
conflagration; but it has spread over Dauphine, Alsace, the Lyonnais; the whole South−East is in a blaze. All over
the North, from Rouen to Metz, disorder is abroad: smugglers of salt go openly in armed bands: the barriers of
towns are burnt; toll−gatherers, tax−gatherers, official persons put to flight. 'It was thought,' says Young, 'the
people, from hunger, would revolt;' and we see they have done it. Desperate Lackalls, long prowling aimless, now
finding hope in desperation itself, everywhere form a nucleus. They ring the Church bell by way of tocsin: and the
Parish turns out to the work. (See Hist. Parl. ii. 243−6.) Ferocity, atrocity; hunger and revenge: such work as we
can imagine!
Ill stands it now with the Seigneur, who, for example, 'has walled up the only Fountain of the Township;' who has
ridden high on his chartier and parchments; who has preserved Game not wisely but too well. Churches also, and
Canonries, are sacked, without mercy; which have shorn the flock too close, forgetting to feed it. Wo to the land
over which Sansculottism, in its day of vengeance, tramps roughshod,−−shod in sabots! Highbred Seigneurs, with
their delicate women and little ones, had to 'fly half− naked,' under cloud of night; glad to escape the flames, and
even worse. You meet them at the tables−d'hote of inns; making wise reflections or foolish that 'rank is
destroyed;' uncertain whither they shall now wend. (See Young, i. 149, The metayer will find it convenient to be
slack in paying rent. As for the Tax−gatherer, he, long hunting as a biped of prey, may now get hunted as one; his
Majesty's Exchequer will not 'fill up the Deficit,' this season: it is the notion of many that a Patriot Majesty, being
the Restorer of French Liberty, has abolished most taxes, though, for their private ends, some men make a secret
of it.
Where this will end? In the Abyss, one may prophecy; whither all Delusions are, at all moments, travelling; where
this Delusion has now arrived. For if there be a Faith, from of old, it is this, as we often repeat, that no Lie can
live for ever. The very Truth has to change its vesture, from time to time; and be born again. But all Lies have
sentence of death written down against them, and Heaven's Chancery itself; and, slowly or fast, advance
incessantly towards their hour. 'The sign of a Grand Seigneur being landlord,' says the vehement plain−spoken
Arthur Young, 'are wastes, landes, deserts, ling: go to his residence, you will find it in the middle of a forest,
peopled with deer, wild boars and wolves. The fields are scenes of pitiable management, as the houses are of
misery. To see so many millions of hands, that would be industrious, all idle and starving: Oh, if I were legislator
of France, for one day, I would make these great lords skip again!' (Arthur Young, i. 12, 48, 84, O Arthur, thou
now actually beholdest them skip:−−wilt thou grow to grumble at that too?
For long years and generations it lasted, but the time came. Featherbrain, whom no reasoning and no pleading
could touch, the glare of the firebrand had to illuminate: there remained but that method. Consider it, look at it!
The widow is gathering nettles for her children's dinner; a perfumed Seigneur, delicately lounging in the
Oeil−de−Boeuf, has an alchemy whereby he will extract from her the third nettle, and name it Rent and Law: such
an arrangement must end. Ought it? But, O most fearful is such an ending! Let those, to whom God, in His great
mercy, has granted time and space, prepare another and milder one.
To women it is a matter of wonder that the Seigneurs did not do something to help themselves; say, combine, and
arm: for there were a 'hundred and fifty thousand of them,' all violent enough. Unhappily, a hundred and fifty
thousand, scattered over wide Provinces, divided by mutual ill−will, cannot combine. The highest Seigneurs, as
The French Revolution
95
The French Revolution
we have seen, had already emigrated,−−with a view of putting France to the blush. Neither are arms now the
peculiar property of Seigneurs; but of every mortal who has ten shillings, wherewith to buy a secondhand firelock.
Besides, those starving Peasants, after all, have not four feet and claws, that you could keep them down
permanently in that manner. They are not even of black colour; they are mere Unwashed Seigneurs; and a
Seigneur too has human bowels!−−The Seigneurs did what they could; enrolled in National Guards; fled, with
shrieks, complaining to Heaven and Earth. One Seigneur, famed Memmay of Quincey, near Vesoul, invited all
the rustics of his neighbourhood to a banquet; blew up his Chateau and them with gunpowder; and
instantaneously vanished, no man yet knows whither. (Hist. Parl. ii. 161.) Some half dozen years after, he came
back; and demonstrated that it was by accident.
Nor are the authorities idle: though unluckily, all Authorities, Municipalities and such like, are in the uncertain
transitionary state; getting regenerated from old Monarchic to new Democratic; no Official yet knows clearly
what he is. Nevertheless, Mayors old or new do gather Marechaussees, National Guards, Troops of the line;
justice, of the most summary sort, is not wanting. The Electoral Committee of Macon, though but a Committee,
goes the length of hanging, for its own behoof, as many as twenty. The Prevot of Dauphine traverses the country
'with a movable column,' with tipstaves, gallows−ropes; for gallows any tree will serve, and suspend its culprit, or
'thirteen' culprits.
Unhappy country! How is the fair gold−and−green of the ripe bright Year defaced with horrid blackness: black
ashes of Chateaus, black bodies of gibetted Men! Industry has ceased in it; not sounds of the hammer and saw, but
of the tocsin and alarm−drum. The sceptre has departed, whither one knows not;−−breaking itself in pieces: here
impotent, there tyrannous. National Guards are unskilful, and of doubtful purpose; Soldiers are inclined to
mutiny: there is danger that they two may quarrel, danger that they may agree. Strasburg has seen riots: a
Townhall torn to shreds, its archives scattered white on the winds; drunk soldiers embracing drunk citizens for
three days, and Mayor Dietrich and Marshal Rochambeau reduced nigh to desperation. (Arthur Young, i.
141.−−Dampmartin: Evenemens qui se sont passes sous mes yeux, i. 105−127.)
Through the middle of all which phenomena, is seen, on his triumphant transit, 'escorted,' through Befort for
instance, 'by fifty National Horsemen and all the military music of the place,'−−M. Necker, returning from Bale!
Glorious as the meridian; though poor Necker himself partly guesses whither it is leading. (Biographie
Universelle, para Necker (by Lally−Tollendal).) One highest culminating day, at the Paris Townhall; with
immortal vivats, with wife and daughter kneeling publicly to kiss his hand; with Besenval's pardon granted,−−but
indeed revoked before sunset: one highest day, but then lower days, and ever lower, down even to lowest! Such
magic is in a name; and in the want of a name. Like some enchanted Mambrino's Helmet, essential to victory,
comes this 'Saviour of France;' beshouted, becymballed by the world:−−alas, so soon, to be disenchanted, to be
pitched shamefully over the lists as a Barber's Bason! Gibbon 'could wish to shew him' (in this ejected,
Barber's−Bason state) to any man of solidity, who were minded to have the soul burnt out of him, and become a
caput mortuum, by Ambition, unsuccessful or successful. (Gibbon's Letters.)
Another small phasis we add, and no more: how, in the Autumn months, our sharp−tempered Arthur has been
'pestered for some days past,' by shot, lead−drops and slugs, 'rattling five or six times into my chaise and about
my ears;' all the mob of the country gone out to kill game! (Young, i. 176.) It is even so. On the Cliffs of Dover,
over all the Marches of France, there appear, this autumn, two Signs on the Earth: emigrant flights of French
Seigneurs; emigrant winged flights of French Game! Finished, one may say, or as good as finished, is the
Preservation of Game on this Earth; completed for endless Time. What part it had to play in the History of
Civilisation is played plaudite; exeat!
In this manner does Sansculottism blaze up, illustrating many things;−− producing, among the rest, as we saw, on
the Fourth of August, that semi− miraculous Night of Pentecost in the National Assembly; semi miraculous,
which had its causes, and its effects. Feudalism is struck dead; not on parchment only, and by ink; but in very fact,
The French Revolution
96
The French Revolution
by fire; say, by self− combustion. This conflagration of the South−East will abate; will be got scattered, to the
West, or elsewhither: extinguish it will not, till the fuel be all done.
Chapter 1.6.IV. In Queue.
If we look now at Paris, one thing is too evident: that the Baker's shops have got their Queues, or Tails; their long
strings of purchasers, arranged in tail, so that the first come be the first served,−−were the shop once open! This
waiting in tail, not seen since the early days of July, again makes its appearance in August. In time, we shall see it
perfected by practice to the rank almost of an art; and the art, or quasi−art, of standing in tail become one of the
characteristics of the Parisian People, distinguishing them from all other Peoples whatsoever.
But consider, while work itself is so scarce, how a man must not only realise money; but stand waiting (if his wife
is too weak to wait and struggle) for half days in the Tail, till he get it changed for dear bad bread! Controversies,
to the length, sometimes of blood and battery, must arise in these exasperated Queues. Or if no controversy, then
it is but one accordant Pange Lingua of complaint against the Powers that be. France has begun her long
Curriculum of Hungering, instructive and productive beyond Academic Curriculums; which extends over some
seven most strenuous years. As Jean Paul says, of his own Life, 'to a great height shall the business of Hungering
go.'
Or consider, in strange contrast, the jubilee Ceremonies; for, in general, the aspect of Paris presents these two
features: jubilee ceremonials and scarcity of victual. Processions enough walk in jubilee; of Young Women,
decked and dizened, their ribands all tricolor; moving with song and tabor, to the Shrine of Sainte Genevieve, to
thank her that the Bastille is down. The Strong Men of the Market, and the Strong Women, fail not with their
bouquets and speeches. Abbe Fauchet, famed in such work (for Abbe Lefevre could only distribute powder)
blesses tricolor cloth for the National Guard; and makes it a National Tricolor Flag; victorious, or to be victorious,
in the cause of civil and religious liberty all over the world. Fauchet, we say, is the man for Te−Deums, and public
Consecrations;−−to which, as in this instance of the Flag, our National Guard will 'reply with volleys of
musketry,' Church and Cathedral though it be; (See Hist. Parl. iii. 20; Mercier, Nouveau Paris, filling Notre Dame
with such noisiest fuliginous Amen, significant of several things.
On the whole, we will say our new Mayor Bailly; our new Commander Lafayette, named also
'Scipio−Americanus,' have bought their preferment dear. Bailly rides in gilt state−coach, with beefeaters and
sumptuosity; Camille Desmoulins, and others, sniffing at him for it: Scipio bestrides the 'white charger,' and
waves with civic plumes in sight of all France. Neither of them, however, does it for nothing; but, in truth, at an
exorbitant rate. At this rate, namely: of feeding Paris, and keeping it from fighting. Out of the City−funds, some
seventeen thousand of the utterly destitute are employed digging on Montmartre, at tenpence a day, which buys
them, at market price, almost two pounds of bad bread;−−they look very yellow, when Lafayette goes to harangue
them. The Townhall is in travail, night and day; it must bring forth Bread, a Municipal Constitution, regulations
of all kinds, curbs on the Sansculottic Press; above all, Bread, Bread.
Purveyors prowl the country far and wide, with the appetite of lions; detect hidden grain, purchase open grain; by
gentle means or forcible, must and will find grain. A most thankless task; and so difficult, so dangerous,−−even if
a man did gain some trifle by it! On the 19th August, there is food for one day. (See Bailly, Memoires, ii.
137−409.) Complaints there are that the food is spoiled, and produces an effect on the intestines: not corn but
plaster−of−Paris! Which effect on the intestines, as well as that 'smarting in the throat and palate,' a Townhall
Proclamation warns you to disregard, or even to consider as drastic− beneficial. The Mayor of Saint−Denis, so
black was his bread, has, by a dyspeptic populace, been hanged on the Lanterne there. National Guards protect the
Paris Corn−Market: first ten suffice; then six hundred. (Hist. Parl. ii. 421.) Busy are ye, Bailly, Brissot de
Warville, Condorcet, and ye others!
The French Revolution
97
The French Revolution
For, as just hinted, there is a Municipal Constitution to be made too. The old Bastille Electors, after some ten days
of psalmodying over their glorious victory, began to hear it asked, in a splenetic tone, Who put you there? They
accordingly had to give place, not without moanings, and audible growlings on both sides, to a new larger Body,
specially elected for that post. Which new Body, augmented, altered, then fixed finally at the number of Three
Hundred, with the title of Town Representatives (Representans de la Commune), now sits there; rightly portioned
into Committees; assiduous making a Constitution; at all moments when not seeking flour.
And such a Constitution; little short of miraculous: one that shall 'consolidate the Revolution'! The Revolution is
finished, then? Mayor Bailly and all respectable friends of Freedom would fain think so. Your Revolution, like
jelly sufficiently boiled, needs only to be poured into shapes, of Constitution, and 'consolidated' therein? Could it,
indeed, contrive to cool; which last, however, is precisely the doubtful thing, or even the not doubtful!
Unhappy friends of Freedom; consolidating a Revolution! They must sit at work there, their pavilion spread on
very Chaos; between two hostile worlds, the Upper Court−world, the Nether Sansculottic one; and, beaten on by
both, toil painfully, perilously,−−doing, in sad literal earnest, 'the impossible.'
Chapter 1.6.V. The Fourth Estate.
Pamphleteering opens its abysmal throat wider and wider: never to close more. Our Philosophes, indeed, rather
withdraw; after the manner of Marmontel, 'retiring in disgust the first day.' Abbe Raynal, grown gray and quiet in
his Marseilles domicile, is little content with this work; the last literary act of the man will again be an act of
rebellion: an indignant Letter to the Constituent Assembly; answered by 'the order of the day.' Thus also
Philosophe Morellet puckers discontented brows; being indeed threatened in his benefices by that Fourth of
August: it is clearly going too far. How astonishing that those 'haggard figures in woollen jupes' would not rest as
satisfied with Speculation, and victorious Analysis, as we!
Alas, yes: Speculation, Philosophism, once the ornament and wealth of the saloon, will now coin itself into mere
Practical Propositions, and circulate on street and highway, universally; with results! A Fourth Estate, of Able
Editors, springs up; increases and multiplies; irrepressible, incalculable. New Printers, new Journals, and ever new
(so prurient is the world), let our Three Hundred curb and consolidate as they can! Loustalot, under the wing of
Prudhomme dull−blustering Printer, edits weekly his Revolutions de Paris; in an acrid, emphatic manner. Acrid,
corrosive, as the spirit of sloes and copperas, is Marat, Friend of the People; struck already with the fact that the
National Assembly, so full of Aristocrats, 'can do nothing,' except dissolve itself, and make way for a better; that
the Townhall Representatives are little other than babblers and imbeciles, if not even knaves. Poor is this man;
squalid, and dwells in garrets; a man unlovely to the sense, outward and inward; a man forbid;− −and is becoming
fanatical, possessed with fixed−idea. Cruel lusus of Nature! Did Nature, O poor Marat, as in cruel sport, knead
thee out of her leavings, and miscellaneous waste clay; and fling thee forth stepdamelike, a Distraction into this
distracted Eighteenth Century? Work is appointed thee there; which thou shalt do. The Three Hundred have
summoned and will again summon Marat: but always he croaks forth answer sufficient; always he will defy them,
or elude them; and endure no gag.
Carra, 'Ex−secretary of a decapitated Hospodar,' and then of a Necklace− Cardinal; likewise pamphleteer,
Adventurer in many scenes and lands,−−draws nigh to Mercier, of the Tableau de Paris; and, with foam on his
lips, proposes an Annales Patriotiques. The Moniteur goes its prosperous way; Barrere 'weeps,' on Paper as yet
loyal; Rivarol, Royou are not idle. Deep calls to deep: your Domine Salvum Fac Regem shall awaken Pange
Lingua; with an Ami−du−Peuple there is a King's−Friend Newspaper, Ami−du−Roi. Camille Desmoulins has
appointed himself Procureur−General de la Lanterne, Attorney−General of the Lamp−iron; and pleads, not with
atrocity, under an atrocious title; editing weekly his brilliant Revolutions of Paris and Brabant. Brilliant, we say:
for if, in that thick murk of Journalism, with its dull blustering, with its fixed or loose fury, any ray of genius greet
thee, be sure it is Camille's. The thing that Camille teaches he, with his light finger, adorns: brightness plays,
gentle, unexpected, amid horrible confusions; often is the word of Camille worth reading, when no other's is.
The French Revolution
98
The French Revolution
Questionable Camille, how thou glitterest with a fallen, rebellious, yet still semi−celestial light; as is the star−light
on the brow of Lucifer! Son of the Morning, into what times and what lands, art thou fallen!
But in all things is good;−−though not good for 'consolidating Revolutions.' Thousand wagon−loads of this
Pamphleteering and Newspaper matter, lie rotting slowly in the Public Libraries of our Europe. Snatched from the
great gulf, like oysters by bibliomaniac pearl−divers, there must they first rot, then what was pearl, in Camille or
others, may be seen as such, and continue as such.
Nor has public speaking declined, though Lafayette and his Patrols look sour on it. Loud always is the Palais
Royal, loudest the Cafe de Foy; such a miscellany of Citizens and Citizenesses circulating there. 'Now and then,'
according to Camille, 'some Citizens employ the liberty of the press for a private purpose; so that this or the other
Patriot finds himself short of his watch or pocket−handkerchief!' But, for the rest, in Camille's opinion, nothing
can be a livelier image of the Roman Forum. 'A Patriot proposes his motion; if it finds any supporters, they make
him mount on a chair, and speak. If he is applauded, he prospers and redacts; if he is hissed, he goes his ways.'
Thus they, circulating and perorating. Tall shaggy Marquis Saint−Huruge, a man that has had losses, and has
deserved them, is seen eminent, and also heard. 'Bellowing' is the character of his voice, like that of a Bull of
Bashan; voice which drowns all voices, which causes frequently the hearts of men to leap. Cracked or
half−cracked is this tall Marquis's head; uncracked are his lungs; the cracked and the uncracked shall alike avail
him.
Consider further that each of the Forty−eight Districts has its own Committee; speaking and motioning
continually; aiding in the search for grain, in the search for a Constitution; checking and spurring the poor Three
Hundred of the Townhall. That Danton, with a 'voice reverberating from the domes,' is President of the Cordeliers
District; which has already become a Goshen of Patriotism. That apart from the 'seventeen thousand utterly
necessitous, digging on Montmartre,' most of whom, indeed, have got passes, and been dismissed into Space 'with
four shillings,'−−there is a strike, or union, of Domestics out of place; who assemble for public speaking: next, a
strike of Tailors, for even they will strike and speak; further, a strike of Journeymen Cordwainers; a strike of
Apothecaries: so dear is bread. (Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 359, 417, 423.) All these, having struck, must speak;
generally under the open canopy; and pass resolutions;−−Lafayette and his Patrols watching them suspiciously
from the distance.
Unhappy mortals: such tugging and lugging, and throttling of one another, to divide, in some not intolerable way,
the joint Felicity of man in this Earth; when the whole lot to be divided is such a 'feast of shells!'−− Diligent are
the Three Hundred; none equals Scipio Americanus in dealing with mobs. But surely all these things bode ill for
the consolidating of a Revolution.
BOOK VII. THE INSURRECTION OF WOMEN
Chapter 1.7.I. Patrollotism.
No, Friends, this Revolution is not of the consolidating kind. Do not fires, fevers, sown seeds, chemical mixtures,
men, events; all embodiments of Force that work in this miraculous Complex of Forces, named Universe,−− go
on growing, through their natural phases and developments, each according to its kind; reach their height, reach
their visible decline; finally sink under, vanishing, and what we call die? They all grow; there is nothing but what
grows, and shoots forth into its special expansion,−− once give it leave to spring. Observe too that each grows
with a rapidity proportioned, in general, to the madness and unhealthiness there is in it: slow regular growth,
though this also ends in death, is what we name health and sanity.
A Sansculottism, which has prostrated Bastilles, which has got pike and musket, and now goes burning Chateaus,
passing resolutions and haranguing under roof and sky, may be said to have sprung; and, by law of Nature, must
grow. To judge by the madness and diseasedness both of itself, and of the soil and element it is in, one might
The French Revolution
99
The French Revolution
expect the rapidity and monstrosity would be extreme.
Many things too, especially all diseased things, grow by shoots and fits. The first grand fit and shooting forth of
Sansculottism with that of Paris conquering its King; for Bailly's figure of rhetoric was all−too sad a reality. The
King is conquered; going at large on his parole; on condition, say, of absolutely good behaviour,−−which, in these
circumstances, will unhappily mean no behaviour whatever. A quite untenable position, that of Majesty put on its
good behaviour! Alas, is it not natural that whatever lives try to keep itself living? Whereupon his Majesty's
behaviour will soon become exceptionable; and so the Second grand Fit of Sansculottism, that of putting him in
durance, cannot be distant.
Necker, in the National Assembly, is making moan, as usual about his Deficit: Barriers and Customhouses burnt;
the Tax−gatherer hunted, not hunting; his Majesty's Exchequer all but empty. The remedy is a Loan of thirty
millions; then, on still more enticing terms, a Loan of eighty millions: neither of which Loans, unhappily, will the
Stockjobbers venture to lend. The Stockjobber has no country, except his own black pool of Agio.
And yet, in those days, for men that have a country, what a glow of patriotism burns in many a heart; penetrating
inwards to the very purse! So early as the 7th of August, a Don Patriotique, 'a Patriotic Gift of jewels to a
considerable extent,' has been solemnly made by certain Parisian women; and solemnly accepted, with honourable
mention. Whom forthwith all the world takes to imitating and emulating. Patriotic Gifts, always with some heroic
eloquence, which the President must answer and the Assembly listen to, flow in from far and near: in such
number that the honourable mention can only be performed in 'lists published at stated epochs.' Each gives what
he can: the very cordwainers have behaved munificently; one landed proprietor gives a forest; fashionable society
gives its shoebuckles, takes cheerfully to shoe−ties. Unfortunate females give what they 'have amassed in loving.'
(Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 427.) The smell of all cash, as Vespasian thought, is good.
Beautiful, and yet inadequate! The Clergy must be 'invited' to melt their superfluous Church−plate,−−in the Royal
Mint. Nay finally, a Patriotic Contribution, of the forcible sort, must be determined on, though unwillingly: let the
fourth part of your declared yearly revenue, for this once only, be paid down; so shall a National Assembly make
the Constitution, undistracted at least by insolvency. Their own wages, as settled on the 17th of August, are but
Eighteen Francs a day, each man; but the Public Service must have sinews, must have money. To appease the
Deficit; not to 'combler, or choke the Deficit,' if you or mortal could! For withal, as Mirabeau was heard saying,
"it is the Deficit that saves us."
Towards the end of August, our National Assembly in its constitutional labours, has got so far as the question of
Veto: shall Majesty have a Veto on the National Enactments; or not have a Veto? What speeches were spoken,
within doors and without; clear, and also passionate logic; imprecations, comminations; gone happily, for most
part, to Limbo! Through the cracked brain, and uncracked lungs of Saint−Huruge, the Palais Royal rebellows with
Veto. Journalism is busy, France rings with Veto. 'I shall never forget,' says Dumont, 'my going to Paris, one of
these days, with Mirabeau; and the crowd of people we found waiting for his carriage, about Le Jay the
Bookseller's shop. They flung themselves before him; conjuring him with tears in their eyes not to suffer the Veto
Absolu. They were in a frenzy: "Monsieur le Comte, you are the people's father; you must save us; you must
defend us against those villains who are bringing back Despotism. If the King get this Veto, what is the use of
National Assembly? We are slaves, all is done."' (Souvenirs sur Mirabeau, p. 156.) Friends, if the sky fall, there
will be catching of larks! Mirabeau, adds Dumont, was eminent on such occasions: he answered vaguely, with a
Patrician imperturbability, and bound himself to nothing.
Deputations go to the Hotel−de−Ville; anonymous Letters to Aristocrats in the National Assembly, threatening
that fifteen thousand, or sometimes that sixty thousand, 'will march to illuminate you.' The Paris Districts are astir;
Petitions signing: Saint−Huruge sets forth from the Palais Royal, with an escort of fifteen hundred individuals, to
petition in person. Resolute, or seemingly so, is the tall shaggy Marquis, is the Cafe de Foy: but resolute also is
Commandant−General Lafayette. The streets are all beset by Patrols: Saint−Huruge is stopped at the Barriere des
The French Revolution
100
The French Revolution
Bon Hommes; he may bellow like the bulls of Bashan; but absolutely must return. The brethren of the Palais
Royal 'circulate all night,' and make motions, under the open canopy; all Coffee−houses being shut. Nevertheless
Lafayette and the Townhall do prevail: Saint−Huruge is thrown into prison; Veto Absolu adjusts itself into
Suspensive Veto, prohibition not forever, but for a term of time; and this doom's−clamour will grow silent, as the
others have done.
So far has Consolidation prospered, though with difficulty; repressing the Nether Sansculottic world; and the
Constitution shall be made. With difficulty: amid jubilee and scarcity; Patriotic Gifts, Bakers'−queues;
Abbe−Fauchet Harangues, with their Amen of platoon−musketry! Scipio Americanus has deserved thanks from
the National Assembly and France. They offer him stipends and emoluments, to a handsome extent; all which
stipends and emoluments he, covetous of far other blessedness than mere money, does, in his chivalrous way,
without scruple, refuse.
To the Parisian common man, meanwhile, one thing remains inconceivable: that now when the Bastille is down,
and French Liberty restored, grain should continue so dear. Our Rights of Man are voted, Feudalism and all
Tyranny abolished; yet behold we stand in queue! Is it Aristocrat forestallers; a Court still bent on intrigues?
Something is rotten, somewhere.
And yet, alas, what to do? Lafayette, with his Patrols prohibits every thing, even complaint. Saint−Huruge and
other heroes of the Veto lie in durance. People's−Friend Marat was seized; Printers of Patriotic Journals are
fettered and forbidden; the very Hawkers cannot cry, till they get license, and leaden badges. Blue National
Guards ruthlessly dissipate all groups; scour, with levelled bayonets, the Palais Royal itself. Pass, on your affairs,
along the Rue Taranne, the Patrol, presenting his bayonet, cries, To the left! Turn into the Rue Saint−Benoit, he
cries, To the right! A judicious Patriot (like Camille Desmoulins, in this instance) is driven, for quietness's sake,
to take the gutter.
O much−suffering People, our glorious Revolution is evaporating in tricolor ceremonies, and complimentary
harangues! Of which latter, as Loustalot acridly calculates, 'upwards of two thousand have been delivered within
the last month, at the Townhall alone.' (Revolutions de Paris Newspaper (cited in Histoire Parlementaire, ii. 357).)
And our mouths, unfilled with bread, are to be shut, under penalties? The Caricaturist promulgates his emblematic
Tablature: Le Patrouillotisme chassant le Patriotisme, Patriotism driven out by Patrollotism. Ruthless Patrols; long
superfine harangues; and scanty ill−baked loaves, more like baked Bath bricks,−−which produce an effect on the
intestines! Where will this end? In consolidation?
Chapter 1.7.II. O Richard, O my King.
For, alas, neither is the Townhall itself without misgivings. The Nether Sansculottic world has been suppressed
hitherto: but then the Upper Court− world! Symptoms there are that the Oeil−de−Boeuf is rallying.
More than once in the Townhall Sanhedrim; often enough, from those outspoken Bakers'−queues, has the wish
uttered itself: O that our Restorer of French Liberty were here; that he could see with his own eyes, not with the
false eyes of Queens and Cabals, and his really good heart be enlightened! For falsehood still environs him;
intriguing Dukes de Guiche, with Bodyguards; scouts of Bouille; a new flight of intriguers, now that the old is
flown. What else means this advent of the Regiment de Flandre; entering Versailles, as we hear, on the 23rd of
September, with two pieces of cannon? Did not the Versailles National Guard do duty at the Chateau? Had they
not Swiss; Hundred Swiss; Gardes−du−Corps, Bodyguards so−called? Nay, it would seem, the number of
Bodyguards on duty has, by a manoeuvre, been doubled: the new relieving Battalion of them arrived at its time;
but the old relieved one does not depart!
Actually, there runs a whisper through the best informed Upper−Circles, or a nod still more potentous than
whispering, of his Majesty's flying to Metz; of a Bond (to stand by him therein) which has been signed by
The French Revolution
101
The French Revolution
Noblesse and Clergy, to the incredible amount of thirty, or even of sixty thousand. Lafayette coldly whispers it,
and coldly asseverates it, to Count d'Estaing at the Dinner−table; and d'Estaing, one of the bravest men, quakes to
the core lest some lackey overhear it; and tumbles thoughtful, without sleep, all night. (Brouillon de Lettre de M.
d'Estaing a la Reine (in Histoire Parlementaire, iii. 24.) Regiment Flandre, as we said, is clearly arrived. His
Majesty, they say, hesitates about sanctioning the Fourth of August; makes observations, of chilling tenor, on the
very Rights of Man! Likewise, may not all persons, the Bakers'−queues themselves discern on the streets of Paris,
the most astonishing number of Officers on furlough, Crosses of St. Louis, and such like? Some reckon 'from a
thousand to twelve hundred.' Officers of all uniforms; nay one uniform never before seen by eye: green faced with
red! The tricolor cockade is not always visible: but what, in the name of Heaven, may these black cockades,
which some wear, foreshadow?
Hunger whets everything, especially Suspicion and Indignation. Realities themselves, in this Paris, have grown
unreal: preternatural. Phantasms once more stalk through the brain of hungry France. O ye laggards and dastards,
cry shrill voices from the Queues, if ye had the hearts of men, ye would take your pikes and secondhand firelocks,
and look into it; not leave your wives and daughters to be starved, murdered, and worse!−−Peace, women! The
heart of man is bitter and heavy; Patriotism, driven out by Patrollotism, knows not what to resolve on.
The truth is, the Oeil−de−Boeuf has rallied; to a certain unknown extent. A changed Oeil−de−Boeuf; with
Versailles National Guards, in their tricolor cockades, doing duty there; a Court all flaring with tricolor! Yet even
to a tricolor Court men will rally. Ye loyal hearts, burnt−out Seigneurs, rally round your Queen! With wishes;
which will produce hopes; which will produce attempts!
For indeed self−preservation being such a law of Nature, what can a rallied Court do, but attempt and endeavour,
or call it plot,−−with such wisdom and unwisdom as it has? They will fly, escorted, to Metz, where brave Bouille
commands; they will raise the Royal Standard: the Bond−signatures shall become armed men. Were not the King
so languid! Their Bond, if at all signed, must be signed without his privity.−−Unhappy King, he has but one
resolution: not to have a civil war. For the rest, he still hunts, having ceased lockmaking; he still dozes, and
digests; is clay in the hands of the potter. Ill will it fare with him, in a world where all is helping itself; where, as
has been written, 'whosoever is not hammer must be stithy;' and 'the very hyssop on the wall grows there, in that
chink, because the whole Universe could not prevent its growing!'
But as for the coming up of this Regiment de Flandre, may it not be urged that there were Saint−Huruge Petitions,
and continual meal−mobs? Undebauched Soldiers, be there plot, or only dim elements of a plot, are always good.
Did not the Versailles Municipality (an old Monarchic one, not yet refounded into a Democratic) instantly second
the proposal? Nay the very Versailles National Guard, wearied with continual duty at the Chateau, did not object;
only Draper Lecointre, who is now Major Lecointre, shook his head.−−Yes, Friends, surely it was natural this
Regiment de Flandre should be sent for, since it could be got. It was natural that, at sight of military bandoleers,
the heart of the rallied Oeil−de−Boeuf should revive; and Maids of Honour, and gentlemen of honour, speak
comfortable words to epauletted defenders, and to one another. Natural also, and mere common civility, that the
Bodyguards, a Regiment of Gentlemen, should invite their Flandre brethren to a Dinner of welcome!−−Such
invitation, in the last days of September, is given and accepted.
Dinners are defined as 'the ultimate act of communion;' men that can have communion in nothing else, can
sympathetically eat together, can still rise into some glow of brotherhood over food and wine. The dinner is fixed
on, for Thursday the First of October; and ought to have a fine effect. Further, as such Dinner may be rather
extensive, and even the Noncommissioned and the Common man be introduced, to see and to hear, could not His
Majesty's Opera Apartment, which has lain quite silent ever since Kaiser Joseph was here, be obtained for the
purpose?−−The Hall of the Opera is granted; the Salon d'Hercule shall be drawingroom. Not only the Officers of
Flandre, but of the Swiss, of the Hundred Swiss, nay of the Versailles National Guard, such of them as have any
loyalty, shall feast: it will be a Repast like few.
The French Revolution
102
The French Revolution
And now suppose this Repast, the solid part of it, transacted; and the first bottle over. Suppose the customary
loyal toasts drunk; the King's health, the Queen's with deafening vivats;−−that of the Nation 'omitted,' or even
'rejected.' Suppose champagne flowing; with pot−valorous speech, with instrumental music; empty feathered
heads growing ever the noisier, in their own emptiness, in each other's noise! Her Majesty, who looks unusually
sad to−night (his Majesty sitting dulled with the day's hunting), is told that the sight of it would cheer her. Behold!
She enters there, issuing from her State−rooms, like the Moon from the clouds, this fairest unhappy Queen of
Hearts; royal Husband by her side, young Dauphin in her arms! She descends from the Boxes, amid splendour
and acclaim; walks queen−like, round the Tables; gracefully escorted, gracefully nodding; her looks full of
sorrow, yet of gratitude and daring, with the hope of France on her mother−bosom! And now, the band striking
up, O Richard, O mon Roi, l'univers t'abandonne (O Richard, O my King, and world is all forsaking thee)−−could
man do other than rise to height of pity, of loyal valour? Could featherheaded young ensigns do other than, by
white Bourbon Cockades, handed them from fair fingers; by waving of swords, drawn to pledge the Queen's
health; by trampling of National Cockades; by scaling the Boxes, whence intrusive murmurs may come; by
vociferation, tripudiation, sound, fury and distraction, within doors and without,−−testify what tempest−tost state
of vacuity they are in? Till champagne and tripudiation do their work; and all lie silent, horizontal; passively
slumbering, with meed−of− battle dreams!−−
A natural Repast, in ordinary times, a harmless one: now fatal, as that of Thyestes; as that of Job's Sons, when a
strong wind smote the four corners of their banquet−house! Poor ill−advised Marie−Antoinette; with a woman's
vehemence, not with a sovereign's foresight! It was so natural, yet so unwise. Next day, in public speech of
ceremony, her Majesty declares herself 'delighted with the Thursday.'
The heart of the Oeil−de−Boeuf glows into hope; into daring, which is premature. Rallied Maids of Honour,
waited on by Abbes, sew 'white cockades;' distribute them, with words, with glances, to epauletted youths; who in
return, may kiss, not without fervour, the fair sewing fingers. Captains of horse and foot go swashing with
'enormous white cockades;' nay one Versailles National Captain had mounted the like, so witching were the
words and glances; and laid aside his tricolor! Well may Major Lecointre shake his head with a look of severity;
and speak audible resentful words. But now a swashbuckler, with enormous white cockade, overhearing the
Major, invites him insolently, once and then again elsewhere, to recant; and failing that, to duel. Which latter feat
Major Lecointre declares that he will not perform, not at least by any known laws of fence; that he nevertheless
will, according to mere law of Nature, by dirk and blade, 'exterminate' any 'vile gladiator,' who may insult him or
the Nation;−− whereupon (for the Major is actually drawing his implement) 'they are parted,' and no weasands
slit. (Moniteur (in Histoire Parlementaire, iii. 59); Deux Amis (iii. 128−141); Campan (ii. 70−85),
Chapter 1.7.III. Black Cockades.
But fancy what effect this Thyestes Repast and trampling on the National Cockade, must have had in the Salle des
Menus; in the famishing Bakers'− queues at Paris! Nay such Thyestes Repasts, it would seem, continue. Flandre
has given its Counter−Dinner to the Swiss and Hundred Swiss; then on Saturday there has been another.
Yes, here with us is famine; but yonder at Versailles is food; enough and to spare! Patriotism stands in queue,
shivering hungerstruck, insulted by Patrollotism; while bloodyminded Aristocrats, heated with excess of high
living, trample on the National Cockade. Can the atrocity be true? Nay, look: green uniforms faced with red;
black cockades,−−the colour of Night! Are we to have military onfall; and death also by starvation? For behold
the Corbeil Cornboat, which used to come twice a−day, with its Plaster−of− Paris meal, now comes only once.
And the Townhall is deaf; and the men are laggard and dastard!−−At the Cafe de Foy, this Saturday evening, a
new thing is seen, not the last of its kind: a woman engaged in public speaking. Her poor man, she says, was put
to silence by his District; their Presidents and Officials would not let him speak. Wherefore she here with her
shrill tongue will speak; denouncing, while her breath endures, the Corbeil−Boat, the Plaster−of−Paris bread,
sacrilegious Opera−dinners, green uniforms, Pirate Aristocrats, and those black cockades of theirs!−−
The French Revolution
103
The French Revolution
Truly, it is time for the black cockades at least, to vanish. Them Patrollotism itself will not protect. Nay,
sharp−tempered 'M. Tassin,' at the Tuileries parade on Sunday morning, forgets all National military rule; starts
from the ranks, wrenches down one black cockade which is swashing ominous there; and tramples it fiercely into
the soil of France. Patrollotism itself is not without suppressed fury. Also the Districts begin to stir; the voice of
President Danton reverberates in the Cordeliers: People's−Friend Marat has flown to Versailles and back again;−
−swart bird, not of the halcyon kind! (Camille's Newspaper, Revolutions de Paris et de Brabant (in Histoire
Parlementaire, iii. 108.)
And so Patriot meets promenading Patriot, this Sunday; and sees his own grim care reflected on the face of
another. Groups, in spite of Patrollotism, which is not so alert as usual, fluctuate deliberative: groups on the
Bridges, on the Quais, at the patriotic Cafes. And ever as any black cockade may emerge, rises the many−voiced
growl and bark: A bas, Down! All black cockades are ruthlessly plucked off: one individual picks his up again;
kisses it, attempts to refix it; but a 'hundred canes start into the air,' and he desists. Still worse went it with another
individual; doomed, by extempore Plebiscitum, to the Lanterne; saved, with difficulty, by some active
Corps−de−Garde.−−Lafayette sees signs of an effervescence; which he doubles his Patrols, doubles his diligence,
to prevent. So passes Sunday, the 4th of October 1789.
Sullen is the male heart, repressed by Patrollotism; vehement is the female, irrepressible. The public−speaking
woman at the Palais Royal was not the only speaking one:−−Men know not what the pantry is, when it grows
empty, only house−mothers know. O women, wives of men that will only calculate and not act! Patrollotism is
strong; but Death, by starvation and military onfall, is stronger. Patrollotism represses male Patriotism: but female
Patriotism? Will Guards named National thrust their bayonets into the bosoms of women? Such thought, or rather
such dim unshaped raw− material of a thought, ferments universally under the female night−cap; and, by earliest
daybreak, on slight hint, will explode.
Chapter 1.7.IV. The Menads.
If Voltaire once, in splenetic humour, asked his countrymen: "But you, Gualches, what have you invented?" they
can now answer: The Art of Insurrection. It was an art needed in these last singular times: an art, for which the
French nature, so full of vehemence, so free from depth, was perhaps of all others the fittest.
Accordingly, to what a height, one may well say of perfection, has this branch of human industry been carried by
France, within the last half− century! Insurrection, which, Lafayette thought, might be 'the most sacred of duties,'
ranks now, for the French people, among the duties which they can perform. Other mobs are dull masses; which
roll onwards with a dull fierce tenacity, a dull fierce heat, but emit no light−flashes of genius as they go. The
French mob, again, is among the liveliest phenomena of our world. So rapid, audacious; so clear−sighted,
inventive, prompt to seize the moment; instinct with life to its finger−ends! That talent, were there no other, of
spontaneously standing in queue, distinguishes, as we said, the French People from all Peoples, ancient and
modern.
Let the Reader confess too that, taking one thing with another, perhaps few terrestrial Appearances are better
worth considering than mobs. Your mob is a genuine outburst of Nature; issuing from, or communicating with,
the deepest deep of Nature. When so much goes grinning and grimacing as a lifeless Formality, and under the stiff
buckram no heart can be felt beating, here once more, if nowhere else, is a Sincerity and Reality. Shudder at it; or
even shriek over it, if thou must; nevertheless consider it. Such a Complex of human Forces and Individualities
hurled forth, in their transcendental mood, to act and react, on circumstances and on one another; to work out
what it is in them to work. The thing they will do is known to no man; least of all to themselves. It is the
inflammablest immeasurable Fire−work, generating, consuming itself. With what phases, to what extent, with
what results it will burn off, Philosophy and Perspicacity conjecture in vain.
The French Revolution
104
The French Revolution
'Man,' as has been written, 'is for ever interesting to man; nay properly there is nothing else interesting.' In which
light also, may we not discern why most Battles have become so wearisome? Battles, in these ages, are transacted
by mechanism; with the slightest possible developement of human individuality or spontaneity: men now even
die, and kill one another, in an artificial manner. Battles ever since Homer's time, when they were Fighting Mobs,
have mostly ceased to be worth looking at, worth reading of, or remembering. How many wearisome bloody
Battles does History strive to represent; or even, in a husky way, to sing:−−and she would omit or carelessly
slur−over this one Insurrection of Women?
A thought, or dim raw−material of a thought, was fermenting all night, universally in the female head, and might
explode. In squalid garret, on Monday morning, Maternity awakes, to hear children weeping for bread. Maternity
must forth to the streets, to the herb−markets and Bakers'−− queues; meets there with hunger−stricken Maternity,
sympathetic, exasperative. O we unhappy women! But, instead of Bakers'−queues, why not to Aristocrats'
palaces, the root of the matter? Allons! Let us assemble. To the Hotel−de−Ville; to Versailles; to the Lanterne!
In one of the Guardhouses of the Quartier Saint−Eustache, 'a young woman' seizes a drum,−−for how shall
National Guards give fire on women, on a young woman? The young woman seizes the drum; sets forth, beating
it, 'uttering cries relative to the dearth of grains.' Descend, O mothers; descend, ye Judiths, to food and
revenge!−−All women gather and go; crowds storm all stairs, force out all women: the female Insurrectionary
Force, according to Camille, resembles the English Naval one; there is a universal 'Press of women.' Robust
Dames of the Halle, slim Mantua−makers, assiduous, risen with the dawn; ancient Virginity tripping to matins;
the Housemaid, with early broom; all must go. Rouse ye, O women; the laggard men will not act; they say, we
ourselves may act!
And so, like snowbreak from the mountains, for every staircase is a melted brook, it storms; tumultuous,
wild−shrilling, towards the Hotel−de−Ville. Tumultuous, with or without drum−music: for the Faubourg
Saint−Antoine also has tucked up its gown; and, with besom−staves, fire−irons, and even rusty pistols (void of
ammunition), is flowing on. Sound of it flies, with a velocity of sound, to the outmost Barriers. By seven o'clock,
on this raw October morning, fifth of the month, the Townhall will see wonders. Nay, as chance would have it, a
male party are already there; clustering tumultuously round some National Patrol, and a Baker who has been
seized with short weights. They are there; and have even lowered the rope of the Lanterne. So that the official
persons have to smuggle forth the short− weighing Baker by back doors, and even send 'to all the Districts' for
more force.
Grand it was, says Camille, to see so many Judiths, from eight to ten thousand of them in all, rushing out to search
into the root of the matter! Not unfrightful it must have been; ludicro−terrific, and most unmanageable. At such
hour the overwatched Three Hundred are not yet stirring: none but some Clerks, a company of National Guards;
and M. de Gouvion, the Major− general. Gouvion has fought in America for the cause of civil Liberty; a man of
no inconsiderable heart, but deficient in head. He is, for the moment, in his back apartment; assuaging Usher
Maillard, the Bastille− serjeant, who has come, as too many do, with 'representations.' The assuagement is still
incomplete when our Judiths arrive.
The National Guards form on the outer stairs, with levelled bayonets; the ten thousand Judiths press up, resistless;
with obtestations, with outspread hands,−−merely to speak to the Mayor. The rear forces them; nay, from male
hands in the rear, stones already fly: the National Guards must do one of two things; sweep the Place de Greve
with cannon, or else open to right and left. They open; the living deluge rushes in. Through all rooms and
cabinets, upwards to the topmost belfry: ravenous; seeking arms, seeking Mayors, seeking justice;−−while, again,
the better−cressed (dressed?) speak kindly to the Clerks; point out the misery of these poor women; also their
ailments, some even of an interesting sort. (Deux Amis, iii. 141−166.)
Poor M. de Gouvion is shiftless in this extremity;−−a man shiftless, perturbed; who will one day commit suicide.
How happy for him that Usher Maillard, the shifty, was there, at the moment, though making representations! Fly
The French Revolution
105
The French Revolution
back, thou shifty Maillard; seek the Bastille Company; and O return fast with it; above all, with thy own shifty
head! For, behold, the Judiths can find no Mayor or Municipal; scarcely, in the topmost belfry, can they find poor
Abbe Lefevre the Powder−distributor. Him, for want of a better, they suspend there; in the pale morning light;
over the top of all Paris, which swims in one's failing eyes:−−a horrible end? Nay, the rope broke, as French ropes
often did; or else an Amazon cut it. Abbe Lefevre falls, some twenty feet, rattling among the leads; and lives long
years after, though always with 'a tremblement in the limbs.' (Dusaulx, Prise de la Bastille (note, p. 281.).)
And now doors fly under hatchets; the Judiths have broken the Armoury; have seized guns and cannons, three
money−bags, paper−heaps; torches flare: in few minutes, our brave Hotel−de−Ville which dates from the Fourth
Henry, will, with all that it holds, be in flames!
Chapter 1.7.V. Usher Maillard.
In flames, truly,−−were it not that Usher Maillard, swift of foot, shifty of head, has returned!
Maillard, of his own motion, for Gouvion or the rest would not even sanction him,−−snatches a drum; descends
the Porch−stairs, ran−tan, beating sharp, with loud rolls, his Rogues'−march: To Versailles! Allons; a Versailles!
As men beat on kettle or warmingpan, when angry she−bees, or say, flying desperate wasps, are to be hived; and
the desperate insects hear it, and cluster round it,−−simply as round a guidance, where there was none: so now
these Menads round shifty Maillard, Riding−Usher of the Chatelet. The axe pauses uplifted; Abbe Lefevre is left
half−hanged; from the belfry downwards all vomits itself. What rub−a−dub is that? Stanislas Maillard,
Bastille−hero, will lead us to Versailles? Joy to thee, Maillard; blessed art thou above Riding−Ushers! Away then,
away!
The seized cannon are yoked with seized cart−horses: brown−locked Demoiselle Theroigne, with pike and
helmet, sits there as gunneress, 'with haughty eye and serene fair countenance;' comparable, some think, to the
Maid of Orleans, or even recalling 'the idea of Pallas Athene.' (Deux Amis, iii. 157.) Maillard (for his drum still
rolls) is, by heaven−rending acclamation, admitted General. Maillard hastens the languid march. Maillard, beating
rhythmic, with sharp ran−tan, all along the Quais, leads forward, with difficulty his Menadic host. Such a
host−−marched not in silence! The bargeman pauses on the River; all wagoners and coachdrivers fly; men peer
from windows,−−not women, lest they be pressed. Sight of sights: Bacchantes, in these ultimate Formalized
Ages! Bronze Henri looks on, from his Pont−Neuf; the Monarchic Louvre, Medicean Tuileries see a day not
theretofore seen.
And now Maillard has his Menads in the Champs Elysees (Fields Tartarean rather); and the Hotel−de−Ville has
suffered comparatively nothing. Broken doors; an Abbe Lefevre, who shall never more distribute powder; three
sacks of money, most part of which (for Sansculottism, though famishing, is not without honour) shall be
returned: (Hist. Parl. iii. 310.) this is all the damage. Great Maillard! A small nucleus of Order is round his drum;
but his outskirts fluctuate like the mad Ocean: for Rascality male and female is flowing in on him, from the four
winds; guidance there is none but in his single head and two drumsticks.
O Maillard, when, since War first was, had General of Force such a task before him, as thou this day? Walter the
Penniless still touches the feeling heart: but then Walter had sanction; had space to turn in; and also his Crusaders
were of the male sex. Thou, this day, disowned of Heaven and Earth, art General of Menads. Their inarticulate
frenzy thou must on the spur of the instant, render into articulate words, into actions that are not frantic. Fail in it,
this way or that! Pragmatical Officiality, with its penalties and law−books, waits before thee; Menads storm
behind. If such hewed off the melodious head of Orpheus, and hurled it into the Peneus waters, what may they not
make of thee,−−thee rhythmic merely, with no music but a sheepskin drum!−−Maillard did not fail. Remarkable
Maillard, if fame were not an accident, and History a distillation of Rumour, how remarkable wert thou!
The French Revolution
106
The French Revolution
On the Elysian Fields, there is pause and fluctuation; but, for Maillard, no return. He persuades his Menads,
clamorous for arms and the Arsenal, that no arms are in the Arsenal; that an unarmed attitude, and petition to a
National Assembly, will be the best: he hastily nominates or sanctions generalesses, captains of tens and
fifties;−−and so, in loosest−flowing order, to the rhythm of some 'eight drums' (having laid aside his own), with
the Bastille Volunteers bringing up his rear, once more takes the road.
Chaillot, which will promptly yield baked loaves, is not plundered; nor are the Sevres Potteries broken. The old
arches of Sevres Bridge echo under Menadic feet; Seine River gushes on with his perpetual murmur; and Paris
flings after us the boom of tocsin and alarm−drum,−−inaudible, for the present, amid shrill−sounding hosts, and
the splash of rainy weather. To Meudon, to Saint Cloud, on both hands, the report of them is gone abroad; and
hearths, this evening, will have a topic. The press of women still continues, for it is the cause of all Eve's
Daughters, mothers that are, or that hope to be. No carriage−lady, were it with never such hysterics, but must
dismount, in the mud roads, in her silk shoes, and walk. (Deux Amis, iii. 159.) In this manner, amid wild October
weather, they a wild unwinged stork−flight, through the astonished country, wend their way. Travellers of all
sorts they stop; especially travellers or couriers from Paris. Deputy Lechapelier, in his elegant vesture, from his
elegant vehicle, looks forth amazed through his spectacles; apprehensive for life;−−states eagerly that he is
Patriot−Deputy Lechapelier, and even Old−President Lechapelier, who presided on the Night of Pentecost, and is
original member of the Breton Club. Thereupon 'rises huge shout of Vive Lechapelier, and several armed persons
spring up behind and before to escort him.' (Ibid. iii. 177; Dictionnaire des Hommes Marquans, ii. 379.)
Nevertheless, news, despatches from Lafayette, or vague noise of rumour, have pierced through, by side roads. In
the National Assembly, while all is busy discussing the order of the day; regretting that there should be
Anti−national Repasts in Opera−Halls; that his Majesty should still hesitate about accepting the Rights of Man,
and hang conditions and peradventures on them,−−Mirabeau steps up to the President, experienced Mounier as it
chanced to be; and articulates, in bass under−tone: "Mounier, Paris marche sur nous (Paris is marching on
us)."−−"May be (Je n'en sais rien)!"−−"Believe it or disbelieve it, that is not my concern; but Paris, I say, is
marching on us. Fall suddenly unwell; go over to the Chateau; tell them this. There is not a moment to
lose.'−−"Paris marching on us?" responds Mounier, with an atrabiliar accent" "Well, so much the better! We shall
the sooner be a Republic." Mirabeau quits him, as one quits an experienced President getting blindfold into deep
waters; and the order of the day continues as before.
Yes, Paris is marching on us; and more than the women of Paris! Scarcely was Maillard gone, when M. de
Gouvion's message to all the Districts, and such tocsin and drumming of the generale, began to take effect. Armed
National Guards from every District; especially the Grenadiers of the Centre, who are our old Gardes Francaises,
arrive, in quick sequence, on the Place de Greve. An 'immense people' is there; Saint−Antoine, with pike and
rusty firelock, is all crowding thither, be it welcome or unwelcome. The Centre Grenadiers are received with
cheering: "it is not cheers that we want," answer they gloomily; "the nation has been insulted; to arms, and come
with us for orders!" Ha, sits the wind so? Patriotism and Patrollotism are now one!
The Three Hundred have assembled; 'all the Committees are in activity;' Lafayette is dictating despatches for
Versailles, when a Deputation of the Centre Grenadiers introduces itself to him. The Deputation makes military
obeisance; and thus speaks, not without a kind of thought in it: "Mon General, we are deputed by the Six
Companies of Grenadiers. We do not think you a traitor, but we think the Government betrays you; it is time that
this end. We cannot turn our bayonets against women crying to us for bread. The people are miserable, the source
of the mischief is at Versailles: we must go seek the King, and bring him to Paris. We must exterminate
(exterminer) the Regiment de Flandre and the Gardes−du−Corps, who have dared to trample on the National
Cockade. If the King be too weak to wear his crown, let him lay it down. You will crown his Son, you will name
a Council of Regency; and all will go better." (Deux Amis, iii. 161.) Reproachful astonishment paints itself on the
face of Lafayette; speaks itself from his eloquent chivalrous lips: in vain. "My General, we would shed the last
drop of our blood for you; but the root of the mischief is at Versailles; we must go and bring the King to Paris; all
the people wish it, tout le peuple le veut."
The French Revolution
107
The French Revolution
My General descends to the outer staircase; and harangues: once more in vain. "To Versailles! To Versailles!"
Mayor Bailly, sent for through floods of Sansculottism, attempts academic oratory from his gilt state− coach;
realizes nothing but infinite hoarse cries of: "Bread! To Versailles!"−−and gladly shrinks within doors. Lafayette
mounts the white charger; and again harangues and reharangues: with eloquence, with firmness, indignant
demonstration; with all things but persuasion. "To Versailles! To Versailles!" So lasts it, hour after hour; for the
space of half a day.
The great Scipio Americanus can do nothing; not so much as escape. "Morbleu, mon General," cry the Grenadiers
serrying their ranks as the white charger makes a motion that way, "You will not leave us, you will abide with
us!" A perilous juncture: Mayor Bailly and the Municipals sit quaking within doors; My General is prisoner
without: the Place de Greve, with its thirty thousand Regulars, its whole irregular Saint−Antoine and
Saint−Marceau, is one minatory mass of clear or rusty steel; all hearts set, with a moody fixedness, on one object.
Moody, fixed are all hearts: tranquil is no heart,−−if it be not that of the white charger, who paws there, with
arched neck, composedly champing his bit; as if no world, with its Dynasties and Eras, were now rushing down.
The drizzly day tends westward; the cry is still: "To Versailles!"
Nay now, borne from afar, come quite sinister cries; hoarse, reverberating in longdrawn hollow murmurs, with
syllables too like those of Lanterne! Or else, irregular Sansculottism may be marching off, of itself; with pikes,
nay with cannon. The inflexible Scipio does at length, by aide−de−camp, ask of the Municipals: Whether or not
he may go? A Letter is handed out to him, over armed heads; sixty thousand faces flash fixedly on his, there is
stillness and no bosom breathes, till he have read. By Heaven, he grows suddenly pale! Do the Municipals permit?
'Permit and even order,'−−since he can no other. Clangour of approval rends the welkin. To your ranks, then; let
us march!
It is, as we compute, towards three in the afternoon. Indignant National Guards may dine for once from their
haversack: dined or undined, they march with one heart. Paris flings up her windows, claps hands, as the
Avengers, with their shrilling drums and shalms tramp by; she will then sit pensive, apprehensive, and pass rather
a sleepless night. (Deux Amis, iii. 165.) On the white charger, Lafayette, in the slowest possible manner, going
and coming, and eloquently haranguing among the ranks, rolls onward with his thirty thousand. Saint−Antoine,
with pike and cannon, has preceded him; a mixed multitude, of all and of no arms, hovers on his flanks and skirts;
the country once more pauses agape: Paris marche sur nous.
Chapter 1.7.VI. To Versailles.
For, indeed, about this same moment, Maillard has halted his draggled Menads on the last hill−top; and now
Versailles, and the Chateau of Versailles, and far and wide the inheritance of Royalty opens to the wondering eye.
From far on the right, over Marly and Saint−Germains−en− Laye; round towards Rambouillet, on the left:
beautiful all; softly embosomed; as if in sadness, in the dim moist weather! And near before us is Versailles, New
and Old; with that broad frondent Avenue de Versailles between,−−stately−frondent, broad, three hundred feet as
men reckon, with four Rows of Elms; and then the Chateau de Versailles, ending in royal Parks and Pleasances,
gleaming lakelets, arbours, Labyrinths, the Menagerie, and Great and Little Trianon. High−towered dwellings,
leafy pleasant places; where the gods of this lower world abide: whence, nevertheless, black Care cannot be
excluded; whither Menadic Hunger is even now advancing, armed with pike−thyrsi!
Yes, yonder, Mesdames, where our straight frondent Avenue, joined, as you note, by Two frondent brother
Avenues from this hand and from that, spreads out into Place Royale and Palace Forecourt; yonder is the Salle des
Menus. Yonder an august Assembly sits regenerating France. Forecourt, Grand Court, Court of Marble, Court
narrowing into Court you may discern next, or fancy: on the extreme verge of which that glass−dome, visibly
glittering like a star of hope, is the−−Oeil−de−Boeuf! Yonder, or nowhere in the world, is bread baked for us. But,
O Mesdames, were not one thing good: That our cannons, with Demoiselle Theroigne and all show of war, be put
to the rear? Submission beseems petitioners of a National Assembly; we are strangers in Versailles,−−whence, too
The French Revolution
108
The French Revolution
audibly, there comes even now sound as of tocsin and generale! Also to put on, if possible, a cheerful
countenance, hiding our sorrows; and even to sing? Sorrow, pitied of the Heavens, is hateful, suspicious to the
Earth.−−So counsels shifty Maillard; haranguing his Menads, on the heights near Versailles. (See Hist. Parl. iii.
70−117; Deux Amis, iii. 166−177,
Cunning Maillard's dispositions are obeyed. The draggled Insurrectionists advance up the Avenue, 'in three
columns, among the four Elm−rows; 'singing Henri Quatre,' with what melody they can; and shouting Vive le
Roi. Versailles, though the Elm−rows are dripping wet, crowds from both sides, with: "Vivent nos Parisiennes,
Our Paris ones for ever!"
Prickers, scouts have been out towards Paris, as the rumour deepened: whereby his Majesty, gone to shoot in the
Woods of Meudon, has been happily discovered, and got home; and the generale and tocsin set a−sounding. The
Bodyguards are already drawn up in front of the Palace Grates; and look down the Avenue de Versailles; sulky, in
wet buckskins. Flandre too is there, repentant of the Opera−Repast. Also Dragoons dismounted are there. Finally
Major Lecointre, and what he can gather of the Versailles National Guard; though, it is to be observed, our
Colonel, that same sleepless Count d'Estaing, giving neither order nor ammunition, has vanished most improperly;
one supposes, into the Oeil−de−Boeuf. Red−coated Swiss stand within the Grates, under arms. There likewise, in
their inner room, 'all the Ministers,' Saint−Priest, Lamentation Pompignan and the rest, are assembled with M.
Necker: they sit with him there; blank, expecting what the hour will bring.
President Mounier, though he answered Mirabeau with a tant mieux, and affected to slight the matter, had his own
forebodings. Surely, for these four weary hours, he has reclined not on roses! The order of the day is getting
forward: a Deputation to his Majesty seems proper, that it might please him to grant 'Acceptance pure and simple'
to those Constitution− Articles of ours; the 'mixed qualified Acceptance,' with its peradventures, is satisfactory to
neither gods nor men.
So much is clear. And yet there is more, which no man speaks, which all men now vaguely understand.
Disquietude, absence of mind is on every face; Members whisper, uneasily come and go: the order of the day is
evidently not the day's want. Till at length, from the outer gates, is heard a rustling and justling, shrill uproar and
squabbling, muffled by walls; which testifies that the hour is come! Rushing and crushing one hears now; then
enter Usher Maillard, with a Deputation of Fifteen muddy dripping Women,−−having by incredible industry, and
aid of all the macers, persuaded the rest to wait out of doors. National Assembly shall now, therefore, look its
august task directly in the face: regenerative Constitutionalism has an unregenerate Sansculottism bodily in front
of it; crying, "Bread! Bread!"
Shifty Maillard, translating frenzy into articulation; repressive with the one hand, expostulative with the other,
does his best; and really, though not bred to public speaking, manages rather well:−−In the present dreadful rarity
of grains, a Deputation of Female Citizens has, as the august Assembly can discern, come out from Paris to
petition. Plots of Aristocrats are too evident in the matter; for example, one miller has been bribed 'by a banknote
of 200 livres' not to grind,−−name unknown to the Usher, but fact provable, at least indubitable. Further, it seems,
the National Cockade has been trampled on; also there are Black Cockades, or were. All which things will not an
august National Assembly, the hope of France, take into its wise immediate consideration?
And Menadic Hunger, impressible, crying "Black Cockades," crying Bread, Bread," adds, after such fashion: Will
it not?−−Yes, Messieurs, if a Deputation to his Majesty, for the 'Acceptance pure and simple,' seemed
proper,−−how much more now, for 'the afflicting situation of Paris;' for the calming of this effervescence!
President Mounier, with a speedy Deputation, among whom we notice the respectable figure of Doctor Guillotin,
gets himself forthwith on march. Vice−President shall continue the order of the day; Usher Maillard shall stay by
him to repress the women. It is four o'clock, of the miserablest afternoon, when Mounier steps out.
The French Revolution
109
The French Revolution
O experienced Mounier, what an afternoon; the last of thy political existence! Better had it been to 'fall suddenly
unwell,' while it was yet time. For, behold, the Esplanade, over all its spacious expanse, is covered with groups of
squalid dripping Women; of lankhaired male Rascality, armed with axes, rusty pikes, old muskets, ironshod clubs
(baton ferres, which end in knives or sword−blades, a kind of extempore billhook);−−looking nothing but hungry
revolt. The rain pours: Gardes−du− Corps go caracoling through the groups 'amid hisses;' irritating and agitating
what is but dispersed here to reunite there.
Innumerable squalid women beleaguer the President and Deputation; insist on going with him: has not his
Majesty himself, looking from the window, sent out to ask, What we wanted? "Bread and speech with the King
(Du pain, et parler au Roi)," that was the answer. Twelve women are clamorously added to the Deputation; and
march with it, across the Esplanade; through dissipated groups, caracoling Bodyguards, and the pouring rain.
President Mounier, unexpectedly augmented by Twelve Women, copiously escorted by Hunger and Rascality, is
himself mistaken for a group: himself and his Women are dispersed by caracolers; rally again with difficulty,
among the mud. (Mounier, Expose Justificatif (cited in Deux Amis, iii. 185).) Finally the Grates are opened: the
Deputation gets access, with the Twelve Women too in it; of which latter, Five shall even see the face of his
Majesty. Let wet Menadism, in the best spirits it can expect their return.
Chapter 1.7.VII. At Versailles.
But already Pallas Athene (in the shape of Demoiselle Theroigne) is busy with Flandre and the dismounted
Dragoons. She, and such women as are fittest, go through the ranks; speak with an earnest jocosity; clasp rough
troopers to their patriot bosom, crush down spontoons and musketoons with soft arms: can a man, that were
worthy of the name of man, attack famishing patriot women?
One reads that Theroigne had bags of money, which she distributed over Flandre:−−furnished by whom? Alas,
with money−bags one seldom sits on insurrectionary cannon. Calumnious Royalism! Theroigne had only the
limited earnings of her profession of unfortunate−female; money she had not, but brown locks, the figure of a
heathen Goddess, and an eloquent tongue and heart.
Meanwhile, Saint−Antoine, in groups and troops, is continually arriving; wetted, sulky; with pikes and impromptu
billhooks: driven thus far by popular fixed−idea. So many hirsute figures driven hither, in that manner: figures
that have come to do they know not what; figures that have come to see it done! Distinguished among all figures,
who is this, of gaunt stature, with leaden breastplate, though a small one; (See Weber, ii. 185− 231.) bushy in red
grizzled locks; nay, with long tile−beard? It is Jourdan, unjust dealer in mules; a dealer no longer, but a Painter's
Layfigure, playing truant this day. From the necessities of Art comes his long tile−beard; whence his leaden
breastplate (unless indeed he were some Hawker licensed by leaden badge) may have come,−−will perhaps
remain for ever a Historical Problem. Another Saul among the people we discern: 'Pere Adam, Father Adam,' as
the groups name him; to us better known as bull−voiced Marquis Saint−Huruge; hero of the Veto; a man that has
had losses, and deserved them. The tall Marquis, emitted some days ago from limbo, looks peripatetically on this
scene, from under his umbrella, not without interest. All which persons and things, hurled together as we see;
Pallas Athene, busy with Flandre; patriotic Versailles National Guards, short of ammunition, and deserted by
d'Estaing their Colonel, and commanded by Lecointre their Major; then caracoling Bodyguards, sour, dispirited,
with their buckskins wet; and finally this flowing sea of indignant Squalor,−−may they not give rise to
occurrences?
Behold, however, the Twelve She−deputies return from the Chateau. Without President Mounier, indeed; but
radiant with joy, shouting "Life to the King and his House." Apparently the news are good, Mesdames? News of
the best! Five of us were admitted to the internal splendours, to the Royal Presence. This slim damsel, 'Louison
Chabray, worker in sculpture, aged only seventeen,' as being of the best looks and address, her we appointed
speaker. On whom, and indeed on all of us, his Majesty looked nothing but graciousness. Nay, when Louison,
The French Revolution
110
The French Revolution
addressing him, was like to faint, he took her in his royal arms; and said gallantly, "It was well worth while (Elle
en valut bien la peine)." Consider, O women, what a King! His words were of comfort, and that only: there shall
be provision sent to Paris, if provision is in the world; grains shall circulate free as air; millers shall grind, or do
worse, while their millstones endure; and nothing be left wrong which a Restorer of French Liberty can right.
Good news these; but, to wet Menads, all too incredible! There seems no proof, then? Words of comfort are
words only; which will feed nothing. O miserable people, betrayed by Aristocrats, who corrupt thy very
messengers! In his royal arms, Mademoiselle Louison? In his arms? Thou shameless minx, worthy of a
name−−that shall be nameless! Yes, thy skin is soft: ours is rough with hardship; and well wetted, waiting here in
the rain. No children hast thou hungry at home; only alabaster dolls, that weep not! The traitress! To the
Lanterne!−−And so poor Louison Chabray, no asseveration or shrieks availing her, fair slim damsel, late in the
arms of Royalty, has a garter round her neck, and furibund Amazons at each end; is about to perish so,−−when
two Bodyguards gallop up, indignantly dissipating; and rescue her. The miscredited Twelve hasten back to the
Chateau, for an 'answer in writing.'
Nay, behold, a new flight of Menads, with 'M. Brunout Bastille Volunteer,' as impressed−commandant, at the
head of it. These also will advance to the Grate of the Grand Court, and see what is toward. Human patience, in
wet buckskins, has its limits. Bodyguard Lieutenant, M. de Savonnieres, for one moment, lets his temper, long
provoked, long pent, give way. He not only dissipates these latter Menads; but caracoles and cuts, or indignantly
flourishes, at M. Brunout, the impressed−commandant; and, finding great relief in it, even chases him; Brunout
flying nimbly, though in a pirouette manner, and now with sword also drawn. At which sight of wrath and victory
two other Bodyguards (for wrath is contagious, and to pent Bodyguards is so solacing) do likewise give way; give
chase, with brandished sabre, and in the air make horrid circles. So that poor Brunout has nothing for it but to
retreat with accelerated nimbleness, through rank after rank; Parthian− like, fencing as he flies; above all,
shouting lustily, "On nous laisse assassiner, They are getting us assassinated?"
Shameful! Three against one! Growls come from the Lecointrian ranks; bellowings,−−lastly shots. Savonnieres'
arm is raised to strike: the bullet of a Lecointrian musket shatters it; the brandished sabre jingles down harmless.
Brunout has escaped, this duel well ended: but the wild howl of war is everywhere beginning to pipe!
The Amazons recoil; Saint−Antoine has its cannon pointed (full of grapeshot); thrice applies the lit flambeau;
which thrice refuses to catch,−−the touchholes are so wetted; and voices cry: "Arretez, il n'est pas temps encore,
Stop, it is not yet time!" (Deux Amis, iii. 192−201.) Messieurs of the Garde−du−Corps, ye had orders not to fire;
nevertheless two of you limp dismounted, and one war−horse lies slain. Were it not well to draw back out of
shot−range; finally to file off,−−into the interior? If in so filing off, there did a musketoon or two discharge itself,
at these armed shopkeepers, hooting and crowing, could man wonder? Draggled are your white cockades of an
enormous size; would to Heaven they were got exchanged for tricolor ones! Your buckskins are wet, your hearts
heavy. Go, and return not!
The Bodyguards file off, as we hint; giving and receiving shots; drawing no life−blood; leaving boundless
indignation. Some three times in the thickening dusk, a glimpse of them is seen, at this or the other Portal: saluted
always with execrations, with the whew of lead. Let but a Bodyguard shew face, he is hunted by Rascality;−−for
instance, poor 'M. de Moucheton of the Scotch Company,' owner of the slain war−horse; and has to be smuggled
off by Versailles Captains. Or rusty firelocks belch after him, shivering asunder his−−hat. In the end, by superior
Order, the Bodyguards, all but the few on immediate duty, disappear; or as it were abscond; and march, under
cloud of night, to Rambouillet. (Weber, ubi supra.)
We remark also that the Versaillese have now got ammunition: all afternoon, the official Person could find none;
till, in these so critical moments, a patriotic Sublieutenant set a pistol to his ear, and would thank him to find
some,−−which he thereupon succeeded in doing. Likewise that Flandre, disarmed by Pallas Athene, says openly,
it will not fight with citizens; and for token of peace, has exchanged cartridges with the Versaillese.
The French Revolution
111
The French Revolution
Sansculottism is now among mere friends; and can 'circulate freely;' indignant at Bodyguards;−−complaining also
considerably of hunger.
Chapter 1.7.VIII. The Equal Diet.
But why lingers Mounier; returns not with his Deputation? It is six, it is seven o'clock; and still no Mounier, no
Acceptance pure and simple.
And, behold, the dripping Menads, not now in deputation but in mass, have penetrated into the Assembly: to the
shamefullest interruption of public speaking and order of the day. Neither Maillard nor Vice−President can
restrain them, except within wide limits; not even, except for minutes, can the lion−voice of Mirabeau, though
they applaud it: but ever and anon they break in upon the regeneration of France with cries of: "Bread; not so
much discoursing! Du pain; pas tant de longs discours!"−−So insensible were these poor creatures to bursts of
Parliamentary eloquence!
One learns also that the royal Carriages are getting yoked, as if for Metz. Carriages, royal or not, have verily
showed themselves at the back Gates. They even produced, or quoted, a written order from our Versailles
Municipality,−−which is a Monarchic not a Democratic one. However, Versailles Patroles drove them in again; as
the vigilant Lecointre had strictly charged them to do.
A busy man, truly, is Major Lecointre, in these hours. For Colonel d'Estaing loiters invisible in the
Oeil−de−Boeuf; invisible, or still more questionably visible, for instants: then also a too loyal Municipality
requires supervision: no order, civil or military, taken about any of these thousand things! Lecointre is at the
Versailles Townhall: he is at the Grate of the Grand Court; communing with Swiss and Bodyguards. He is in the
ranks of Flandre; he is here, he is there: studious to prevent bloodshed; to prevent the Royal Family from flying to
Metz; the Menads from plundering Versailles.
At the fall of night, we behold him advance to those armed groups of Saint− Antoine, hovering all−too grim near
the Salle des Menus. They receive him in a half−circle; twelve speakers behind cannons, with lighted torches in
hand, the cannon−mouths towards Lecointre: a picture for Salvator! He asks, in temperate but courageous
language: What they, by this their journey to Versailles, do specially want? The twelve speakers reply, in few
words inclusive of much: "Bread, and the end of these brabbles, Du pain, et la fin des affaires." When the affairs
will end, no Major Lecointre, nor no mortal, can say; but as to bread, he inquires, How many are you?−−learns
that they are six hundred, that a loaf each will suffice; and rides off to the Municipality to get six hundred loaves.
Which loaves, however, a Municipality of Monarchic temper will not give. It will give two tons of rice
rather,−−could you but know whether it should be boiled or raw. Nay when this too is accepted, the Municipals
have disappeared;−−ducked under, as the Six−and−Twenty Long−gowned of Paris did; and, leaving not the
smallest vestage of rice, in the boiled or raw state, they there vanish from History!
Rice comes not; one's hope of food is baulked; even one's hope of vengeance: is not M. de Moucheton of the
Scotch Company, as we said, deceitfully smuggled off? Failing all which, behold only M. de Moucheton's slain
warhorse, lying on the Esplanade there! Saint−Antoine, baulked, esurient, pounces on the slain warhorse; flays it;
roasts it, with such fuel, of paling, gates, portable timber as can be come at,−−not without shouting: and, after the
manner of ancient Greek Heroes, they lifted their hands to the daintily readied repast; such as it might be. (Weber,
Deux Amis, Other Rascality prowls discursive; seeking what it may devour. Flandre will retire to its barracks;
Lecointre also with his Versaillese,−− all but the vigilant Patrols, charged to be doubly vigilant.
So sink the shadows of Night, blustering, rainy; and all paths grow dark. Strangest Night ever seen in these
regions,−−perhaps since the Bartholomew Night, when Versailles, as Bassompierre writes of it, was a chetif
chateau. O for the Lyre of some Orpheus, to constrain, with touch of melodious strings, these mad masses into
The French Revolution
112
The French Revolution
Order! For here all seems fallen asunder, in wide−yawning dislocation. The highest, as in down−rushing of a
World, is come in contact with the lowest: the Rascality of France beleaguering the Royalty of France; 'ironshod
batons' lifted round the diadem, not to guard it! With denunciations of bloodthirsty Anti−national Bodyguards, are
heard dark growlings against a Queenly Name.
The Court sits tremulous, powerless; varies with the varying temper of the Esplanade, with the varying colour of
the rumours from Paris. Thick−coming rumours; now of peace, now of war. Necker and all the Ministers consult;
with a blank issue. The Oeil−de−Boeuf is one tempest of whispers:−−We will fly to Metz; we will not fly. The
royal Carriages again attempt egress;−− though for trial merely; they are again driven in by Lecointre's Patrols. In
six hours, nothing has been resolved on; not even the Acceptance pure and simple.
In six hours? Alas, he who, in such circumstances, cannot resolve in six minutes, may give up the enterprise: him
Fate has already resolved for. And Menadism, meanwhile, and Sansculottism takes counsel with the National
Assembly; grows more and more tumultuous there. Mounier returns not; Authority nowhere shews itself: the
Authority of France lies, for the present, with Lecointre and Usher Maillard.−−This then is the abomination of
desolation; come suddenly, though long foreshadowed as inevitable! For, to the blind, all things are sudden.
Misery which, through long ages, had no spokesman, no helper, will now be its own helper and speak for itself.
The dialect, one of the rudest, is, what it could be, this.
At eight o'clock there returns to our Assembly not the Deputation; but Doctor Guillotin announcing that it will
return; also that there is hope of the Acceptance pure and simple. He himself has brought a Royal Letter,
authorising and commanding the freest 'circulation of grains.' Which Royal Letter Menadism with its whole heart
applauds. Conformably to which the Assembly forthwith passes a Decree; also received with rapturous Menadic
plaudits:−−Only could not an august Assembly contrive further to "fix the price of bread at eight sous the
half−quartern; butchers'−meat at six sous the pound;" which seem fair rates? Such motion do 'a multitude of men
and women,' irrepressible by Usher Maillard, now make; does an august Assembly hear made. Usher Maillard
himself is not always perfectly measured in speech; but if rebuked, he can justly excuse himself by the peculiarity
of the circumstances. (Moniteur (in Hist. Parl. ii. 105).)
But finally, this Decree well passed, and the disorder continuing; and Members melting away, and no President
Mounier returning,−−what can the Vice−President do but also melt away? The Assembly melts, under such
pressure, into deliquium; or, as it is officially called, adjourns. Maillard is despatched to Paris, with the 'Decree
concerning Grains' in his pocket; he and some women, in carriages belonging to the King. Thitherward slim
Louison Chabray has already set forth, with that 'written answer,' which the Twelve She−deputies returned in to
seek. Slim sylph, she has set forth, through the black muddy country: she has much to tell, her poor nerves so
flurried; and travels, as indeed to−day on this road all persons do, with extreme slowness. President Mounier has
not come, nor the Acceptance pure and simple; though six hours with their events have come; though courier on
courier reports that Lafayette is coming. Coming, with war or with peace? It is time that the Chateau also should
determine on one thing or another; that the Chateau also should show itself alive, if it would continue living!
Victorious, joyful after such delay, Mounier does arrive at last, and the hard−earned Acceptance with him; which
now, alas, is of small value. Fancy Mounier's surprise to find his Senate, whom he hoped to charm by the
Acceptance pure and simple,−−all gone; and in its stead a Senate of Menads! For as Erasmus's Ape mimicked, say
with wooden splint, Erasmus shaving, so do these Amazons hold, in mock majesty, some confused parody of
National Assembly. They make motions; deliver speeches; pass enactments; productive at least of loud laughter.
All galleries and benches are filled; a strong Dame of the Market is in Mounier's Chair. Not without difficulty,
Mounier, by aid of macers, and persuasive speaking, makes his way to the Female− President: the Strong Dame
before abdicating signifies that, for one thing, she and indeed her whole senate male and female (for what was one
roasted warhorse among so many?) are suffering very considerably from hunger.
The French Revolution
113
The French Revolution
Experienced Mounier, in these circumstances, takes a twofold resolution: To reconvoke his Assembly Members
by sound of drum; also to procure a supply of food. Swift messengers fly, to all bakers, cooks, pastrycooks,
vintners, restorers; drums beat, accompanied with shrill vocal proclamation, through all streets. They come: the
Assembly Members come; what is still better, the provisions come. On tray and barrow come these latter; loaves,
wine, great store of sausages. The nourishing baskets circulate harmoniously along the benches; nor, according to
the Father of Epics, did any soul lack a fair share of victual ((Greek), an equal diet); highly desirable, at the
moment. (Deux Amis, iii. 208.)
Gradually some hundred or so of Assembly members get edged in, Menadism making way a little, round
Mounier's Chair; listen to the Acceptance pure and simple; and begin, what is the order of the night, 'discussion of
the Penal Code.' All benches are crowded; in the dusky galleries, duskier with unwashed heads, is a strange
'coruscation,'−−of impromptu billhooks. (Courier de Provence (Mirabeau's Newspaper), No. 50, p. 19.) It is
exactly five months this day since these same galleries were filled with high− plumed jewelled Beauty, raining
bright influences; and now? To such length have we got in regenerating France. Methinks the travail−throes are of
the sharpest!−−Menadism will not be restrained from occasional remarks; asks, "What is use of the Penal Code?
The thing we want is Bread." Mirabeau turns round with lion−voiced rebuke; Menadism applauds him; but
recommences.
Thus they, chewing tough sausages, discussing the Penal Code, make night hideous. What the issue will be?
Lafayette with his thirty thousand must arrive first: him, who cannot now be distant, all men expect, as the
messenger of Destiny.
Chapter 1.7.IX. Lafayette.
Towards midnight lights flare on the hill; Lafayette's lights! The roll of his drums comes up the Avenue de
Versailles. With peace, or with war? Patience, friends! With neither. Lafayette is come, but not yet the
catastrophe.
He has halted and harangued so often, on the march; spent nine hours on four leagues of road. At Montreuil, close
on Versailles, the whole Host had to pause; and, with uplifted right hand, in the murk of Night, to these pouring
skies, swear solemnly to respect the King's Dwelling; to be faithful to King and National Assembly. Rage is
driven down out of sight, by the laggard march; the thirst of vengeance slaked in weariness and soaking clothes.
Flandre is again drawn out under arms: but Flandre, grown so patriotic, now needs no 'exterminating.' The
wayworn Batallions halt in the Avenue: they have, for the present, no wish so pressing as that of shelter and rest.
Anxious sits President Mounier; anxious the Chateau. There is a message coming from the Chateau, that M.
Mounier would please return thither with a fresh Deputation, swiftly; and so at least unite our two anxieties.
Anxious Mounier does of himself send, meanwhile, to apprise the General that his Majesty has been so gracious
as to grant us the Acceptance pure and simple. The General, with a small advance column, makes answer in
passing; speaks vaguely some smooth words to the National President,−− glances, only with the eye, at that so
mixtiform National Assembly; then fares forward towards the Chateau. There are with him two Paris Municipals;
they were chosen from the Three Hundred for that errand. He gets admittance through the locked and padlocked
Grates, through sentries and ushers, to the Royal Halls.
The Court, male and female, crowds on his passage, to read their doom on his face; which exhibits, say
Historians, a mixture 'of sorrow, of fervour and valour,' singular to behold. (Memoire de M. le Comte de Lally−
Tollendal (Janvier 1790), p. 161−165.) The King, with Monsieur, with Ministers and Marshals, is waiting to
receive him: He "is come," in his highflown chivalrous way, "to offer his head for the safety of his Majesty's."
The two Municipals state the wish of Paris: four things, of quite pacific tenor. First, that the honour of Guarding
his sacred person be conferred on patriot National Guards;−−say, the Centre Grenadiers, who as Gardes
Francaises were wont to have that privilege. Second, that provisions be got, if possible. Third, that the Prisons, all
The French Revolution
114
The French Revolution
crowded with political delinquents, may have judges sent them. Fourth, that it would please his Majesty to come
and live in Paris. To all which four wishes, except the fourth, his Majesty answers readily, Yes; or indeed may
almost say that he has already answered it. To the fourth he can answer only, Yes or No; would so gladly answer,
Yes and No!−−But, in any case, are not their dispositions, thank Heaven, so entirely pacific? There is time for
deliberation. The brunt of the danger seems past!
Lafayette and d'Estaing settle the watches; Centre Grenadiers are to take the Guard−room they of old occupied as
Gardes Francaises;−−for indeed the Gardes du Corps, its late ill−advised occupants, are gone mostly to
Rambouillet. That is the order of this night; sufficient for the night is the evil thereof. Whereupon Lafayette and
the two Municipals, with highflown chivalry, take their leave.
So brief has the interview been, Mounier and his Deputation were not yet got up. So brief and satisfactory. A
stone is rolled from every heart. The fair Palace Dames publicly declare that this Lafayette, detestable though he
be, is their saviour for once. Even the ancient vinaigrous Tantes admit it; the King's Aunts, ancient Graille and
Sisterhood, known to us of old. Queen Marie−Antoinette has been heard often say the like. She alone, among all
women and all men, wore a face of courage, of lofty calmness and resolve, this day. She alone saw clearly what
she meant to do; and Theresa's Daughter dares do what she means, were all France threatening her: abide where
her children are, where her husband is.
Towards three in the morning all things are settled: the watches set, the Centre Grenadiers put into their old
Guard−room, and harangued; the Swiss, and few remaining Bodyguards harangued. The wayworn Paris
Batallions, consigned to 'the hospitality of Versailles,' lie dormant in spare−beds, spare−barracks, coffeehouses,
empty churches. A troop of them, on their way to the Church of Saint−Louis, awoke poor Weber, dreaming
troublous, in the Rue Sartory. Weber has had his waistcoat−pocket full of balls all day; 'two hundred balls, and
two pears of powder!' For waistcoats were waistcoats then, and had flaps down to mid−thigh. So many balls he
has had all day; but no opportunity of using them: he turns over now, execrating disloyal bandits; swears a prayer
or two, and straight to sleep again.
Finally, the National Assembly is harangued; which thereupon, on motion of Mirabeau, discontinues the Penal
Code, and dismisses for this night. Menadism, Sansculottism has cowered into guard−houses, barracks of Flandre,
to the light of cheerful fire; failing that, to churches, office−houses, sentry−boxes, wheresoever wretchedness can
find a lair. The troublous Day has brawled itself to rest: no lives yet lost but that of one warhorse. Insurrectionary
Chaos lies slumbering round the Palace, like Ocean round a Diving−bell,−−no crevice yet disclosing itself.
Deep sleep has fallen promiscuously on the high and on the low; suspending most things, even wrath and famine.
Darkness covers the Earth. But, far on the North−east, Paris flings up her great yellow gleam; far into the wet
black Night. For all is illuminated there, as in the old July Nights; the streets deserted, for alarm of war; the
Municipals all wakeful; Patrols hailing, with their hoarse Who−goes. There, as we discover, our poor slim
Louison Chabray, her poor nerves all fluttered, is arriving about this very hour. There Usher Maillard will arrive,
about an hour hence, 'towards four in the morning.' They report, successively, to a wakeful Hotel−de−Ville what
comfort they can report; which again, with early dawn, large comfortable Placards, shall impart to all men.
Lafayette, in the Hotel de Noailles, not far from the Chateau, having now finished haranguing, sits with his
Officers consulting: at five o'clock the unanimous best counsel is, that a man so tost and toiled for twenty− four
hours and more, fling himself on a bed, and seek some rest.
Thus, then, has ended the First Act of the Insurrection of Women. How it will turn on the morrow? The morrow,
as always, is with the Fates! But his Majesty, one may hope, will consent to come honourably to Paris; at all
events, he can visit Paris. Anti−national Bodyguards, here and elsewhere, must take the National Oath; make
reparation to the Tricolor; Flandre will swear. There may be much swearing; much public speaking there will
infallibly be: and so, with harangues and vows, may the matter in some handsome way, wind itself up.
The French Revolution
115
The French Revolution
Or, alas, may it not be all otherwise, unhandsome: the consent not honourable, but extorted, ignominious?
Boundless Chaos of Insurrection presses slumbering round the Palace, like Ocean round a Diving−bell; and may
penetrate at any crevice. Let but that accumulated insurrectionary mass find entrance! Like the infinite inburst of
water; or say rather, of inflammable, self−igniting fluid; for example, 'turpentine−and−phosphorus oil,'−−fluid
known to Spinola Santerre!
Chapter 1.7.X. The Grand Entries.
The dull dawn of a new morning, drizzly and chill, had but broken over Versailles, when it pleased Destiny that a
Bodyguard should look out of window, on the right wing of the Chateau, to see what prospect there was in
Heaven and in Earth. Rascality male and female is prowling in view of him. His fasting stomach is, with good
cause, sour; he perhaps cannot forbear a passing malison on them; least of all can he forbear answering such.
Ill words breed worse: till the worst word came; and then the ill deed. Did the maledicent Bodyguard, getting (as
was too inevitable) better malediction than he gave, load his musketoon, and threaten to fire; and actually fire?
Were wise who wist! It stands asserted; to us not credibly. Be this as it may, menaced Rascality, in whinnying
scorn, is shaking at all Grates: the fastening of one (some write, it was a chain merely) gives way; Rascality is in
the Grand Court, whinnying louder still.
The maledicent Bodyguard, more Bodyguards than he do now give fire; a man's arm is shattered. Lecointre will
depose (Deposition de Lecointre (in Hist. Parl. iii. 111−115.) that 'the Sieur Cardaine, a National Guard without
arms, was stabbed.' But see, sure enough, poor Jerome l'Heritier, an unarmed National Guard he too,
'cabinet−maker, a saddler's son, of Paris,' with the down of youthhood still on his chin,−−he reels death−stricken;
rushes to the pavement, scattering it with his blood and brains!−−Allelew! Wilder than Irish wakes, rises the
howl: of pity; of infinite revenge. In few moments, the Grate of the inner and inmost Court, which they name
Court of Marble, this too is forced, or surprised, and burst open: the Court of Marble too is overflowed: up the
Grand Staircase, up all stairs and entrances rushes the living Deluge! Deshuttes and Varigny, the two sentry
Bodyguards, are trodden down, are massacred with a hundred pikes. Women snatch their cutlasses, or any
weapon, and storm−in Menadic:−−other women lift the corpse of shot Jerome; lay it down on the Marble steps;
there shall the livid face and smashed head, dumb for ever, speak.
Wo now to all Bodyguards, mercy is none for them! Miomandre de Sainte− Marie pleads with soft words, on the
Grand Staircase, 'descending four steps:'−−to the roaring tornado. His comrades snatch him up, by the skirts and
belts; literally, from the jaws of Destruction; and slam−to their Door. This also will stand few instants; the panels
shivering in, like potsherds. Barricading serves not: fly fast, ye Bodyguards; rabid Insurrection, like the hellhound
Chase, uproaring at your heels!
The terrorstruck Bodyguards fly, bolting and barricading; it follows. Whitherward? Through hall on hall: wo,
now! towards the Queen's Suite of Rooms, in the furtherest room of which the Queen is now asleep. Five sentinels
rush through that long Suite; they are in the Anteroom knocking loud: "Save the Queen!" Trembling women fall
at their feet with tears; are answered: "Yes, we will die; save ye the Queen!"
Tremble not, women, but haste: for, lo, another voice shouts far through the outermost door, "Save the Queen!"
and the door shut. It is brave Miomandre's voice that shouts this second warning. He has stormed across imminent
death to do it; fronts imminent death, having done it. Brave Tardivet du Repaire, bent on the same desperate
service, was borne down with pikes; his comrades hardly snatched him in again alive. Miomandre and Tardivet:
let the names of these two Bodyguards, as the names of brave men should, live long.
Trembling Maids of Honour, one of whom from afar caught glimpse of Miomandre as well as heard him, hastily
wrap the Queen; not in robes of State. She flies for her life, across the Oeil−de−Boeuf; against the main door of
which too Insurrection batters. She is in the King's Apartment, in the King's arms; she clasps her children amid a
The French Revolution
116
The French Revolution
faithful few. The Imperial−hearted bursts into mother's tears: "O my friends, save me and my children, O mes
amis, sauvez moi et mes enfans!" The battering of Insurrectionary axes clangs audible across the Oeil−de−Boeuf.
What an hour!
Yes, Friends: a hideous fearful hour; shameful alike to Governed and Governor; wherein Governed and Governor
ignominiously testify that their relation is at an end. Rage, which had brewed itself in twenty thousand hearts, for
the last four−and−twenty hours, has taken fire: Jerome's brained corpse lies there as live−coal. It is, as we said,
the infinite Element bursting in: wild−surging through all corridors and conduits.
Meanwhile, the poor Bodyguards have got hunted mostly into the Oeil−de− Boeuf. They may die there, at the
King's threshhold; they can do little to defend it. They are heaping tabourets (stools of honour), benches and all
moveables, against the door; at which the axe of Insurrection thunders.−− But did brave Miomandre perish, then,
at the Queen's door? No, he was fractured, slashed, lacerated, left for dead; he has nevertheless crawled hither;
and shall live, honoured of loyal France. Remark also, in flat contradiction to much which has been said and sung,
that Insurrection did not burst that door he had defended; but hurried elsewhither, seeking new bodyguards.
(Campan, ii. 75−87.)
Poor Bodyguards, with their Thyestes' Opera−Repast! Well for them, that Insurrection has only pikes and axes; no
right sieging tools! It shakes and thunders. Must they all perish miserably, and Royalty with them? Deshuttes and
Varigny, massacred at the first inbreak, have been beheaded in the Marble Court: a sacrifice to Jerome's manes:
Jourdan with the tile−beard did that duty willingly; and asked, If there were no more? Another captive they are
leading round the corpse, with howl−chauntings: may not Jourdan again tuck up his sleeves?
And louder and louder rages Insurrection within, plundering if it cannot kill; louder and louder it thunders at the
Oeil−de−Boeuf: what can now hinder its bursting in?−−On a sudden it ceases; the battering has ceased! Wild
rushing: the cries grow fainter: there is silence, or the tramp of regular steps; then a friendly knocking: "We are
the Centre Grenadiers, old Gardes Francaises: Open to us, Messieurs of the Garde−du−Corps; we have not
forgotten how you saved us at Fontenoy!" (Toulongeon, i. 144.) The door is opened; enter Captain Gondran and
the Centre Grenadiers: there are military embracings; there is sudden deliverance from death into life.
Strange Sons of Adam! It was to 'exterminate' these Gardes−du−Corps that the Centre Grenadiers left home: and
now they have rushed to save them from extermination. The memory of common peril, of old help, melts the
rough heart; bosom is clasped to bosom, not in war. The King shews himself, one moment, through the door of
his Apartment, with: "Do not hurt my Guards!"−−"Soyons freres, Let us be brothers!" cries Captain Gondran; and
again dashes off, with levelled bayonets, to sweep the Palace clear.
Now too Lafayette, suddenly roused, not from sleep (for his eyes had not yet closed), arrives; with passionate
popular eloquence, with prompt military word of command. National Guards, suddenly roused, by sound of
trumpet and alarm−drum, are all arriving. The death−melly ceases: the first sky−lambent blaze of Insurrection is
got damped down; it burns now, if unextinguished, yet flameless, as charred coals do, and not inextinguishable.
The King's Apartments are safe. Ministers, Officials, and even some loyal National deputies are assembling round
their Majesties. The consternation will, with sobs and confusion, settle down gradually, into plan and counsel,
better or worse.
But glance now, for a moment, from the royal windows! A roaring sea of human heads, inundating both Courts;
billowing against all passages: Menadic women; infuriated men, mad with revenge, with love of mischief, love of
plunder! Rascality has slipped its muzzle; and now bays, three− throated, like the Dog of Erebus. Fourteen
Bodyguards are wounded; two massacred, and as we saw, beheaded; Jourdan asking, "Was it worth while to come
so far for two?" Hapless Deshuttes and Varigny! Their fate surely was sad. Whirled down so suddenly to the
abyss; as men are, suddenly, by the wide thunder of the Mountain Avalanche, awakened not by them, awakened
far off by others! When the Chateau Clock last struck, they two were pacing languid, with poised musketoon;
The French Revolution
117
The French Revolution
anxious mainly that the next hour would strike. It has struck; to them inaudible. Their trunks lie mangled: their
heads parade, 'on pikes twelve feet long,' through the streets of Versailles; and shall, about noon reach the Barriers
of Paris,−−a too ghastly contradiction to the large comfortable Placards that have been posted there!
The other captive Bodyguard is still circling the corpse of Jerome, amid Indian war−whooping; bloody Tilebeard,
with tucked sleeves, brandishing his bloody axe; when Gondran and the Grenadiers come in sight. "Comrades,
will you see a man massacred in cold blood?"−−"Off, butchers!" answer they; and the poor Bodyguard is free.
Busy runs Gondran, busy run Guards and Captains; scouring at all corridors; dispersing Rascality and Robbery;
sweeping the Palace clear. The mangled carnage is removed; Jerome's body to the Townhall, for inquest: the fire
of Insurrection gets damped, more and more, into measurable, manageable heat.
Transcendent things of all sorts, as in the general outburst of multitudinous Passion, are huddled together; the
ludicrous, nay the ridiculous, with the horrible. Far over the billowy sea of heads, may be seen Rascality,
caprioling on horses from the Royal Stud. The Spoilers these; for Patriotism is always infected so, with a
proportion of mere thieves and scoundrels. Gondran snatched their prey from them in the Chateau; whereupon
they hurried to the Stables, and took horse there. But the generous Diomedes' steeds, according to Weber,
disdained such scoundrel−burden; and, flinging up their royal heels, did soon project most of it, in parabolic
curves, to a distance, amid peals of laughter: and were caught. Mounted National Guards secured the rest.
Now too is witnessed the touching last−flicker of Etiquette; which sinks not here, in the Cimmerian
World−wreckage, without a sign, as the house− cricket might still chirp in the pealing of a Trump of Doom.
"Monsieur," said some Master of Ceremonies (one hopes it might be de Breze), as Lafayette, in these fearful
moments, was rushing towards the inner Royal Apartments, "Monsieur, le Roi vous accorde les grandes entrees,
Monsieur, the King grants you the Grand Entries,"−−not finding it convenient to refuse them!" (Toulongeon, 1
App. 120.)
Chapter 1.7.XI. From Versailles.
However, the Paris National Guard, wholly under arms, has cleared the Palace, and even occupies the nearer
external spaces; extruding miscellaneous Patriotism, for most part, into the Grand Court, or even into the
Forecourt.
The Bodyguards, you can observe, have now of a verity, 'hoisted the National Cockade:' for they step forward to
the windows or balconies, hat aloft in hand, on each hat a huge tricolor; and fling over their bandoleers in sign of
surrender; and shout Vive la Nation. To which how can the generous heart respond but with, Vive le Roi; vivent
les Gardes−du−Corps? His Majesty himself has appeared with Lafayette on the balcony, and again appears: Vive
le Roi greets him from all throats; but also from some one throat is heard "Le Roi a Paris, The King to Paris!"
Her Majesty too, on demand, shows herself, though there is peril in it: she steps out on the balcony, with her little
boy and girl. "No children, Point d'enfans!" cry the voices. She gently pushes back her children; and stands alone,
her hands serenely crossed on her breast: "should I die," she had said, "I will do it." Such serenity of heroism has
its effect. Lafayette, with ready wit, in his highflown chivalrous way, takes that fair queenly hand; and reverently
kneeling, kisses it: thereupon the people do shout Vive la Reine. Nevertheless, poor Weber 'saw' (or even thought
he saw; for hardly the third part of poor Weber's experiences, in such hysterical days, will stand scrutiny) 'one of
these brigands level his musket at her Majesty,'−−with or without intention to shoot; for another of the brigands
'angrily struck it down.'
So that all, and the Queen herself, nay the very Captain of the Bodyguards, have grown National! The very
Captain of the Bodyguards steps out now with Lafayette. On the hat of the repentant man is an enormous tricolor;
large as a soup−platter, or sun−flower; visible to the utmost Forecourt. He takes the National Oath with a loud
voice, elevating his hat; at which sight all the army raise their bonnets on their bayonets, with shouts. Sweet is
The French Revolution
118
The French Revolution
reconcilement to the heart of man. Lafayette has sworn Flandre; he swears the remaining Bodyguards, down in
the Marble Court; the people clasp them in their arms:−−O, my brothers, why would ye force us to slay you?
Behold there is joy over you, as over returning prodigal sons!−−The poor Bodyguards, now National and tricolor,
exchange bonnets, exchange arms; there shall be peace and fraternity. And still "Vive le Roi;" and also "Le Roi a
Paris," not now from one throat, but from all throats as one, for it is the heart's wish of all mortals.
Yes, The King to Paris: what else? Ministers may consult, and National Deputies wag their heads: but there is
now no other possibility. You have forced him to go willingly. "At one o'clock!" Lafayette gives audible
assurance to that purpose; and universal Insurrection, with immeasurable shout, and a discharge of all the
firearms, clear and rusty, great and small, that it has, returns him acceptance. What a sound; heard for leagues: a
doom peal!−−That sound too rolls away, into the Silence of Ages. And the Chateau of Versailles stands ever since
vacant, hushed still; its spacious Courts grassgrown, responsive to the hoe of the weeder. Times and generations
roll on, in their confused Gulf−current; and buildings like builders have their destiny.
Till one o'clock, then, there will be three parties, National Assembly, National Rascality, National Royalty, all
busy enough. Rascality rejoices; women trim themselves with tricolor. Nay motherly Paris has sent her Avengers
sufficient 'cartloads of loaves;' which are shouted over, which are gratefully consumed. The Avengers, in return,
are searching for grain− stores; loading them in fifty waggons; that so a National King, probable harbinger of all
blessings, may be the evident bringer of plenty, for one.
And thus has Sansculottism made prisoner its King; revoking his parole. The Monarchy has fallen; and not so
much as honourably: no, ignominiously; with struggle, indeed, oft repeated; but then with unwise struggle;
wasting its strength in fits and paroxysms; at every new paroxysm, foiled more pitifully than before. Thus
Broglie's whiff of grapeshot, which might have been something, has dwindled to the pot−valour of an Opera
Repast, and O Richard, O mon Roi. Which again we shall see dwindle to a Favras' Conspiracy, a thing to be
settled by the hanging of one Chevalier.
Poor Monarchy! But what save foulest defeat can await that man, who wills, and yet wills not? Apparently the
King either has a right, assertible as such to the death, before God and man; or else he has no right. Apparently,
the one or the other; could he but know which! May Heaven pity him! Were Louis wise he would this day
abdicate.−−Is it not strange so few Kings abdicate; and none yet heard of has been known to commit suicide?
Fritz the First, of Prussia, alone tried it; and they cut the rope.
As for the National Assembly, which decrees this morning that it 'is inseparable from his Majesty,' and will follow
him to Paris, there may one thing be noted: its extreme want of bodily health. After the Fourteenth of July there
was a certain sickliness observable among honourable Members; so many demanding passports, on account of
infirm health. But now, for these following days, there is a perfect murrian: President Mounier, Lally Tollendal,
Clermont Tonnere, and all Constitutional Two−Chamber Royalists needing change of air; as most No−Chamber
Royalists had formerly done.
For, in truth, it is the second Emigration this that has now come; most extensive among Commons Deputies,
Noblesse, Clergy: so that 'to Switzerland alone there go sixty thousand.' They will return in the day of accounts!
Yes, and have hot welcome.−−But Emigration on Emigration is the peculiarity of France. One Emigration follows
another; grounded on reasonable fear, unreasonable hope, largely also on childish pet. The highflyers have gone
first, now the lower flyers; and ever the lower will go down to the crawlers. Whereby, however, cannot our
National Assembly so much the more commodiously make the Constitution; your Two−Chamber Anglomaniacs
being all safe, distant on foreign shores? Abbe Maury is seized, and sent back again: he, tough as tanned leather,
with eloquent Captain Cazales and some others, will stand it out for another year.
But here, meanwhile, the question arises: Was Philippe d'Orleans seen, this day, 'in the Bois de Boulogne, in grey
surtout;' waiting under the wet sere foliage, what the day might bring forth? Alas, yes, the Eidolon of him
The French Revolution
119
The French Revolution
was,−−in Weber's and other such brains. The Chatelet shall make large inquisition into the matter, examining a
hundred and seventy witnesses, and Deputy Chabroud publish his Report; but disclose nothing further. (Rapport
de Chabroud (Moniteur, du 31 December, 1789).) What then has caused these two unparalleled October Days?
For surely such dramatic exhibition never yet enacted itself without Dramatist and Machinist. Wooden Punch
emerges not, with his domestic sorrows, into the light of day, unless the wire be pulled: how can human mobs?
Was it not d'Orleans then, and Laclos, Marquis Sillery, Mirabeau and the sons of confusion, hoping to drive the
King to Metz, and gather the spoil? Nay was it not, quite contrariwise, the Oeil−de−Boeuf, Bodyguard Colonel de
Guiche, Minister Saint−Priest and highflying Loyalists; hoping also to drive him to Metz; and try it by the sword
of civil war? Good Marquis Toulongeon, the Historian and Deputy, feels constrained to admit that it was both.
(Toulongeon, i. 150.)
Alas, my Friends, credulous incredulity is a strange matter. But when a whole Nation is smitten with Suspicion,
and sees a dramatic miracle in the very operation of the gastric juices, what help is there? Such Nation is already a
mere hypochondriac bundle of diseases; as good as changed into glass; atrabiliar, decadent; and will suffer crises.
Is not Suspicion itself the one thing to be suspected, as Montaigne feared only fear?
Now, however, the short hour has struck. His Majesty is in his carriage, with his Queen, sister Elizabeth, and two
royal children. Not for another hour can the infinite Procession get marshalled, and under way. The weather is
dim drizzling; the mind confused; and noise great.
Processional marches not a few our world has seen; Roman triumphs and ovations, Cabiric cymbal−beatings,
Royal progresses, Irish funerals: but this of the French Monarchy marching to its bed remained to be seen. Miles
long, and of breadth losing itself in vagueness, for all the neighbouring country crowds to see. Slow; stagnating
along, like shoreless Lake, yet with a noise like Niagara, like Babel and Bedlam. A splashing and a tramping; a
hurrahing, uproaring, musket−volleying;−−the truest segment of Chaos seen in these latter Ages! Till slowly it
disembogue itself, in the thickening dusk, into expectant Paris, through a double row of faces all the way from
Passy to the Hotel−de−Ville.
Consider this: Vanguard of National troops; with trains of artillery; of pikemen and pikewomen, mounted on
cannons, on carts, hackney−coaches, or on foot;−−tripudiating, in tricolor ribbons from head to heel; loaves stuck
on the points of bayonets, green boughs stuck in gun barrels. (Mercier, Nouveau Paris, iii. 21.) Next, as
main−march, 'fifty cartloads of corn,' which have been lent, for peace, from the stores of Versailles. Behind which
follow stragglers of the Garde−du−Corps; all humiliated, in Grenadier bonnets. Close on these comes the Royal
Carriage; come Royal Carriages: for there are an Hundred National Deputies too, among whom sits Mirabeau,−−
his remarks not given. Then finally, pellmell, as rearguard, Flandre, Swiss, Hundred Swiss, other Bodyguards,
Brigands, whosoever cannot get before. Between and among all which masses, flows without limit Saint−
Antoine, and the Menadic Cohort. Menadic especially about the Royal Carriage; tripudiating there, covered with
tricolor; singing 'allusive songs;' pointing with one hand to the Royal Carriage, which the illusions hit, and
pointing to the Provision−wagons, with the other hand, and these words: "Courage, Friends! We shall not want
bread now; we are bringing you the Baker, the Bakeress, and Baker's Boy (le Boulanger, la Boulangere, et le petit
Mitron)." (Toulongeon, i. 134−161; Deux Amis (iii. c. 9);
The wet day draggles the tricolor, but the joy is unextinguishable. Is not all well now? "Ah, Madame, notre bonne
Reine," said some of these Strong− women some days hence, "Ah Madame, our good Queen, don't be a traitor
any more (ne soyez plus traitre), and we will all love you!" Poor Weber went splashing along, close by the Royal
carriage, with the tear in his eye: 'their Majesties did me the honour,' or I thought they did it, 'to testify, from time
to time, by shrugging of the shoulders, by looks directed to Heaven, the emotions they felt.' Thus, like frail cockle,
floats the Royal Life−boat, helmless, on black deluges of Rascality.
Mercier, in his loose way, estimates the Procession and assistants at two hundred thousand. He says it was one
boundless inarticulate Haha;−− transcendent World−Laughter; comparable to the Saturnalia of the Ancients. Why
The French Revolution
120
The French Revolution
not? Here too, as we said, is Human Nature once more human; shudder at it whoso is of shuddering humour: yet
behold it is human. It has 'swallowed all formulas;' it tripudiates even so. For which reason they that collect Vases
and Antiques, with figures of Dancing Bacchantes 'in wild and all but impossible positions,' may look with some
interest on it.
Thus, however, has the slow−moving Chaos or modern Saturnalia of the Ancients, reached the Barrier; and must
halt, to be harangued by Mayor Bailly. Thereafter it has to lumber along, between the double row of faces, in the
transcendent heaven−lashing Haha; two hours longer, towards the Hotel−de−Ville. Then again to be harangued
there, by several persons; by Moreau de Saint−Mery, among others; Moreau of the Three−thousand orders, now
National Deputy for St. Domingo. To all which poor Louis, who seemed to 'experience a slight emotion' on
entering this Townhall, can answer only that he "comes with pleasure, with confidence among his people." Mayor
Bailly, in reporting it, forgets 'confidence;' and the poor Queen says eagerly: "Add, with
confidence."−−"Messieurs," rejoins Bailly, "You are happier than if I had not forgot."
Finally, the King is shewn on an upper balcony, by torchlight, with a huge tricolor in his hat: 'And all the
"people," says Weber, grasped one another's hands;−−thinking now surely the New Era was born.' Hardly till
eleven at night can Royalty get to its vacant, long−deserted Palace of the Tuileries: to lodge there, somewhat in
strolling−player fashion. It is Tuesday, the sixth of October, 1789.
Poor Louis has Two other Paris Processions to make: one ludicrous− ignominious like this; the other not ludicrous
nor ignominious, but serious, nay sublime.
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
VOLUME II. THE CONSTITUTION
BOOK 2.I. THE FEAST OF PIKES
Chapter 2.1.I. In the Tuileries.
The victim having once got his stroke−of−grace, the catastrophe can be considered as almost come. There is small
interest now in watching his long low moans: notable only are his sharper agonies, what convulsive struggles he
may take to cast the torture off from him; and then finally the last departure of life itself, and how he lies extinct
and ended, either wrapt like Caesar in decorous mantle−folds, or unseemly sunk together, like one that had not the
force even to die.
Was French Royalty, when wrenched forth from its tapestries in that fashion, on that Sixth of October 1789, such
a victim? Universal France, and Royal Proclamation to all the Provinces, answers anxiously, No; nevertheless one
may fear the worst. Royalty was beforehand so decrepit, moribund, there is little life in it to heal an injury. How
much of its strength, which was of the imagination merely, has fled; Rascality having looked plainly in the King's
face, and not died! When the assembled crows can pluck up their scarecrow, and say to it, Here shalt thou stand
and not there; and can treat with it, and make it, from an infinite, a quite finite Constitutional scarecrow,−−what is
to be looked for? Not in the finite Constitutional scarecrow, but in what still unmeasured, infinite−seeming force
may rally round it, is there thenceforth any hope. For it is most true that all available Authority is mystic in its
conditions, and comes 'by the grace of God.'
Cheerfuller than watching the death−struggles of Royalism will it be to watch the growth and gambollings of
Sansculottism; for, in human things, especially in human society, all death is but a death−birth: thus if the sceptre
is departing from Louis, it is only that, in other forms, other sceptres, were it even pike−sceptres, may bear sway.
In a prurient element, rich with nutritive influences, we shall find that Sansculottism grows lustily, and even frisks
in not ungraceful sport: as indeed most young creatures are sportful; nay, may it not be noted further, that as the
The French Revolution
121
The French Revolution
grown cat, and cat−species generally, is the cruellest thing known, so the merriest is precisely the kitten, or
growing cat?
But fancy the Royal Family risen from its truckle−beds on the morrow of that mad day: fancy the Municipal
inquiry, "How would your Majesty please to lodge?"−−and then that the King's rough answer, "Each may lodge
as he can, I am well enough," is congeed and bowed away, in expressive grins, by the Townhall Functionaries,
with obsequious upholsterers at their back; and how the Chateau of the Tuileries is repainted, regarnished into a
golden Royal Residence; and Lafayette with his blue National Guards lies encompassing it, as blue Neptune (in
the language of poets) does an island, wooingly. Thither may the wrecks of rehabilitated Loyalty gather; if it will
become Constitutional; for Constitutionalism thinks no evil; Sansculottism itself rejoices in the King's
countenance. The rubbish of a Menadic Insurrection, as in this ever−kindly world all rubbish can and must be, is
swept aside; and so again, on clear arena, under new conditions, with something even of a new stateliness, we
begin a new course of action.
Arthur Young has witnessed the strangest scene: Majesty walking unattended in the Tuileries Gardens; and
miscellaneous tricolor crowds, who cheer it, and reverently make way for it: the very Queen commands at lowest
respectful silence, regretful avoidance. (Arthur Young's Travels, i. 264− 280.) Simple ducks, in those royal
waters, quackle for crumbs from young royal fingers: the little Dauphin has a little railed garden, where he is seen
delving, with ruddy cheeks and flaxen curled hair; also a little hutch to put his tools in, and screen himself against
showers. What peaceable simplicity! Is it peace of a Father restored to his children? Or of a Taskmaster who has
lost his whip? Lafayette and the Municipality and universal Constitutionalism assert the former, and do what is in
them to realise it. Such Patriotism as snarls dangerously, and shows teeth, Patrollotism shall suppress; or far
better, Royalty shall soothe down the angry hair of it, by gentle pattings; and, most effectual of all, by fuller diet.
Yes, not only shall Paris be fed, but the King's hand be seen in that work. The household goods of the Poor shall,
up to a certain amount, by royal bounty, be disengaged from pawn, and that insatiable Mont de Piete disgorge:
rides in the city with their vive−le−roi need not fail; and so by substance and show, shall Royalty, if man's art can
popularise it, be popularised. (Deux Amis, iii. c. 10.)
Or, alas, is it neither restored Father nor diswhipped Taskmaster that walks there; but an anomalous complex of
both these, and of innumerable other heterogeneities; reducible to no rubric, if not to this newly devised one: King
Louis Restorer of French Liberty? Man indeed, and King Louis like other men, lives in this world to make rule
out of the ruleless; by his living energy, he shall force the absurd itself to become less absurd. But then if there be
no living energy; living passivity only? King Serpent, hurled into his unexpected watery dominion, did at least
bite, and assert credibly that he was there: but as for the poor King Log, tumbled hither and thither as
thousandfold chance and other will than his might direct, how happy for him that he was indeed wooden; and,
doing nothing, could also see and suffer nothing! It is a distracted business.
For his French Majesty, meanwhile, one of the worst things is that he can get no hunting. Alas, no hunting
henceforth; only a fatal being−hunted! Scarcely, in the next June weeks, shall he taste again the joys of the
game−destroyer; in next June, and never more. He sends for his smith− tools; gives, in the course of the day,
official or ceremonial business being ended, 'a few strokes of the file, quelques coups de lime. (Le Chateau des
Tuileries, ou recit, par Roussel (in Hist. Parl. iv. 195− 219).) Innocent brother mortal, why wert thou not an
obscure substantial maker of locks; but doomed in that other far−seen craft, to be a maker only of world−follies,
unrealities; things self destructive, which no mortal hammering could rivet into coherence!
Poor Louis is not without insight, nor even without the elements of will; some sharpness of temper, spurting at
times from a stagnating character. If harmless inertness could save him, it were well; but he will slumber and
painfully dream, and to do aught is not given him. Royalist Antiquarians still shew the rooms where Majesty and
suite, in these extraordinary circumstances, had their lodging. Here sat the Queen; reading,−−for she had her
library brought hither, though the King refused his; taking vehement counsel of the vehement uncounselled;
sorrowing over altered times; yet with sure hope of better: in her young rosy Boy, has she not the living emblem
The French Revolution
122
The French Revolution
of hope! It is a murky, working sky; yet with golden gleams−−of dawn, or of deeper meteoric night? Here again
this chamber, on the other side of the main entrance, was the King's: here his Majesty breakfasted, and did official
work; here daily after breakfast he received the Queen; sometimes in pathetic friendliness; sometimes in human
sulkiness, for flesh is weak; and, when questioned about business would answer: "Madame, your business is with
the children." Nay, Sire, were it not better you, your Majesty's self, took the children? So asks impartial History;
scornful that the thicker vessel was not also the stronger; pity− struck for the porcelain−clay of humanity rather
than for the tile−clay,−− though indeed both were broken!
So, however, in this Medicean Tuileries, shall the French King and Queen now sit, for one−and−forty months;
and see a wild−fermenting France work out its own destiny, and theirs. Months bleak, ungenial, of rapid
vicissitude; yet with a mild pale splendour, here and there: as of an April that were leading to leafiest Summer; as
of an October that led only to everlasting Frost. Medicean Tuileries, how changed since it was a peaceful Tile
field! Or is the ground itself fate−stricken, accursed: an Atreus' Palace; for that Louvre window is still nigh, out of
which a Capet, whipt of the Furies, fired his signal of the Saint Bartholomew! Dark is the way of the Eternal as
mirrored in this world of Time: God's way is in the sea, and His path in the great deep.
Chapter 2.1.II. In the Salle de Manege.
To believing Patriots, however, it is now clear, that the Constitution will march, marcher,−−had it once legs to
stand on. Quick, then, ye Patriots, bestir yourselves, and make it; shape legs for it! In the Archeveche, or
Archbishop's Palace, his Grace himself having fled; and afterwards in the Riding−hall, named Manege, close on
the Tuileries: there does a National Assembly apply itself to the miraculous work. Successfully, had there been
any heaven−scaling Prometheus among them; not successfully since there was none! There, in noisy debate, for
the sessions are occasionally 'scandalous,' and as many as three speakers have been seen in the Tribune at
once,−−let us continue to fancy it wearing the slow months.
Tough, dogmatic, long of wind is Abbe Maury; Ciceronian pathetic is Cazales. Keen−trenchant, on the other side,
glitters a young Barnave; abhorrent of sophistry; sheering, like keen Damascus sabre, all sophistry
asunder,−−reckless what else he sheer with it. Simple seemest thou, O solid Dutch−built Petion; if solid, surely
dull. Nor lifegiving in that tone of thine, livelier polemical Rabaut. With ineffable serenity sniffs great Sieyes,
aloft, alone; his Constitution ye may babble over, ye may mar, but can by no possibility mend: is not Polity a
science he has exhausted? Cool, slow, two military Lameths are visible, with their quality sneer, or demi−sneer;
they shall gallantly refund their Mother's Pension, when the Red Book is produced; gallantly be wounded in duels.
A Marquis Toulongeon, whose Pen we yet thank, sits there; in stoical meditative humour, oftenest silent, accepts
what destiny will send. Thouret and Parlementary Duport produce mountains of Reformed Law; liberal,
Anglomaniac, available and unavailable. Mortals rise and fall. Shall goose Gobel, for example,−−or Go(with an
umlaut)bel, for he is of Strasburg German breed, be a Constitutional Archbishop?
Alone of all men there, Mirabeau may begin to discern clearly whither all this is tending. Patriotism, accordingly,
regrets that his zeal seems to be getting cool. In that famed Pentecost−Night of the Fourth of August, when new
Faith rose suddenly into miraculous fire, and old Feudality was burnt up, men remarked that Mirabeau took no
hand in it; that, in fact, he luckily happened to be absent. But did he not defend the Veto, nay Veto Absolu; and
tell vehement Barnave that six hundred irresponsible senators would make of all tyrannies the insupportablest?
Again, how anxious was he that the King's Ministers should have seat and voice in the National
Assembly;−−doubtless with an eye to being Minister himself! Whereupon the National Assembly decides, what is
very momentous, that no Deputy shall be Minister; he, in his haughty stormful manner, advising us to make it, 'no
Deputy called Mirabeau.' (Moniteur, Nos. 65, 86 (29th September, 7th November, 1789).) A man of perhaps
inveterate Feudalisms; of stratagems; too often visible leanings towards the Royalist side: a man suspect; whom
Patriotism will unmask! Thus, in these June days, when the question Who shall have right to declare war? comes
on, you hear hoarse Hawkers sound dolefully through the streets, "Grand Treason of Count Mirabeau, price only
one sou;"−−because he pleads that it shall be not the Assembly but the King! Pleads; nay prevails: for in spite of
The French Revolution
123
The French Revolution
the hoarse Hawkers, and an endless Populace raised by them to the pitch even of 'Lanterne,' he mounts the
Tribune next day; grim−resolute; murmuring aside to his friends that speak of danger: "I know it: I must come
hence either in triumph, or else torn in fragments;" and it was in triumph that he came.
A man of stout heart; whose popularity is not of the populace, 'pas populaciere;' whom no clamour of unwashed
mobs without doors, or of washed mobs within, can scarce from his way! Dumont remembers hearing him deliver
a Report on Marseilles; 'every word was interrupted on the part of the Cote Droit by abusive epithets; calumniator,
liar, assassin, scoundrel (scelerat): Mirabeau pauses a moment, and, in a honeyed tone, addressing the most
furious, says: "I wait, Messieurs, till these amenities be exhausted."' (Dumont, Souvenirs, p. 278.) A man
enigmatic, difficult to unmask! For example, whence comes his money? Can the profit of a Newspaper, sorely
eaten into by Dame Le Jay; can this, and the eighteen francs a−day your National Deputy has, be supposed equal
to this expenditure? House in the Chaussee d'Antin; Country−house at Argenteuil; splendours, sumptuosities,
orgies;−−living as if he had a mint! All saloons barred against Adventurer Mirabeau, are flung wide open to King
Mirabeau, the cynosure of Europe, whom female France flutters to behold,−− though the Man Mirabeau is one
and the same. As for money, one may conjecture that Royalism furnishes it; which if Royalism do, will not the
same be welcome, as money always is to him?
'Sold,' whatever Patriotism thinks, he cannot readily be: the spiritual fire which is in that man; which shining
through such confusions is nevertheless Conviction, and makes him strong, and without which he had no
strength,−−is not buyable nor saleable; in such transference of barter, it would vanish and not be. Perhaps 'paid
and not sold, paye pas vendu:' as poor Rivarol, in the unhappier converse way, calls himself 'sold and not paid!' A
man travelling, comet−like, in splendour and nebulosity, his wild way; whom telescopic Patriotism may long
watch, but, without higher mathematics, will not make out. A questionable most blameable man; yet to us the far
notablest of all. With rich munificence, as we often say, in a most blinkard, bespectacled, logic−chopping
generation, Nature has gifted this man with an eye. Welcome is his word, there where he speaks and works; and
growing ever welcomer; for it alone goes to the heart of the business: logical cobwebbery shrinks itself together;
and thou seest a thing, how it is, how is may be worked with.
Unhappily our National Assembly has much to do: a France to regenerate; and France is short of so many
requisites; short even of cash! These same Finances give trouble enough; no choking of the Deficit; which gapes
ever, Give, give! To appease the Deficit we venture on a hazardous step, sale of the Clergy's Lands and
superfluous Edifices; most hazardous. Nay, given the sale, who is to buy them, ready−money having fled?
Wherefore, on the 19th day of December, a paper−money of 'Assignats,' of Bonds secured, or assigned, on that
Clerico−National Property, and unquestionable at least in payment of that,−−is decreed: the first of a long series
of like financial performances, which shall astonish mankind. So that now, while old rags last, there shall be no
lack of circulating medium; whether of commodities to circulate thereon is another question. But, after all, does
not this Assignat business speak volumes for modern science? Bankruptcy, we may say, was come, as the end of
all Delusions needs must come: yet how gently, in softening diffusion, in mild succession, was it hereby made to
fall;−−like no all−destroying avalanche; like gentle showers of a powdery impalpable snow, shower after shower,
till all was indeed buried, and yet little was destroyed that could not be replaced , be dispensed with! To such
length has modern machinery reached. Bankruptcy, we said, was great; but indeed Money itself is a standing
miracle.
On the whole, it is a matter of endless difficulty, that of the Clergy. Clerical property may be made the Nation's,
and the Clergy hired servants of the State; but if so, is it not an altered Church? Adjustment enough, of the most
confused sort, has become unavoidable. Old landmarks, in any sense, avail not in a new France. Nay literally, the
very Ground is new divided; your old party−coloured Provinces become new uniform Departments, Eighty−three
in number;−−whereby, as in some sudden shifting of the Earth's axis, no mortal knows his new latitude at once.
The Twelve old Parlements too, what is to be done with them? The old Parlements are declared to be all 'in
permanent vacation,'−−till once the new equal−justice, of Departmental Courts, National Appeal−Court, of
elective Justices, Justices of Peace, and other Thouret−and−Duport apparatus be got ready. They have to sit there,
The French Revolution
124
The French Revolution
these old Parlements, uneasily waiting; as it were, with the rope round their neck; crying as they can, Is there none
to deliver us? But happily the answer being, None, none, they are a manageable class, these Parlements. They can
be bullied, even into silence; the Paris Parliament, wiser than most, has never whimpered. They will and must sit
there; in such vacation as is fit; their Chamber of Vacation distributes in the interim what little justice is going.
With the rope round their neck, their destiny may be succinct! On the 13th of November 1790, Mayor Bailly shall
walk to the Palais de Justice, few even heeding him; and with municipal seal−stamp and a little hot wax, seal up
the Parlementary Paper− rooms,−−and the dread Parlement of Paris pass away, into Chaos, gently as does a
Dream! So shall the Parlements perish, succinctly; and innumerable eyes be dry.
Not so the Clergy. For granting even that Religion were dead; that it had died, half−centuries ago, with
unutterable Dubois; or emigrated lately, to Alsace, with Necklace−Cardinal Rohan; or that it now walked as
goblin revenant with Bishop Talleyrand of Autun; yet does not the Shadow of Religion, the Cant of Religion, still
linger? The Clergy have means and material: means, of number, organization, social weight; a material, at lowest,
of public ignorance, known to be the mother of devotion. Nay, withal, is it incredible that there might, in simple
hearts, latent here and there like gold grains in the mud−beach, still dwell some real Faith in God, of so singular
and tenacious a sort that even a Maury or a Talleyrand, could still be the symbol for it?−−Enough, and Clergy has
strength, the Clergy has craft and indignation. It is a most fatal business this of the Clergy. A weltering
hydra−coil, which the National Assembly has stirred up about its ears; hissing, stinging; which cannot be
appeased, alive; which cannot be trampled dead! Fatal, from first to last! Scarcely after fifteen months' debating,
can a Civil Constitution of the Clergy be so much as got to paper; and then for getting it into reality? Alas, such
Civil Constitution is but an agreement to disagree. It divides France from end to end, with a new split, infinitely
complicating all the other splits;−− Catholicism, what of it there is left, with the Cant of Catholicism, raging on
the one side, and sceptic Heathenism on the other; both, by contradiction , waxing fanatic. What endless jarring,
of Refractory hated Priests, and Constitutional despised ones; of tender consciences, like the King's, and
consciences hot−seared, like certain of his People's: the whole to end in Feasts of Reason and a War of La
Vendee! So deep−seated is Religion in the heart of man, and holds of all infinite passions. If the dead echo of it
still did so much, what could not the living voice of it once do?
Finance and Constitution, Law and Gospel: this surely were work enough; yet this is not all. In fact, the Ministry,
and Necker himself whom a brass inscription 'fastened by the people over his door−lintel' testifies to be the
'Ministre adore,' are dwindling into clearer and clearer nullity. Execution or legislation, arrangement or detail,
from their nerveless fingers all drops undone; all lights at last on the toiled shoulders of an august Representative
Body. Heavy−laden National Assembly! It has to hear of innumerable fresh revolts, Brigand expeditions; of
Chateaus in the West, especially of Charter−chests, Chartiers, set on fire; for there too the overloaded Ass
frightfully recalcitrates. Of Cities in the South full of heats and jealousies; which will end in crossed sabres,
Marseilles against Toulon, and Carpentras beleaguered by Avignon;−−such Royalist collision in a career of
Freedom; nay Patriot collision, which a mere difference of velocity will bring about! Of a Jourdan Coup−tete,
who has skulked thitherward, from the claws of the Chatelet; and will raise whole scoundrel−regiments.
Also it has to hear of Royalist Camp of Jales: Jales mountain−girdled Plain, amid the rocks of the Cevennes;
whence Royalism, as is feared and hoped, may dash down like a mountain deluge, and submerge France! A
singular thing this camp of Jales; existing mostly on paper. For the Soldiers at Jales, being peasants or National
Guards, were in heart sworn Sansculottes; and all that the Royalist Captains could do was, with false words, to
keep them, or rather keep the report of them, drawn up there, visible to all imaginations, for a terror and a
sign,−−if peradventure France might be reconquered by theatrical machinery, by the picture of a Royalist Army
done to the life! (Dampmartin, Evenemens, i. 208.) Not till the third summer was this portent, burning out by fits
and then fading, got finally extinguished; was the old Castle of Jales, no Camp being visible to the bodily eye, got
blown asunder by some National Guards.
Also it has to hear not only of Brissot and his Friends of the Blacks, but by and by of a whole St. Domingo
blazing skyward; blazing in literal fire, and in far worse metaphorical; beaconing the nightly main. Also of the
The French Revolution
125
The French Revolution
shipping interest, and the landed−interest, and all manner of interests, reduced to distress. Of Industry every
where manacled, bewildered; and only Rebellion thriving. Of sub−officers, soldiers and sailors in mutiny by land
and water. Of soldiers, at Nanci, as we shall see, needing to be cannonaded by a brave Bouille. Of sailors, nay the
very galley−slaves, at Brest, needing also to be cannonaded; but with no Bouille to do it. For indeed, to say it in a
word, in those days there was no King in Israel, and every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (See
Deux Amis, iii. c. 14; iv. c. 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 14. Expedition des Volontaires de Brest sur Lannion; Les Lyonnais
Sauveurs des Dauphinois; Massacre au Mans; Troubles du Maine (Pamphlets and Excerpts, in Hist. Parl. iii. 251;
iv. 162−168),
Such things has an august National Assembly to hear of, as it goes on regenerating France. Sad and stern: but
what remedy? Get the Constitution ready; and all men will swear to it: for do not 'Addresses of adhesion' arrive by
the cartload? In this manner, by Heaven's blessing, and a Constitution got ready, shall the bottomless fire−gulf be
vaulted in, with rag−paper; and Order will wed Freedom, and live with her there,−−till it grow too hot for them. O
Cote Gauche, worthy are ye, as the adhesive Addresses generally say, to 'fix the regards of the Universe;' the
regards of this one poor Planet, at lowest!−−
Nay, it must be owned, the Cote Droit makes a still madder figure. An irrational generation; irrational, imbecile,
and with the vehement obstinacy characteristic of that; a generation which will not learn. Falling Bastilles,
Insurrections of Women, thousands of smoking Manorhouses, a country bristling with no crop but that of
Sansculottic steel: these were tolerably didactic lessons; but them they have not taught. There are still men, of
whom it was of old written, Bray them in a mortar! Or, in milder language, They have wedded their delusions:
fire nor steel, nor any sharpness of Experience, shall sever the bond; till death do us part! Of such may the
Heavens have mercy; for the Earth, with her rigorous Necessity, will have none.
Admit, at the same time, that it was most natural. Man lives by Hope: Pandora when her box of gods'−gifts flew
all out, and became gods'−curses, still retained Hope. How shall an irrational mortal, when his high−place is never
so evidently pulled down, and he, being irrational, is left resourceless,−−part with the belief that it will be rebuilt?
It would make all so straight again; it seems so unspeakably desirable; so reasonable,−− would you but look at it
aright! For, must not the thing which was continue to be; or else the solid World dissolve? Yes, persist, O
infatuated Sansculottes of France! Revolt against constituted Authorities; hunt out your rightful Seigneurs, who at
bottom so loved you, and readily shed their blood for you,−−in country's battles as at Rossbach and elsewhere;
and, even in preserving game, were preserving you, could ye but have understood it: hunt them out, as if they
were wild wolves; set fire to their Chateaus and Chartiers as to wolf−dens; and what then? Why, then turn every
man his hand against his fellow! In confusion, famine, desolation, regret the days that are gone; rueful recall
them, recall us with them. To repentant prayers we will not be deaf.
So, with dimmer or clearer consciousness, must the Right Side reason and act. An inevitable position perhaps; but
a most false one for them. Evil, be thou our good: this henceforth must virtually be their prayer. The fiercer the
effervescence grows, the sooner will it pass; for after all it is but some mad effervescence; the World is solid, and
cannot dissolve.
For the rest, if they have any positive industry, it is that of plots, and backstairs conclaves. Plots which cannot be
executed; which are mostly theoretic on their part;−−for which nevertheless this and the other practical Sieur
Augeard, Sieur Maillebois, Sieur Bonne Savardin, gets into trouble, gets imprisoned, and escapes with difficulty.
Nay there is a poor practical Chevalier Favras who, not without some passing reflex on Monsieur himself, gets
hanged for them, amid loud uproar of the world. Poor Favras, he keeps dictating his last will at the
'Hotel−de−Ville, through the whole remainder of the day,' a weary February day; offers to reveal secrets, if they
will save him; handsomely declines since they will not; then dies, in the flare of torchlight, with politest
composure; remarking, rather than exclaiming, with outspread hands: "People, I die innocent; pray for me." (See
Deux Amis, iv. c. 14, 7; Hist. Parl. vi. 384.) Poor Favras;−−type of so much that has prowled indefatigable over
France, in days now ending; and, in freer field, might have earned instead of prowling,−−to thee it is no theory!
The French Revolution
126
The French Revolution
In the Senate−house again, the attitude of the Right Side is that of calm unbelief. Let an august National
Assembly make a Fourth−of−August Abolition of Feudality; declare the Clergy State−servants who shall have
wages; vote Suspensive Vetos, new Law−Courts; vote or decree what contested thing it will; have it responded to
from the four corners of France, nay get King's Sanction, and what other Acceptance were conceivable,−−the
Right Side, as we find, persists, with imperturbablest tenacity, in considering, and ever and anon shews that it still
considers, all these so−called Decrees as mere temporary whims, which indeed stand on paper, but in practice and
fact are not, and cannot be. Figure the brass head of an Abbe Maury flooding forth Jesuitic eloquence in this
strain; dusky d'Espremenil, Barrel Mirabeau (probably in liquor), and enough of others, cheering him from the
Right; and, for example, with what visage a seagreen Robespierre eyes him from the Left. And how Sieyes
ineffably sniffs on him, or does not deign to sniff; and how the Galleries groan in spirit, or bark rabid on him: so
that to escape the Lanterne, on stepping forth, he needs presence of mind, and a pair of pistols in his girdle! For he
is one of the toughest of men.
Here indeed becomes notable one great difference between our two kinds of civil war; between the modern
lingual or Parliamentary−logical kind, and the ancient, or manual kind, in the steel battle−field;−−much to the
disadvantage of the former. In the manual kind, where you front your foe with drawn weapon, one right stroke is
final; for, physically speaking, when the brains are out the man does honestly die, and trouble you no more. But
how different when it is with arguments you fight! Here no victory yet definable can be considered as final. Beat
him down, with Parliamentary invective, till sense be fled; cut him in two, hanging one half in this dilemma−horn,
the other on that; blow the brains or thinking−faculty quite out of him for the time: it skills not; he rallies and
revives on the morrow; to−morrow he repairs his golden fires! The think that will logically extinguish him is
perhaps still a desideratum in Constitutional civilisation. For how, till a man know, in some measure, at what
point he becomes logically defunct, can Parliamentary Business be carried on, and Talk cease or slake?
Doubtless it was some feeling of this difficulty; and the clear insight how little such knowledge yet existed in the
French Nation, new in the Constitutional career, and how defunct Aristocrats would continue to walk for
unlimited periods, as Partridge the Alamanack−maker did,−−that had sunk into the deep mind of People's−friend
Marat, an eminently practical mind; and had grown there, in that richest putrescent soil, into the most original
plan of action ever submitted to a People. Not yet has it grown; but it has germinated, it is growing; rooting itself
into Tartarus, branching towards Heaven: the second season hence, we shall see it risen out of the bottomless
Darkness, full−grown, into disastrous Twilight,−−a Hemlock−tree, great as the world; on or under whose boughs
all the People's−friends of the world may lodge. 'Two hundred and sixty thousand Aristocrat heads:' that is the
precisest calculation, though one would not stand on a few hundreds; yet we never rise as high as the round three
hundred thousand. Shudder at it, O People; but it is as true as that ye yourselves, and your People's−friend, are
alive. These prating Senators of yours hover ineffectual on the barren letter, and will never save the Revolution. A
Cassandra−Marat cannot do it, with his single shrunk arm; but with a few determined men it were possible. "Give
me," said the People's−friend, in his cold way, when young Barbaroux, once his pupil in a course of what was
called Optics, went to see him, "Give me two hundred Naples Bravoes, armed each with a good dirk, and a muff
on his left arm by way of shield: with them I will traverse France, and accomplish the Revolution." (Memoires de
Barbaroux (Paris, 1822), p. 57.) Nay, be brave, young Barbaroux; for thou seest, there is no jesting in those
rheumy eyes; in that soot−bleared figure, most earnest of created things; neither indeed is there madness, of the
strait−waistcoat sort.
Such produce shall the Time ripen in cavernous Marat, the man forbid; living in Paris cellars, lone as fanatic
Anchorite in his Thebaid; say, as far−seen Simon on his Pillar,−−taking peculiar views therefrom. Patriots may
smile; and, using him as bandog now to be muzzled, now to be let bark, name him, as Desmoulins does,
'Maximum of Patriotism' and 'Cassandra− Marat:' but were it not singular if this dirk−and−muff plan of his (with
superficial modifications) proved to be precisely the plan adopted?
After this manner, in these circumstances, do august Senators regenerate France. Nay, they are, in very deed,
believed to be regenerating it; on account of which great fact, main fact of their history, the wearied eye can never
The French Revolution
127
The French Revolution
be permitted wholly to ignore them.
But looking away now from these precincts of the Tuileries, where Constitutional Royalty, let Lafayette water it
as he will, languishes too like a cut branch; and august Senators are perhaps at bottom only perfecting their 'theory
of defective verbs,'−−how does the young Reality, young Sansculottism thrive? The attentive observer can
answer: It thrives bravely; putting forth new buds; expanding the old buds into leaves, into boughs. Is not French
Existence, as before, most prurient, all loosened, most nutrient for it? Sansculottism has the property of growing
by what other things die of: by agitation, contention, disarrangement; nay in a word, by what is the symbol and
fruit of all these: Hunger.
In such a France as this, Hunger, as we have remarked, can hardly fail. The Provinces, the Southern Cities feel it
in their turn; and what it brings: Exasperation, preternatural Suspicion. In Paris some halcyon days of abundance
followed the Menadic Insurrection, with its Versailles grain− carts, and recovered Restorer of Liberty; but they
could not continue. The month is still October when famishing Saint−Antoine, in a moment of passion, seizes a
poor Baker, innocent 'Francois the Baker;' (21st October, 1789 (Moniteur, No. 76).) and hangs him, in
Constantinople wise;−−but even this, singular as it my seem, does not cheapen bread! Too clear it is, no Royal
bounty, no Municipal dexterity can adequately feed a Bastille− destroying Paris. Wherefore, on view of the
hanged Baker, Constitutionalism in sorrow and anger demands 'Loi Martiale,' a kind of Riot Act;−−and indeed
gets it, most readily, almost before the sun goes down.
This is that famed Martial law, with its Red Flag, its 'Drapeau Rouge:' in virtue of which Mayor Bailly, or any
Mayor, has but henceforth to hang out that new Oriflamme of his; then to read or mumble something about the
King's peace; and, after certain pauses, serve any undispersing Assemblage with musket−shot, or whatever shot
will disperse it. A decisive Law; and most just on one proviso: that all Patrollotism be of God, and all mob−
assembling be of the Devil;−−otherwise not so just. Mayor Bailly be unwilling to use it! Hang not out that new
Oriflamme, flame not of gold but of the want of gold! The thrice−blessed Revolution is done, thou thinkest? If so
it will be well with thee.
But now let no mortal say henceforth that an august National Assembly wants riot: all it ever wanted was riot
enough to balance Court−plotting; all it now wants, of Heaven or of Earth, is to get its theory of defective verbs
perfected.
Chapter 2.1.III. The Muster.
With famine and a Constitutional theory of defective verbs going on, all other excitement is conceivable. A
universal shaking and sifting of French Existence this is: in the course of which, for one thing, what a multitude of
low−lying figures are sifted to the top, and set busily to work there!
Dogleech Marat, now for−seen as Simon Stylites, we already know; him and others, raised aloft. The mere
sample, these, of what is coming, of what continues coming, upwards from the realm of Night!−−Chaumette, by
and by Anaxagoras Chaumette, one already descries: mellifluous in street−groups; not now a sea−boy on the high
and giddy mast: a mellifluous tribune of the common people, with long curling locks, on bourne−stone of the
thoroughfares; able sub−editor too; who shall rise−−to the very gallows. Clerk Tallien, he also is become
sub−editor; shall become able editor; and more. Bibliopolic Momoro, Typographic Pruhomme see new trades
opening. Collot d'Herbois, tearing a passion to rags, pauses on the Thespian boards; listens, with that black bushy
head, to the sound of the world's drama: shall the Mimetic become Real? Did ye hiss him, O men of Lyons?
(Buzot, Memoires (Paris, 1823), p. 90.) Better had ye clapped!
Happy now, indeed, for all manner of mimetic, half−original men! Tumid blustering, with more or less of
sincerity, which need not be entirely sincere, yet the sincerer the better, is like to go far. Shall we say, the
Revolution−element works itself rarer and rarer; so that only lighter and lighter bodies will float in it; till at last
The French Revolution
128
The French Revolution
the mere blown−bladder is your only swimmer? Limitation of mind, then vehemence, promptitude, audacity, shall
all be available; to which add only these two: cunning and good lungs. Good fortune must be presupposed.
Accordingly, of all classes the rising one, we observe, is now the Attorney class: witness Bazires, Carriers,
Fouquier−Tinvilles, Bazoche−Captain Bourdons: more than enough. Such figures shall Night, from her
wonder−bearing bosom, emit; swarm after swarm. Of another deeper and deepest swarm, not yet dawned on the
astonished eye; of pilfering Candle−snuffers, Thief−valets, disfrocked Capuchins, and so many Heberts, Henriots,
Ronsins, Rossignols, let us, as long as possible, forbear speaking.
Thus, over France, all stirs that has what the Physiologists call irritability in it: how much more all wherein
irritability has perfected itself into vitality; into actual vision, and force that can will! All stirs; and if not in Paris,
flocks thither. Great and greater waxes President Danton in his Cordeliers Section; his rhetorical tropes are all
'gigantic:' energy flashes from his black brows, menaces in his athletic figure, rolls in the sound of his voice
'reverberating from the domes;' this man also, like Mirabeau, has a natural eye, and begins to see whither
Constitutionalism is tending, though with a wish in it different from Mirabeau's.
Remark, on the other hand, how General Dumouriez has quitted Normandy and the Cherbourg Breakwater, to
come−−whither we may guess. It is his second or even third trial at Paris, since this New Era began; but now it is
in right earnest, for he has quitted all else. Wiry, elastic unwearied man; whose life was but a battle and a march!
No, not a creature of Choiseul's; "the creature of God and of my sword,"−−he fiercely answered in old days.
Overfalling Corsican batteries, in the deadly fire−hail; wriggling invincible from under his horse, at Closterkamp
of the Netherlands, though tethered with 'crushed stirrup−iron and nineteen wounds;' tough, minatory, standing at
bay, as forlorn hope, on the skirts of Poland; intriguing, battling in cabinet and field; roaming far out, obscure, as
King's spial, or sitting sealed up, enchanted in Bastille; fencing, pamphleteering, scheming and struggling from
the very birth of him, (Dumouriez, Memoires, i. 28, man has come thus far. How repressed, how irrepressible!
Like some incarnate spirit in prison, which indeed he was; hewing on granite walls for deliverance; striking fire
flashes from them. And now has the general earthquake rent his cavern too? Twenty years younger, what might
he not have done! But his hair has a shade of gray: his way of thought is all fixed, military. He can grow no
further, and the new world is in such growth. We will name him, on the whole, one of Heaven's Swiss; without
faith; wanting above all things work, work on any side. Work also is appointed him; and he will do it.
Not from over France only are the unrestful flocking towards Paris; but from all sides of Europe. Where the
carcase is, thither will the eagles gather. Think how many a Spanish Guzman, Martinico Fournier named 'Fournier
l'Americain,' Engineer Miranda from the very Andes, were flocking or had flocked! Walloon Pereyra might boast
of the strangest parentage: him, they say, Prince Kaunitz the Diplomatist heedlessly dropped;' like ostrich−egg, to
be hatched of Chance−−into an ostrich−eater! Jewish or German Freys do business in the great Cesspool of Agio;
which Cesspool this Assignat−fiat has quickened, into a Mother of dead dogs. Swiss Claviere could found no
Socinian Genevese Colony in Ireland; but he paused, years ago, prophetic before the Minister's Hotel at Paris; and
said, it was borne on his mind that he one day was to be Minister, and laughed. (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau,
p. 399.) Swiss Pachc, on the other hand, sits sleekheaded, frugal; the wonder of his own alley, and even of
neighbouring ones, for humility of mind, and a thought deeper than most men's: sit there, Tartuffe, till wanted! Ye
Italian Dufournys, Flemish Prolys, flit hither all ye bipeds of prey! Come whosesoever head is hot; thou of mind
ungoverned, be it chaos as of undevelopment or chaos as of ruin; the man who cannot get known, the man who is
too well known; if thou have any vendible faculty, nay if thou have but edacity and loquacity, come! They come;
with hot unutterabilities in their heart; as Pilgrims towards a miraculous shrine. Nay how many come as vacant
Strollers, aimless, of whom Europe is full merely towards something! For benighted fowls, when you beat their
bushes, rush towards any light. Thus Frederick Baron Trenck too is here; mazed, purblind, from the cells of
Magdeburg; Minotauric cells, and his Ariadne lost! Singular to say, Trenck, in these years, sells wine; not indeed
in bottle, but in wood.
Nor is our England without her missionaries. She has her live−saving Needham; to whom was solemnly presented
a 'civic sword,'−−long since rusted into nothingness. Her Paine: rebellious Staymaker; unkempt; who feels that he,
The French Revolution
129
The French Revolution
a single Needleman, did by his 'Common Sense' Pamphlet, free America;−−that he can and will free all this
World; perhaps even the other. Price−Stanhope Constitutional Association sends over to congratulate; (Moniteur,
10 Novembre, 7 Decembre, 1789.) welcomed by National Assembly, though they are but a London Club; whom
Burke and Toryism eye askance.
On thee too, for country's sake, O Chevalier John Paul, be a word spent, or misspent! In faded naval uniform, Paul
Jones lingers visible here; like a wine−skin from which the wine is all drawn. Like the ghost of himself! Low is
his once loud bruit; scarcely audible, save, with extreme tedium in ministerial ante−chambers; in this or the other
charitable dining−room, mindful of the past. What changes; culminatings and declinings! Not now, poor Paul,
thou lookest wistful over the Solway brine, by the foot of native Criffel, into blue mountainous Cumberland, into
blue Infinitude; environed with thrift, with humble friendliness; thyself, young fool, longing to be aloft from it, or
even to be away from it. Yes, beyond that sapphire Promontory, which men name St. Bees, which is not sapphire
either, but dull sandstone, when one gets close to it, there is a world. Which world thou too shalt taste of!−−From
yonder White Haven rise his smoke− clouds; ominous though ineffectual. Proud Forth quakes at his bellying sails;
had not the wind suddenly shifted. Flamborough reapers, homegoing, pause on the hill−side: for what
sulphur−cloud is that that defaces the sleek sea; sulphur−cloud spitting streaks of fire? A sea cockfight it is, and of
the hottest; where British Serapis and French−American Bon Homme Richard do lash and throttle each other, in
their fashion; and lo the desperate valour has suffocated the deliberate, and Paul Jones too is of the Kings of the
Sea!
The Euxine, the Meotian waters felt thee next, and long−skirted Turks, O Paul; and thy fiery soul has wasted itself
in thousand contradictions;−−to no purpose. For, in far lands, with scarlet Nassau−Siegens, with sinful Imperial
Catherines, is not the heart−broken, even as at home with the mean? Poor Paul! hunger and dispiritment track thy
sinking footsteps: once or at most twice, in this Revolution−tumult the figure of thee emerges; mute, ghost−like,
as 'with stars dim−twinkling through.' And then, when the light is gone quite out, a National Legislature grants
'ceremonial funeral!' As good had been the natural Presbyterian Kirk−bell, and six feet of Scottish earth, among
the dust of thy loved ones.−−Such world lay beyond the Promontory of St. Bees. Such is the life of sinful
mankind here below.
But of all strangers, far the notablest for us is Baron Jean Baptiste de Clootz;−−or, dropping baptisms and
feudalisms, World−Citizen Anacharsis Clootz, from Cleves. Him mark, judicious Reader. Thou hast known his
Uncle, sharp−sighted thorough−going Cornelius de Pauw, who mercilessly cuts down cherished illusions; and of
the finest antique Spartans, will make mere modern cutthroat Mainots. (De Pauw, Recherches sur les Grecs, The
like stuff is in Anacharsis: hot metal; full of scoriae, which should and could have been smelted out, but which
will not. He has wandered over this terraqueous Planet; seeking, one may say, the Paradise we lost long ago. He
has seen English Burke; has been seen of the Portugal Inquisition; has roamed, and fought, and written; is writing,
among other things, 'Evidences of the Mahometan Religion.' But now, like his Scythian adoptive godfather, he
finds himself in the Paris Athens; surely, at last, the haven of his soul. A dashing man, beloved at Patriotic
dinner−tables; with gaiety, nay with humour; headlong, trenchant, of free purse; in suitable costume; though what
mortal ever more despised costumes? Under all costumes Anacharsis seeks the man; not Stylites Marat will more
freely trample costumes, if they hold no man. This is the faith of Anacharsis: That there is a Paradise
discoverable; that all costumes ought to hold men. O Anacharsis, it is a headlong, swift−going faith. Mounted
thereon, meseems, thou art bound hastily for the City of Nowhere; and wilt arrive! At best, we may say, arrive in
good riding attitude; which indeed is something.
So many new persons, and new things, have come to occupy this France. Her old Speech and Thought, and
Activity which springs from those, are all changing; fermenting towards unknown issues. To the dullest peasant,
as he sits sluggish, overtoiled, by his evening hearth, one idea has come: that of Chateaus burnt; of Chateaus
combustible. How altered all Coffeehouses, in Province or Capital! The Antre de Procope has now other
questions than the Three Stagyrite Unities to settle; not theatre−controversies, but a world−controversy: there, in
the ancient pigtail mode, or with modern Brutus' heads, do well−frizzed logicians hold hubbub, and Chaos umpire
The French Revolution
130
The French Revolution
sits. The ever−enduring Melody of Paris Saloons has got a new ground−tone: ever−enduring; which has been
heard, and by the listening Heaven too, since Julian the Apostate's time and earlier; mad now as formerly.
Ex−Censor Suard, Ex−Censor, for we have freedom of the Press; he may be seen there; impartial, even neutral.
Tyrant Grimm rolls large eyes, over a questionable coming Time. Atheist Naigeon, beloved disciple of Diderot,
crows, in his small difficult way, heralding glad dawn. (Naigeon: Addresse a l'Assemblee Nationale (Paris, 1790)
sur la liberte des opinions.) But, on the other hand, how many Morellets, Marmontels, who had sat all their life
hatching Philosophe eggs, cackle now, in a state bordering on distraction, at the brood they have brought out! (See
Marmontel, Memoires, passim; Morellet, Memoires, It was so delightful to have one's Philosophe Theorem
demonstrated, crowned in the saloons: and now an infatuated people will not continue speculative, but have
Practice?
There also observe Preceptress Genlis, or Sillery, or Sillery−Genlis,−−for our husband is both Count and Marquis,
and we have more than one title. Pretentious, frothy; a puritan yet creedless; darkening counsel by words without
wisdom! For, it is in that thin element of the Sentimentalist and Distinguished−Female that Sillery−Genlis works;
she would gladly be sincere, yet can grow no sincerer than sincere−cant: sincere−cant of many forms, ending in
the devotional form. For the present, on a neck still of moderate whiteness, she wears as jewel a miniature
Bastille, cut on mere sandstone, but then actual Bastille sandstone. M. le Marquis is one of d'Orleans's errandmen;
in National Assembly, and elsewhere. Madame, for her part, trains up a youthful d'Orleans generation in what
superfinest morality one can; gives meanwhile rather enigmatic account of fair Mademoiselle Pamela, the
Daughter whom she has adopted. Thus she, in Palais Royal saloon;−−whither, we remark, d'Orleans himself, spite
of Lafayette, has returned from that English 'mission' of his: surely no pleasant mission: for the English would not
speak to him; and Saint Hannah More of England, so unlike Saint Sillery−Genlis of France, saw him shunned, in
Vauxhall Gardens, like one pest−struck, (Hannah More's Life and Correspondence, ii. c. 5.) and his red−blue
impassive visage waxing hardly a shade bluer.
Chapter 2.1.IV. Journalism.
As for Constitutionalism, with its National Guards, it is doing what it can; and has enough to do: it must, as ever,
with one hand wave persuasively, repressing Patriotism; and keep the other clenched to menace Royalty plotters.
A most delicate task; requiring tact.
Thus, if People's−friend Marat has to−day his writ of 'prise de corps, or seizure of body,' served on him, and dives
out of sight, tomorrow he is left at large; or is even encouraged, as a sort of bandog whose baying may be useful.
President Danton, in open Hall, with reverberating voice, declares that, in a case like Marat's, "force may be
resisted by force." Whereupon the Chatelet serves Danton also with a writ;−−which, however, as the whole
Cordeliers District responds to it, what Constable will be prompt to execute? Twice more, on new occasions, does
the Chatelet launch its writ; and twice more in vain: the body of Danton cannot be seized by Chatelet; he
unseized, should he even fly for a season, shall behold the Chatelet itself flung into limbo.
Municipality and Brissot, meanwhile, are far on with their Municipal Constitution. The Sixty Districts shall
become Forty−eight Sections; much shall be adjusted, and Paris have its Constitution. A Constitution wholly
Elective; as indeed all French Government shall and must be. And yet, one fatal element has been introduced: that
of citoyen actif. No man who does not pay the marc d'argent, or yearly tax equal to three days' labour, shall be
other than a passive citizen: not the slightest vote for him; were he acting, all the year round, with sledge hammer,
with forest−levelling axe! Unheard of! cry Patriot Journals. Yes truly, my Patriot Friends, if Liberty, the passion
and prayer of all men's souls, means Liberty to send your fifty−thousandth part of a new Tongue−fencer into
National Debating− club, then, be the gods witness, ye are hardly entreated. Oh, if in National Palaver (as the
Africans name it), such blessedness is verily found, what tyrant would deny it to Son of Adam! Nay, might there
not be a Female Parliament too, with 'screams from the Opposition benches,' and 'the honourable Member borne
out in hysterics?' To a Children's Parliament would I gladly consent; or even lower if ye wished it. Beloved
The French Revolution
131
The French Revolution
Brothers! Liberty, one might fear, is actually, as the ancient wise men said, of Heaven. On this Earth, where,
thinks the enlightened public, did a brave little Dame de Staal (not Necker's Daughter, but a far shrewder than
she) find the nearest approach to Liberty? After mature computation, cool as Dilworth's, her answer is, In the
Bastille. (See De Staal: Memoires (Paris, 1821), i. 169−280.) "Of Heaven?" answer many, asking. Wo that they
should ask; for that is the very misery! "Of Heaven" means much; share in the National Palaver it may, or may as
probably not mean.
One Sansculottic bough that cannot fail to flourish is Journalism. The voice of the People being the voice of God,
shall not such divine voice make itself heard? To the ends of France; and in as many dialects as when the first
great Babel was to be built! Some loud as the lion; some small as the sucking dove. Mirabeau himself has his
instructive Journal or Journals, with Geneva hodmen working in them; and withal has quarrels enough with Dame
le Jay, his Female Bookseller, so ultra−compliant otherwise. (See Dumont: Souvenirs, 6.)
King's−friend Royou still prints himself. Barrere sheds tears of loyal sensibility in Break of Day Journal, though
with declining sale. But why is Freron so hot, democratic; Freron, the King's−friend's Nephew? He has it by kind,
that heat of his: wasp Freron begot him; Voltaire's Frelon; who fought stinging, while sting and poison−bag were
left, were it only as Reviewer, and over Printed Waste−paper. Constant, illuminative, as the nightly lamplighter,
issues the useful Moniteur, for it is now become diurnal: with facts and few commentaries; official, safe in the
middle:−− its able Editors sunk long since, recoverably or irrecoverably, in deep darkness. Acid Loustalot, with
his 'vigour,' as of young sloes, shall never ripen, but die untimely: his Prudhomme, however, will not let that
Revolutions de Paris die; but edit it himself, with much else,−−dull− blustering Printer though he be.
Of Cassandra−Marat we have spoken often; yet the most surprising truth remains to be spoken: that he actually
does not want sense; but, with croaking gelid throat, croaks out masses of the truth, on several things. Nay
sometimes, one might almost fancy he had a perception of humour, and were laughing a little, far down in his
inner man. Camille is wittier than ever, and more outspoken, cynical; yet sunny as ever. A light melodious
creature; 'born,' as he shall yet say with bitter tears, 'to write verses;' light Apollo, so clear, soft−lucent, in this war
of the Titans, wherein he shall not conquer!
Folded and hawked Newspapers exist in all countries; but, in such a Journalistic element as this of France, other
and stranger sorts are to be anticipated. What says the English reader to a Journal−Affiche, Placard Journal;
legible to him that has no halfpenny; in bright prismatic colours, calling the eye from afar? Such, in the coming
months, as Patriot Associations, public and private, advance, and can subscribe funds, shall plenteously hang
themselves out: leaves, limed leaves, to catch what they can! The very Government shall have its Pasted Journal;
Louvet, busy yet with a new 'charming romance,' shall write Sentinelles, and post them with effect; nay Bertrand
de Moleville, in his extremity, shall still more cunningly try it. (See Bertrand−Moleville: Memoires, ii. 100, Great
is Journalism. Is not every Able Editor a Ruler of the World, being a persuader of it; though self−elected, yet
sanctioned, by the sale of his Numbers? Whom indeed the world has the readiest method of deposing, should need
be: that of merely doing nothing to him; which ends in starvation!
Nor esteem it small what those Bill−stickers had to do in Paris: above Three Score of them: all with their
crosspoles, haversacks, pastepots; nay with leaden badges, for the Municipality licenses them. A Sacred College,
properly of World−rulers' Heralds, though not respected as such, in an Era still incipient and raw. They made the
walls of Paris didactic, suasive, with an ever fresh Periodical Literature, wherein he that ran might read: Placard
Journals, Placard Lampoons, Municipal Ordinances, Royal Proclamations; the whole other or vulgar
Placard−department super−added,−− or omitted from contempt! What unutterable things the stone−walls spoke,
during these five years! But it is all gone; To−day swallowing Yesterday, and then being in its turn swallowed of
To−morrow, even as Speech ever is. Nay what, O thou immortal Man of Letters, is Writing itself but Speech
conserved for a time? The Placard Journal conserved it for one day; some Books conserve it for the matter of ten
years; nay some for three thousand: but what then? Why, then, the years being all run, it also dies, and the world
is rid of it. Oh, were there not a spirit in the word of man, as in man himself, that survived the audible bodied
The French Revolution
132
The French Revolution
word, and tended either Godward, or else Devilward for evermore, why should he trouble himself much with the
truth of it, or the falsehood of it, except for commercial purposes? His immortality indeed, and whether it shall
last half a lifetime, or a lifetime and half; is not that a very considerable thing? As mortality, was to the runaway,
whom Great Fritz bullied back into the battle with a: "R−−, wollt ihr ewig leben, Unprintable Off−scouring of
Scoundrels, would ye live for ever!"
This is the Communication of Thought: how happy when there is any Thought to communicate! Neither let the
simpler old methods be neglected, in their sphere. The Palais−Royal Tent, a tyrannous Patrollotism has removed;
but can it remove the lungs of man? Anaxagoras Chaumette we saw mounted on bourne−stones, while Tallien
worked sedentary at the subeditorial desk. In any corner of the civilised world, a tub can be inverted, and an
articulate−speaking biped mount thereon. Nay, with contrivance, a portable trestle, or folding−stool, can be
procured, for love or money; this the peripatetic Orator can take in his hand, and, driven out here, set it up again
there; saying mildly, with a Sage Bias, Omnia mea mecum porto.
Such is Journalism, hawked, pasted, spoken. How changed since One old Metra walked this same Tuileries
Garden, in gilt cocked hat, with Journal at his nose, or held loose−folded behind his back; and was a notability of
Paris, 'Metra the Newsman;' (Dulaure, Histoire de Paris, viii. 483; Mercier, Nouveau Paris, and Louis himself was
wont to say: Qu'en dit Metra? Since the first Venetian News−sheet was sold for a gazza, or farthing, and named
Gazette! We live in a fertile world.
Chapter 2.1.V. Clubbism.
Where the heart is full, it seeks, for a thousand reasons, in a thousand ways, to impart itself. How sweet,
indispensable, in such cases, is fellowship; soul mystically strengthening soul! The meditative Germans, some
think, have been of opinion that Enthusiasm in the general means simply excessive Congregating−−Schwarmerey,
or Swarming. At any rate, do we not see glimmering half−red embers, if laid together, get into the brightest white
glow?
In such a France, gregarious Reunions will needs multiply, intensify; French Life will step out of doors, and, from
domestic, become a public Club Life. Old Clubs, which already germinated, grow and flourish; new every where
bud forth. It is the sure symptom of Social Unrest: in such way, most infallibly of all, does Social Unrest exhibit
itself; find solacement, and also nutriment. In every French head there hangs now, whether for terror or for hope,
some prophetic picture of a New France: prophecy which brings, nay which almost is, its own fulfilment; and in
all ways, consciously and unconsciously, works towards that.
Observe, moreover, how the Aggregative Principle, let it be but deep enough, goes on aggregating, and this even
in a geometrical progression: how when the whole world, in such a plastic time, is forming itself into Clubs, some
One Club, the strongest or luckiest, shall, by friendly attracting, by victorious compelling, grow ever stronger, till
it become immeasurably strong; and all the others, with their strength, be either lovingly absorbed into it, or
hostilely abolished by it! This if the Club− spirit is universal; if the time is plastic. Plastic enough is the time,
universal the Club−spirit: such an all absorbing, paramount One Club cannot be wanting.
What a progress, since the first salient−point of the Breton Committee! It worked long in secret, not languidly; it
has come with the National Assembly to Paris; calls itself Club; calls itself in imitation, as is thought, of those
generous Price−Stanhope English, French Revolution Club; but soon, with more originality, Club of Friends of
the Constitution. Moreover it has leased, for itself, at a fair rent, the Hall of the Jacobin's Convent, one of our
'superfluous edifices;' and does therefrom now, in these spring months, begin shining out on an admiring Paris.
And so, by degrees, under the shorter popular title of Jacobins' Club, it shall become memorable to all times and
lands. Glance into the interior: strongly yet modestly benched and seated; as many as Thirteen Hundred chosen
Patriots; Assembly Members not a few. Barnave, the two Lameths are seen there; occasionally Mirabeau,
perpetually Robespierre; also the ferret−visage of Fouquier−Tinville with other attorneys; Anacharsis of Prussian
The French Revolution
133
The French Revolution
Scythia, and miscellaneous Patriots,−−though all is yet in the most perfectly clean−washed state; decent, nay
dignified. President on platform, President's bell are not wanting; oratorical Tribune high−raised; nor strangers'
galleries, wherein also sit women. Has any French Antiquarian Society preserved that written Lease of the
Jacobins Convent Hall? Or was it, unluckier even than Magna Charta, clipt by sacrilegious Tailors? Universal
History is not indifferent to it.
These Friends of the Constitution have met mainly, as their name may foreshadow, to look after Elections when
an Election comes, and procure fit men; but likewise to consult generally that the Commonweal take no damage;
one as yet sees not how. For indeed let two or three gather together any where, if it be not in Church, where all are
bound to the passive state; no mortal can say accurately, themselves as little as any, for what they are gathered.
How often has the broached barrel proved not to be for joy and heart effusion, but for duel and head−breakage;
and the promised feast become a Feast of the Lapithae! This Jacobins Club, which at first shone resplendent, and
was thought to be a new celestial Sun for enlightening the Nations, had, as things all have, to work through its
appointed phases: it burned unfortunately more and more lurid, more sulphurous, distracted;−−and swam at last,
through the astonished Heaven, like a Tartarean Portent, and lurid−burning Prison of Spirits in Pain.
Its style of eloquence? Rejoice, Reader, that thou knowest it not, that thou canst never perfectly know. The
Jacobins published a Journal of Debates, where they that have the heart may examine: Impassioned, full− droning
Patriotic−eloquence; implacable, unfertile−−save for Destruction, which was indeed its work: most wearisome,
though most deadly. Be thankful that Oblivion covers so much; that all carrion is by and by buried in the green
Earth's bosom, and even makes her grow the greener. The Jacobins are buried; but their work is not; it continues
'making the tour of the world,' as it can. It might be seen lately, for instance, with bared bosom and death−defiant
eye, as far on as Greek Missolonghi; and, strange enough, old slumbering Hellas was resuscitated, into
somnambulism which will become clear wakefulness, by a voice from the Rue St. Honore! All dies, as we often
say; except the spirit of man, of what man does. Thus has not the very House of the Jacobins vanished; scarcely
lingering in a few old men's memories? The St. Honore Market has brushed it away, and now where dull−
droning eloquence, like a Trump of Doom, once shook the world, there is pacific chaffering for poultry and
greens. The sacred National Assembly Hall itself has become common ground; President's platform permeable to
wain and dustcart; for the Rue de Rivoli runs there. Verily, at Cockcrow (of this Cock or the other), all
Apparitions do melt and dissolve in space.
The Paris Jacobins became 'the Mother−Society, Societe−Mere;' and had as many as 'three hundred'
shrill−tongued daughters in 'direct correspondence' with her. Of indirectly corresponding, what we may call
grand−daughters and minute progeny, she counted 'forty−four thousand!'−−But for the present we note only two
things: the first of them a mere anecdote. One night, a couple of brother Jacobins are doorkeepers; for the
members take this post of duty and honour in rotation, and admit none that have not tickets: one doorkeeper was
the worthy Sieur Lais, a patriotic Opera−singer, stricken in years, whose windpipe is long since closed without
result; the other, young, and named Louis Philippe, d'Orleans's firstborn, has in this latter time, after unheard−of
destinies, become Citizen−King, and struggles to rule for a season. All−flesh is grass; higher reedgrass or
creeping herb.
The second thing we have to note is historical: that the Mother−Society, even in this its effulgent period, cannot
content all Patriots. Already it must throw off, so to speak, two dissatisfied swarms; a swarm to the right, a swarm
to the left. One party, which thinks the Jacobins lukewarm, constitutes itself into Club of the Cordeliers; a hotter
Club: it is Danton's element: with whom goes Desmoulins. The other party, again, which thinks the Jacobins
scalding−hot, flies off to the right, and becomes 'Club of 1789, Friends of the Monarchic Constitution.' They are
afterwards named 'Feuillans Club;' their place of meeting being the Feuillans Convent. Lafayette is, or becomes,
their chief−man; supported by the respectable Patriot everywhere, by the mass of Property and
Intelligence,−−with the most flourishing prospects. They, in these June days of 1790, do, in the Palais Royal, dine
solemnly with open windows; to the cheers of the people; with toasts, with inspiriting songs,−−with one song at
least, among the feeblest ever sung. (Hist. Parl. vi. 334.) They shall, in due time be hooted forth, over the borders,
The French Revolution
134
The French Revolution
into Cimmerian Night.
Another expressly Monarchic or Royalist Club, 'Club des Monarchiens,' though a Club of ample funds, and all
sitting in damask sofas, cannot realise the smallest momentary cheer; realises only scoffs and groans;−− till, ere
long, certain Patriots in disorderly sufficient number, proceed thither, for a night or for nights, and groan it out of
pain. Vivacious alone shall the Mother−Society and her family be. The very Cordeliers may, as it were, return
into her bosom, which will have grown warm enough.
Fatal−looking! Are not such Societies an incipient New Order of Society itself? The Aggregative Principle anew
at work in a Society grown obsolete, cracked asunder, dissolving into rubbish and primary atoms?
Chapter 2.1.VI. Je le jure.
With these signs of the times, is it not surprising that the dominant feeling all over France was still continually
Hope? O blessed Hope, sole boon of man; whereby, on his strait prison walls, are painted beautiful far−stretching
landscapes; and into the night of very Death is shed holiest dawn! Thou art to all an indefeasible possession in this
God's−world: to the wise a sacred Constantine's−banner, written on the eternal skies; under which they shall
conquer, for the battle itself is victory: to the foolish some secular mirage, or shadow of still waters, painted on
the parched Earth; whereby at least their dusty pilgrimage, if devious, becomes cheerfuller, becomes possible.
In the death−tumults of a sinking Society, French Hope sees only the birth− struggles of a new unspeakably better
Society; and sings, with full assurance of faith, her brisk Melody, which some inspired fiddler has in these very
days composed for her,−−the world−famous ca−ira. Yes; 'that will go:' and then there will come−−? All men
hope: even Marat hopes−− that Patriotism will take muff and dirk. King Louis is not without hope: in the chapter
of chances; in a flight to some Bouille; in getting popularized at Paris. But what a hoping People he had, judge by
the fact, and series of facts, now to be noted.
Poor Louis, meaning the best, with little insight and even less determination of his own, has to follow, in that dim
wayfaring of his, such signal as may be given him; by backstairs Royalism, by official or backstairs
Constitutionalism, whichever for the month may have convinced the royal mind. If flight to Bouille, and (horrible
to think!) a drawing of the civil sword do hang as theory, portentous in the background, much nearer is this fact of
these Twelve Hundred Kings, who sit in the Salle de Manege. Kings uncontrollable by him, not yet irreverent to
him. Could kind management of these but prosper, how much better were it than armed Emigrants,
Turin−intrigues, and the help of Austria! Nay, are the two hopes inconsistent? Rides in the suburbs, we have
found, cost little; yet they always brought vivats. (See Bertrand−Moleville, i. 241, Still cheaper is a soft word;
such as has many times turned away wrath. In these rapid days, while France is all getting divided into
Departments, Clergy about to be remodelled, Popular Societies rising, and Feudalism and so much ever is ready
to be hurled into the melting−pot,−−might one not try?
On the 4th of February, accordingly, M. le President reads to his National Assembly a short autograph,
announcing that his Majesty will step over, quite in an unceremonious way, probably about noon. Think,
therefore, Messieurs, what it may mean; especially, how ye will get the Hall decorated a little. The Secretaries'
Bureau can be shifted down from the platform; on the President's chair be slipped this cover of velvet, 'of a violet
colour sprigged with gold fleur−de−lys;'−−for indeed M. le President has had previous notice underhand, and
taken counsel with Doctor Guillotin. Then some fraction of 'velvet carpet,' of like texture and colour, cannot that
be spread in front of the chair, where the Secretaries usually sit? So has judicious Guillotin advised: and the effect
is found satisfactory. Moreover, as it is probable that his Majesty, in spite of the fleur−de−lys− velvet, will stand
and not sit at all, the President himself, in the interim, presides standing. And so, while some honourable Member
is discussing, say, the division of a Department, Ushers announce: "His Majesty!" In person, with small suite,
enter Majesty: the honourable Member stops short; the Assembly starts to its feet; the Twelve Hundred Kings
'almost all,' and the Galleries no less, do welcome the Restorer of French Liberty with loyal shouts. His Majesty's
The French Revolution
135
The French Revolution
Speech, in diluted conventional phraseology, expresses this mainly: That he, most of all Frenchmen, rejoices to
see France getting regenerated; is sure, at the same time, that they will deal gently with her in the process, and not
regenerate her roughly. Such was his Majesty's Speech: the feat he performed was coming to speak it, and going
back again.
Surely, except to a very hoping People, there was not much here to build upon. Yet what did they not build! The
fact that the King has spoken, that he has voluntarily come to speak, how inexpressibly encouraging! Did not the
glance of his royal countenance, like concentrated sunbeams, kindle all hearts in an august Assembly; nay thereby
in an inflammable enthusiastic France? To move 'Deputation of thanks' can be the happy lot of but one man; to go
in such Deputation the lot of not many. The Deputed have gone, and returned with what highest−flown
compliment they could; whom also the Queen met, Dauphin in hand. And still do not our hearts burn with
insatiable gratitude; and to one other man a still higher blessedness suggests itself: To move that we all renew the
National Oath.
Happiest honourable Member, with his word so in season as word seldom was; magic Fugleman of a whole
National Assembly, which sat there bursting to do somewhat; Fugleman of a whole onlooking France! The
President swears; declares that every one shall swear, in distinct je le jure. Nay the very Gallery sends him down a
written slip signed, with their Oath on it; and as the Assembly now casts an eye that way, the Gallery all stands up
and swears again. And then out of doors, consider at the Hotel−de−Ville how Bailly, the great Tennis−Court
swearer, again swears, towards nightful, with all the Municipals, and Heads of Districts assembled there. And 'M.
Danton suggests that the public would like to partake:' whereupon Bailly, with escort of Twelve, steps forth to the
great outer staircase; sways the ebullient multitude with stretched hand: takes their oath, with a thunder of 'rolling
drums,' with shouts that rend the welkin. And on all streets the glad people, with moisture and fire in their eyes,
'spontaneously formed groups, and swore one another,' (Newspapers (in Hist. Parl. iv. 445.)−−and the whole City
was illuminated. This was the Fourth of February 1790: a day to be marked white in Constitutional annals.
Nor is the illumination for a night only, but partially or totally it lasts a series of nights. For each District, the
Electors of each District, will swear specially; and always as the District swears; it illuminates itself. Behold
them, District after District, in some open square, where the Non− Electing People can all see and join: with their
uplifted right hands, and je le jure: with rolling drums, with embracings, and that infinite hurrah of the
enfranchised,−−which any tyrant that there may be can consider! Faithful to the King, to the Law, to the
Constitution which the National Assembly shall make.
Fancy, for example, the Professors of Universities parading the streets with their young France, and swearing, in
an enthusiastic manner, not without tumult. By a larger exercise of fancy, expand duly this little word: The like
was repeated in every Town and District of France! Nay one Patriot Mother, in Lagnon of Brittany, assembles her
ten children; and, with her own aged hand, swears them all herself, the highsouled venerable woman. Of all
which, moreover, a National Assembly must be eloquently apprised. Such three weeks of swearing! Saw the sun
ever such a swearing people? Have they been bit by a swearing tarantula? No: but they are men and Frenchmen;
they have Hope; and, singular to say, they have Faith, were it only in the Gospel according to Jean Jacques. O my
Brothers! would to Heaven it were even as ye think and have sworn! But there are Lovers' Oaths, which, had they
been true as love itself, cannot be kept; not to speak of Dicers' Oaths, also a known sort.
Chapter 2.1.VII. Prodigies.
To such length had the Contrat Social brought it, in believing hearts. Man, as is well said, lives by faith; each
generation has its own faith, more or less; and laughs at the faith of its predecessor,−−most unwisely. Grant
indeed that this faith in the Social Contract belongs to the stranger sorts; that an unborn generation may very
wisely, if not laugh, yet stare at it, and piously consider. For, alas, what is Contrat? If all men were such that a
mere spoken or sworn Contract would bind them, all men were then true men, and Government a superfluity. Not
what thou and I have promised to each other, but what the balance of our forces can make us perform to each
The French Revolution
136
The French Revolution
other: that, in so sinful a world as ours, is the thing to be counted on. But above all, a People and a Sovereign
promising to one another; as if a whole People, changing from generation to generation, nay from hour to hour,
could ever by any method be made to speak or promise; and to speak mere solecisms: "We, be the Heavens
witness, which Heavens however do no miracles now; we, ever−changing Millions, will allow thee, changeful
Unit, to force us or govern us!" The world has perhaps seen few faiths comparable to that.
So nevertheless had the world then construed the matter. Had they not so construed it, how different had their
hopes been, their attempts, their results! But so and not otherwise did the Upper Powers will it to be. Freedom by
Social Contract: such was verily the Gospel of that Era. And all men had believed in it, as in a Heaven's
Glad−tidings men should; and with overflowing heart and uplifted voice clave to it, and stood fronting Time and
Eternity on it. Nay smile not; or only with a smile sadder than tears! This too was a better faith than the one it had
replaced : than faith merely in the Everlasting Nothing and man's Digestive Power; lower than which no faith can
go.
Not that such universally prevalent, universally jurant, feeling of Hope, could be a unanimous one. Far from that!
The time was ominous: social dissolution near and certain; social renovation still a problem, difficult and distant
even though sure. But if ominous to some clearest onlooker, whose faith stood not with one side or with the other,
nor in the ever− vexed jarring of Greek with Greek at all,−−how unspeakably ominous to dim Royalist
participators; for whom Royalism was Mankind's palladium; for whom, with the abolition of Most−Christian
Kingship and Most−Talleyrand Bishopship, all loyal obedience, all religious faith was to expire, and final Night
envelope the Destinies of Man! On serious hearts, of that persuasion, the matter sinks down deep; prompting, as
we have seen, to backstairs Plots, to Emigration with pledge of war, to Monarchic Clubs; nay to still madder
things.
The Spirit of Prophecy, for instance, had been considered extinct for some centuries: nevertheless these
last−times, as indeed is the tendency of last−times, do revive it; that so, of French mad things, we might have
sample also of the maddest. In remote rural districts, whither Philosophism has not yet radiated, where a
heterodox Constitution of the Clergy is bringing strife round the altar itself, and the very Church−bells are getting
melted into small money−coin, it appears probable that the End of the World cannot be far off. Deep−musing
atrabiliar old men, especially old women, hint in an obscure way that they know what they know. The Holy
Virgin, silent so long, has not gone dumb;−−and truly now, if ever more in this world, were the time for her to
speak. One Prophetess, though careless Historians have omitted her name, condition, and whereabout, becomes
audible to the general ear; credible to not a few: credible to Friar Gerle, poor Patriot Chartreux, in the National
Assembly itself! She, in Pythoness' recitative, with wildstaring eye, sings that there shall be a Sign; that the
heavenly Sun himself will hang out a Sign, or Mock−Sun,−− which, many say, shall be stamped with the Head of
hanged Favras. List, Dom Gerle, with that poor addled poll of thine; list, O list;−−and hear nothing. (Deux Amis,
v. c. 7.)
Notable however was that 'magnetic vellum, velin magnetique,' of the Sieurs d'Hozier and Petit−Jean,
Parlementeers of Rouen. Sweet young d'Hozier, 'bred in the faith of his Missal, and of parchment genealogies,'
and of parchment generally: adust, melancholic, middle−aged Petit−Jean: why came these two to Saint−Cloud,
where his Majesty was hunting, on the festival of St. Peter and St. Paul; and waited there, in antechambers, a
wonder to whispering Swiss, the livelong day; and even waited without the Grates, when turned out; and had
dismissed their valets to Paris, as with purpose of endless waiting? They have a magnetic vellum, these two;
whereon the Virgin, wonderfully clothing herself in Mesmerean Cagliostric Occult− Philosophy, has inspired
them to jot down instructions and predictions for a much−straitened King. To whom, by Higher Order, they will
this day present it; and save the Monarchy and World. Unaccountable pair of visual− objects! Ye should be men,
and of the Eighteenth Century; but your magnetic vellum forbids us so to interpret. Say, are ye aught? Thus ask
the Guardhouse Captains, the Mayor of St. Cloud; nay, at great length, thus asks the Committee of Researches,
and not the Municipal, but the National Assembly one. No distinct answer, for weeks. At last it becomes plain that
the right answer is negative. Go, ye Chimeras, with your magnetic vellum; sweet young Chimera, adust
The French Revolution
137
The French Revolution
middle−aged one! The Prison−doors are open. Hardly again shall ye preside the Rouen Chamber of Accounts; but
vanish obscurely into Limbo. (See Deux Amis, v. 199.)
Chapter 2.1.VIII. Solemn League and Covenant.
Such dim masses, and specks of even deepest black, work in that white−hot glow of the French mind, now wholly
in fusion, and confusion. Old women here swearing their ten children on the new Evangel of Jean Jacques; old
women there looking up for Favras' Heads in the celestial Luminary: these are preternatural signs, prefiguring
somewhat.
In fact, to the Patriot children of Hope themselves, it is undeniable that difficulties exist: emigrating Seigneurs;
Parlements in sneaking but most malicious mutiny (though the rope is round their neck); above all, the most
decided 'deficiency of grains.' Sorrowful: but, to a Nation that hopes, not irremediable. To a Nation which is in
fusion and ardent communion of thought; which, for example, on signal of one Fugleman, will lift its right hand
like a drilled regiment, and swear and illuminate, till every village from Ardennes to the Pyrenees has rolled its
village−drum, and sent up its little oath, and glimmer of tallow−illumination some fathoms into the reign of
Night!
If grains are defective, the fault is not of Nature or National Assembly, but of Art and Antinational Intriguers.
Such malign individuals, of the scoundrel species, have power to vex us, while the Constitution is a− making.
Endure it, ye heroic Patriots: nay rather, why not cure it? Grains do grow, they lie extant there in sheaf or sack;
only that regraters and Royalist plotters, to provoke the people into illegality, obstruct the transport of grains.
Quick, ye organised Patriot Authorities, armed National Guards, meet together; unite your goodwill; in union is
tenfold strength: let the concentred flash of your Patriotism strike stealthy Scoundrelism blind, paralytic, as with a
coup de soleil.
Under which hat or nightcap of the Twenty−five millions, this pregnant Idea first rose, for in some one head it did
rise, no man can now say. A most small idea, near at hand for the whole world: but a living one, fit; and which
waxed, whether into greatness or not, into immeasurable size. When a Nation is in this state that the Fugleman
can operate on it, what will the word in season, the act in season, not do! It will grow verily, like the Boy's Bean
in the Fairy−Tale, heaven−high, with habitations and adventures on it, in one night. It is nevertheless
unfortunately still a Bean (for your long−lived Oak grows not so); and, the next night, it may lie felled, horizontal,
trodden into common mud.−−But remark, at least, how natural to any agitated Nation, which has Faith, this
business of Covenanting is. The Scotch, believing in a righteous Heaven above them, and also in a Gospel, far
other than the Jean−Jacques one, swore, in their extreme need, a Solemn League and Covenant,−−as Brothers on
the forlorn−hope, and imminence of battle, who embrace looking Godward; and got the whole Isle to swear it;
and even, in their tough Old−Saxon Hebrew−Presbyterian way, to keep it more or less;−−for the thing, as such
things are, was heard in Heaven, and partially ratified there; neither is it yet dead, if thou wilt look, nor like to die.
The French too, with their Gallic−Ethnic excitability and effervescence, have, as we have seen, real Faith, of a
sort; they are hard bestead, though in the middle of Hope: a National Solemn League and Covenant there may be
in France too; under how different conditions; with how different developement and issue!
Note, accordingly, the small commencement; first spark of a mighty firework: for if the particular hat cannot be
fixed upon, the particular District can. On the 29th day of last November, were National Guards by the thousand
seen filing, from far and near, with military music, with Municipal officers in tricolor sashes, towards and along
the Rhone−stream, to the little town of Etoile. There with ceremonial evolution and manoeuvre, with
fanfaronading, musketry−salvoes, and what else the Patriot genius could devise, they made oath and obtestation to
stand faithfully by one another, under Law and King; in particular, to have all manner of grains, while grains there
were, freely circulated, in spite both of robber and regrater. This was the meeting of Etoile, in the mild end of
November 1789.
The French Revolution
138
The French Revolution
But now, if a mere empty Review, followed by Review−dinner, ball, and such gesticulation and flirtation as there
may be, interests the happy County− town, and makes it the envy of surrounding County−towns, how much more
might this! In a fortnight, larger Montelimart, half ashamed of itself, will do as good, and better. On the Plain of
Montelimart, or what is equally sonorous, 'under the Walls of Montelimart,' the thirteenth of December sees new
gathering and obtestation; six thousand strong; and now indeed, with these three remarkable improvements, as
unanimously resolved on there. First that the men of Montelimart do federate with the already federated men of
Etoile. Second, that, implying not expressing the circulation of grain, they 'swear in the face of God and their
Country' with much more emphasis and comprehensiveness, 'to obey all decrees of the National Assembly, and
see them obeyed, till death, jusqu'a la mort.' Third, and most important, that official record of all this be solemnly
delivered in to the National Assembly, to M. de Lafayette, and 'to the Restorer of French Liberty;' who shall all
take what comfort from it they can. Thus does larger Montelimart vindicate its Patriot importance, and maintain
its rank in the municipal scale. (Hist. Parl. vii. 4.)
And so, with the New−year, the signal is hoisted; for is not a National Assembly, and solemn deliverance there, at
lowest a National Telegraph? Not only grain shall circulate, while there is grain, on highways or the
Rhone−waters, over all that South−Eastern region,−−where also if Monseigneur d'Artois saw good to break in
from Turin, hot welcome might wait him; but whatsoever Province of France is straitened for grain, or vexed with
a mutinous Parlement, unconstitutional plotters, Monarchic Clubs, or any other Patriot ailment,−−can go and do
likewise, or even do better. And now, especially, when the February swearing has set them all agog! From
Brittany to Burgundy, on most plains of France, under most City−walls, it is a blaring of trumpets, waving of
banners, a constitutional manoeuvring: under the vernal skies, while Nature too is putting forth her green Hopes,
under bright sunshine defaced by the stormful East; like Patriotism victorious, though with difficulty, over
Aristocracy and defect of grain! There march and constitutionally wheel, to the ca−ira−ing mood of fife and drum,
under their tricolor Municipals, our clear−gleaming Phalanxes; or halt, with uplifted right−hand, and
artillery−salvoes that imitate Jove's thunder; and all the Country, and metaphorically all 'the Universe,' is looking
on. Wholly, in their best apparel, brave men, and beautifully dizened women, most of whom have lovers there;
swearing, by the eternal Heavens and this green−growing all− nutritive Earth, that France is free!
Sweetest days, when (astonishing to say) mortals have actually met together in communion and fellowship; and
man, were it only once through long despicable centuries, is for moments verily the brother of man!−−And then
the Deputations to the National Assembly, with highflown descriptive harangue; to M. de Lafayette, and the
Restorer; very frequently moreover to the Mother of Patriotism sitting on her stout benches in that Hall of the
Jacobins! The general ear is filled with Federation. New names of Patriots emerge, which shall one day become
familiar: Boyer−Fonfrede eloquent denunciator of a rebellious Bourdeaux Parlement; Max Isnard eloquent
reporter of the Federation of Draguignan; eloquent pair, separated by the whole breadth of France, who are
nevertheless to meet. Ever wider burns the flame of Federation; ever wider and also brighter. Thus the Brittany
and Anjou brethren mention a Fraternity of all true Frenchmen; and go the length of invoking 'perdition and death'
on any renegade: moreover, if in their National−Assembly harangue, they glance plaintively at the marc d'argent
which makes so many citizens passive, they, over in the Mother− Society, ask, being henceforth themselves
'neither Bretons nor Angevins but French,' Why all France has not one Federation, and universal Oath of
Brotherhood, once for all? (Reports, (in Hist. Parl. ix. 122−147).) A most pertinent suggestion; dating from the
end of March. Which pertinent suggestion the whole Patriot world cannot but catch, and reverberate and agitate
till it become loud;−−which, in that case, the Townhall Municipals had better take up, and meditate.
Some universal Federation seems inevitable: the Where is given; clearly Paris: only the When, the How? These
also productive Time will give; is already giving. For always as the Federative work goes on, it perfects itself, and
Patriot genius adds contribution after contribution. Thus, at Lyons, in the end of the May month, we behold as
many as fifty, or some say sixty thousand, met to federate; and a multitude looking on, which it would be difficult
to number. From dawn to dusk! For our Lyons Guardsmen took rank, at five in the bright dewy morning; came
pouring in, bright−gleaming, to the Quai de Rhone, to march thence to the Federation−field; amid wavings of hats
and lady−handkerchiefs; glad shoutings of some two hundred thousand Patriot voices and hearts; the beautiful and
The French Revolution
139
The French Revolution
brave! Among whom, courting no notice, and yet the notablest of all, what queenlike Figure is this; with her
escort of house−friends and Champagneux the Patriot Editor; come abroad with the earliest? Radiant with
enthusiasm are those dark eyes, is that strong Minerva−face, looking dignity and earnest joy; joyfullest she where
all are joyful. It is Roland de la Platriere's Wife! (Madame Roland, Memoires, i. (Discours Preliminaire, p. 23).)
Strict elderly Roland, King's Inspector of Manufactures here; and now likewise, by popular choice, the strictest of
our new Lyons Municipals: a man who has gained much, if worth and faculty be gain; but above all things, has
gained to wife Phlipon the Paris Engraver's daughter. Reader, mark that queenlike burgher−woman: beautiful,
Amazonian−graceful to the eye; more so to the mind. Unconscious of her worth (as all worth is), of her greatness,
of her crystal clearness; genuine, the creature of Sincerity and Nature, in an age of Artificiality, Pollution and
Cant; there, in her still completeness, in her still invincibility, she, if thou knew it, is the noblest of all living
Frenchwomen,−−and will be seen, one day. O blessed rather while unseen, even of herself! For the present she
gazes, nothing doubting, into this grand theatricality; and thinks her young dreams are to be fulfilled.
From dawn to dusk, as we said, it lasts; and truly a sight like few. Flourishes of drums and trumpets are
something: but think of an 'artificial Rock fifty feet high,' all cut into crag−steps, not without the similitude of
'shrubs!' The interior cavity, for in sooth it is made of deal,−−stands solemn, a 'Temple of Concord:' on the outer
summit rises 'a Statue of Liberty,' colossal, seen for miles, with her Pike and Phrygian Cap, and civic column; at
her feet a Country's Altar, 'Autel de la Patrie:'−−on all which neither deal−timber nor lath and plaster, with paint
of various colours, have been spared. But fancy then the banners all placed on the steps of the Rock; high−mass
chaunted; and the civic oath of fifty thousand: with what volcanic outburst of sound from iron and other throats,
enough to frighten back the very Saone and Rhone; and how the brightest fireworks, and balls, and even repasts
closed in that night of the gods! (Hist. Parl. xii. 274.) And so the Lyons Federation vanishes too, swallowed of
darkness;−−and yet not wholly, for our brave fair Roland was there; also she, though in the deepest privacy,
writes her Narrative of it in Champagneux's Courier de Lyons; a piece which 'circulates to the extent of sixty
thousand;' which one would like now to read.
But on the whole, Paris, we may see, will have little to devise; will only have to borrow and apply. And then as to
the day, what day of all the calendar is fit, if the Bastille Anniversary be not? The particular spot too, it is easy to
see, must be the Champ−de−Mars; where many a Julian the Apostate has been lifted on bucklers, to France's or
the world's sovereignty; and iron Franks, loud−clanging, have responded to the voice of a Charlemagne; and from
of old mere sublimities have been familiar.
Chapter 2.1.IX. Symbolic.
How natural, in all decisive circumstances, is Symbolic Representation to all kinds of men! Nay, what is man's
whole terrestrial Life but a Symbolic Representation, and making visible, of the Celestial invisible Force that is in
him? By act and world he strives to do it; with sincerity, if possible; failing that, with theatricality, which latter
also may have its meaning. An Almack's Masquerade is not nothing; in more genial ages, your Christmas
Guisings, Feasts of the Ass, Abbots of Unreason, were a considerable something: since sport they were; as
Almacks may still be sincere wish for sport. But what, on the other hand, must not sincere earnest have been: say,
a Hebrew Feast of Tabernacles have been! A whole Nation gathered, in the name of the Highest, under the eye of
the Highest; imagination herself flagging under the reality; and all noblest Ceremony as yet not grown
ceremonial, but solemn, significant to the outmost fringe! Neither, in modern private life, are theatrical scenes, of
tearful women wetting whole ells of cambric in concert, of impassioned bushy−whiskered youth threatening
suicide, and such like, to be so entirely detested: drop thou a tear over them thyself rather.
At any rate, one can remark that no Nation will throw−by its work, and deliberately go out to make a scene,
without meaning something thereby. For indeed no scenic individual, with knavish hypocritical views, will take
the trouble to soliloquise a scene: and now consider, is not a scenic Nation placed precisely in that predicament of
soliloquising; for its own behoof alone; to solace its own sensibilities, maudlin or other?−−Yet in this respect, of
readiness for scenes, the difference of Nations, as of men, is very great. If our Saxon−Puritanic friends, for
The French Revolution
140
The French Revolution
example, swore and signed their National Covenant, without discharge of gunpowder, or the beating of any drum,
in a dingy Covenant−Close of the Edinburgh High− street, in a mean room, where men now drink mean liquor, it
was consistent with their ways so to swear it. Our Gallic−Encyclopedic friends, again, must have a
Champ−de−Mars, seen of all the world, or universe; and such a Scenic Exhibition, to which the Coliseum
Amphitheatre was but a stroller's barn, as this old Globe of ours had never or hardly ever beheld. Which method
also we reckon natural, then and there. Nor perhaps was the respective keeping of these two Oaths far out of due
proportion to such respective display in taking them: inverse proportion, namely. For the theatricality of a People
goes in a compound−ratio: ratio indeed of their trustfulness, sociability, fervency; but then also of their
excitability, of their porosity, not continent; or say, of their explosiveness, hot− flashing, but which does not last.
How true also, once more, is it that no man or Nation of men, conscious of doing a great thing, was ever, in that
thing, doing other than a small one! O Champ−de−Mars Federation, with three hundred drummers, twelve
hundred wind−musicians, and artillery planted on height after height to boom the tidings of it all over France, in
few minutes! Could no Atheist−Naigeon contrive to discern, eighteen centuries off, those Thirteen most poor
mean− dressed men, at frugal Supper, in a mean Jewish dwelling, with no symbol but hearts god−initiated into the
'Divine depth of Sorrow,' and a Do this in remembrance of me;−−and so cease that small difficult crowing of his,
if he were not doomed to it?
Chapter 2.1.X. Mankind.
Pardonable are human theatricalities; nay perhaps touching, like the passionate utterance of a tongue which with
sincerity stammers; of a head which with insincerity babbles,−−having gone distracted. Yet, in comparison with
unpremeditated outbursts of Nature, such as an Insurrection of Women, how foisonless, unedifying, undelightful;
like small ale palled, like an effervescence that has effervesced! Such scenes, coming of forethought, were they
world−great, and never so cunningly devised, are at bottom mainly pasteboard and paint. But the others are
original; emitted from the great everliving heart of Nature herself: what figure they will assume is unspeakably
significant. To us, therefore, let the French National Solemn League, and Federation, be the highest recorded
triumph of the Thespian Art; triumphant surely, since the whole Pit, which was of Twenty−five Millions, not only
claps hands, but does itself spring on the boards and passionately set to playing there. And being such, be it
treated as such: with sincere cursory admiration; with wonder from afar. A whole Nation gone mumming deserves
so much; but deserves not that loving minuteness a Menadic Insurrection did. Much more let prior, and as it were,
rehearsal scenes of Federation come and go, henceforward, as they list; and, on Plains and under City−walls,
innumerable regimental bands blare off into the Inane, without note from us.
One scene, however, the hastiest reader will momentarily pause on: that of Anacharsis Clootz and the Collective
sinful Posterity of Adam.−−For a Patriot Municipality has now, on the 4th of June, got its plan concocted, and got
it sanctioned by National Assembly; a Patriot King assenting; to whom, were he even free to dissent, Federative
harangues, overflowing with loyalty, have doubtless a transient sweetness. There shall come Deputed National
Guards, so many in the hundred, from each of the Eighty−three Departments of France. Likewise from all Naval
and Military King's Forces, shall Deputed quotas come; such Federation of National with Royal Soldier has,
taking place spontaneously, been already seen and sanctioned. For the rest, it is hoped, as many as forty thousand
may arrive: expenses to be borne by the Deputing District; of all which let District and Department take thought,
and elect fit men,−−whom the Paris brethren will fly to meet and welcome.
Now, therefore, judge if our Patriot Artists are busy; taking deep counsel how to make the Scene worthy of a look
from the Universe! As many as fifteen thousand men, spade−men, barrow−men, stone−builders, rammers, with
their engineers, are at work on the Champ−de−Mars; hollowing it out into a natural Amphitheatre, fit for such
solemnity. For one may hope it will be annual and perennial; a 'Feast of Pikes, Fete des Piques,' notablest among
the high−tides of the year: in any case ought not a Scenic free Nation to have some permanent National
Amphitheatre? The Champ−de−Mars is getting hollowed out; and the daily talk and the nightly dream in most
Parisian heads is of Federation, and that only. Federate Deputies are already under way. National Assembly, what
The French Revolution
141
The French Revolution
with its natural work, what with hearing and answering harangues of Federates, of this Federation, will have
enough to do! Harangue of 'American Committee,' among whom is that faint figure of Paul Jones 'as with the stars
dim−twinkling through it,'−−come to congratulate us on the prospect of such auspicious day. Harangue of Bastille
Conquerors, come to 'renounce' any special recompense, any peculiar place at the solemnity;−−since the Centre
Grenadiers rather grumble. Harangue of 'Tennis−Court Club,' who enter with far−gleaming Brass−plate, aloft on a
pole, and the Tennis−Court Oath engraved thereon; which far gleaming Brass−plate they purpose to affix
solemnly in the Versailles original locality, on the 20th of this month, which is the anniversary, as a deathless
memorial, for some years: they will then dine, as they come back, in the Bois de Boulogne; (See Deux Amis, v.
122; Hist. Parl. however, do it without apprising the world. To such things does the august National Assembly
ever and anon cheerfully listen, suspending its regenerative labours; and with some touch of impromptu
eloquence, make friendly reply;−−as indeed the wont has long been; for it is a gesticulating, sympathetic People,
and has a heart, and wears it on its sleeve.
In which circumstances, it occurred to the mind of Anacharsis Clootz that while so much was embodying itself
into Club or Committee, and perorating applauded, there yet remained a greater and greatest; of which, if it also
took body and perorated, what might not the effect be: Humankind namely, le Genre Humain itself! In what rapt
creative moment the Thought rose in Anacharsis's soul; all his throes, while he went about giving shape and birth
to it; how he was sneered at by cold worldlings; but did sneer again, being a man of polished sarcasm; and moved
to and fro persuasive in coffeehouse and soiree, and dived down assiduous−obscure in the great deep of Paris,
making his Thought a Fact: of all this the spiritual biographies of that period say nothing. Enough that on the 19th
evening of June 1790, the Sun's slant rays lighted a spectacle such as our foolish little Planet has not often had to
show: Anacharsis Clootz entering the august Salle de Manege, with the Human Species at his heels. Swedes,
Spaniards, Polacks; Turks, Chaldeans, Greeks, dwellers in Mesopotamia: behold them all; they have come to
claim place in the grand Federation, having an undoubted interest in it.
"Our ambassador titles," said the fervid Clootz, "are not written on parchment, but on the living hearts of all
men." These whiskered Polacks, long−flowing turbaned Ishmaelites, astrological Chaldeans, who stand so mute
here, let them plead with you, august Senators, more eloquently than eloquence could. They are the mute
representatives of their tongue−tied, befettered, heavy−laden Nations; who from out of that dark bewilderment
gaze wistful, amazed, with half−incredulous hope, towards you, and this your bright light of a French Federation:
bright particular day−star, the herald of universal day. We claim to stand there, as mute monuments, pathetically
adumbrative of much.−−From bench and gallery comes 'repeated applause;' for what august Senator but is
flattered even by the very shadow of Human Species depending on him? From President Sieyes, who presides this
remarkable fortnight, in spite of his small voice, there comes eloquent though shrill reply. Anacharsis and the
'Foreigners Committee' shall have place at the Federation; on condition of telling their respective Peoples what
they see there. In the mean time, we invite them to the 'honours of the sitting, honneur de la seance.' A
long−flowing Turk, for rejoinder, bows with Eastern solemnity, and utters articulate sounds: but owing to his
imperfect knowledge of the French dialect, (Moniteur, (in Hist. Parl. xii. 283).) his words are like spilt water; the
thought he had in him remains conjectural to this day.
Anacharsis and Mankind accept the honours of the sitting; and have forthwith, as the old Newspapers still testify,
the satisfaction to see several things. First and chief, on the motion of Lameth, Lafayette, Saint−Fargeau and other
Patriot Nobles, let the others repugn as they will: all Titles of Nobility, from Duke to Esquire, or lower, are
henceforth abolished. Then, in like manner, Livery Servants, or rather the Livery of Servants. Neither, for the
future, shall any man or woman, self−styled noble, be 'incensed,'−−foolishly fumigated with incense, in Church;
as the wont has been. In a word, Feudalism being dead these ten months, why should her empty trappings and
scutcheons survive? The very Coats−of−arms will require to be obliterated;−−and yet Cassandra Marat on this
and the other coach−panel notices that they 'are but painted−over,' and threaten to peer through again.
So that henceforth de Lafayette is but the Sieur Motier, and Saint−Fargeau is plain Michel Lepelletier; and
Mirabeau soon after has to say huffingly, "With your Riquetti you have set Europe at cross−purposes for three
The French Revolution
142
The French Revolution
days." For his Counthood is not indifferent to this man; which indeed the admiring People treat him with to the
last. But let extreme Patriotism rejoice, and chiefly Anacharsis and Mankind; for now it seems to be taken for
granted that one Adam is Father of us all!−−
Such was, in historical accuracy, the famed feat of Anacharsis. Thus did the most extensive of Public Bodies find
a sort of spokesman. Whereby at least we may judge of one thing: what a humour the once sniffing mocking City
of Paris and Baron Clootz had got into; when such exhibition could appear a propriety, next door to a sublimity. It
is true, Envy did in after times, pervert this success of Anacharsis; making him, from incidental 'Speaker of the
Foreign−Nations Committee,' claim to be official permanent 'Speaker, Orateur, of the Human Species,' which he
only deserved to be; and alleging, calumniously, that his astrological Chaldeans, and the rest, were a mere French
tag−rag−and−bobtail disguised for the nonce; and, in short, sneering and fleering at him in her cold barren way;
all which, however, he, the man he was, could receive on thick enough panoply, or even rebound therefrom, and
also go his way.
Most extensive of Public Bodies, we may call it; and also the most unexpected: for who could have thought to see
All Nations in the Tuileries Riding−Hall? But so it is; and truly as strange things may happen when a whole
People goes mumming and miming. Hast not thou thyself perchance seen diademed Cleopatra, daughter of the
Ptolemies, pleading, almost with bended knee, in unheroic tea−parlour, or dimlit retail−shop, to inflexible gross
Burghal Dignitary, for leave to reign and die; being dressed for it, and moneyless, with small children;−−while
suddenly Constables have shut the Thespian barn, and her Antony pleaded in vain? Such visual spectra flit across
this Earth, if the Thespian Stage be rudely interfered with: but much more, when, as was said, Pit jumps on Stage,
then is it verily, as in Herr Tieck's Drama, a Verkehrte Welt, of World Topsyturvied!
Having seen the Human Species itself, to have seen the 'Dean of the Human Species,' ceased now to be a miracle.
Such 'Doyen du Genre Humain, Eldest of Men,' had shewn himself there, in these weeks: Jean Claude Jacob, a
born Serf, deputed from his native Jura Mountains to thank the National Assembly for enfranchising them. On his
bleached worn face are ploughed the furrowings of one hundred and twenty years. He has heard dim patois− talk,
of immortal Grand−Monarch victories; of a burnt Palatinate, as he toiled and moiled to make a little speck of this
Earth greener; of Cevennes Dragoonings; of Marlborough going to the war. Four generations have bloomed out,
and loved and hated, and rustled off: he was forty−six when Louis Fourteenth died. The Assembly, as one man,
spontaneously rose, and did reverence to the Eldest of the World; old Jean is to take seance among them,
honourably, with covered head. He gazes feebly there, with his old eyes, on that new wonder−scene; dreamlike to
him, and uncertain, wavering amid fragments of old memories and dreams. For Time is all growing unsubstantial,
dreamlike; Jean's eyes and mind are weary, and about to close,−−and open on a far other wonder−scene, which
shall be real. Patriot Subscription, Royal Pension was got for him, and he returned home glad; but in two months
more he left it all, and went on his unknown way. (Deux Amis, iv. iii.)
Chapter 2.1.XI. As in the Age of Gold.
Meanwhile to Paris, ever going and returning, day after day, and all day long, towards that Field of Mars, it
becomes painfully apparent that the spadework there cannot be got done in time. There is such an area of it; three
hundred thousand square feet: for from the Ecole militaire (which will need to be done up in wood with balconies
and galleries) westward to the Gate by the river (where also shall be wood, in triumphal arches), we count same
thousand yards of length; and for breadth, from this umbrageous Avenue of eight rows, on the South side, to that
corresponding one on the North, some thousand feet, more or less. All this to be scooped out, and wheeled up in
slope along the sides; high enough; for it must be rammed down there, and shaped stair−wise into as many as
'thirty ranges of convenient seats,' firm−trimmed with turf, covered with enduring timber;−− and then our huge
pyramidal Fatherland's−Altar, Autel de la Patrie, in the centre, also to be raised and stair−stepped! Force−work
with a vengeance; it is a World's Amphitheatre! There are but fifteen days good; and at this languid rate, it might
take half as many weeks. What is singular too, the spademen seem to work lazily; they will not work
double−tides, even for offer of more wages, though their tide is but seven hours; they declare angrily that the
The French Revolution
143
The French Revolution
human tabernacle requires occasional rest!
Is it Aristocrats secretly bribing? Aristocrats were capable of that. Only six months since, did not evidence get
afloat that subterranean Paris, for we stand over quarries and catacombs, dangerously, as it were midway between
Heaven and the Abyss, and are hollow underground,−−was charged with gunpowder, which should make us
'leap?' Till a Cordelier's Deputation actually went to examine, and found it−−carried off again! (23rd December,
1789 (Newspapers in Hist. Parl. iv. 44).) An accursed, incurable brood; all asking for 'passports,' in these sacred
days. Trouble, of rioting, chateau−burning, is in the Limousin and elsewhere; for they are busy! Between the best
of Peoples and the best of Restorer−Kings, they would sow grudges; with what a fiend's−grin would they see this
Federation, looked for by the Universe, fail!
Fail for want of spadework, however, it shall not. He that has four limbs, and a French heart, can do spadework;
and will! On the first July Monday, scarcely has the signal−cannon boomed; scarcely have the languescent
mercenary Fifteen Thousand laid down their tools, and the eyes of onlookers turned sorrowfully of the still high
Sun; when this and the other Patriot, fire in his eye, snatches barrow and mattock, and himself begins indignantly
wheeling. Whom scores and then hundreds follow; and soon a volunteer Fifteen Thousand are shovelling and
trundling; with the heart of giants; and all in right order, with that extemporaneous adroitness of theirs: whereby
such a lift has been given, worth three mercenary ones;−− which may end when the late twilight thickens, in
triumph shouts, heard or heard of beyond Montmartre!
A sympathetic population will wait, next day, with eagerness, till the tools are free. Or why wait? Spades
elsewhere exist! And so now bursts forth that effulgence of Parisian enthusiasm, good−heartedness and brotherly
love; such, if Chroniclers are trustworthy, as was not witnessed since the Age of Gold. Paris, male and female,
precipitates itself towards its South−west extremity, spade on shoulder. Streams of men, without order; or in
order, as ranked fellow−craftsmen, as natural or accidental reunions, march towards the Field of Mars.
Three−deep these march; to the sound of stringed music; preceded by young girls with green boughs, and tricolor
streamers: they have shouldered, soldier−wise, their shovels and picks; and with one throat are singing ca−ira.
Yes, pardieu ca−ira, cry the passengers on the streets. All corporate Guilds, and public and private Bodies of
Citizens, from the highest to the lowest, march; the very Hawkers, one finds, have ceased bawling for one day.
The neighbouring Villages turn out: their able men come marching, to village fiddle or tambourine and triangle,
under their Mayor, or Mayor and Curate, who also walk bespaded, and in tricolor sash. As many as one hundred
and fifty thousand workers: nay at certain seasons, as some count, two hundred and fifty thousand; for, in the
afternoon especially, what mortal but, finishing his hasty day's work, would run! A stirring city: from the time you
reach the Place Louis Quinze, southward over the River, by all Avenues, it is one living throng. So many workers;
and no mercenary mock−workers, but real ones that lie freely to it: each Patriot stretches himself against the
stubborn glebe; hews and wheels with the whole weight that is in him.
Amiable infants, aimables enfans! They do the 'police des l'atelier' too, the guidance and governance, themselves;
with that ready will of theirs, with that extemporaneous adroitness. It is a true brethren's work; all distinctions
confounded, abolished; as it was in the beginning, when Adam himself delved. Longfrocked tonsured Monks,
with short−skirted Water− carriers, with swallow−tailed well−frizzled Incroyables of a Patriot turn; dark
Charcoalmen, meal−white Peruke−makers; or Peruke−wearers, for Advocate and Judge are there, and all Heads
of Districts: sober Nuns sisterlike with flaunting Nymphs of the Opera, and females in common circumstances
named unfortunate: the patriot Rag−picker, and perfumed dweller in palaces; for Patriotism like New−birth, and
also like Death, levels all. The Printers have come marching, Prudhomme's all in Paper−caps with Revolutions de
Paris printed on them; as Camille notes; wishing that in these great days there should be a Pacte des Ecrivains too,
or Federation of Able Editors. (See Newspapers, (in Hist. Parl. vi. 381−406).) Beautiful to see! The snowy linen
and delicate pantaloon alternates with the soiled check−shirt and bushel−breeches; for both have cast their coats,
and under both are four limbs and a set of Patriot muscles. There do they pick and shovel; or bend forward, yoked
in long strings to box−barrow or overloaded tumbril; joyous, with one mind. Abbe Sieyes is seen pulling, wiry,
vehement, if too light for draught; by the side of Beauharnais, who shall get Kings though he be none. Abbe
The French Revolution
144
The French Revolution
Maury did not pull; but the Charcoalmen brought a mummer guised like him, so he had to pull in effigy. Let no
august Senator disdain the work: Mayor Bailly, Generalissimo Lafayette are there;−−and, alas, shall be there
again another day! The King himself comes to see: sky−rending Vive−le−Roi; 'and suddenly with shouldered
spades they form a guard of honour round him.' Whosoever can come comes, to work, or to look, and bless the
work.
Whole families have come. One whole family we see clearly, of three generations: the father picking, the mother
shovelling, the young ones wheeling assiduous; old grandfather, hoary with ninety−three years, holds in his arms
the youngest of all: (Mercier. ii. 76, frisky, not helpful this one; who nevertheless may tell it to his grandchildren;
and how the Future and the Past alike looked on, and with failing or with half−formed voice, faltered their ca−ira.
A vintner has wheeled in, on Patriot truck, beverage of wine: "Drink not, my brothers, if ye are not dry; that your
cask may last the longer;" neither did any drink, but men 'evidently exhausted.' A dapper Abbe looks on, sneering.
"To the barrow!" cry several; whom he, lest a worse thing befal him, obeys: nevertheless one wiser Patriot
barrowman, arriving now, interposes his "arretez;" setting down his own barrow, he snatches the Abbe's; trundles
it fast, like an infected thing; forth of the Champ−de−Mars circuit, and discharges it there. Thus too a certain
person (of some quality, or private capital, to appearance), entering hastily, flings down his coat, waistcoat and
two watches, and is rushing to the thick of the work: "But your watches?" cries the general voice.−−"Does one
distrust his brothers?" answers he; nor were the watches stolen. How beautiful is noble−sentiment: like gossamer
gauze, beautiful and cheap; which will stand no tear and wear! Beautiful cheap gossamer gauze, thou
film−shadow of a raw−material of Virtue, which art not woven, nor likely to be, into Duty; thou art better than
nothing, and also worse!
Young Boarding−school Boys, College Students, shout Vive la Nation, and regret that they have yet 'only their
sweat to give.' What say we of Boys? Beautifullest Hebes; the loveliest of Paris, in their light air−robes, with
riband−girdle of tricolor, are there; shovelling and wheeling with the rest; their Hebe eyes brighter with
enthusiasm, and long hair in beautiful dishevelment: hard−pressed are their small fingers; but they make the
patriot barrow go, and even force it to the summit of the slope (with a little tracing, which what man's arm were
not too happy to lend?)−−then bound down with it again, and go for more; with their long locks and tricolors
blown back: graceful as the rosy Hours. O, as that evening Sun fell over the Champ−de−Mars, and tinted with fire
the thick umbrageous boscage that shelters it on this hand and on that, and struck direct on those Domes and
two−and−forty Windows of the Ecole Militaire, and made them all of burnished gold,−−saw he on his wide
zodiac road other such sight? A living garden spotted and dotted with such flowerage; all colours of the prism; the
beautifullest blent friendly with the usefullest; all growing and working brotherlike there, under one warm feeling,
were it but for days; once and no second time! But Night is sinking; these Nights too, into Eternity. The hastiest
Traveller Versailles−ward has drawn bridle on the heights of Chaillot: and looked for moments over the River;
reporting at Versailles what he saw, not without tears. (Mercier, ii. 81.)
Meanwhile, from all points of the compass, Federates are arriving: fervid children of the South, 'who glory in their
Mirabeau;' considerate North− blooded Mountaineers of Jura; sharp Bretons, with their Gaelic suddenness;
Normans not to be overreached in bargain: all now animated with one noblest fire of Patriotism. Whom the Paris
brethren march forth to receive; with military solemnities, with fraternal embracing, and a hospitality worthy of
the heroic ages. They assist at the Assembly's Debates, these Federates: the Galleries are reserved for them. They
assist in the toils of the Champ−de−Mars; each new troop will put its hand to the spade; lift a hod of earth on the
Altar of the Fatherland. But the flourishes of rhetoric, for it is a gesticulating People; the moral−sublime of those
Addresses to an august Assembly, to a Patriot Restorer! Our Breton Captain of Federates kneels even, in a fit of
enthusiasm, and gives up his sword; he wet−eyed to a King wet−eyed. Poor Louis! These, as he said afterwards,
were among the bright days of his life.
Reviews also there must be; royal Federate−reviews, with King, Queen and tricolor Court looking on: at lowest,
if, as is too common, it rains, our Federate Volunteers will file through the inner gateways, Royalty standing dry.
Nay there, should some stop occur, the beautifullest fingers in France may take you softly by the lapelle, and, in
The French Revolution
145
The French Revolution
mild flute−voice, ask: "Monsieur, of what Province are you?" Happy he who can reply, chivalrously lowering his
sword's point, "Madame, from the Province your ancestors reigned over." He that happy 'Provincial Advocate,'
now Provincial Federate, shall be rewarded by a sun−smile, and such melodious glad words addressed to a King:
"Sire, these are your faithful Lorrainers." Cheerier verily, in these holidays, is this 'skyblue faced with red' of a
National Guardsman, than the dull black and gray of a Provincial Advocate, which in workdays one was used to.
For the same thrice−blessed Lorrainer shall, this evening, stand sentry at a Queen's door; and feel that he could
die a thousand deaths for her: then again, at the outer gate, and even a third time, she shall see him; nay he will
make her do it; presenting arms with emphasis, 'making his musket jingle again': and in her salute there shall
again be a sun−smile, and that little blonde−locked too hasty Dauphin shall be admonished, "Salute then,
Monsieur, don't be unpolite;" and therewith she, like a bright Sky−wanderer or Planet with her little Moon, issues
forth peculiar. (Narrative by a Lorraine Federate (given in Hist. Parl. vi. 389−91).)
But at night, when Patriot spadework is over, figure the sacred rights of hospitality! Lepelletier Saint−Fargeau, a
mere private senator, but with great possessions, has daily his 'hundred dinner−guests;' the table of Generalissimo
Lafayette may double that number. In lowly parlour, as in lofty saloon, the wine−cup passes round; crowned by
the smiles of Beauty; be it of lightly−tripping Grisette, or of high−sailing Dame, for both equally have beauty, and
smiles precious to the brave.
Chapter 2.1.XII. Sound and Smoke.
And so now, in spite of plotting Aristocrats, lazy hired spademen, and almost of Destiny itself (for there has been
much rain), the Champ−de−Mars, on the 13th of the month is fairly ready; trimmed, rammed, buttressed with firm
masonry; and Patriotism can stroll over it admiring; and as it were rehearsing, for in every head is some
unutterable image of the morrow. Pray Heaven there be not clouds. Nay what far worse cloud is this, of a
misguided Municipality that talks of admitting Patriotism, to the solemnity, by tickets! Was it by tickets we were
admitted to the work; and to what brought the work? Did we take the Bastille by tickets? A misguided
Municipality sees the error; at late midnight, rolling drums announce to Patriotism starting half out of its
bed−clothes, that it is to be ticketless. Pull down thy night−cap therefore; and, with demi− articulate grumble,
significant of several things, go pacified to sleep again. Tomorrow is Wednesday morning; unforgetable among
the fasti of the world.
The morning comes, cold for a July one; but such a festivity would make Greenland smile. Through every inlet of
that National Amphitheatre (for it is a league in circuit, cut with openings at due intervals), floods−in the living
throng; covers without tumult space after space. The Ecole Militaire has galleries and overvaulting canopies,
where Carpentry and Painting have vied, for the upper Authorities; triumphal arches, at the Gate by the River,
bear inscriptions, if weak, yet well−meant, and orthodox. Far aloft, over the Altar of the Fatherland, on their tall
crane standards of iron, swing pensile our antique Cassolettes or pans of incense; dispensing sweet
incense−fumes,−−unless for the Heathen Mythology, one sees not for whom. Two hundred thousand Patriotic
Men; and, twice as good, one hundred thousand Patriotic Women, all decked and glorified as one can fancy, sit
waiting in this Champ−de−Mars.
What a picture: that circle of bright−eyed Life, spread up there, on its thirty−seated Slope; leaning, one would say,
on the thick umbrage of those Avenue−Trees, for the stems of them are hidden by the height; and all beyond it
mere greenness of Summer Earth, with the gleams of waters, or white sparklings of stone−edifices: little circular
enamel−picture in the centre of such a vase−−of emerald! A vase not empty: the Invalides Cupolas want not their
population, nor the distant Windmills of Montmartre; on remotest steeple and invisible village belfry, stand men
with spy− glasses. On the heights of Chaillot are many−coloured undulating groups; round and far on, over all the
circling heights that embosom Paris, it is as one more or less peopled Amphitheatre; which the eye grows dim
with measuring. Nay heights, as was before hinted, have cannon; and a floating− battery of cannon is on the
Seine. When eye fails, ear shall serve; and all France properly is but one Amphitheatre: for in paved town and
unpaved hamlet, men walk listening; till the muffled thunder sound audible on their horizon, that they too may
The French Revolution
146
The French Revolution
begin swearing and firing! (Deux Amis, v. 168.) But now, to streams of music, come Federates enough,−−for they
have assembled on the Boulevard Saint−Antoine or thereby, and come marching through the City, with their
Eighty−three Department Banners, and blessings not loud but deep; comes National Assembly, and takes seat
under its Canopy; comes Royalty, and takes seat on a throne beside it. And Lafayette, on white charger, is here,
and all the civic Functionaries; and the Federates form dances, till their strictly military evolutions and
manoeuvres can begin.
Evolutions and manoeuvres? Task not the pen of mortal to describe them: truant imagination droops;−−declares
that it is not worth while. There is wheeling and sweeping, to slow, to quick, and double quick−time: Sieur
Motier, or Generalissimo Lafayette, for they are one and the same, and he is General of France, in the King's
stead, for four−and−twenty hours; Sieur Motier must step forth, with that sublime chivalrous gait of his; solemnly
ascend the steps of the Fatherland's Altar, in sight of Heaven and of the scarcely breathing Earth; and, under the
creak of those swinging Cassolettes, 'pressing his sword's point firmly there,' pronounce the Oath, To King, to
Law, and Nation (not to mention 'grains' with their circulating), in his own name and that of armed France.
Whereat there is waving of banners and acclaim sufficient. The National Assembly must swear, standing in its
place; the King himself audibly. The King swears; and now be the welkin split with vivats; let citizens
enfranchised embrace, each smiting heartily his palm into his fellow's; and armed Federates clang their arms;
above all, that floating battery speak! It has spoken,−−to the four corners of France. From eminence to eminence,
bursts the thunder; faint−heard, loud−repeated. What a stone, cast into what a lake; in circles that do not grow
fainter. From Arras to Avignon; from Metz to Bayonne! Over Orleans and Blois it rolls, in cannon−recitative; Puy
bellows of it amid his granite mountains; Pau where is the shell−cradle of Great Henri. At far Marseilles, one can
think, the ruddy evening witnesses it; over the deep−blue Mediterranean waters, the Castle of If ruddy−tinted
darts forth, from every cannon's mouth, its tongue of fire; and all the people shout: Yes, France is free. O glorious
France that has burst out so; into universal sound and smoke; and attained−−the Phrygian Cap of Liberty! In all
Towns, Trees of Liberty also may be planted; with or without advantage. Said we not, it is the highest stretch
attained by the Thespian Art on this Planet, or perhaps attainable?
The Thespian Art, unfortunately, one must still call it; for behold there, on this Field of Mars, the National
Banners, before there could be any swearing, were to be all blessed. A most proper operation; since surely without
Heaven's blessing bestowed, say even, audibly or inaudibly sought, no Earthly banner or contrivance can prove
victorious: but now the means of doing it? By what thrice−divine Franklin thunder−rod shall miraculous fire be
drawn out of Heaven; and descend gently, life−giving, with health to the souls of men? Alas, by the simplest: by
Two Hundred shaven−crowned Individuals, 'in snow−white albs, with tricolor girdles,' arranged on the steps of
Fatherland's Altar; and, at their head for spokesman, Soul's Overseer Talleyrand−Perigord! These shall act as
miraculous thunder−rod,−− to such length as they can. O ye deep azure Heavens, and thou green all− nursing
Earth; ye Streams ever−flowing; deciduous Forests that die and are born again, continually, like the sons of men;
stone Mountains that die daily with every rain−shower, yet are not dead and levelled for ages of ages, nor born
again (it seems) but with new world−explosions, and such tumultuous seething and tumbling, steam half way to
the Moon; O thou unfathomable mystic All, garment and dwellingplace of the UNNAMED; O spirit, lastly, of
Man, who mouldest and modellest that Unfathomable Unnameable even as we see,−−is not there a miracle: That
some French mortal should, we say not have believed, but pretended to imagine that he believed that Talleyrand
and Two Hundred pieces of white Calico could do it!
Here, however, we are to remark with the sorrowing Historians of that day, that suddenly, while Episcopus
Talleyrand, long−stoled, with mitre and tricolor belt, was yet but hitching up the Altar−steps, to do his miracle,
the material Heaven grew black; a north−wind, moaning cold moisture, began to sing; and there descended a very
deluge of rain. Sad to see! The thirty−staired Seats, all round our Amphitheatre, get instantaneously slated with
mere umbrellas, fallacious when so thick set: our antique Cassolettes become Water−pots; their incense−smoke
gone hissing, in a whiff of muddy vapour. Alas, instead of vivats, there is nothing now but the furious peppering
and rattling. From three to four hundred thousand human individuals feel that they have a skin; happily
impervious. The General's sash runs water: how all military banners droop; and will not wave, but lazily flap, as if
The French Revolution
147
The French Revolution
metamorphosed into painted tin−banners! Worse, far worse, these hundred thousand, such is the Historian's
testimony, of the fairest of France! Their snowy muslins all splashed and draggled; the ostrich feather shrunk
shamefully to the backbone of a feather: all caps are ruined; innermost pasteboard molten into its original pap:
Beauty no longer swims decorated in her garniture, like Love−goddess hidden−revealed in her Paphian clouds,
but struggles in disastrous imprisonment in it, for 'the shape was noticeable;' and now only sympathetic
interjections, titterings, teeheeings, and resolute good−humour will avail. A deluge; an incessant sheet or
fluid−column of rain;−−such that our Overseer's very mitre must be filled; not a mitre, but a filled and leaky
fire−bucket on his reverend head!−−Regardless of which, Overseer Talleyrand performs his miracle: the Blessing
of Talleyrand, another than that of Jacob, is on all the Eighty−three departmental flags of France; which wave or
flap, with such thankfulness as needs. Towards three o'clock, the sun beams out again: the remaining evolutions
can be transacted under bright heavens, though with decorations much damaged. (Deux Amis, v. 143−179.)
On Wednesday our Federation is consummated: but the festivities last out the week, and over into the next.
Festivities such as no Bagdad Caliph, or Aladdin with the Lamp, could have equalled. There is a Jousting on the
River; with its water−somersets, splashing and haha−ing: Abbe Fauchet, Te− Deum Fauchet, preaches, for his
part, in 'the rotunda of the Corn−market,' a Harangue on Franklin; for whom the National Assembly has lately
gone three days in black. The Motier and Lepelletier tables still groan with viands; roofs ringing with patriotic
toasts. On the fifth evening, which is the Christian Sabbath, there is a universal Ball. Paris, out of doors and in,
man, woman and child, is jigging it, to the sound of harp and four− stringed fiddle. The hoariest−headed man will
tread one other measure, under this nether Moon; speechless nurselings, infants as we call them, (Greek), crow in
arms; and sprawl out numb−plump little limbs,−−impatient for muscularity, they know not why. The stiffest balk
bends more or less; all joists creak.
Or out, on the Earth's breast itself, behold the Ruins of the Bastille. All lamplit, allegorically decorated: a Tree of
Liberty sixty feet high; and Phrygian Cap on it, of size enormous, under which King Arthur and his round−table
might have dined! In the depths of the background, is a single lugubrious lamp, rendering dim−visible one of your
iron cages, half−buried, and some Prison stones,−−Tyranny vanishing downwards, all gone but the skirt: the rest
wholly lamp−festoons, trees real or of pasteboard; in the similitude of a fairy grove; with this inscription, readable
to runner: 'Ici l'on danse, Dancing Here.' As indeed had been obscurely foreshadowed by Cagliostro (See his
Lettre au Peuple Francais (London, 1786.) prophetic Quack of Quacks, when he, four years ago, quitted the grim
durance;−−to fall into a grimmer, of the Roman Inquisition, and not quit it.
But, after all, what is this Bastille business to that of the Champs Elysees! Thither, to these Fields well named
Elysian, all feet tend. It is radiant as day with festooned lamps; little oil−cups, like variegated fire−flies, daintily
illumine the highest leaves: trees there are all sheeted with variegated fire, shedding far a glimmer into the
dubious wood. There, under the free sky, do tight−limbed Federates, with fairest newfound sweethearts, elastic as
Diana, and not of that coyness and tart humour of Diana, thread their jocund mazes, all through the ambrosial
night; and hearts were touched and fired; and seldom surely had our old Planet, in that huge conic Shadow of hers
'which goes beyond the Moon, and is named Night,' curtained such a Ball−room. O if, according to Seneca, the
very gods look down on a good man struggling with adversity, and smile; what must they think of
Five−and−twenty million indifferent ones victorious over it,−−for eight days and more?
In this way, and in such ways, however, has the Feast of Pikes danced itself off; gallant Federates wending
homewards, towards every point of the compass, with feverish nerves, heart and head much heated; some of them,
indeed, as Dampmartin's elderly respectable friend, from Strasbourg, quite 'burnt out with liquors,' and flickering
towards extinction. (Dampmartin, Evenemens, i. 144−184.) The Feast of Pikes has danced itself off, and become
defunct, and the ghost of a Feast;−−nothing of it now remaining but this vision in men's memory; and the place
that knew it (for the slope of that Champ−de−Mars is crumbled to half the original height (Dulaure, Histoire de
Paris, viii. 25).) now knowing it no more. Undoubtedly one of the memorablest National Hightides. Never or
hardly ever, as we said, was Oath sworn with such heart−effusion, emphasis and expenditure of joyance; and then
it was broken irremediably within year and day. Ah, why? When the swearing of it was so heavenly−joyful,
The French Revolution
148
The French Revolution
bosom clasped to bosom, and Five−and−twenty million hearts all burning together: O ye inexorable Destinies,
why?−−Partly because it was sworn with such over−joyance; but chiefly, indeed, for an older reason: that Sin had
come into the world and Misery by Sin! These Five−and−twenty millions, if we will consider it, have now
henceforth, with that Phrygian Cap of theirs, no force over them, to bind and guide; neither in them, more than
heretofore, is guiding force, or rule of just living: how then, while they all go rushing at such a pace, on unknown
ways, with no bridle, towards no aim, can hurlyburly unutterable fail? For verily not Federation−rosepink is the
colour of this Earth and her work: not by outbursts of noble−sentiment, but with far other ammunition, shall a
man front the world.
But how wise, in all cases, to 'husband your fire;' to keep it deep down, rather, as genial radical−heat! Explosions,
the forciblest, and never so well directed, are questionable; far oftenest futile, always frightfully wasteful: but
think of a man, of a Nation of men, spending its whole stock of fire in one artificial Firework! So have we seen
fond weddings (for individuals, like Nations, have their Hightides) celebrated with an outburst of triumph and
deray, at which the elderly shook their heads. Better had a serious cheerfulness been; for the enterprise was great.
Fond pair! the more triumphant ye feel, and victorious over terrestrial evil, which seems all abolished, the
wider−eyed will your disappointment be to find terrestrial evil still extant. "And why extant?" will each of you
cry: "Because my false mate has played the traitor: evil was abolished; I meant faithfully, and did, or would have
done." Whereby the oversweet moon of honey changes itself into long years of vinegar; perhaps divulsive
vinegar, like Hannibal's.
Shall we say then, the French Nation has led Royalty, or wooed and teased poor Royalty to lead her, to the
hymeneal Fatherland's Altar, in such oversweet manner; and has, most thoughtlessly, to celebrate the nuptials
with due shine and demonstration,−−burnt her bed?
BOOK 2.II. NANCI
Chapter 2.2.I. Bouille.
Dimly visible, at Metz on the North−Eastern frontier, a certain brave Bouille, last refuge of Royalty in all straits
and meditations of flight, has for many months hovered occasionally in our eye; some name or shadow of a brave
Bouille: let us now, for a little, look fixedly at him, till he become a substance and person for us. The man himself
is worth a glance; his position and procedure there, in these days, will throw light on many things.
For it is with Bouille as with all French Commanding Officers; only in a more emphatic degree. The grand
National Federation, we already guess, was but empty sound, or worse: a last loudest universal Hep−hep−hurrah,
with full bumpers, in that National Lapithae−feast of Constitution−making; as in loud denial of the palpably
existing; as if, with hurrahings, you would shut out notice of the inevitable already knocking at the gates! Which
new National bumper, one may say, can but deepen the drunkenness; and so, the louder it swears Brotherhood,
will the sooner and the more surely lead to Cannibalism. Ah, under that fraternal shine and clangour, what a deep
world of irreconcileable discords lie momentarily assuaged, damped down for one moment! Respectable military
Federates have barely got home to their quarters; and the inflammablest, 'dying, burnt up with liquors, and
kindness,' has not yet got extinct; the shine is hardly out of men's eyes, and still blazes filling all men's
memories,−−when your discords burst forth again very considerably darker than ever. Let us look at Bouille, and
see how.
Bouille for the present commands in the Garrison of Metz, and far and wide over the East and North; being
indeed, by a late act of Government with sanction of National Assembly, appointed one of our Four supreme
Generals. Rochambeau and Mailly, men and Marshals of note in these days, though to us of small moment, are
two of his colleagues; tough old babbling Luckner, also of small moment for us, will probably be the third.
Marquis de Bouille is a determined Loyalist; not indeed disinclined to moderate reform, but resolute against
immoderate. A man long suspect to Patriotism; who has more than once given the august Assembly trouble; who
The French Revolution
149
The French Revolution
would not, for example, take the National Oath, as he was bound to do, but always put it off on this or the other
pretext, till an autograph of Majesty requested him to do it as a favour. There, in this post if not of honour, yet of
eminence and danger, he waits, in a silent concentered manner; very dubious of the future. 'Alone,' as he says, or
almost alone, of all the old military Notabilities, he has not emigrated; but thinks always, in atrabiliar moments,
that there will be nothing for him too but to cross the marches. He might cross, say, to Treves or Coblentz where
Exiled Princes will be one day ranking; or say, over into Luxemburg where old Broglie loiters and languishes. Or
is there not the great dim Deep of European Diplomacy; where your Calonnes, your Breteuils are beginning to
hover, dimly discernible?
With immeasurable confused outlooks and purposes, with no clear purpose but this of still trying to do His
Majesty a service, Bouille waits; struggling what he can to keep his district loyal, his troops faithful, his garrisons
furnished. He maintains, as yet, with his Cousin Lafayette, some thin diplomatic correspondence, by letter and
messenger; chivalrous constitutional professions on the one side, military gravity and brevity on the other; which
thin correspondence one can see growing ever the thinner and hollower, towards the verge of entire vacuity.
(Bouille, Memoires (London, 1797), i. c. 8.) A quick, choleric, sharply discerning, stubbornly endeavouring man;
with suppressed−explosive resolution, with valour, nay headlong audacity: a man who was more in his place,
lionlike defending those Windward Isles, or, as with military tiger−spring, clutching Nevis and Montserrat from
the English,−−than here in this suppressed condition, muzzled and fettered by diplomatic packthreads; looking out
for a civil war, which may never arrive. Few years ago Bouille was to have led a French East−Indian Expedition,
and reconquered or conquered Pondicherri and the Kingdoms of the Sun: but the whole world is suddenly
changed, and he with it; Destiny willed it not in that way but in this.
Chapter 2.2.II. Arrears and Aristocrats.
Indeed, as to the general outlook of things, Bouille himself augurs not well of it. The French Army, ever since
those old Bastille days, and earlier, has been universally in the questionablest state, and growing daily worse.
Discipline, which is at all times a kind of miracle, and works by faith, broke down then; one sees not with that
near prospect of recovering itself. The Gardes Francaises played a deadly game; but how they won it, and wear
the prizes of it, all men know. In that general overturn, we saw the Hired Fighters refuse to fight. The very Swiss
of Chateau−Vieux, which indeed is a kind of French Swiss, from Geneva and the Pays de Vaud, are understood to
have declined. Deserters glided over; Royal−Allemand itself looked disconsolate, though stanch of purpose. In a
word, we there saw Military Rule, in the shape of poor Besenval with that convulsive unmanageable Camp of his,
pass two martyr days on the Champ−de− Mars; and then, veiling itself, so to speak, 'under the cloud of night,'
depart 'down the left bank of the Seine,' to seek refuge elsewhere; this ground having clearly become too hot for
it.
But what new ground to seek, what remedy to try? Quarters that were 'uninfected:' this doubtless, with judicious
strictness of drilling, were the plan. Alas, in all quarters and places, from Paris onward to the remotest hamlet, is
infection, is seditious contagion: inhaled, propagated by contact and converse, till the dullest soldier catch it!
There is speech of men in uniform with men not in uniform; men in uniform read journals, and even write in
them. (See Newspapers of July, 1789 (in Hist. Parl. ii. 35), There are public petitions or remonstrances, private
emissaries and associations; there is discontent, jealousy, uncertainty, sullen suspicious humour. The whole
French Army, fermenting in dark heat, glooms ominous, boding good to no one.
So that, in the general social dissolution and revolt, we are to have this deepest and dismallest kind of it, a
revolting soldiery? Barren, desolate to look upon is this same business of revolt under all its aspects; but how
infinitely more so, when it takes the aspect of military mutiny! The very implement of rule and restraint, whereby
all the rest was managed and held in order, has become precisely the frightfullest immeasurable implement of
misrule; like the element of Fire, our indispensable all−ministering servant, when it gets the mastery, and becomes
conflagration. Discipline we called a kind of miracle: in fact, is it not miraculous how one man moves hundreds of
thousands; each unit of whom it may be loves him not, and singly fears him not, yet has to obey him, to go hither
The French Revolution
150
The French Revolution
or go thither, to march and halt, to give death, and even to receive it, as if a Fate had spoken; and the
word−of−command becomes, almost in the literal sense, a magic−word?
Which magic−word, again, if it be once forgotten; the spell of it once broken! The legions of assiduous
ministering spirits rise on you now as menacing fiends; your free orderly arena becomes a tumult−place of the
Nether Pit, and the hapless magician is rent limb from limb. Military mobs are mobs with muskets in their hands;
and also with death hanging over their heads, for death is the penalty of disobedience and they have disobeyed.
And now if all mobs are properly frenzies, and work frenetically with mad fits of hot and of cold, fierce rage
alternating so incoherently with panic terror, consider what your military mob will be, with such a conflict of
duties and penalties, whirled between remorse and fury, and, for the hot fit, loaded fire−arms in its hand! To the
soldier himself, revolt is frightful, and oftenest perhaps pitiable; and yet so dangerous, it can only be hated, cannot
be pitied. An anomalous class of mortals these poor Hired Killers! With a frankness, which to the Moralist in
these times seems surprising, they have sworn to become machines; and nevertheless they are still partly men. Let
no prudent person in authority remind them of this latter fact; but always let force, let injustice above all, stop
short clearly on this side of the rebounding−point! Soldiers, as we often say, do revolt: were it not so, several
things which are transient in this world might be perennial.
Over and above the general quarrel which all sons of Adam maintain with their lot here below, the grievances of
the French soldiery reduce themselves to two, First that their Officers are Aristocrats; secondly that they cheat
them of their Pay. Two grievances; or rather we might say one, capable of becoming a hundred; for in that single
first proposition, that the Officers are Aristocrats, what a multitude of corollaries lie ready! It is a bottomless
ever−flowing fountain of grievances this; what you may call a general raw−material of grievance, wherefrom
individual grievance after grievance will daily body itself forth. Nay there will even be a kind of comfort in
getting it, from time to time, so embodied. Peculation of one's Pay! It is embodied; made tangible, made
denounceable; exhalable, if only in angry words.
For unluckily that grand fountain of grievances does exist: Aristocrats almost all our Officers necessarily are; they
have it in the blood and bone. By the law of the case, no man can pretend to be the pitifullest lieutenant of militia,
till he have first verified, to the satisfaction of the Lion−King, a Nobility of four generations. Not Nobility only,
but four generations of it: this latter is the improvement hit upon, in comparatively late years, by a certain
War−minister much pressed for commissions. (Dampmartin, Evenemens, i. 89.) An improvement which did
relieve the over−pressed War−minister, but which split France still further into yawning contrasts of Commonalty
and Nobility, nay of new Nobility and old; as if already with your new and old, and then with your old, older and
oldest, there were not contrasts and discrepancies enough;−−the general clash whereof men now see and hear, and
in the singular whirlpool, all contrasts gone together to the bottom! Gone to the bottom or going; with uproar,
without return; going every where save in the Military section of things; and there, it may be asked, can they hope
to continue always at the top? Apparently, not.
It is true, in a time of external Peace, when there is no fighting but only drilling, this question, How you rise from
the ranks, may seem theoretical rather. But in reference to the Rights of Man it is continually practical. The
soldier has sworn to be faithful not to the King only, but to the Law and the Nation. Do our commanders love the
Revolution? ask all soldiers. Unhappily no, they hate it, and love the Counter−Revolution. Young epauletted men,
with quality−blood in them, poisoned with quality−pride, do sniff openly, with indignation struggling to become
contempt, at our Rights of Man, as at some newfangled cobweb, which shall be brushed down again. Old officers,
more cautious, keep silent, with closed uncurled lips; but one guesses what is passing within. Nay who knows,
how, under the plausiblest word of command, might lie Counter−Revolution itself, sale to Exiled Princes and the
Austrian Kaiser: treacherous Aristocrats hoodwinking the small insight of us common men?−−In such manner
works that general raw−material of grievance; disastrous; instead of trust and reverence, breeding hate, endless
suspicion, the impossibility of commanding and obeying. And now when this second more tangible grievance has
articulated itself universally in the mind of the common man: Peculation of his Pay! Peculation of the despicablest
sort does exist, and has long existed; but, unless the new−declared Rights of Man, and all rights whatsoever, be a
The French Revolution
151
The French Revolution
cobweb, it shall no longer exist.
The French Military System seems dying a sorrowful suicidal death. Nay more, citizen, as is natural, ranks
himself against citizen in this cause. The soldier finds audience, of numbers and sympathy unlimited, among the
Patriot lower−classes. Nor are the higher wanting to the officer. The officer still dresses and perfumes himself for
such sad unemigrated soiree as there may still be; and speaks his woes,−−which woes, are they not Majesty's and
Nature's? Speaks, at the same time, his gay defiance, his firm−set resolution. Citizens, still more Citizenesses, see
the right and the wrong; not the Military System alone will die by suicide, but much along with it. As was said,
there is yet possible a deepest overturn than any yet witnessed: that deepest upturn of the black−burning
sulphurous stratum whereon all rests and grows!
But how these things may act on the rude soldier−mind, with its military pedantries, its inexperience of all that
lies off the parade−ground; inexperience as of a child, yet fierceness of a man and vehemence of a Frenchman! It
is long that secret communings in mess−room and guard−room, sour looks, thousandfold petty vexations between
commander and commanded, measure every where the weary military day. Ask Captain Dampmartin; an
authentic, ingenious literary officer of horse; who loves the Reign of Liberty, after a sort; yet has had his heart
grieved to the quick many times, in the hot South−Western region and elsewhere; and has seen riot, civil battle by
daylight and by torchlight, and anarchy hatefuller than death. How insubordinate Troopers, with drink in their
heads, meet Captain Dampmartin and another on the ramparts, where there is no escape or side− path; and make
military salute punctually, for we look calm on them; yet make it in a snappish, almost insulting manner: how one
morning they 'leave all their chamois shirts' and superfluous buffs, which they are tired of, laid in piles at the
Captain's doors; whereat 'we laugh,' as the ass does, eating thistles: nay how they 'knot two forage−cords
together,' with universal noisy cursing, with evident intent to hang the Quarter− master:−−all this the worthy
Captain, looking on it through the ruddy−and− sable of fond regretful memory, has flowingly written down.
(Dampmartin, Evenemens, i. 122−146.) Men growl in vague discontent; officers fling up their commissions, and
emigrate in disgust.
Or let us ask another literary Officer; not yet Captain; Sublieutenant only, in the Artillery Regiment La Fere: a
young man of twenty−one; not unentitled to speak; the name of him is Napoleon Buonaparte. To such height of
Sublieutenancy has he now got promoted, from Brienne School, five years ago; 'being found qualified in
mathematics by La Place.' He is lying at Auxonne, in the West, in these months; not sumptuously lodged−−'in the
house of a Barber, to whose wife he did not pay the customary degree of respect;' or even over at the Pavilion, in a
chamber with bare walls; the only furniture an indifferent 'bed without curtains, two chairs, and in the recess of a
window a table covered with books and papers: his Brother Louis sleeps on a coarse mattrass in an adjoining
room.' However, he is doing something great: writing his first Book or Pamphlet,−−eloquent vehement Letter to
M. Matteo Buttafuoco, our Corsican Deputy, who is not a Patriot but an Aristocrat, unworthy of Deputyship. Joly
of Dole is Publisher. The literary Sublieutenant corrects the proofs; 'sets out on foot from Auxonne, every
morning at four o'clock, for Dole: after looking over the proofs, he partakes of an extremely frugal breakfast with
Joly, and immediately prepares for returning to his Garrison; where he arrives before noon, having thus walked
above twenty miles in the course of the morning.'
This Sublieutenant can remark that, in drawing−rooms, on streets, on highways, at inns, every where men's minds
are ready to kindle into a flame. That a Patriot, if he appear in the drawing−room, or amid a group of officers, is
liable enough to be discouraged, so great is the majority against him: but no sooner does he get into the street, or
among the soldiers, than he feels again as if the whole Nation were with him. That after the famous Oath, To the
King, to the Nation and Law, there was a great change; that before this, if ordered to fire on the people, he for one
would have done it in the King's name; but that after this, in the Nation's name, he would not have done it.
Likewise that the Patriot officers, more numerous too in the Artillery and Engineers than elsewhere, were few in
number; yet that having the soldiers on their side, they ruled the regiment; and did often deliver the Aristocrat
brother officer out of peril and strait. One day, for example, 'a member of our own mess roused the mob, by
singing, from the windows of our dining−room, O Richard, O my King; and I had to snatch him from their fury.'
The French Revolution
152
The French Revolution
(Norvins, Histoire de Napoleon, i. 47; Las Cases, Memoires (translated into Hazlitt's Life of Napoleon, i. 23−31.)
All which let the reader multiply by ten thousand; and spread it with slight variations over all the camps and
garrisons of France. The French Army seems on the verge of universal mutiny.
Universal mutiny! There is in that what may well make Patriot Constitutionalism and an august Assembly
shudder. Something behoves to be done; yet what to do no man can tell. Mirabeau proposes even that the
Soldiery, having come to such a pass, be forthwith disbanded, the whole Two Hundred and Eighty Thousands of
them; and organised anew. (Moniteur, 1790. No. 233.) Impossible this, in so sudden a manner! cry all men. And
yet literally, answer we, it is inevitable, in one manner or another. Such an Army, with its four−generation
Nobles, its Peculated Pay, and men knotting forage cords to hang their quartermaster, cannot subsist beside such a
Revolution. Your alternative is a slow−pining chronic dissolution and new organization; or a swift decisive one;
the agonies spread over years, or concentrated into an hour. With a Mirabeau for Minister or Governor the latter
had been the choice; with no Mirabeau for Governor it will naturally be the former.
Chapter 2.2.III. Bouille at Metz.
To Bouille, in his North−Eastern circle, none of these things are altogether hid. Many times flight over the
marches gleams out on him as a last guidance in such bewilderment: nevertheless he continues here: struggling
always to hope the best, not from new organisation but from happy Counter−Revolution and return to the old. For
the rest it is clear to him that this same National Federation, and universal swearing and fraternising of People and
Soldiers, has done 'incalculable mischief.' So much that fermented secretly has hereby got vent and become open:
National Guards and Soldiers of the line, solemnly embracing one another on all parade−fields, drinking,
swearing patriotic oaths, fall into disorderly street−processions, constitutional unmilitary exclamations and
hurrahings. On which account the Regiment Picardie, for one, has to be drawn out in the square of the barracks,
here at Metz, and sharply harangued by the General himself; but expresses penitence. (Bouille, Memoires, i. 113.)
Far and near, as accounts testify, insubordination has begun grumbling louder and louder. Officers have been seen
shut up in their mess−rooms; assaulted with clamorous demands, not without menaces. The insubordinate
ringleader is dismissed with 'yellow furlough,' yellow infamous thing they call cartouche jaune: but ten new
ringleaders rise in his stead, and the yellow cartouche ceases to be thought disgraceful. 'Within a fortnight,' or at
furthest a month, of that sublime Feast of Pikes, the whole French Army, demanding Arrears, forming Reading
Clubs, frequenting Popular Societies, is in a state which Bouille can call by no name but that of mutiny. Bouille
knows it as few do; and speaks by dire experience. Take one instance instead of many.
It is still an early day of August, the precise date now undiscoverable, when Bouille, about to set out for the
waters of Aix la Chapelle, is once more suddenly summoned to the barracks of Metz. The soldiers stand ranked in
fighting order, muskets loaded, the officers all there on compulsion; and require, with many−voiced emphasis, to
have their arrears paid. Picardie was penitent; but we see it has relapsed: the wide space bristles and lours with
mere mutinous armed men. Brave Bouille advances to the nearest Regiment, opens his commanding lips to
harangue; obtains nothing but querulous−indignant discordance, and the sound of so many thousand livres legally
due. The moment is trying; there are some ten thousand soldiers now in Metz, and one spirit seems to have spread
among them.
Bouille is firm as the adamant; but what shall he do? A German Regiment, named of Salm, is thought to be of
better temper: nevertheless Salm too may have heard of the precept, Thou shalt not steal; Salm too may know that
money is money. Bouille walks trustfully towards the Regiment de Salm, speaks trustful words; but here again is
answered by the cry of forty−four thousand livres odd sous. A cry waxing more and more vociferous, as Salm's
humour mounts; which cry, as it will produce no cash or promise of cash, ends in the wide simultaneous whirr of
shouldered muskets, and a determined quick−time march on the part of Salm−−towards its Colonel's house, in the
next street, there to seize the colours and military chest. Thus does Salm, for its part; strong in the faith that meum
The French Revolution
153
The French Revolution
is not tuum, that fair speeches are not forty−four thousand livres odd sous.
Unrestrainable! Salm tramps to military time, quick consuming the way. Bouille and the officers, drawing sword,
have to dash into double quick pas−de−charge, or unmilitary running; to get the start; to station themselves on the
outer staircase, and stand there with what of death− defiance and sharp steel they have; Salm truculently coiling
itself up, rank after rank, opposite them, in such humour as we can fancy, which happily has not yet mounted to
the murder−pitch. There will Bouille stand, certain at least of one man's purpose; in grim calmness, awaiting the
issue. What the intrepidest of men and generals can do is done. Bouille, though there is a barricading picket at
each end of the street, and death under his eyes, contrives to send for a Dragoon Regiment with orders to charge:
the dragoon officers mount; the dragoon men will not: hope is none there for him. The street, as we say,
barricaded; the Earth all shut out, only the indifferent heavenly Vault overhead: perhaps here or there a timorous
householder peering out of window, with prayer for Bouille; copious Rascality, on the pavement, with prayer for
Salm: there do the two parties stand;−−like chariots locked in a narrow thoroughfare; like locked wrestlers at a
dead−grip! For two hours they stand; Bouille's sword glittering in his hand, adamantine resolution clouding his
brows: for two hours by the clocks of Metz. Moody−silent stands Salm, with occasional clangour; but does not
fire. Rascality from time to time urges some grenadier to level his musket at the General; who looks on it as a
bronze General would; and always some corporal or other strikes it up.
In such remarkable attitude, standing on that staircase for two hours, does brave Bouille, long a shadow, dawn on
us visibly out of the dimness, and become a person. For the rest, since Salm has not shot him at the first instant,
and since in himself there is no variableness, the danger will diminish. The Mayor, 'a man infinitely respectable,'
with his Municipals and tricolor sashes, finally gains entrance; remonstrates, perorates, promises; gets Salm
persuaded home to its barracks. Next day, our respectable Mayor lending the money, the officers pay down the
half of the demand in ready cash. With which liquidation Salm pacifies itself, and for the present all is hushed up,
as much as may be. (Bouille, i. 140−5.)
Such scenes as this of Metz, or preparations and demonstrations towards such, are universal over France:
Dampmartin, with his knotted forage−cords and piled chamois jackets, is at Strasburg in the South−East; in these
same days or rather nights, Royal Champagne is 'shouting Vive la Nation, au diable les Aristocrates, with some
thirty lit candles,' at Hesdin, on the far North−West. "The garrison of Bitche," Deputy Rewbell is sorry to state,
"went out of the town, with drums beating; deposed its officers; and then returned into the town, sabre in hand."
(Moniteur (in Hist. Parl. vii. 29).) Ought not a National Assembly to occupy itself with these objects? Military
France is everywhere full of sour inflammatory humour, which exhales itself fuliginously, this way or that: a
whole continent of smoking flax; which, blown on here or there by any angry wind, might so easily start into a
blaze, into a continent of fire!
Constitutional Patriotism is in deep natural alarm at these things. The august Assembly sits diligently deliberating;
dare nowise resolve, with Mirabeau, on an instantaneous disbandment and extinction; finds that a course of
palliatives is easier. But at least and lowest, this grievance of the Arrears shall be rectified. A plan, much noised
of in those days, under the name 'Decree of the Sixth of August,' has been devised for that. Inspectors shall visit
all armies; and, with certain elected corporals and 'soldiers able to write,' verify what arrears and peculations do
lie due, and make them good. Well, if in this way the smoky heat be cooled down; if it be not, as we say,
ventilated over−much, or, by sparks and collision somewhere, sent up!
Chapter 2.2.IV. Arrears at Nanci.
We are to remark, however, that of all districts, this of Bouille's seems the inflammablest. It was always to Bouille
and Metz that Royalty would fly: Austria lies near; here more than elsewhere must the disunited People look over
the borders, into a dim sea of Foreign Politics and Diplomacies, with hope or apprehension, with mutual
exasperation.
The French Revolution
154
The French Revolution
It was but in these days that certain Austrian troops, marching peaceably across an angle of this region, seemed an
Invasion realised; and there rushed towards Stenai, with musket on shoulder, from all the winds, some thirty
thousand National Guards, to inquire what the matter was. (Moniteur, Seance du 9 Aout 1790.) A matter of mere
diplomacy it proved; the Austrian Kaiser, in haste to get to Belgium, had bargained for this short cut. The infinite
dim movement of European Politics waved a skirt over these spaces, passing on its way; like the passing shadow
of a condor; and such a winged flight of thirty thousand, with mixed cackling and crowing, rose in consequence!
For, in addition to all, this people, as we said, is much divided: Aristocrats abound; Patriotism has both
Aristocrats and Austrians to watch. It is Lorraine, this region; not so illuminated as old France: it remembers
ancient Feudalisms; nay, within man's memory, it had a Court and King of its own, or indeed the splendour of a
Court and King, without the burden. Then, contrariwise, the Mother Society, which sits in the Jacobins Church at
Paris, has Daughters in the Towns here; shrill−tongued, driven acrid: consider how the memory of good King
Stanislaus, and ages of Imperial Feudalism, may comport with this New acrid Evangel, and what a virulence of
discord there may be! In all which, the Soldiery, officers on one side, private men on the other, takes part, and
now indeed principal part; a Soldiery, moreover, all the hotter here as it lies the denser, the frontier Province
requiring more of it.
So stands Lorraine: but the capital City, more especially so. The pleasant City of Nanci, which faded Feudalism
loves, where King Stanislaus personally dwelt and shone, has an Aristocrat Municipality, and then also a
Daughter Society: it has some forty thousand divided souls of population; and three large Regiments, one of
which is Swiss Chateau−Vieux, dear to Patriotism ever since it refused fighting, or was thought to refuse, in the
Bastille days. Here unhappily all evil influences seem to meet concentered; here, of all places, may jealousy and
heat evolve itself. These many months, accordingly, man has been set against man, Washed against Unwashed;
Patriot Soldier against Aristocrat Captain, ever the more bitterly; and a long score of grudges has been running up.
Nameable grudges, and likewise unnameable: for there is a punctual nature in Wrath; and daily, were there but
glances of the eye, tones of the voice, and minutest commissions or omissions, it will jot down somewhat, to
account, under the head of sundries, which always swells the sum−total. For example, in April last, in those times
of preliminary Federation, when National Guards and Soldiers were every where swearing brotherhood, and all
France was locally federating, preparing for the grand National Feast of Pikes, it was observed that these Nanci
Officers threw cold water on the whole brotherly business; that they first hung back from appearing at the Nanci
Federation; then did appear, but in mere redingote and undress, with scarcely a clean shirt on; nay that one of
them, as the National Colours flaunted by in that solemn moment, did, without visible necessity, take occasion to
spit. (Deux Amis, v. 217.)
Small 'sundries as per journal,' but then incessant ones! The Aristocrat Municipality, pretending to be
Constitutional, keeps mostly quiet; not so the Daughter Society, the five thousand adult male Patriots of the place,
still less the five thousand female: not so the young, whiskered or whiskerless, four−generation Noblesse in
epaulettes; the grim Patriot Swiss of Chateau−Vieux, effervescent infantry of Regiment du Roi, hot troopers of
Mestre−de−Camp! Walled Nanci, which stands so bright and trim, with its straight streets, spacious squares, and
Stanislaus' Architecture, on the fruitful alluvium of the Meurthe; so bright, amid the yellow cornfields in these
Reaper−Months,−−is inwardly but a den of discord, anxiety, inflammability, not far from exploding. Let Bouille
look to it. If that universal military heat, which we liken to a vast continent of smoking flax, do any where take
fire, his beard, here in Lorraine and Nanci, may the most readily of all get singed by it.
Bouille, for his part, is busy enough, but only with the general superintendence; getting his pacified Salm, and all
other still tolerable Regiments, marched out of Metz, to southward towns and villages; to rural Cantonments as at
Vic, Marsal and thereabout, by the still waters; where is plenty of horse−forage, sequestered parade−ground, and
the soldier's speculative faculty can be stilled by drilling. Salm, as we said, received only half payment of arrears;
naturally not without grumbling. Nevertheless that scene of the drawn sword may, after all, have raised Bouille in
the mind of Salm; for men and soldiers love intrepidity and swift inflexible decision, even when they suffer by it.
As indeed is not this fundamentally the quality of qualities for a man? A quality which by itself is next to nothing,
The French Revolution
155
The French Revolution
since inferior animals, asses, dogs, even mules have it; yet, in due combination, it is the indispensable basis of all.
Of Nanci and its heats, Bouille, commander of the whole, knows nothing special; understands generally that the
troops in that City are perhaps the worst. (Bouille, i. c. 9.) The Officers there have it all, as they have long had it,
to themselves; and unhappily seem to manage it ill. 'Fifty yellow furloughs,' given out in one batch, do surely
betoken difficulties. But what was Patriotism to think of certain light−fencing Fusileers 'set on,' or supposed to be
set on, 'to insult the Grenadier−club,' considerate speculative Grenadiers, and that reading−room of theirs? With
shoutings, with hootings; till the speculative Grenadier drew his side−arms too; and there ensued battery and
duels! Nay more, are not swashbucklers of the same stamp 'sent out' visibly, or sent out presumably, now in the
dress of Soldiers to pick quarrels with the Citizens; now, disguised as Citizens, to pick quarrels with the Soldiers?
For a certain Roussiere, expert in fence, was taken in the very fact; four Officers (presumably of tender years)
hounding him on, who thereupon fled precipitately! Fence−master Roussiere, haled to the guardhouse, had
sentence of three months' imprisonment: but his comrades demanded 'yellow furlough' for him of all persons; nay,
thereafter they produced him on parade; capped him in paper−helmet inscribed, Iscariot; marched him to the gate
of City; and there sternly commanded him to vanish for evermore.
On all which suspicions, accusations and noisy procedure, and on enough of the like continually accumulating,
the Officer could not but look with disdainful indignation; perhaps disdainfully express the same in words, and
'soon after fly over to the Austrians.'
So that when it here as elsewhere comes to the question of Arrears, the humour and procedure is of the bitterest:
Regiment Mestre−de−Camp getting, amid loud clamour, some three gold louis a−man,−−which have, as usual, to
be borrowed from the Municipality; Swiss Chateau−Vieux applying for the like, but getting instead instantaneous
courrois, or cat−o'−nine−tails, with subsequent unsufferable hisses from the women and children; Regiment du
Roi, sick of hope deferred, at length seizing its military chest, and marching it to quarters, but next day marching
it back again, through streets all struck silent:−−unordered paradings and clamours, not without strong liquor;
objurgation, insubordination; your military ranked Arrangement going all (as the Typographers say of set types, in
a similar case) rapidly to pie! (Deux Amis, v. c. 8.) Such is Nanci in these early days of August; the sublime Feast
of Pikes not yet a month old.
Constitutional Patriotism, at Paris and elsewhere, may well quake at the news. War−Minister Latour du Pin runs
breathless to the National Assembly, with a written message that 'all is burning, tout brule, tout presse.' The
National Assembly, on spur of the instant, renders such Decret, and 'order to submit and repent,' as he requires; if
it will avail any thing. On the other hand, Journalism, through all its throats, gives hoarse outcry, condemnatory,
elegiac−applausive. The Forty−eight Sections, lift up voices; sonorous Brewer, or call him now Colonel Santerre,
is not silent, in the Faubourg Saint−Antoine. For, meanwhile, the Nanci Soldiers have sent a Deputation of Ten,
furnished with documents and proofs; who will tell another story than the 'all−is−burning' one. Which deputed
Ten, before ever they reach the Assembly Hall, assiduous Latour du Pin picks up, and on warrant of Mayor
Bailly, claps in prison! Most unconstitutionally; for they had officers' furloughs. Whereupon Saint−Antoine, in
indignant uncertainty of the future, closes its shops. Is Bouille a traitor then, sold to Austria? In that case, these
poor private sentinels have revolted mainly out of Patriotism?
New Deputation, Deputation of National Guardsmen now, sets forth from Nanci to enlighten the Assembly. It
meets the old deputed Ten returning, quite unexpectedly unhanged; and proceeds thereupon with better prospects;
but effects nothing. Deputations, Government Messengers, Orderlies at hand− gallops, Alarms, thousand−voiced
Rumours, go vibrating continually; backwards and forwards,−−scattering distraction. Not till the last week of
August does M. de Malseigne, selected as Inspector, get down to the scene of mutiny; with Authority, with cash,
and 'Decree of the Sixth of August.' He now shall see these Arrears liquidated, justice done, or at least tumult
quashed.
Chapter 2.2.V. Inspector Malseigne.
The French Revolution
156
The French Revolution
Of Inspector Malseigne we discern, by direct light, that he is 'of Herculean stature;' and infer, with probability,
that he is of truculent moustachioed aspect,−−for Royalist Officers now leave the upper lip unshaven; that he is of
indomitable bull−heart; and also, unfortunately, of thick bull−head.
On Tuesday the 24th of August, 1790, he opens session as Inspecting Commissioner; meets those 'elected
corporals, and soldiers that can write.' He finds the accounts of Chateau−Vieux to be complex; to require delay
and reference: he takes to haranguing, to reprimanding; ends amid audible grumbling. Next morning, he resumes
session, not at the Townhall as prudent Municipals counselled, but once more at the barracks. Unfortunately
Chateau−Vieux, grumbling all night, will now hear of no delay or reference; from reprimanding on his part, it
goes to bullying,−−answered with continual cries of "Jugez tout de suite, Judge it at once;" whereupon M. de
Malseigne will off in a huff. But lo, Chateau Vieux, swarming all about the barrack−court, has sentries at every
gate; M. de Malseigne, demanding egress, cannot get it, though Commandant Denoue backs him; can get only
"Jugez tout de suite." Here is a nodus!
Bull−hearted M. de Malseigne draws his sword; and will force egress. Confused splutter. M. de Malseigne's
sword breaks; he snatches Commandant Denoue's: the sentry is wounded. M. de Malseigne, whom one is loath to
kill, does force egress,−−followed by Chateau−Vieux all in disarray; a spectacle to Nanci. M. de Malseigne walks
at a sharp pace, yet never runs; wheeling from time to time, with menaces and movements of fence; and so
reaches Denoue's house, unhurt; which house Chateau−Vieux, in an agitated manner, invests,−−hindered as yet
from entering, by a crowd of officers formed on the staircase. M. de Malseigne retreats by back ways to the
Townhall, flustered though undaunted; amid an escort of National Guards. From the Townhall he, on the morrow,
emits fresh orders, fresh plans of settlement with Chateau−Vieux; to none of which will Chateau−Vieux listen:
whereupon finally he, amid noise enough, emits order that Chateau−Vieux shall march on the morrow morning,
and quarter at Sarre Louis. Chateau− Vieux flatly refuses marching; M. de Malseigne 'takes act,' due notarial
protest, of such refusal,−−if happily that may avail him.
This is end of Thursday; and, indeed, of M. de Malseigne's Inspectorship, which has lasted some fifty hours. To
such length, in fifty hours, has he unfortunately brought it. Mestre−de−Camp and Regiment du Roi hang, as it
were, fluttering: Chateau−Vieux is clean gone, in what way we see. Over night, an Aide−de−Camp of Lafayette's,
stationed here for such emergency, sends swift emissaries far and wide, to summon National Guards. The slumber
of the country is broken by clattering hoofs, by loud fraternal knockings; every where the Constitutional Patriot
must clutch his fighting− gear, and take the road for Nanci.
And thus the Herculean Inspector has sat all Thursday, among terror−struck Municipals, a centre of confused
noise: all Thursday, Friday, and till Saturday towards noon. Chateau−Vieux, in spite of the notarial protest, will
not march a step. As many as four thousand National Guards are dropping or pouring in; uncertain what is
expected of them, still more uncertain what will be obtained of them. For all is uncertainty, commotion, and
suspicion: there goes a word that Bouille, beginning to bestir himself in the rural Cantonments eastward, is but a
Royalist traitor; that Chateau−Vieux and Patriotism are sold to Austria, of which latter M. de Malseigne is
probably some agent. Mestre−de−Camp and Roi flutter still more questionably: Chateau−Vieux, far from
marching, 'waves red flags out of two carriages,' in a passionate manner, along the streets; and next morning
answers its Officers: "Pay us, then; and we will march with you to the world's end!"
Under which circumstances, towards noon on Saturday, M. de Malseigne thinks it were good perhaps to inspect
the ramparts,−−on horseback. He mounts, accordingly, with escort of three troopers. At the gate of the city, he
bids two of them wait for his return; and with the third, a trooper to be depended upon, he−−gallops off for
Luneville; where lies a certain Carabineer Regiment not yet in a mutinous state! The two left troopers soon get
uneasy; discover how it is, and give the alarm. Mestre−de−Camp, to the number of a hundred, saddles in frantic
haste, as if sold to Austria; gallops out pellmell in chase of its Inspector. And so they spur, and the Inspector
spurs; careering, with noise and jingle, up the valley of the River Meurthe, towards Luneville and the midday sun:
through an astonished country; indeed almost their own astonishment.
The French Revolution
157
The French Revolution
What a hunt, Actaeon−like;−−which Actaeon de Malseigne happily gains! To arms, ye Carabineers of Luneville:
to chastise mutinous men, insulting your General Officer, insulting your own quarters;−−above all things, fire
soon, lest there be parleying and ye refuse to fire! The Carabineers fire soon, exploding upon the first stragglers of
Mestre−de−Camp; who shrink at the very flash, and fall back hastily on Nanci, in a state not far from distraction.
Panic and fury: sold to Austria without an if; so much per regiment, the very sums can be specified; and traitorous
Malseigne is fled! Help, O Heaven; help, thou Earth,−−ye unwashed Patriots; ye too are sold like us!
Effervescent Regiment du Roi primes its firelocks, Mestre−de−Camp saddles wholly: Commandant Denoue is
seized, is flung in prison with a 'canvass shirt' (sarreau de toile) about him; Chateau−Vieux bursts up the
magazines; distributes 'three thousand fusils' to a Patriot people: Austria shall have a hot bargain. Alas, the
unhappy hunting−dogs, as we said, have hunted away their huntsman; and do now run howling and baying, on
what trail they know not; nigh rabid!
And so there is tumultuous march of men, through the night; with halt on the heights of Flinval, whence Luneville
can be seen all illuminated. Then there is parley, at four in the morning; and reparley; finally there is agreement:
the Carabineers give in; Malseigne is surrendered, with apologies on all sides. After weary confused hours, he is
even got under way; the Lunevillers all turning out, in the idle Sunday, to see such departure: home−going of
mutinous Mestre−de−Camp with its Inspector captive. Mestre−de−Camp accordingly marches; the Lunevillers
look. See! at the corner of the first street, our Inspector bounds off again, bull− hearted as he is; amid the slash of
sabres, the crackle of musketry; and escapes, full gallop, with only a ball lodged in his buff−jerkin. The Herculean
man! And yet it is an escape to no purpose. For the Carabineers, to whom after the hardest Sunday's ride on
record, he has come circling back, 'stand deliberating by their nocturnal watch−fires;' deliberating of Austria, of
traitors, and the rage of Mestre−de−Camp. So that, on the whole, the next sight we have is that of M. de
Malseigne, on the Monday afternoon, faring bull−hearted through the streets of Nanci; in open carriage, a soldier
standing over him with drawn sword; amid the 'furies of the women,' hedges of National Guards, and confusion of
Babel: to the Prison beside Commandant Denoue! That finally is the lodging of Inspector Malseigne. (Deux
Amis, v. 206−251; Newspapers and Documents (in Hist. Parl. vii. 59−162.)
Surely it is time Bouille were drawing near. The Country all round, alarmed with watchfires, illuminated towns,
and marching and rout, has been sleepless these several nights. Nanci, with its uncertain National Guards, with its
distributed fusils, mutinous soldiers, black panic and redhot ire, is not a City but a Bedlam.
Chapter 2.2.VI. Bouille at Nanci.
Haste with help, thou brave Bouille: if swift help come not, all is now verily 'burning;' and may burn,−−to what
lengths and breadths! Much, in these hours, depends on Bouille; as it shall now fare with him, the whole Future
may be this way or be that. If, for example, he were to loiter dubitating, and not come: if he were to come, and
fail: the whole Soldiery of France to blaze into mutiny, National Guards going some this way, some that; and
Royalism to draw its rapier, and Sansculottism to snatch its pike; and the Spirit if Jacobinism, as yet young, girt
with sun− rays, to grow instantaneously mature, girt with hell−fire,−−as mortals, in one night of deadly crisis,
have had their heads turned gray!
Brave Bouille is advancing fast, with the old inflexibility; gathering himself, unhappily 'in small affluences,' from
East, from West and North; and now on Tuesday morning, the last day of the month, he stands all concentred,
unhappily still in small force, at the village of Frouarde, within some few miles. Son of Adam with a more
dubious task before him is not in the world this Tuesday morning. A weltering inflammable sea of doubt and
peril, and Bouille sure of simply one thing, his own determination. Which one thing, indeed, may be worth many.
He puts a most firm face on the matter: 'Submission, or unsparing battle and destruction; twenty−four hours to
make your choice:' this was the tenor of his Proclamation; thirty copies of which he sent yesterday to Nanci:−−all
which, we find, were intercepted and not posted. (Compare Bouille, Memoires, i. 153−176; Deux Amis, v.
251−271; Hist. Parl. ubi supra.)
The French Revolution
158
The French Revolution
Nevertheless, at half−past eleven, this morning, seemingly by way of answer, there does wait on him at Frouarde,
some Deputation from the mutinous Regiments, from the Nanci Municipals, to see what can be done. Bouille
receives this Deputation, 'in a large open court adjoining his lodging:' pacified Salm, and the rest, attend also,
being invited to do it,−−all happily still in the right humour. The Mutineers pronounce themselves with a
decisiveness, which to Bouille seems insolence; and happily to Salm also. Salm, forgetful of the Metz staircase
and sabre, demands that the scoundrels 'be hanged' there and then. Bouille represses the hanging; but answers that
mutinous Soldiers have one course, and not more than one: To liberate, with heartfelt contrition, Messieurs
Denoue and de Malseigne; to get ready forthwith for marching off, whither he shall order; and 'submit and repent,'
as the National Assembly has decreed, as he yesterday did in thirty printed Placards proclaim. These are his terms,
unalterable as the decrees of Destiny. Which terms as they, the Mutineer deputies, seemingly do not accept, it
were good for them to vanish from this spot, and even promptly; with him too, in few instants, the word will be,
Forward! The Mutineer deputies vanish, not unpromptly; the Municipal ones, anxious beyond right for their own
individualities, prefer abiding with Bouille.
Brave Bouille, though he puts a most firm face on the matter, knows his position full well: how at Nanci, what
with rebellious soldiers, with uncertain National Guards, and so many distributed fusils, there rage and roar some
ten thousand fighting men; while with himself is scarcely the third part of that number, in National Guards also
uncertain, in mere pacified Regiments,−−for the present full of rage, and clamour to march; but whose rage and
clamour may next moment take such a fatal new figure. On the top of one uncertain billow, therewith to calm
billows! Bouille must 'abandon himself to Fortune;' who is said sometimes to favour the brave. At half−past
twelve, the Mutineer deputies having vanished, our drums beat; we march: for Nanci! Let Nanci bethink itself,
then; for Bouille has thought and determined.
And yet how shall Nanci think: not a City but a Bedlam! Grim Chateau− Vieux is for defence to the death; forces
the Municipality to order, by tap of drum, all citizens acquainted with artillery to turn out, and assist in managing
the cannon. On the other hand, effervescent Regiment du Roi, is drawn up in its barracks; quite disconsolate,
hearing the humour Salm is in; and ejaculates dolefully from its thousand throats: "La loi, la loi, Law, law!"
Mestre−de−Camp blusters, with profane swearing, in mixed terror and furor; National Guards look this way and
that, not knowing what to do. What a Bedlam−City: as many plans as heads; all ordering, none obeying: quiet
none,−−except the Dead, who sleep underground, having done their fighting!
And, behold, Bouille proves as good as his word: 'at half−past two' scouts report that he is within half a league of
the gates; rattling along, with cannon, and array; breathing nothing but destruction. A new Deputation,
Municipals, Mutineers, Officers, goes out to meet him; with passionate entreaty for yet one other hour. Bouille
grants an hour. Then, at the end thereof, no Denoue or Malseigne appearing as promised, he rolls his drums, and
again takes the road. Towards four o'clock, the terror−struck Townsmen may see him face to face. His cannons
rattle there, in their carriages; his vanguard is within thirty paces of the Gate Stanislaus. Onward like a Planet, by
appointed times, by law of Nature! What next? Lo, flag of truce and chamade; conjuration to halt: Malseigne and
Denoue are on the street, coming hither; the soldiers all repentant, ready to submit and march! Adamantine
Bouille's look alters not; yet the word Halt is given: gladder moment he never saw. Joy of joys! Malseigne and
Denoue do verily issue; escorted by National Guards; from streets all frantic, with sale to Austria and so forth:
they salute Bouille, unscathed. Bouille steps aside to speak with them, and with other heads of the Town there;
having already ordered by what Gates and Routes the mutineer Regiments shall file out.
Such colloquy with these two General Officers and other principal Townsmen, was natural enough; nevertheless
one wishes Bouille had postponed it, and not stepped aside. Such tumultuous inflammable masses, tumbling
along, making way for each other; this of keen nitrous oxide, that of sulphurous fire−damp,−−were it not well to
stand between them, keeping them well separate, till the space be cleared? Numerous stragglers of
Chateau−Vieux and the rest have not marched with their main columns, which are filing out by the appointed
Gates, taking station in the open meadows. National Guards are in a state of nearly distracted uncertainty; the
populace, armed and unharmed, roll openly delirious,−−betrayed, sold to the Austrians, sold to the Aristocrats.
The French Revolution
159
The French Revolution
There are loaded cannon with lit matches among them, and Bouille's vanguard is halted within thirty paces of the
Gate. Command dwells not in that mad inflammable mass; which smoulders and tumbles there, in blind smoky
rage; which will not open the Gate when summoned; says it will open the cannon's throat sooner!−−Cannonade
not, O Friends, or be it through my body! cries heroic young Desilles, young Captain of Roi, clasping the
murderous engine in his arms, and holding it. Chateau−Vieux Swiss, by main force, with oaths and menaces,
wrench off the heroic youth; who undaunted, amid still louder oaths seats himself on the touch−hole. Amid still
louder oaths; with ever louder clangour,−−and, alas, with the loud crackle of first one, and then three other
muskets; which explode into his body; which roll it in the dust,−−and do also, in the loud madness of such
moment, bring lit cannon−match to ready priming; and so, with one thunderous belch of grapeshot, blast some
fifty of Bouille's vanguard into air!
Fatal! That sputter of the first musket−shot has kindled such a cannon− shot, such a death−blaze; and all is now
redhot madness, conflagration as of Tophet. With demoniac rage, the Bouille vanguard storms through that Gate
Stanislaus; with fiery sweep, sweeps Mutiny clear away, to death, or into shelters and cellars; from which latter,
again, Mutiny continues firing. The ranked Regiments hear it in their meadow; they rush back again through the
nearest Gates; Bouille gallops in, distracted, inaudible;−−and now has begun, in Nanci, as in that doomed Hall of
the Nibelungen, 'a murder grim and great.'
Miserable: such scene of dismal aimless madness as the anger of Heaven but rarely permits among men! From
cellar or from garret, from open street in front, from successive corners of cross−streets on each hand,
Chateau−Vieux and Patriotism keep up the murderous rolling−fire, on murderous not Unpatriotic fires. Your blue
National Captain, riddled with balls, one hardly knows on whose side fighting, requests to be laid on the colours
to die: the patriotic Woman (name not given, deed surviving) screams to Chateau−Vieux that it must not fire the
other cannon; and even flings a pail of water on it, since screaming avails not. (Deux Amis, v. 268.) Thou shalt
fight; thou shalt not fight; and with whom shalt thou fight! Could tumult awaken the old Dead, Burgundian
Charles the Bold might stir from under that Rotunda of his: never since he, raging, sank in the ditches, and lost
Life and Diamond, was such a noise heard here.
Three thousand, as some count, lie mangled, gory; the half of Chateau−Vieux has been shot, without need of
Court Martial. Cavalry, of Mestre−de−Camp or their foes, can do little. Regiment du Roi was persuaded to its
barracks; stands there palpitating. Bouille, armed with the terrors of the Law, and favoured of Fortune, finally
triumphs. In two murderous hours he has penetrated to the grand Squares, dauntless, though with loss of forty
officers and five hundred men: the shattered remnants of Chateau−Vieux are seeking covert. Regiment du Roi,
not effervescent now, alas no, but having effervesced, will offer to ground its arms; will 'march in a quarter of an
hour.' Nay these poor effervesced require 'escort' to march with, and get it; though they are thousands strong, and
have thirty ball−cartridges a man! The Sun is not yet down, when Peace, which might have come bloodless, has
come bloody: the mutinous Regiments are on march, doleful, on their three Routes; and from Nanci rises wail of
women and men, the voice of weeping and desolation; the City weeping for its slain who awaken not. These
streets are empty but for victorious patrols.
Thus has Fortune, favouring the brave, dragged Bouille, as himself says, out of such a frightful peril, 'by the hair
of the head.' An intrepid adamantine man this Bouille:−−had he stood in old Broglie's place, in those Bastille
days, it might have been all different! He has extinguished mutiny, and immeasurable civil war. Not for nothing,
as we see; yet at a rate which he and Constitutional Patriotism considers cheap. Nay, as for Bouille, he, urged by
subsequent contradiction which arose, declares coldly, it was rather against his own private mind, and more by
public military rule of duty, that he did extinguish it, (Bouille, i. 175.)−− immeasurable civil war being now the
only chance. Urged, we say, by subsequent contradiction! Civil war, indeed, is Chaos; and in all vital Chaos, there
is new Order shaping itself free: but what a faith this, that of all new Orders out of Chaos and Possibility of Man
and his Universe, Louis Sixteenth and Two−Chamber Monarchy were precisely the one that would shape itself! It
is like undertaking to throw deuce−ace, say only five hundred successive times, and any other throw to be
fatal−−for Bouille. Rather thank Fortune, and Heaven, always, thou intrepid Bouille; and let contradiction of its
The French Revolution
160
The French Revolution
way! Civil war, conflagrating universally over France at this moment, might have led to one thing or to another
thing: meanwhile, to quench conflagration, wheresoever one finds it, wheresoever one can; this, in all times, is the
rule for man and General Officer.
But at Paris, so agitated and divided, fancy how it went, when the continually vibrating Orderlies vibrated thither
at hand gallop, with such questionable news! High is the gratulation; and also deep the indignation. An august
Assembly, by overwhelming majorities, passionately thanks Bouille; a King's autograph, the voices of all Loyal,
all Constitutional men run to the same tenor. A solemn National funeral−service, for the Law− defenders slain at
Nanci; is said and sung in the Champ de Mars; Bailly, Lafayette and National Guards, all except the few that
protested, assist. With pomp and circumstance, with episcopal Calicoes in tricolor girdles, Altar of Fatherland
smoking with cassolettes, or incense−kettles; the vast Champ−de−Mars wholly hung round with black
mortcloth,−−which mortcloth and expenditure Marat thinks had better have been laid out in bread, in these dear
days, and given to the hungry living Patriot. (Ami du Peuple (in Hist. Parl., ubi supra.) On the other hand, living
Patriotism, and Saint− Antoine, which we have seen noisily closing its shops and such like, assembles now 'to the
number of forty thousand;' and, with loud cries, under the very windows of the thanking National Assembly,
demands revenge for murdered Brothers, judgment on Bouille, and instant dismissal of War− Minister Latour du
Pin.
At sound and sight of which things, if not War−Minister Latour, yet 'Adored Minister' Necker, sees good on the
3d of September 1790, to withdraw softly almost privily,−−with an eye to the 'recovery of his health.' Home to
native Switzerland; not as he last came; lucky to reach it alive! Fifteen months ago, we saw him coming, with
escort of horse, with sound of clarion and trumpet: and now at Arcis−sur−Aube, while he departs unescorted
soundless, the Populace and Municipals stop him as a fugitive, are not unlike massacring him as a traitor; the
National Assembly, consulted on the matter, gives him free egress as a nullity. Such an unstable 'drift−mould of
Accident' is the substance of this lower world, for them that dwell in houses of clay; so, especially in hot regions
and times, do the proudest palaces we build of it take wings, and become Sahara sand−palaces, spinning many
pillared in the whirlwind, and bury us under their sand!−−
In spite of the forty thousand, the National Assembly persists in its thanks; and Royalist Latour du Pin continues
Minister. The forty thousand assemble next day, as loud as ever; roll towards Latour's Hotel; find cannon on the
porch−steps with flambeau lit; and have to retire elsewhither, and digest their spleen, or re−absorb it into the
blood.
Over in Lorraine, meanwhile, they of the distributed fusils, ringleaders of Mestre−de−Camp, of Roi, have got
marked out for judgment;−−yet shall never get judged. Briefer is the doom of Chateau−Vieux. Chateau−Vieux is,
by Swiss law, given up for instant trial in Court−Martial of its own officers. Which Court−Martial, with all
brevity (in not many hours), has hanged some Twenty−three, on conspicuous gibbets; marched some Three−score
in chains to the Galleys; and so, to appearance, finished the matter off. Hanged men do cease for ever from this
Earth; but out of chains and the Galleys there may be resuscitation in triumph. Resuscitation for the chained Hero;
and even for the chained Scoundrel, or Semi−scoundrel! Scottish John Knox, such World−Hero, as we know, sat
once nevertheless pulling grim−taciturn at the oar of French Galley, 'in the Water of Lore;' and even flung their
Virgin− Mary over, instead of kissing her,−−as 'a pented bredd,' or timber Virgin, who could naturally swim.
(Knox's History of the Reformation, b. i.) So, ye of Chateau−Vieux, tug patiently, not without hope!
But indeed at Nanci generally, Aristocracy rides triumphant, rough. Bouille is gone again, the second day; an
Aristocrat Municipality, with free course, is as cruel as it had before been cowardly. The Daughter Society, as the
mother of the whole mischief, lies ignominiously suppressed; the Prisons can hold no more; bereaved
down−beaten Patriotism murmurs, not loud but deep. Here and in the neighbouring Towns, 'flattened balls' picked
from the streets of Nanci are worn at buttonholes: balls flattened in carrying death to Patriotism; men wear them
there, in perpetual memento of revenge. Mutineer Deserters roam the woods; have to demand charity at the
musket's end. All is dissolution, mutual rancour, gloom and despair:−−till National−Assembly Commissioners
The French Revolution
161
The French Revolution
arrive, with a steady gentle flame of Constitutionalism in their hearts; who gently lift up the down−trodden, gently
pull down the too uplifted; reinstate the Daughter Society, recall the Mutineer Deserter; gradually levelling, strive
in all wise ways to smooth and soothe. With such gradual mild levelling on the one side; as with solemn
funeral−service, Cassolettes, Courts−Martial, National thanks,−−all that Officiality can do is done. The
buttonhole will drop its flat ball; the black ashes, so far as may be, get green again.
This is the 'Affair of Nanci;' by some called the 'Massacre of Nanci;'−− properly speaking, the unsightly
wrong−side of that thrice glorious Feast of Pikes, the right−side of which formed a spectacle for the very gods.
Right−side and wrong lie always so near: the one was in July, in August the other! Theatres, the theatres over in
London, are bright with their pasteboard simulacrum of that 'Federation of the French People,' brought out as
Drama: this of Nanci, we may say, though not played in any pasteboard Theatre, did for many months enact itself,
and even walk spectrally−−in all French heads. For the news of it fly pealing through all France; awakening, in
town and village, in clubroom, messroom, to the utmost borders, some mimic reflex or imaginative repetition of
the business; always with the angry questionable assertion: It was right; It was wrong. Whereby come
controversies, duels, embitterment, vain jargon; the hastening forward, the augmenting and intensifying of
whatever new explosions lie in store for us.
Meanwhile, at this cost or at that, the mutiny, as we say, is stilled. The French Army has neither burst up in
universal simultaneous delirium; nor been at once disbanded, put an end to, and made new again. It must die in
the chronic manner, through years, by inches; with partial revolts, as of Brest Sailors or the like, which dare not
spread; with men unhappy, insubordinate; officers unhappier, in Royalist moustachioes, taking horse, singly or in
bodies, across the Rhine: (See Dampmartin, i. 249, sick dissatisfaction, sick disgust on both sides; the Army
moribund, fit for no duty:−−till it do, in that unexpected manner, Phoenix−like, with long throes, get both dead
and newborn; then start forth strong, nay stronger and even strongest.
Thus much was the brave Bouille hitherto fated to do. Wherewith let him again fade into dimness; and at Metz or
the rural Cantonments, assiduously drilling, mysteriously diplomatising, in scheme within scheme, hover as
formerly a faint shadow, the hope of Royalty.
BOOK 2.III. THE TUILERIES
Chapter 2.3.I. Epimenides.
How true that there is nothing dead in this Universe; that what we call dead is only changed, its forces working in
inverse order! 'The leaf that lies rotting in moist winds,' says one, 'has still force; else how could it rot?' Our whole
Universe is but an infinite Complex of Forces; thousandfold, from Gravitation up to Thought and Will; man's
Freedom environed with Necessity of Nature: in all which nothing at any moment slumbers, but all is for ever
awake and busy. The thing that lies isolated inactive thou shalt nowhere discover; seek every where from the
granite mountain, slow−mouldering since Creation, to the passing cloud−vapour, to the living man; to the action,
to the spoken word of man. The word that is spoken, as we know, flies−irrevocable: not less, but more, the action
that is done. 'The gods themselves,' sings Pindar, 'cannot annihilate the action that is done.' No: this, once done, is
done always; cast forth into endless Time; and, long conspicuous or soon hidden, must verily work and grow for
ever there, an indestructible new element in the Infinite of Things. Or, indeed, what is this Infinite of Things
itself, which men name Universe, but an action, a sum−total of Actions and Activities? The living ready−made
sum−total of these three,−−which Calculation cannot add, cannot bring on its tablets; yet the sum, we say, is
written visible: All that has been done, All that is doing, All that will be done! Understand it well, the Thing thou
beholdest, that Thing is an Action, the product and expression of exerted Force: the All of Things is an infinite
conjugation of the verb To do. Shoreless Fountain−Ocean of Force, of power to do; wherein Force rolls and
circles, billowing, many−streamed, harmonious; wide as Immensity, deep as Eternity; beautiful and terrible, not to
be comprehended: this is what man names Existence and Universe; this thousand−tinted Flame−image, at once
veil and revelation, reflex such as he, in his poor brain and heart, can paint, of One Unnameable dwelling in
The French Revolution
162
The French Revolution
inaccessible light! From beyond the Star−galaxies, from before the Beginning of Days, it billows and
rolls,−−round thee, nay thyself art of it, in this point of Space where thou now standest, in this moment which thy
clock measures.
Or apart from all Transcendentalism, is it not a plain truth of sense, which the duller mind can even consider as a
truism, that human things wholly are in continual movement, and action and reaction; working continually
forward, phasis after phasis, by unalterable laws, towards prescribed issues? How often must we say, and yet not
rightly lay to heart: The seed that is sown, it will spring! Given the summer's blossoming, then there is also given
the autumnal withering: so is it ordered not with seedfields only, but with transactions, arrangements,
philosophies, societies, French Revolutions, whatsoever man works with in this lower world. The Beginning
holds in it the End, and all that leads thereto; as the acorn does the oak and its fortunes. Solemn enough, did we
think of it,−−which unhappily and also happily we do not very much! Thou there canst begin; the Beginning is for
thee, and there: but where, and of what sort, and for whom will the End be? All grows, and seeks and endures its
destinies: consider likewise how much grows, as the trees do, whether we think of it or not. So that when your
Epimenides, your somnolent Peter Klaus, since named Rip van Winkle, awakens again, he finds it a changed
world. In that seven−years' sleep of his, so much has changed! All that is without us will change while we think
not of it; much even that is within us. The truth that was yesterday a restless Problem, has to−day grown a Belief
burning to be uttered: on the morrow, contradiction has exasperated it into mad Fanaticism; obstruction has dulled
it into sick Inertness; it is sinking towards silence, of satisfaction or of resignation. To−day is not Yesterday, for
man or for thing. Yesterday there was the oath of Love; today has come the curse of Hate. Not willingly: ah, no;
but it could not help coming. The golden radiance of youth, would it willingly have tarnished itself into the
dimness of old age?−−Fearful: how we stand enveloped, deep−sunk, in that Mystery of TIME; and are Sons of
Time; fashioned and woven out of Time; and on us, and on all that we have, or see, or do, is written: Rest not,
Continue not, Forward to thy doom!
But in seasons of Revolution, which indeed distinguish themselves from common seasons by their velocity
mainly, your miraculous Seven−sleeper might, with miracle enough, wake sooner: not by the century, or seven
years, need he sleep; often not by the seven months. Fancy, for example, some new Peter Klaus, sated with the
jubilee of that Federation day, had lain down, say directly after the Blessing of Talleyrand; and, reckoning it all
safe now, had fallen composedly asleep under the timber−work of the Fatherland's Altar; to sleep there, not
twenty−one years, but as it were year and day. The cannonading of Nanci, so far off, does not disturb him; nor
does the black mortcloth, close at hand, nor the requiems chanted, and minute guns, incense−pans and concourse
right over his head: none of these; but Peter sleeps through them all. Through one circling year, as we say; from
July 14th of 1790, till July the 17th of 1791: but on that latter day, no Klaus, nor most leaden Epimenides, only
the Dead could continue sleeping; and so our miraculous Peter Klaus awakens. With what eyes, O Peter! Earth
and sky have still their joyous July look, and the Champ−de−Mars is multitudinous with men: but the
jubilee−huzzahing has become Bedlam−shrieking, of terror and revenge; not blessing of Talleyrand, or any
blessing, but cursing, imprecation and shrill wail; our cannon− salvoes are turned to sharp shot; for swinging of
incense−pans and Eighty− three Departmental Banners, we have waving of the one sanguinous Drapeau−
Rouge.−−Thou foolish Klaus! The one lay in the other, the one was the other minus Time; even as Hannibal's
rock−rending vinegar lay in the sweet new wine. That sweet Federation was of last year; this sour Divulsion is the
self−same substance, only older by the appointed days.
No miraculous Klaus or Epimenides sleeps in these times: and yet, may not many a man, if of due opacity and
levity, act the same miracle in a natural way; we mean, with his eyes open? Eyes has he, but he sees not, except
what is under his nose. With a sparkling briskness of glance, as if he not only saw but saw through, such a one
goes whisking, assiduous, in his circle of officialities; not dreaming but that it is the whole world: as, indeed,
where your vision terminates, does not inanity begin there, and the world's end clearly declares itself−−to you?
Whereby our brisk sparkling assiduous official person (call him, for instance, Lafayette), suddenly startled, after
year and day, by huge grape−shot tumult, stares not less astonished at it than Peter Klaus would have done. Such
natural−miracle Lafayette can perform; and indeed not he only but most other officials, non−officials, and
The French Revolution
163
The French Revolution
generally the whole French People can perform it; and do bounce up, ever and anon, like amazed Seven−sleepers
awakening; awakening amazed at the noise they themselves make. So strangely is Freedom, as we say, environed
in Necessity; such a singular Somnambulism, of Conscious and Unconscious, of Voluntary and Involuntary, is
this life of man. If any where in the world there was astonishment that the Federation Oath went into grape−shot,
surely of all persons the French, first swearers and then shooters, felt astonished the most.
Alas, offences must come. The sublime Feast of Pikes, with its effulgence of brotherly love, unknown since the
Age of Gold, has changed nothing. That prurient heat in Twenty−five millions of hearts is not cooled thereby; but
is still hot, nay hotter. Lift off the pressure of command from so many millions; all pressure or binding rule,
except such melodramatic Federation Oath as they have bound themselves with! For 'Thou shalt' was from of old
the condition of man's being, and his weal and blessedness was in obeying that. Wo for him when, were it on hest
of the clearest necessity, rebellion, disloyal isolation, and mere 'I will', becomes his rule! But the Gospel of
Jean−Jacques has come, and the first Sacrament of it has been celebrated: all things, as we say, are got into hot
and hotter prurience; and must go on pruriently fermenting, in continual change noted or unnoted.
'Worn out with disgusts,' Captain after Captain, in Royalist moustachioes, mounts his warhorse, or his Rozinante
war−garron, and rides minatory across the Rhine; till all have ridden. Neither does civic Emigration cease:
Seigneur after Seigneur must, in like manner, ride or roll; impelled to it, and even compelled. For the very
Peasants despise him in that he dare not join his order and fight. (Dampmartin, passim.) Can he bear to have a
Distaff, a Quenouille sent to him; say in copper−plate shadow, by post; or fixed up in wooden reality over his
gate−lintel: as if he were no Hercules but an Omphale? Such scutcheon they forward to him diligently from
behind the Rhine; till he too bestir himself and march, and in sour humour, another Lord of Land is gone, not
taking the Land with him. Nay, what of Captains and emigrating Seigneurs? There is not an angry word on any of
those Twenty−five million French tongues, and indeed not an angry thought in their hearts, but is some fraction of
the great Battle. Add many successions of angry words together, you have the manual brawl; add brawls together,
with the festering sorrows they leave, and they rise to riots and revolts. One reverend thing after another ceases to
meet reverence: in visible material combustion, chateau after chateau mounts up; in spiritual invisible
combustion, one authority after another. With noise and glare, or noisily and unnoted, a whole Old System of
things is vanishing piecemeal: on the morrow thou shalt look and it is not.
Chapter 2.3.II. The Wakeful.
Sleep who will, cradled in hope and short vision, like Lafayette, 'who always in the danger done sees the last
danger that will threaten him,'−− Time is not sleeping, nor Time's seedfield.
That sacred Herald's−College of a new Dynasty; we mean the Sixty and odd Billstickers with their leaden badges,
are not sleeping. Daily they, with pastepot and cross−staff, new clothe the walls of Paris in colours of the
rainbow: authoritative heraldic, as we say, or indeed almost magical thaumaturgic; for no Placard−Journal that
they paste but will convince some soul or souls of man. The Hawkers bawl; and the Balladsingers: great
Journalism blows and blusters, through all its throats, forth from Paris towards all corners of France, like an
Aeolus' Cave; keeping alive all manner of fires.
Throats or Journals there are, as men count, (Mercier, iii. 163.) to the number of some hundred and thirty−three.
Of various calibre; from your Cheniers, Gorsases, Camilles, down to your Marat, down now to your incipient
Hebert of the Pere Duchesne; these blow, with fierce weight of argument or quick light banter, for the Rights of
man: Durosoys, Royous, Peltiers, Sulleaus, equally with mixed tactics, inclusive, singular to say, of much profane
Parody, (See Hist. Parl. vii. 51.) are blowing for Altar and Throne. As for Marat the People's−Friend, his voice is
as that of the bullfrog, or bittern by the solitary pools; he, unseen of men, croaks harsh thunder, and that alone
continually,−−of indignation, suspicion, incurable sorrow. The People are sinking towards ruin, near starvation
itself: 'My dear friends,' cries he, 'your indigence is not the fruit of vices nor of idleness, you have a right to life,
as good as Louis XVI., or the happiest of the century. What man can say he has a right to dine, when you have no
The French Revolution
164
The French Revolution
bread?' (Ami du Peuple, No. 306. See other Excerpts in Hist. Parl. viii. 139−149, 428−433; ix. 85−93, The People
sinking on the one hand: on the other hand, nothing but wretched Sieur Motiers, treasonous Riquetti Mirabeaus;
traitors, or else shadows, and simulacra of Quacks, to be seen in high places, look where you will! Men that go
mincing, grimacing, with plausible speech and brushed raiment; hollow within: Quacks Political; Quacks
scientific, Academical; all with a fellow−feeling for each other, and kind of Quack public−spirit! Not great
Lavoisier himself, or any of the Forty can escape this rough tongue; which wants not fanatic sincerity, nor,
strangest of all, a certain rough caustic sense. And then the 'three thousand gaming−houses' that are in Paris;
cesspools for the scoundrelism of the world; sinks of iniquity and debauchery,−−whereas without good morals
Liberty is impossible! There, in these Dens of Satan, which one knows, and perseveringly denounces, do Sieur
Motier's mouchards consort and colleague; battening vampyre−like on a People next−door to starvation. 'O
Peuple!' cries he oftimes, with heart−rending accent. Treason, delusion, vampyrism, scoundrelism, from Dan to
Beersheba! The soul of Marat is sick with the sight: but what remedy? To erect 'Eight Hundred gibbets,' in
convenient rows, and proceed to hoisting; 'Riquetti on the first of them!' Such is the brief recipe of Marat, Friend
of the People.
So blow and bluster the Hundred and thirty−three: nor, as would seem, are these sufficient; for there are benighted
nooks in France, to which Newspapers do not reach; and every where is 'such an appetite for news as was never
seen in any country.' Let an expeditious Dampmartin, on furlough, set out to return home from Paris,
(Dampmartin, i. 184.) he cannot get along for 'peasants stopping him on the highway; overwhelming him with
questions:' the Maitre de Poste will not send out the horses till you have well nigh quarrelled with him, but asks
always, What news? At Autun, 'in spite of the rigorous frost' for it is now January, 1791, nothing will serve but
you must gather your wayworn limbs, and thoughts, and 'speak to the multitudes from a window opening into the
market−place.' It is the shortest method: This, good Christian people, is verily what an August Assembly seemed
to me to be doing; this and no other is the news;
'Now my weary lips I close; Leave me, leave me to repose.'
The good Dampmartin!−−But, on the whole, are not Nations astonishingly true to their National character; which
indeed runs in the blood? Nineteen hundred years ago, Julius Caesar, with his quick sure eye, took note how the
Gauls waylaid men. 'It is a habit of theirs,' says he, 'to stop travellers, were it even by constraint, and inquire
whatsoever each of them may have heard or known about any sort of matter: in their towns, the common people
beset the passing trader; demanding to hear from what regions he came, what things he got acquainted with there.
Excited by which rumours and hearsays they will decide about the weightiest matters; and necessarily repent next
moment that they did it, on such guidance of uncertain reports, and many a traveller answering with mere fictions
to please them, and get off.' (De Bello Gallico, iv. 5.) Nineteen hundred years; and good Dampmartin, wayworn,
in winter frost, probably with scant light of stars and fish−oil, still perorates from the Inn−window! This People is
no longer called Gaulish; and it has wholly become braccatus, has got breeches, and suffered change enough:
certain fierce German Franken came storming over; and, so to speak, vaulted on the back of it; and always after,
in their grim tenacious way, have ridden it bridled; for German is, by his very name, Guerre−man, or man that
wars and gars. And so the People, as we say, is now called French or Frankish: nevertheless, does not the old
Gaulish and Gaelic Celthood, with its vehemence, effervescent promptitude, and what good and ill it had, still
vindicate itself little adulterated?−−
For the rest, that in such prurient confusion, Clubbism thrives and spreads, need not be said. Already the Mother
of Patriotism, sitting in the Jacobins, shines supreme over all; and has paled the poor lunar light of that Monarchic
Club near to final extinction. She, we say, shines supreme, girt with sun−light, not yet with infernal lightning;
reverenced, not without fear, by Municipal Authorities; counting her Barnaves, Lameths, Petions, of a National
Assembly; most gladly of all, her Robespierre. Cordeliers, again, your Hebert, Vincent, Bibliopolist Momoro,
groan audibly that a tyrannous Mayor and Sieur Motier harrow them with the sharp tribula of Law, intent
apparently to suppress them by tribulation. How the Jacobin Mother−Society, as hinted formerly, sheds forth
Cordeliers on this hand, and then Feuillans on that; the Cordeliers on this hand, and then Feuillans on that; the
The French Revolution
165
The French Revolution
Cordeliers 'an elixir or double−distillation of Jacobin Patriotism;' the other a wide−spread weak dilution thereof;
how she will re−absorb the former into her Mother−bosom, and stormfully dissipate the latter into Nonentity: how
she breeds and brings forth Three Hundred Daughter−Societies; her rearing of them, her correspondence, her
endeavourings and continual travail: how, under an old figure, Jacobinism shoots forth organic filaments to the
utmost corners of confused dissolved France; organising it anew:−−this properly is the grand fact of the Time.
To passionate Constitutionalism, still more to Royalism, which see all their own Clubs fail and die, Clubbism will
naturally grow to seem the root of all evil. Nevertheless Clubbism is not death, but rather new organisation, and
life out of death: destructive, indeed, of the remnants of the Old; but to the New important, indispensable. That
man can co− operate and hold communion with man, herein lies his miraculous strength. In hut or hamlet,
Patriotism mourns not now like voice in the desert: it can walk to the nearest Town; and there, in the
Daughter−Society, make its ejaculation into an articulate oration, into an action, guided forward by the Mother of
Patriotism herself. All Clubs of Constitutionalists, and such like, fail, one after another, as shallow fountains:
Jacobinism alone has gone down to the deep subterranean lake of waters; and may, unless filled in, flow there,
copious, continual, like an Artesian well. Till the Great Deep have drained itself up: and all be flooded and
submerged, and Noah's Deluge out−deluged!
On the other hand, Claude Fauchet, preparing mankind for a Golden Age now apparently just at hand, has opened
his Cercle Social, with clerks, corresponding boards, and so forth; in the precincts of the Palais Royal. It is
Te−Deum Fauchet; the same who preached on Franklin's Death, in that huge Medicean rotunda of the Halle aux
bleds. He here, this winter, by Printing−press and melodious Colloquy, spreads bruit of himself to the utmost
City−barriers. 'Ten thousand persons' of respectability attend there; and listen to this 'Procureur−General de la
Verite, Attorney−General of Truth,' so has he dubbed himself; to his sage Condorcet, or other eloquent coadjutor.
Eloquent Attorney−General! He blows out from him, better or worse, what crude or ripe thing he holds: not
without result to himself; for it leads to a Bishoprick, though only a Constitutional one. Fauchet approves himself
a glib−tongued, strong−lunged, whole−hearted human individual: much flowing matter there is, and really of the
better sort, about Right, Nature, Benevolence, Progress; which flowing matter, whether 'it is pantheistic,' or is
pot−theistic, only the greener mind, in these days, need read. Busy Brissot was long ago of purpose to establish
precisely some such regenerative Social Circle: nay he had tried it, in 'Newman−street Oxford−street,' of the Fog
Babylon; and failed,−−as some say, surreptitiously pocketing the cash. Fauchet, not Brissot, was fated to be the
happy man; whereat, however, generous Brissot will with sincere heart sing a timber−toned Nunc Domine. (See
Brissot, Patriote−Francais Newspaper; Fauchet, Bouche−de−Fer, (excerpted in Hist. Parl. viii., ix., et seqq.).) But
'ten thousand persons of respectability:' what a bulk have many things in proportion to their magnitude! This
Cercle Social, for which Brissot chants in sincere timber−tones such Nunc Domine, what is it? Unfortunately
wind and shadow. The main reality one finds in it now, is perhaps this: that an 'Attorney−General of Truth' did
once take shape of a body, as Son of Adam, on our Earth, though but for months or moments; and ten thousand
persons of respectability attended, ere yet Chaos and Nox had reabsorbed him.
Hundred and thirty−three Paris Journals; regenerative Social Circle; oratory, in Mother and Daughter Societies,
from the balconies of Inns, by chimney−nook, at dinner−table,−−polemical, ending many times in duel! Add ever,
like a constant growling accompaniment of bass Discord: scarcity of work, scarcity of food. The winter is hard
and cold; ragged Bakers'− queues, like a black tattered flag−of−distress, wave out ever and anon. It is the third of
our Hunger−years this new year of a glorious Revolution. The rich man when invited to dinner, in such
distress−seasons, feels bound in politeness to carry his own bread in his pocket: how the poor dine? And your
glorious Revolution has done it, cries one. And our glorious Revolution is subtilety, by black traitors worthy of
the Lamp−iron, perverted to do it, cries another! Who will paint the huge whirlpool wherein France, all shivered
into wild incoherence, whirls? The jarring that went on under every French roof, in every French heart; the
diseased things that were spoken, done, the sum−total whereof is the French Revolution, tongue of man cannot
tell. Nor the laws of action that work unseen in the depths of that huge blind Incoherence! With amazement, not
with measurement, men look on the Immeasurable; not knowing its laws; seeing, with all different degrees of
knowledge, what new phases, and results of event, its laws bring forth. France is as a monstrous Galvanic Mass,
The French Revolution
166
The French Revolution
wherein all sorts of far stranger than chemical galvanic or electric forces and substances are at work; electrifying
one another, positive and negative; filling with electricity your Leyden−jars,−−Twenty−five millions in number!
As the jars get full, there will, from time to time, be, on slight hint, an explosion.
Chapter 2.3.III. Sword in Hand.
On such wonderful basis, however, has Law, Royalty, Authority, and whatever yet exists of visible Order, to
maintain itself, while it can. Here, as in that Commixture of the Four Elements did the Anarch Old, has an august
Assembly spread its pavilion; curtained by the dark infinite of discords; founded on the wavering bottomless of
the Abyss; and keeps continual hubbub. Time is around it, and Eternity, and the Inane; and it does what it can,
what is given it to do.
Glancing reluctantly in, once more, we discern little that is edifying: a Constitutional Theory of Defective Verbs
struggling forward, with perseverance, amid endless interruptions: Mirabeau, from his tribune, with the weight of
his name and genius, awing down much Jacobin violence; which in return vents itself the louder over in its
Jacobins Hall, and even reads him sharp lectures there. (Camille's Journal (in Hist. Parl. ix. 366−85).) This man's
path is mysterious, questionable; difficult, and he walks without companion in it. Pure Patriotism does not now
count him among her chosen; pure Royalism abhors him: yet his weight with the world is overwhelming. Let him
travel on, companionless, unwavering, whither he is bound,−−while it is yet day with him, and the night has not
come.
But the chosen band of pure Patriot brothers is small; counting only some Thirty, seated now on the extreme tip of
the Left, separate from the world. A virtuous Petion; an incorruptible Robespierre, most consistent, incorruptible
of thin acrid men; Triumvirs Barnave, Duport, Lameth, great in speech, thought, action, each according to his
kind; a lean old Goupil de Prefeln: on these and what will follow them has pure Patriotism to depend.
There too, conspicuous among the Thirty, if seldom audible, Philippe d'Orleans may be seen sitting: in dim
fuliginous bewilderment; having, one might say, arrived at Chaos! Gleams there are, at once of a Lieutenancy and
Regency; debates in the Assembly itself, of succession to the Throne 'in case the present Branch should fail;' and
Philippe, they say, walked anxiously, in silence, through the corridors, till such high argument were done: but it
came all to nothing; Mirabeau, glaring into the man, and through him, had to ejaculate in strong untranslatable
language: Ce j−−f−− ne vaut pas la peine qu'on se donne pour lui. It came all to nothing; and in the meanwhile
Philippe's money, they say, is gone! Could he refuse a little cash to the gifted Patriot, in want only of that; he
himself in want of all but that? Not a pamphlet can be printed without cash; or indeed written, without food
purchasable by cash. Without cash your hopefullest Projector cannot stir from the spot: individual patriotic or
other Projects require cash: how much more do wide−spread Intrigues, which live and exist by cash; lying
widespread, with dragon−appetite for cash; fit to swallow Princedoms! And so Prince Philippe, amid his Sillerys,
Lacloses, and confused Sons of Night, has rolled along: the centre of the strangest cloudy coil; out of which has
visibly come, as we often say, an Epic Preternatural Machinery of SUSPICION; and within which there has dwelt
and worked,−−what specialties of treason, stratagem, aimed or aimless endeavour towards mischief, no party
living (if it be not the Presiding Genius of it, Prince of the Power of the Air) has now any chance to know.
Camille's conjecture is the likeliest: that poor Philippe did mount up, a little way, in treasonable speculation, as he
mounted formerly in one of the earliest Balloons; but, frightened at the new position he was getting into, had soon
turned the cock again, and come down. More fool than he rose! To create Preternatural Suspicion, this was his
function in the Revolutionary Epos. But now if he have lost his cornucopia of ready−money, what else had he to
lose? In thick darkness, inward and outward, he must welter and flounder on, in that piteous death−element, the
hapless man. Once, or even twice, we shall still behold him emerged; struggling out of the thick death−element: in
vain. For one moment, it is the last moment, he starts aloft, or is flung aloft, even into clearness and a kind of
memorability,−− to sink then for evermore!
The French Revolution
167
The French Revolution
The Cote Droit persists no less; nay with more animation than ever, though hope has now well nigh fled. Tough
Abbe Maury, when the obscure country Royalist grasps his hand with transport of thanks, answers, rolling his
indomitable brazen head: "Helas, Monsieur, all that I do here is as good as simply nothing." Gallant Faussigny,
visible this one time in History, advances frantic, into the middle of the Hall, exclaiming: "There is but one way
of dealing with it, and that is to fall sword in hand on those gentry there, sabre a la main sur ces gaillards la,"
(Moniteur, Seance du 21 Aout, 1790.) franticly indicating our chosen Thirty on the extreme tip of the Left!
Whereupon is clangour and clamour, debate, repentance,−− evaporation. Things ripen towards downright
incompatibility, and what is called 'scission:' that fierce theoretic onslaught of Faussigny's was in August, 1790;
next August will not have come, till a famed Two Hundred and Ninety−two, the chosen of Royalism, make
solemn final 'scission' from an Assembly given up to faction; and depart, shaking the dust off their feet.
Connected with this matter of sword in hand, there is yet another thing to be noted. Of duels we have sometimes
spoken: how, in all parts of France, innumerable duels were fought; and argumentative men and messmates,
flinging down the wine−cup and weapons of reason and repartee, met in the measured field; to part bleeding; or
perhaps not to part, but to fall mutually skewered through with iron, their wrath and life alike ending,−− and die
as fools die. Long has this lasted, and still lasts. But now it would seem as if in an august Assembly itself,
traitorous Royalism, in its despair, had taken to a new course: that of cutting off Patriotism by systematic duel!
Bully−swordsmen, 'Spadassins' of that party, go swaggering; or indeed they can be had for a trifle of money.
'Twelve Spadassins' were seen, by the yellow eye of Journalism, 'arriving recently out of Switzerland;' also 'a
considerable number of Assassins, nombre considerable d'assassins, exercising in fencing−schools and at pistol−
targets.' Any Patriot Deputy of mark can be called out; let him escape one time, or ten times, a time there
necessarily is when he must fall, and France mourn. How many cartels has Mirabeau had; especially while he was
the People's champion! Cartels by the hundred: which he, since the Constitution must be made first, and his time
is precious, answers now always with a kind of stereotype formula: "Monsieur, you are put upon my List; but I
warn you that it is long, and I grant no preferences."
Then, in Autumn, had we not the Duel of Cazales and Barnave; the two chief masters of tongue−shot meeting
now to exchange pistol−shot? For Cazales, chief of the Royalists, whom we call 'Blacks or Noirs,' said, in a
moment of passion, "the Patriots were sheer Brigands," nay in so speaking, he darted or seemed to dart, a
fire−glance specially at Barnave; who thereupon could not but reply by fire−glances,−−by adjournment to the
Bois−de− Boulogne. Barnave's second shot took effect: on Cazales's hat. The 'front nook' of a triangular Felt, such
as mortals then wore, deadened the ball; and saved that fine brow from more than temporary injury. But how
easily might the lot have fallen the other way, and Barnave's hat not been so good! Patriotism raises its loud
denunciation of Duelling in general; petitions an august Assembly to stop such Feudal barbarism by law.
Barbarism and solecism: for will it convince or convict any man to blow half an ounce of lead through the head of
him? Surely not.−−Barnave was received at the Jacobins with embraces, yet with rebukes.
Mindful of which, and also that his repetition in America was that of headlong foolhardiness rather, and want of
brain not of heart, Charles Lameth does, on the eleventh day of November, with little emotion, decline attending
some hot young Gentleman from Artois, come expressly to challenge him: nay indeed he first coldly engages to
attend; then coldly permits two Friends to attend instead of him, and shame the young Gentleman out of it, which
they successfully do. A cold procedure; satisfactory to the two Friends, to Lameth and the hot young Gentleman;
whereby, one might have fancied, the whole matter was cooled down.
Not so, however: Lameth, proceeding to his senatorial duties, in the decline of the day, is met in those Assembly
corridors by nothing but Royalist brocards; sniffs, huffs, and open insults. Human patience has its limits:
"Monsieur," said Lameth, breaking silence to one Lautrec, a man with hunchback, or natural deformity, but sharp
of tongue, and a Black of the deepest tint, "Monsieur, if you were a man to be fought with!"−−"I am one," cries
the young Duke de Castries. Fast as fire−flash Lameth replies, "Tout a l'heure, On the instant, then!" And so, as
the shades of dusk thicken in that Bois−de−Boulogne, we behold two men with lion−look, with alert attitude, side
foremost, right foot advanced; flourishing and thrusting, stoccado and passado, in tierce and quart; intent to
The French Revolution
168
The French Revolution
skewer one another. See, with most skewering purpose, headlong Lameth, with his whole weight, makes a furious
lunge; but deft Castries whisks aside: Lameth skewers only the air,−−and slits deep and far, on Castries'
sword's−point, his own extended left arm! Whereupon with bleeding, pallor, surgeon's− lint, and formalities, the
Duel is considered satisfactorily done.
But will there be no end, then? Beloved Lameth lies deep−slit, not out of danger. Black traitorous Aristocrats kill
the People's defenders, cut up not with arguments, but with rapier−slits. And the Twelve Spadassins out of
Switzerland, and the considerable number of Assassins exercising at the pistol−target? So meditates and
ejaculates hurt Patriotism, with ever− deepening ever−widening fervour, for the space of six and thirty hours.
The thirty−six hours past, on Saturday the 13th, one beholds a new spectacle: The Rue de Varennes, and
neighbouring Boulevard des Invalides, covered with a mixed flowing multitude: the Castries Hotel gone
distracted, devil−ridden, belching from every window, 'beds with clothes and curtains,' plate of silver and gold
with filigree, mirrors, pictures, images, commodes, chiffoniers, and endless crockery and jingle: amid steady
popular cheers, absolutely without theft; for there goes a cry, "He shall be hanged that steals a nail!" It is a
Plebiscitum, or informal iconoclastic Decree of the Common People, in the course of being executed!− −The
Municipality sit tremulous; deliberating whether they will hang out the Drapeau Rouge and Martial Law: National
Assembly, part in loud wail, part in hardly suppressed applause: Abbe Maury unable to decide whether the
iconoclastic Plebs amount to forty thousand or to two hundred thousand.
Deputations, swift messengers, for it is at a distance over the River, come and go. Lafayette and National
Guardes, though without Drapeau Rouge, get under way; apparently in no hot haste. Nay, arrived on the scene,
Lafayette salutes with doffed hat, before ordering to fix bayonets. What avails it? The Plebeian "Court of
Cassation,' as Camille might punningly name it, has done its work; steps forth, with unbuttoned vest, with pockets
turned inside out: sack, and just ravage, not plunder! With inexhaustible patience, the Hero of two Worlds
remonstrates; persuasively, with a kind of sweet constraint, though also with fixed bayonets, dissipates, hushes
down: on the morrow it is once more all as usual.
Considering which things, however, Duke Castries may justly 'write to the President,' justly transport himself
across the Marches; to raise a corps, or do what else is in him. Royalism totally abandons that Bobadilian method
of contest, and the Twelve Spadassins return to Switzerland,−−or even to Dreamland through the Horn−gate,
whichsoever their home is. Nay Editor Prudhomme is authorised to publish a curious thing: 'We are authorised to
publish,' says he, dull−blustering Publisher, that M. Boyer, champion of good Patriots, is at the head of Fifty
Spadassinicides or Bully−killers. His address is: Passage du Bois−de−Boulonge, Faubourg St. Denis.'
(Revolutions de Paris (in Hist. Parl. viii. 440).) One of the strangest Institutes, this of Champion Boyer and the
Bully−killers! Whose services, however, are not wanted; Royalism having abandoned the rapier− method as
plainly impracticable.
Chapter 2.3.IV. To fly or not to fly.
The truth is Royalism sees itself verging towards sad extremities; nearer and nearer daily. From over the Rhine it
comes asserted that the King in his Tuileries is not free: this the poor King may contradict, with the official
mouth, but in his heart feels often to be undeniable. Civil Constitution of the Clergy; Decree of ejectment against
Dissidents from it: not even to this latter, though almost his conscience rebels, can he say 'Nay; but, after two
months' hesitating, signs this also. It was on January 21st,' of this 1790, that he signed it; to the sorrow of his poor
heart yet, on another Twenty−first of January! Whereby come Dissident ejected Priests; unconquerable Martyrs
according to some, incurable chicaning Traitors according to others. And so there has arrived what we once
foreshadowed: with Religion, or with the Cant and Echo of Religion, all France is rent asunder in a new rupture of
continuity; complicating, embittering all the older;−−to be cured only, by stern surgery, in La Vendee!
The French Revolution
169
The French Revolution
Unhappy Royalty, unhappy Majesty, Hereditary (Representative), Representant Hereditaire, or however they can
name him; of whom much is expected, to whom little is given! Blue National Guards encircle that Tuileries; a
Lafayette, thin constitutional Pedant; clear, thin, inflexible, as water, turned to thin ice; whom no Queen's heart
can love. National Assembly, its pavilion spread where we know, sits near by, keeping continual hubbub. From
without nothing but Nanci Revolts, sack of Castries Hotels, riots and seditions; riots, North and South, at Aix, at
Douai, at Befort, Usez, Perpignan, at Nismes, and that incurable Avignon of the Pope's: a continual crackling and
sputtering of riots from the whole face of France;− −testifying how electric it grows. Add only the hard winter, the
famished strikes of operatives; that continual running−bass of Scarcity, ground−tone and basis of all other
Discords!
The plan of Royalty, so far as it can be said to have any fixed plan, is still, as ever, that of flying towards the
frontiers. In very truth, the only plan of the smallest promise for it! Fly to Bouille; bristle yourself round with
cannon, served by your 'forty−thousand undebauched Germans:' summon the National Assembly to follow you,
summon what of it is Royalist, Constitutional, gainable by money; dissolve the rest, by grapeshot if need be. Let
Jacobinism and Revolt, with one wild wail, fly into Infinite Space; driven by grapeshot. Thunder over France with
the cannon's mouth; commanding, not entreating, that this riot cease. And then to rule afterwards with utmost
possible Constitutionality; doing justice, loving mercy; being Shepherd of this indigent People, not Shearer
merely, and Shepherd's−similitude! All this, if ye dare. If ye dare not, then in Heaven's name go to sleep: other
handsome alternative seems none.
Nay, it were perhaps possible; with a man to do it. For if such inexpressible whirlpool of Babylonish confusions
(which our Era is) cannot be stilled by man, but only by Time and men, a man may moderate its paroxysms, may
balance and sway, and keep himself unswallowed on the top of it,−−as several men and Kings in these days do.
Much is possible for a man; men will obey a man that kens and cans, and name him reverently their Ken−ning or
King. Did not Charlemagne rule? Consider too whether he had smooth times of it; hanging 'thirty−thousand
Saxons over the Weser−Bridge,' at one dread swoop! So likewise, who knows but, in this same distracted fanatic
France, the right man may verily exist? An olive−complexioned taciturn man; for the present, Lieutenant in the
Artillery−service, who once sat studying Mathematics at Brienne? The same who walked in the morning to
correct proof−sheets at Dole, and enjoyed a frugal breakfast with M. Joly? Such a one is gone, whither also famed
General Paoli his friend is gone, in these very days, to see old scenes in native Corsica, and what Democratic
good can be done there.
Royalty never executes the evasion−plan, yet never abandons it; living in variable hope; undecisive, till fortune
shall decide. In utmost secresy, a brisk Correspondence goes on with Bouille; there is also a plot, which emerges
more than once, for carrying the King to Rouen: (See Hist. Parl. vii. 316; Bertrand−Moleville, plot after plot,
emerging and submerging, like 'ignes fatui in foul weather, which lead no whither. About 'ten o'clock at night,' the
Hereditary Representative, in partie quarree, with the Queen, with Brother Monsieur, and Madame, sits playing
'wisk,' or whist. Usher Campan enters mysteriously, with a message he only half comprehends: How a certain
Compte d'Inisdal waits anxious in the outer antechamber; National Colonel, Captain of the watch for this night, is
gained over; post−horses ready all the way; party of Noblesse sitting armed, determined; will His Majesty, before
midnight, consent to go? Profound silence; Campan waiting with upturned ear. "Did your Majesty hear what
Campan said?" asks the Queen. "Yes, I heard," answers Majesty, and plays on. "'Twas a pretty couplet, that of
Campan's," hints Monsieur, who at times showed a pleasant wit: Majesty, still unresponsive, plays wisk. "After
all, one must say something to Campan," remarks the Queen. "Tell M. d'Inisdal," said the King, and the Queen
puts an emphasis on it, "that the King cannot consent to be forced away."−−"I see!" said d'Inisdal, whisking
round, peaking himself into flame of irritancy: "we have the risk; we are to have all the blame if it fail," (Campan,
ii. 105.)−−and vanishes, he and his plot, as will−o'−wisps do. The Queen sat till far in the night, packing jewels:
but it came to nothing; in that peaked frame of irritancy the Will−o'−wisp had gone out.
Little hope there is in all this. Alas, with whom to fly? Our loyal Gardes−du−Corps, ever since the Insurrection of
Women, are disbanded; gone to their homes; gone, many of them, across the Rhine towards Coblentz and Exiled
The French Revolution
170
The French Revolution
Princes: brave Miomandre and brave Tardivet, these faithful Two, have received, in nocturnal interview with both
Majesties, their viaticum of gold louis, of heartfelt thanks from a Queen's lips, though unluckily 'his Majesty
stood, back to fire, not speaking;' (Campan, ii. 109−11.) and do now dine through the Provinces; recounting
hairsbreadth escapes, insurrectionary horrors. Great horrors; to be swallowed yet of greater. But on the whole
what a falling off from the old splendour of Versailles! Here in this poor Tuileries, a National Brewer−Colonel,
sonorous Santerre, parades officially behind her Majesty's chair. Our high dignitaries, all fled over the Rhine:
nothing now to be gained at Court; but hopes, for which life itself must be risked! Obscure busy men frequent the
back stairs; with hearsays, wind projects, un fruitful fanfaronades. Young Royalists, at the Theatre de Vaudeville,
'sing couplets;' if that could do any thing. Royalists enough, Captains on furlough, burnt−out Seigneurs, may
likewise be met with, 'in the Cafe de Valois, and at Meot the Restaurateur's.' There they fan one another into high
loyal glow; drink, in such wine as can be procured, confusion to Sansculottism; shew purchased dirks, of an
improved structure, made to order; and, greatly daring, dine. (Dampmartin, ii. 129.) It is in these places, in these
months, that the epithet Sansculotte first gets applied to indigent Patriotism; in the last age we had Gilbert
Sansculotte, the indigent Poet. (Mercier, Nouveau Paris, iii. 204.) Destitute−of−Breeches: a mournful Destitution;
which however, if Twenty millions share it, may become more effective than most Possessions!
Meanwhile, amid this vague dim whirl of fanfaronades, wind−projects, poniards made to order, there does
disclose itself one punctum−saliens of life and feasibility: the finger of Mirabeau! Mirabeau and the Queen of
France have met; have parted with mutual trust! It is strange; secret as the Mysteries; but it is indubitable.
Mirabeau took horse, one evening; and rode westward, unattended,−−to see Friend Claviere in that country house
of his? Before getting to Claviere's, the much−musing horseman struck aside to a back gate of the Garden of
Saint−Cloud: some Duke d'Aremberg, or the like, was there to introduce him; the Queen was not far: on a 'round
knoll, rond point, the highest of the Garden of Saint−Cloud,' he beheld the Queen's face; spake with her, alone,
under the void canopy of Night. What an interview; fateful secret for us, after all searching; like the colloquies of
the gods! (Campan, ii. c. 17.) She called him 'a Mirabeau:' elsewhere we read that she 'was charmed with him,' the
wild submitted Titan; as indeed it is among the honourable tokens of this high ill−fated heart that no mind of any
endowment, no Mirabeau, nay no Barnave, no Dumouriez, ever came face to face with her but, in spite of all
prepossessions, she was forced to recognise it, to draw nigh to it, with trust. High imperial heart; with the
instinctive attraction towards all that had any height! "You know not the Queen," said Mirabeau once in
confidence; "her force of mind is prodigious; she is a man for courage." (Dumont, p. 211.)−−And so, under the
void Night, on the crown of that knoll, she has spoken with a Mirabeau: he has kissed loyally the queenly hand,
and said with enthusiasm: "Madame, the Monarchy is saved!"−− Possible? The Foreign Powers, mysteriously
sounded, gave favourable guarded response; (Correspondence Secrete (in Hist. Parl. viii. 169−73).) Bouille is at
Metz, and could find forty−thousand sure Germans. With a Mirabeau for head, and a Bouille for hand, something
verily is possible,−− if Fate intervene not.
But figure under what thousandfold wrappages, and cloaks of darkness, Royalty, meditating these things, must
involve itself. There are men with 'Tickets of Entrance;' there are chivalrous consultings, mysterious plottings.
Consider also whether, involve as it like, plotting Royalty can escape the glance of Patriotism; lynx−eyes, by the
ten thousand fixed on it, which see in the dark! Patriotism knows much: know the dirks made to order, and can
specify the shops; knows Sieur Motier's legions of mouchards; the Tickets of Entree, and men in black; and how
plan of evasion succeeds plan,−−or may be supposed to succeed it. Then conceive the couplets chanted at the
Theatre de Vaudeville; or worse, the whispers, significant nods of traitors in moustaches. Conceive, on the other
hand, the loud cry of alarm that came through the Hundred−and−Thirty Journals; the Dionysius'−Ear of each of
the Forty−eight Sections, wakeful night and day.
Patriotism is patient of much; not patient of all. The Cafe de Procope has sent, visibly along the streets, a
Deputation of Patriots, 'to expostulate with bad Editors,' by trustful word of mouth: singular to see and hear. The
bad Editors promise to amend, but do not. Deputations for change of Ministry were many; Mayor Bailly joining
even with Cordelier Danton in such: and they have prevailed. With what profit? Of Quacks, willing or constrained
to be Quacks, the race is everlasting: Ministers Duportail and Dutertre will have to manage much as Ministers
The French Revolution
171
The French Revolution
Latour−du−Pin and Cice did. So welters the confused world.
But now, beaten on for ever by such inextricable contradictory influences and evidences, what is the indigent
French Patriot, in these unhappy days, to believe, and walk by? Uncertainty all; except that he is wretched,
indigent; that a glorious Revolution, the wonder of the Universe, has hitherto brought neither Bread nor Peace;
being marred by traitors, difficult to discover. Traitors that dwell in the dark, invisible there;−− or seen for
moments, in pallid dubious twilight, stealthily vanishing thither! Preternatural Suspicion once more rules the
minds of men.
'Nobody here,' writes Carra of the Annales Patriotiques, so early as the first of February, 'can entertain a doubt of
the constant obstinate project these people have on foot to get the King away; or of the perpetual succession of
manoeuvres they employ for that.' Nobody: the watchful Mother of Patriotism deputed two Members to her
Daughter at Versailles, to examine how the matter looked there. Well, and there? Patriotic Carra continues: 'The
Report of these two deputies we all heard with our own ears last Saturday. They went with others of Versailles, to
inspect the King's Stables, also the stables of the whilom Gardes du Corps; they found there from seven to eight
hundred horses standing always saddled and bridled, ready for the road at a moment's notice. The same deputies,
moreover, saw with their own two eyes several Royal Carriages, which men were even then busy loading with
large well−stuffed luggage−bags,' leather cows, as we call them, 'vaches de cuir; the Royal Arms on the panels
almost entirely effaced.' Momentous enough! Also, 'on the same day the whole Marechaussee, or Cavalry Police,
did assemble with arms, horses and baggage,'−−and disperse again. They want the King over the marches, that so
Emperor Leopold and the German Princes, whose troops are ready, may have a pretext for beginning: 'this,' adds
Carra, 'is the word of the riddle: this is the reason why our fugitive Aristocrats are now making levies of men on
the frontiers; expecting that, one of these mornings, the Executive Chief Magistrate will be brought over to them,
and the civil war commence.' (Carra's Newspaper, 1st Feb. 1791 (in Hist. Parl. ix. 39).)
If indeed the Executive Chief Magistrate, bagged, say in one of these leather cows, were once brought safe over to
them! But the strangest thing of all is that Patriotism, whether barking at a venture, or guided by some instinct of
preternatural sagacity, is actually barking aright this time; at something, not at nothing. Bouille's Secret
Correspondence, since made public, testifies as much.
Nay, it is undeniable, visible to all, that Mesdames the King's Aunts are taking steps for departure: asking
passports of the Ministry, safe− conducts of the Municipality; which Marat warns all men to beware of. They will
carry gold with them, 'these old Beguines;' nay they will carry the little Dauphin, 'having nursed a changeling, for
some time, to leave in his stead!' Besides, they are as some light substance flung up, to shew how the wind sits; a
kind of proof−kite you fly off to ascertain whether the grand paper−kite, Evasion of the King, may mount!
In these alarming circumstances, Patriotism is not wanting to itself. Municipality deputes to the King; Sections
depute to the Municipality; a National Assembly will soon stir. Meanwhile, behold, on the 19th of February 1791,
Mesdames, quitting Bellevue and Versailles with all privacy, are off! Towards Rome, seemingly; or one knows
not whither. They are not without King's passports, countersigned; and what is more to the purpose, a serviceable
Escort. The Patriotic Mayor or Mayorlet of the Village of Moret tried to detain them; but brisk Louis de
Narbonne, of the Escort, dashed off at hand−gallop; returned soon with thirty dragoons, and victoriously cut them
out. And so the poor ancient women go their way; to the terror of France and Paris, whose nervous excitability is
become extreme. Who else would hinder poor Loque and Graille, now grown so old, and fallen into such
unexpected circumstances, when gossip itself turning only on terrors and horrors is no longer pleasant to the
mind, and you cannot get so much as an orthodox confessor in peace,−−from going what way soever the hope of
any solacement might lead them?
They go, poor ancient dames,−−whom the heart were hard that does not pity: they go; with palpitations, with
unmelodious suppressed screechings; all France, screeching and cackling, in loud unsuppressed terror, behind and
on both hands of them: such mutual suspicion is among men. At Arnay le Duc, above halfway to the frontiers, a
The French Revolution
172
The French Revolution
Patriotic Municipality and Populace again takes courage to stop them: Louis Narbonne must now back to Paris,
must consult the National Assembly. National Assembly answers, not without an effort, that Mesdames may go.
Whereupon Paris rises worse than ever, screeching half−distracted. Tuileries and precincts are filled with women
and men, while the National Assembly debates this question of questions; Lafayette is needed at night for
dispersing them, and the streets are to be illuminated. Commandant Berthier, a Berthier before whom are great
things unknown, lies for the present under blockade at Bellevue in Versailles. By no tactics could he get
Mesdames' Luggage stirred from the Courts there; frantic Versaillese women came screaming about him; his very
troops cut the waggon−traces; he retired to the interior, waiting better times. (Campan, ii. 132.)
Nay, in these same hours, while Mesdames hardly cut out from Moret by the sabre's edge, are driving rapidly, to
foreign parts, and not yet stopped at Arnay, their august nephew poor Monsieur, at Paris has dived deep into his
cellars of the Luxembourg for shelter; and according to Montgaillard can hardly be persuaded up again.
Screeching multitudes environ that Luxembourg of his: drawn thither by report of his departure: but, at sight and
sound of Monsieur, they become crowing multitudes; and escort Madame and him to the Tuileries with vivats.
(Montgaillard, ii. 282; Deux Amis, vi. c. 1.) It is a state of nervous excitability such as few Nations know.
Chapter 2.3.V. The Day of Poniards.
Or, again, what means this visible reparation of the Castle of Vincennes? Other Jails being all crowded with
prisoners, new space is wanted here: that is the Municipal account. For in such changing of Judicatures,
Parlements being abolished, and New Courts but just set up, prisoners have accumulated. Not to say that in these
times of discord and club−law, offences and committals are, at any rate, more numerous. Which Municipal
account, does it not sufficiently explain the phenomenon? Surely, to repair the Castle of Vincennes was of all
enterprises that an enlightened Municipality could undertake, the most innocent.
Not so however does neighbouring Saint−Antoine look on it: Saint−Antoine to whom these peaked turrets and
grim donjons, all−too near her own dark dwelling, are of themselves an offence. Was not Vincennes a kind of
minor Bastille? Great Diderot and Philosophes have lain in durance here; great Mirabeau, in disastrous eclipse,
for forty−two months. And now when the old Bastille has become a dancing−ground (had any one the mirth to
dance), and its stones are getting built into the Pont Louis−Seize, does this minor, comparative insignificance of a
Bastille flank itself with fresh− hewn mullions, spread out tyrannous wings; menacing Patriotism? New space for
prisoners: and what prisoners? A d'Orleans, with the chief Patriots on the tip of the Left? It is said, there runs 'a
subterranean passage' all the way from the Tuileries hither. Who knows? Paris, mined with quarries and
catacombs, does hang wondrous over the abyss; Paris was once to be blown up,−−though the powder, when we
went to look, had got withdrawn. A Tuileries, sold to Austria and Coblentz, should have no subterranean passage.
Out of which might not Coblentz or Austria issue, some morning; and, with cannon of long range, 'foudroyer,'
bethunder a patriotic Saint− Antoine into smoulder and ruin!
So meditates the benighted soul of Saint−Antoine, as it sees the aproned workmen, in early spring, busy on these
towers. An official−speaking Municipality, a Sieur Motier with his legions of mouchards, deserve no trust at all.
Were Patriot Santerre, indeed, Commander! But the sonorous Brewer commands only our own Battalion: of such
secrets he can explain nothing, knows nothing, perhaps suspects much. And so the work goes on; and afflicted
benighted Saint−Antoine hears rattle of hammers, sees stones suspended in air. (Montgaillard, ii. 285.)
Saint−Antoine prostrated the first great Bastille: will it falter over this comparative insignificance of a Bastille?
Friends, what if we took pikes, firelocks, sledgehammers; and helped ourselves!−−Speedier is no remedy; nor so
certain. On the 28th day of February, Saint−Antoine turns out, as it has now often done; and, apparently with little
superfluous tumult, moves eastward to that eye−sorrow of Vincennes. With grave voice of authority, no need of
bullying and shouting, Saint−Antoine signifies to parties concerned there that its purpose is, To have this
suspicious Stronghold razed level with the general soil of the country. Remonstrance may be proffered, with zeal:
but it avails not. The outer gate goes up, drawbridges tumble; iron window−stanchions, smitten out with
The French Revolution
173
The French Revolution
sledgehammers, become iron−crowbars: it rains furniture, stone−masses, slates: with chaotic clatter and rattle,
Demolition clatters down. And now hasty expresses rush through the agitated streets, to warn Lafayette, and the
Municipal and Departmental Authorities; Rumour warns a National Assembly, a Royal Tuileries, and all men
who care to hear it: That Saint−Antoine is up; that Vincennes, and probably the last remaining Institution of the
Country, is coming down. (Deux Amis, vi. 11−15; Newspapers (in Hist. Parl. ix. 111−17).)
Quick, then! Let Lafayette roll his drums and fly eastward; for to all Constitutional Patriots this is again bad news.
And you, ye Friends of Royalty, snatch your poniards of improved structure, made to order; your sword−canes,
secret arms, and tickets of entry; quick, by backstairs passages, rally round the Son of Sixty Kings. An
effervescence probably got up by d'Orleans and Company, for the overthrow of Throne and Altar: it is said her
Majesty shall be put in prison, put out of the way; what then will his Majesty be? Clay for the Sansculottic Potter!
Or were it impossible to fly this day; a brave Noblesse suddenly all rallying? Peril threatens, hope invites: Dukes
de Villequier, de Duras, Gentlemen of the Chamber give tickets and admittance; a brave Noblesse is suddenly all
rallying. Now were the time to 'fall sword in hand on those gentry there,' could it be done with effect.
The Hero of two Worlds is on his white charger; blue Nationals, horse and foot, hurrying eastward: Santerre, with
the Saint−Antoine Battalion, is already there,−−apparently indisposed to act. Heavy−laden Hero of two Worlds,
what tasks are these! The jeerings, provocative gambollings of that Patriot Suburb, which is all out on the streets
now, are hard to endure; unwashed Patriots jeering in sulky sport; one unwashed Patriot 'seizing the General by
the boot' to unhorse him. Santerre, ordered to fire, makes answer obliquely, "These are the men that took the
Bastille;" and not a trigger stirs! Neither dare the Vincennes Magistracy give warrant of arrestment, or the
smallest countenance: wherefore the General 'will take it on himself' to arrest. By promptitude, by cheerful
adroitness, patience and brisk valour without limits, the riot may be again bloodlessly appeased.
Meanwhile, the rest of Paris, with more or less unconcern, may mind the rest of its business: for what is this but
an effervescence, of which there are now so many? The National Assembly, in one of its stormiest moods, is
debating a Law against Emigration; Mirabeau declaring aloud, "I swear beforehand that I will not obey it."
Mirabeau is often at the Tribune this day; with endless impediments from without; with the old unabated energy
from within. What can murmurs and clamours, from Left or from Right, do to this man; like Teneriffe or Atlas
unremoved? With clear thought; with strong bass−voice, though at first low, uncertain, he claims audience, sways
the storm of men: anon the sound of him waxes, softens; he rises into far−sounding melody of strength,
triumphant, which subdues all hearts; his rude−seamed face, desolate fire−scathed, becomes fire−lit, and radiates:
once again men feel, in these beggarly ages, what is the potency and omnipotency of man's word on the souls of
men. "I will triumph or be torn in fragments," he was once heard to say. "Silence," he cries now, in strong word of
command, in imperial consciousness of strength, "Silence, the thirty voices, Silence aux trente voix!"−−and
Robespierre and the Thirty Voices die into mutterings; and the Law is once more as Mirabeau would have it.
How different, at the same instant, is General Lafayette's street eloquence; wrangling with sonorous Brewers, with
an ungrammatical Saint− Antoine! Most different, again, from both is the Cafe−de−Valois eloquence, and
suppressed fanfaronade, of this multitude of men with Tickets of Entry; who are now inundating the Corridors of
the Tuileries. Such things can go on simultaneously in one City. How much more in one Country; in one Planet
with its discrepancies, every Day a mere crackling infinitude of discrepancies−−which nevertheless do yield some
coherent net−product, though an infinitesimally small one!
Be this as it may. Lafayette has saved Vincennes; and is marching homewards with some dozen of arrested
demolitionists. Royalty is not yet saved;−−nor indeed specially endangered. But to the King's Constitutional
Guard, to these old Gardes Francaises, or Centre Grenadiers, as it chanced to be, this affluence of men with
Tickets of Entry is becoming more and more unintelligible. Is his Majesty verily for Metz, then; to be carried off
by these men, on the spur of the instant? That revolt of Saint−Antoine got up by traitor Royalists for a
stalking−horse? Keep a sharp outlook, ye Centre Grenadiers on duty here: good never came from the 'men in
black.' Nay they have cloaks, redingotes; some of them leather−breeches, boots,−−as if for instant riding! Or what
The French Revolution
174
The French Revolution
is this that sticks visible from the lapelle of Chevalier de Court? (Weber, ii. 286.) Too like the handle of some
cutting or stabbing instrument! He glides and goes; and still the dudgeon sticks from his left lapelle. "Hold,
Monsieur!"−−a Centre Grenadier clutches him; clutches the protrusive dudgeon, whisks it out in the face of the
world: by Heaven, a very dagger; hunting−knife, or whatsoever you call it; fit to drink the life of Patriotism!
So fared it with Chevalier de Court, early in the day; not without noise; not without commentaries. And now this
continually increasing multitude at nightfall? Have they daggers too? Alas, with them too, after angry parleyings,
there has begun a groping and a rummaging; all men in black, spite of their Tickets of Entry, are clutched by the
collar, and groped. Scandalous to think of; for always, as the dirk, sword−cane, pistol, or were it but tailor's
bodkin, is found on him, and with loud scorn drawn forth from him, he, the hapless man in black, is flung all too
rapidly down stairs. Flung; and ignominiously descends, head foremost; accelerated by ignominious shovings
from sentry after sentry; nay, as is written, by smitings, twitchings,−−spurnings, a posteriori, not to be named. In
this accelerated way, emerges, uncertain which end uppermost, man after man in black, through all issues, into the
Tuileries Garden. Emerges, alas, into the arms of an indignant multitude, now gathered and gathering there, in the
hour of dusk, to see what is toward, and whether the Hereditary Representative is carried off or not. Hapless men
in black; at last convicted of poniards made to order; convicted 'Chevaliers of the Poniard!' Within is as the
burning ship; without is as the deep sea. Within is no help; his Majesty, looking forth, one moment, from his
interior sanctuaries, coldly bids all visitors 'give up their weapons;' and shuts the door again. The weapons given
up form a heap: the convicted Chevaliers of the poniard keep descending pellmell, with impetuous velocity; and
at the bottom of all staircases, the mixed multitude receives them, hustles, buffets, chases and disperses them.
(Hist. Parl. ix. 139− 48.)
Such sight meets Lafayette, in the dusk of the evening, as he returns, successful with difficulty at Vincennes:
Sansculotte Scylla hardly weathered, here is Aristocrat Charybdis gurgling under his lee! The patient Hero of two
Worlds almost loses temper. He accelerates, does not retard, the flying Chevaliers; delivers, indeed, this or the
other hunted Loyalist of quality, but rates him in bitter words, such as the hour suggested; such as no saloon could
pardon. Hero ill−bested; hanging, so to speak, in mid−air; hateful to Rich divinities above; hateful to Indigent
mortals below! Duke de Villequier, Gentleman of the Chamber, gets such contumelious rating, in presence of all
people there, that he may see good first to exculpate himself in the Newspapers; then, that not prospering, to retire
over the Frontiers, and begin plotting at Brussels. (Montgaillard, ii. 286.) His Apartment will stand vacant;
usefuller, as we may find, than when it stood occupied.
So fly the Chevaliers of the Poniard; hunted of Patriotic men, shamefully in the thickening dusk. A dim miserable
business; born of darkness; dying away there in the thickening dusk and dimness! In the midst of which, however,
let the reader discern clearly one figure running for its life: Crispin−Cataline d'Espremenil,−−for the last time, or
the last but one. It is not yet three years since these same Centre Grenadiers, Gardes Francaises then, marched him
towards the Calypso Isles, in the gray of the May morning; and he and they have got thus far. Buffeted, beaten
down, delivered by popular Petion, he might well answer bitterly: "And I too, Monsieur, have been carried on the
People's shoulders." (See Mercier, ii. 40, 202.) A fact which popular Petion, if he like, can meditate.
But happily, one way and another, the speedy night covers up this ignominious Day of Poniards; and the
Chevaliers escape, though maltreated, with torn coat−skirts and heavy hearts, to their respective dwelling−
houses. Riot twofold is quelled; and little blood shed, if it be not insignificant blood from the nose: Vincennes
stands undemolished, reparable; and the Hereditary Representative has not been stolen, nor the Queen smuggled
into Prison. A Day long remembered: commented on with loud hahas and deep grumblings; with bitter
scornfulness of triumph, bitter rancour of defeat. Royalism, as usual, imputes it to d'Orleans and the Anarchists
intent on insulting Majesty: Patriotism, as usual, to Royalists, and even Constitutionalists, intent on stealing
Majesty to Metz: we, also as usual, to Preternatural Suspicion, and Phoebus Apollo having made himself like the
Night.
The French Revolution
175
The French Revolution
Thus however has the reader seen, in an unexpected arena, on this last day of February 1791, the Three
long−contending elements of French Society, dashed forth into singular comico−tragical collision; acting and
reacting openly to the eye. Constitutionalism, at once quelling Sansculottic riot at Vincennes, and Royalist
treachery from the Tuileries, is great, this day, and prevails. As for poor Royalism, tossed to and fro in that
manner, its daggers all left in a heap, what can one think of it? Every dog, the Adage says, has its day: has it; has
had it; or will have it. For the present, the day is Lafayette's and the Constitution's. Nevertheless Hunger and
Jacobinism, fast growing fanatical, still work; their−day, were they once fanatical, will come. Hitherto, in all
tempests, Lafayette, like some divine Sea−ruler, raises his serene head: the upper Aeolus's blasts fly back to their
caves, like foolish unbidden winds: the under sea− billows they had vexed into froth allay themselves. But if, as
we often write, the submarine Titanic Fire−powers came into play, the Ocean bed from beneath being burst? If
they hurled Poseidon Lafayette and his Constitution out of Space; and, in the Titanic melee, sea were mixed with
sky?
Chapter 2.3.VI. Mirabeau.
The spirit of France waxes ever more acrid, fever−sick: towards the final outburst of dissolution and delirium.
Suspicion rules all minds: contending parties cannot now commingle; stand separated sheer asunder, eying one
another, in most aguish mood, of cold terror or hot rage. Counter−Revolution, Days of Poniards, Castries Duels;
Flight of Mesdames, of Monsieur and Royalty! Journalism shrills ever louder its cry of alarm. The sleepless
Dionysius's Ear of the Forty−eight Sections, how feverishly quick has it grown; convulsing with strange pangs the
whole sick Body, as in such sleeplessness and sickness, the ear will do!
Since Royalists get Poniards made to order, and a Sieur Motier is no better than he should be, shall not Patriotism
too, even of the indigent sort, have Pikes, secondhand Firelocks, in readiness for the worst? The anvils ring,
during this March month, with hammering of Pikes. A Constitutional Municipality promulgated its Placard, that
no citizen except the 'active or cash−citizen' was entitled to have arms; but there rose, instantly responsive, such a
tempest of astonishment from Club and Section, that the Constitutional Placard, almost next morning, had to
cover itself up, and die away into inanity, in a second improved edition. (Ordonnance du 17 Mars 1791 (Hist.
Parl. ix. 257).) So the hammering continues; as all that it betokens does.
Mark, again, how the extreme tip of the Left is mounting in favour, if not in its own National Hall, yet with the
Nation, especially with Paris. For in such universal panic of doubt, the opinion that is sure of itself, as the
meagrest opinion may the soonest be, is the one to which all men will rally. Great is Belief, were it never so
meagre; and leads captive the doubting heart! Incorruptible Robespierre has been elected Public Accuser in our
new Courts of Judicature; virtuous Petion, it is thought, may rise to be Mayor. Cordelier Danton, called also by
triumphant majorities, sits at the Departmental Council−table; colleague there of Mirabeau. Of incorruptible
Robespierre it was long ago predicted that he might go far, mean meagre mortal though he was; for Doubt dwelt
not in him.
Under which circumstances ought not Royalty likewise to cease doubting, and begin deciding and acting? Royalty
has always that sure trump−card in its hand: Flight out of Paris. Which sure trump−card, Royalty, as we see,
keeps ever and anon clutching at, grasping; and swashes it forth tentatively; yet never tables it, still puts it back
again. Play it, O Royalty! If there be a chance left, this seems it, and verily the last chance; and now every hour is
rendering this a doubtfuller. Alas, one would so fain both fly and not fly; play one's card and have it to play.
Royalty, in all human likelihood, will not play its trump−card till the honours, one after one, be mainly lost; and
such trumping of it prove to be the sudden finish of the game!
Here accordingly a question always arises; of the prophetic sort; which cannot now be answered. Suppose
Mirabeau, with whom Royalty takes deep counsel, as with a Prime Minister that cannot yet legally avow himself
as such, had got his arrangements completed? Arrangements he has; far− stretching plans that dawn fitfully on us,
by fragments, in the confused darkness. Thirty Departments ready to sign loyal Addresses, of prescribed tenor:
The French Revolution
176
The French Revolution
King carried out of Paris, but only to Compiegne and Rouen, hardly to Metz, since, once for all, no Emigrant
rabble shall take the lead in it: National Assembly consenting, by dint of loyal Addresses, by management, by
force of Bouille, to hear reason, and follow thither! (See Fils Adoptif, vii. 1. 6; Dumont, c. 11, 12, 14.) Was it so,
on these terms, that Jacobinism and Mirabeau were then to grapple, in their Hercules−and−Typhon duel; death
inevitable for the one or the other? The duel itself is determined on, and sure: but on what terms; much more, with
what issue, we in vain guess. It is vague darkness all: unknown what is to be; unknown even what has already
been. The giant Mirabeau walks in darkness, as we said; companionless, on wild ways: what his thoughts during
these months were, no record of Biographer, not vague Fils Adoptif, will now ever disclose.
To us, endeavouring to cast his horoscope, it of course remains doubly vague. There is one Herculean man, in
internecine duel with him, there is Monster after Monster. Emigrant Noblesse return, sword on thigh, vaunting of
their Loyalty never sullied; descending from the air, like Harpy−swarms with ferocity, with obscene greed.
Earthward there is the Typhon of Anarchy, Political, Religious; sprawling hundred−headed, say with Twenty−
five million heads; wide as the area of France; fierce as Frenzy; strong in very Hunger. With these shall the
Serpent−queller do battle continually, and expect no rest.
As for the King, he as usual will go wavering chameleonlike; changing colour and purpose with the colour of his
environment;−−good for no Kingly use. On one royal person, on the Queen only, can Mirabeau perhaps place
dependance. It is possible, the greatness of this man, not unskilled too in blandishments, courtiership, and graceful
adroitness, might, with most legitimate sorcery, fascinate the volatile Queen, and fix her to him. She has courage
for all noble daring; an eye and a heart: the soul of Theresa's Daughter. 'Faut il−donc, Is it fated then,' she
passionately writes to her Brother, 'that I with the blood I am come of, with the sentiments I have, must live and
die among such mortals?' (Fils Adoptif, ubi supra.) Alas, poor Princess, Yes. 'She is the only man,' as Mirabeau
observes, 'whom his Majesty has about him.' Of one other man Mirabeau is still surer: of himself. There lies his
resources; sufficient or insufficient.
Dim and great to the eye of Prophecy looks the future! A perpetual life− and−death battle; confusion from above
and from below;−−mere confused darkness for us; with here and there some streak of faint lurid light. We see
King perhaps laid aside; not tonsured, tonsuring is out of fashion now; but say, sent away any whither, with
handsome annual allowance, and stock of smith−tools. We see a Queen and Dauphin, Regent and Minor; a Queen
'mounted on horseback,' in the din of battles, with Moriamur pro rege nostro! 'Such a day,' Mirabeau writes, 'may
come.'
Din of battles, wars more than civil, confusion from above and from below: in such environment the eye of
Prophecy sees Comte de Mirabeau, like some Cardinal de Retz, stormfully maintain himself; with head
all−devising, heart all−daring, if not victorious, yet unvanquished, while life is left him. The specialties and issues
of it, no eye of Prophecy can guess at: it is clouds, we repeat, and tempestuous night; and in the middle of it, now
visible, far darting, now labouring in eclipse, is Mirabeau indomitably struggling to be Cloud−Compeller!−−One
can say that, had Mirabeau lived, the History of France and of the World had been different. Further, that the man
would have needed, as few men ever did, the whole compass of that same 'Art of Daring, Art d'Oser,' which he so
prized; and likewise that he, above all men then living, would have practised and manifested it. Finally, that some
substantiality, and no empty simulacrum of a formula, would have been the result realised by him: a result you
could have loved, a result you could have hated; by no likelihood, a result you could only have rejected with
closed lips, and swept into quick forgetfulness for ever. Had Mirabeau lived one other year!
Chapter 2.3.VII. Death of Mirabeau.
But Mirabeau could not live another year, any more than he could live another thousand years. Men's years are
numbered, and the tale of Mirabeau's was now complete. Important, or unimportant; to be mentioned in
World−History for some centuries, or not to be mentioned there beyond a day or two,−−it matters not to
peremptory Fate. From amid the press of ruddy busy Life, the Pale Messenger beckons silently: wide−spreading
The French Revolution
177
The French Revolution
interests, projects, salvation of French Monarchies, what thing soever man has on hand, he must suddenly quit it
all, and go. Wert thou saving French Monarchies; wert thou blacking shoes on the Pont Neuf! The most important
of men cannot stay; did the World's History depend on an hour, that hour is not to be given. Whereby, indeed, it
comes that these same would−have− beens are mostly a vanity; and the World's History could never in the least
be what it would, or might, or should, by any manner of potentiality, but simply and altogether what it is.
The fierce wear and tear of such an existence has wasted out the giant oaken strength of Mirabeau. A fret and
fever that keeps heart and brain on fire: excess of effort, of excitement; excess of all kinds: labour incessant,
almost beyond credibility! 'If I had not lived with him,' says Dumont, 'I should never have known what a man can
make of one day; what things may be placed within the interval of twelve hours. A day for this man was more
than a week or a month is for others: the mass of things he guided on together was prodigious; from the scheming
to the executing not a moment lost.' "Monsieur le Comte," said his Secretary to him once, "what you require is
impossible."−−"Impossible!" answered he starting from his chair, Ne me dites jamais ce bete de mot, Never name
to me that blockhead of a word." (Dumont, p. 311.) And then the social repasts; the dinner which he gives as
Commandant of National Guards, which 'costs five hundred pounds;' alas, and 'the Sirens of the Opera;' and all
the ginger that is hot in the mouth:−−down what a course is this man hurled! Cannot Mirabeau stop; cannot he fly,
and save himself alive? No! There is a Nessus' Shirt on this Hercules; he must storm and burn there, without rest,
till he be consumed. Human strength, never so Herculean, has its measure. Herald shadows flit pale across the
fire−brain of Mirabeau; heralds of the pale repose. While he tosses and storms, straining every nerve, in that sea
of ambition and confusion, there comes, sombre and still, a monition that for him the issue of it will be swift
death.
In January last, you might see him as President of the Assembly; 'his neck wrapt in linen cloths, at the evening
session:' there was sick heat of the blood, alternate darkening and flashing in the eye−sight; he had to apply
leeches, after the morning labour, and preside bandaged. 'At parting he embraced me,' says Dumont, 'with an
emotion I had never seen in him: "I am dying, my friend; dying as by slow fire; we shall perhaps not meet again.
When I am gone, they will know what the value of me was. The miseries I have held back will burst from all sides
on France."' (Dumont, p. 267.) Sickness gives louder warning; but cannot be listened to. On the 27th day of
March, proceeding towards the Assembly, he had to seek rest and help in Friend de Lamarck's, by the road; and
lay there, for an hour, half−fainted, stretched on a sofa. To the Assembly nevertheless he went, as if in spite of
Destiny itself; spoke, loud and eager, five several times; then quitted the Tribune−−for ever. He steps out, utterly
exhausted, into the Tuileries Gardens; many people press round him, as usual, with applications, memorials; he
says to the Friend who was with him: Take me out of this!
And so, on the last day of March 1791, endless anxious multitudes beset the Rue de la Chaussee d'Antin;
incessantly inquiring: within doors there, in that House numbered in our time '42,' the over wearied giant has
fallen down, to die. (Fils Adoptif, viii. 420−79.) Crowds, of all parties and kinds; of all ranks from the King to the
meanest man! The King sends publicly twice a−day to inquire; privately besides: from the world at large there is
no end of inquiring. 'A written bulletin is handed out every three hours,' is copied and circulated; in the end, it is
printed. The People spontaneously keep silence; no carriage shall enter with its noise: there is crowding pressure;
but the Sister of Mirabeau is reverently recognised, and has free way made for her. The People stand mute,
heart−stricken; to all it seems as if a great calamity were nigh: as if the last man of France, who could have
swayed these coming troubles, lay there at hand−grips with the unearthly Power.
The silence of a whole People, the wakeful toil of Cabanis, Friend and Physician, skills not: on Saturday, the
second day of April, Mirabeau feels that the last of the Days has risen for him; that, on this day, he has to depart
and be no more. His death is Titanic, as his life has been. Lit up, for the last time, in the glare of coming
dissolution, the mind of the man is all glowing and burning; utters itself in sayings, such as men long remember.
He longs to live, yet acquiesces in death, argues not with the inexorable. His speech is wild and wondrous:
unearthly Phantasms dancing now their torch−dance round his soul; the soul itself looking out, fire−radiant,
motionless, girt together for that great hour! At times comes a beam of light from him on the world he is quitting.
The French Revolution
178
The French Revolution
"I carry in my heart the death−dirge of the French Monarchy; the dead remains of it will now be the spoil of the
factious." Or again, when he heard the cannon fire, what is characteristic too: "Have we the Achilles' Funeral
already?" So likewise, while some friend is supporting him: "Yes, support that head; would I could bequeath it
thee!" For the man dies as he has lived; self− conscious, conscious of a world looking on. He gazes forth on the
young Spring, which for him will never be Summer. The Sun has risen; he says: "Si ce n'est pas la Dieu, c'est du
moins son cousin germain." (Fils Adoptif, viii. 450; Journal de la maladie et de la mort de Mirabeau, par P.J.G.
Cabanis (Paris, 1803).)−−Death has mastered the outworks; power of speech is gone; the citadel of the heart still
holding out: the moribund giant, passionately, by sign, demands paper and pen; writes his passionate demand for
opium, to end these agonies. The sorrowful Doctor shakes his head: Dormir 'To sleep,' writes the other,
passionately pointing at it! So dies a gigantic Heathen and Titan; stumbling blindly, undismayed, down to his rest.
At half−past eight in the morning, Dr. Petit, standing at the foot of the bed, says "Il ne souffre plus." His suffering
and his working are now ended.
Even so, ye silent Patriot multitudes, all ye men of France; this man is rapt away from you. He has fallen
suddenly, without bending till he broke; as a tower falls, smitten by sudden lightning. His word ye shall hear no
more, his guidance follow no more.−−The multitudes depart, heartstruck; spread the sad tidings. How touching is
the loyalty of men to their Sovereign Man! All theatres, public amusements close; no joyful meeting can be held
in these nights, joy is not for them: the People break in upon private dancing−parties, and sullenly command that
they cease. Of such dancing−parties apparently but two came to light; and these also have gone out. The gloom is
universal: never in this City was such sorrow for one death; never since that old night when Louis XII. departed,
'and the Crieurs des Corps went sounding their bells, and crying along the streets: Le bon roi Louis, pere du
peuple, est mort, The good King Louis, Father of the People, is dead!' (Henault, Abrege Chronologique, p. 429.)
King Mirabeau is now the lost King; and one may say with little exaggeration, all the People mourns for him.
For three days there is low wide moan: weeping in the National Assembly itself. The streets are all mournful;
orators mounted on the bournes, with large silent audience, preaching the funeral sermon of the dead. Let no
coachman whip fast, distractively with his rolling wheels, or almost at all, through these groups! His traces may
be cut; himself and his fare, as incurable Aristocrats, hurled sulkily into the kennels. The bourne−stone orators
speak as it is given them; the Sansculottic People, with its rude soul, listens eager,−−as men will to any Sermon,
or Sermo, when it is a spoken Word meaning a Thing, and not a Babblement meaning No−thing. In the
Restaurateur's of the Palais Royal, the waiter remarks, "Fine weather, Monsieur:"−−"Yes, my friend," answers the
ancient Man of Letters, "very fine; but Mirabeau is dead." Hoarse rhythmic threnodies comes also from the
throats of balladsingers; are sold on gray−white paper at a sou each. (Fils Adoptif, viii. l. 19; Newspapers and
Excerpts (in Hist. Parl. ix. 366−402).) But of Portraits, engraved, painted, hewn, and written; of Eulogies,
Reminiscences, Biographies, nay Vaudevilles, Dramas and Melodramas, in all Provinces of France, there will,
through these coming months, be the due immeasurable crop; thick as the leaves of Spring. Nor, that a tincture of
burlesque might be in it, is Gobel's Episcopal Mandement wanting; goose Gobel, who has just been made
Constitutional Bishop of Paris. A Mandement wherein ca ira alternates very strangely with Nomine Domini, and
you are, with a grave countenance, invited to 'rejoice at possessing in the midst of you a body of Prelates created
by Mirabeau, zealous followers of his doctrine, faithful imitators of his virtues.' (Hist. Parl. ix. 405.) So speaks,
and cackles manifold, the Sorrow of France; wailing articulately, inarticulately, as it can, that a Sovereign Man is
snatched away. In the National Assembly, when difficult questions are astir, all eyes will 'turn mechanically to the
place where Mirabeau sat,'−−and Mirabeau is absent now.
On the third evening of the lamentation, the fourth of April, there is solemn Public Funeral; such as deceased
mortal seldom had. Procession of a league in length; of mourners reckoned loosely at a hundred thousand! All
roofs are thronged with onlookers, all windows, lamp−irons, branches of trees. 'Sadness is painted on every
countenance; many persons weep.' There is double hedge of National Guards; there is National Assembly in a
body; Jacobin Society, and Societies; King's Ministers, Municipals, and all Notabilities, Patriot or Aristocrat.
Bouille is noticeable there, 'with his hat on;' say, hat drawn over his brow, hiding many thoughts! Slow− wending,
in religious silence, the Procession of a league in length, under the level sun−rays, for it is five o'clock, moves and
The French Revolution
179
The French Revolution
marches: with its sable plumes; itself in a religious silence; but, by fits, with the muffled roll of drums, by fits
with some long−drawn wail of music, and strange new clangour of trombones, and metallic dirge−voice; amid the
infinite hum of men. In the Church of Saint−Eustache, there is funeral oration by Cerutti; and discharge of
fire−arms, which 'brings down pieces of the plaster.' Thence, forward again to the Church of Sainte−Genevieve;
which has been consecrated, by supreme decree, on the spur of this time, into a Pantheon for the Great Men of the
Fatherland, Aux Grands Hommes la Patrie reconnaissante. Hardly at midnight is the business done; and Mirabeau
left in his dark dwelling: first tenant of that Fatherland's Pantheon.
Tenant, alas, with inhabits but at will, and shall be cast out! For, in these days of convulsion and disjection, not
even the dust of the dead is permitted to rest. Voltaire's bones are, by and by, to be carried from their stolen grave
in the Abbey of Scellieres, to an eager stealing grave, in Paris his birth−city: all mortals processioning and
perorating there; cars drawn by eight white horses, goadsters in classical costume, with fillets and wheat−ears
enough;−−though the weather is of the wettest. (Moniteur, du 13 Juillet 1791.) Evangelist Jean Jacques, too, as is
most proper, must be dug up from Ermenonville, and processioned, with pomp, with sensibility, to the Pantheon
of the Fatherland. (Ibid. du 18 Septembre, 1794. See also du 30 Aout, 1791.) He and others: while again
Mirabeau, we say, is cast forth from it, happily incapable of being replaced; and rests now, irrecognisable,
reburied hastily at dead of night, in the central 'part of the Churchyard Sainte−Catherine, in the Suburb
Saint−Marceau,' to be disturbed no further.
So blazes out, farseen, a Man's Life, and becomes ashes and a caput mortuum, in this World−Pyre, which we
name French Revolution: not the first that consumed itself there; nor, by thousands and many millions, the last! A
man who 'had swallowed all formulas;' who, in these strange times and circumstances, felt called to live
Titanically, and also to die so. As he, for his part had swallowed all formulas, what Formula is there, never so
comprehensive, that will express truly the plus and the minus, give us the accurate net−result of him? There is
hitherto none such. Moralities not a few must shriek condemnatory over this Mirabeau; the Morality by which he
could be judged has not yet got uttered in the speech of men. We shall say this of him, again: That he is a Reality,
and no Simulacrum: a living son of Nature our general Mother; not a hollow Artfice, and mechanism of
Conventionalities, son of nothing, brother to nothing. In which little word, let the earnest man, walking sorrowful
in a world mostly of 'Stuffed Clothes−suits,' that chatter and grin meaningless on him, quite ghastly to the earnest
soul,−−think what significance there is!
Of men who, in such sense, are alive, and see with eyes, the number is now not great: it may be well, if in this
huge French Revolution itself, with its all−developing fury, we find some Three. Mortals driven rabid we find;
sputtering the acridest logic; baring their breast to the battle−hail, their neck to the guillotine; of whom it is so
painful to say that they too are still, in good part, manufactured Formalities, not Facts but Hearsays!
Honour to the strong man, in these ages, who has shaken himself loose of shams, and is something. For in the way
of being worthy, the first condition surely is that one be. Let Cant cease, at all risks and at all costs: till Cant
cease, nothing else can begin. Of human Criminals, in these centuries, writes the Moralist, I find but one
unforgivable: the Quack. 'Hateful to God,' as divine Dante sings, 'and to the Enemies of God,
'A Dio spiacente ed a' nemici sui!'
But whoever will, with sympathy, which is the first essential towards insight, look at this questionable Mirabeau,
may find that there lay verily in him, as the basis of all, a Sincerity, a great free Earnestness; nay call it Honesty,
for the man did before all things see, with that clear flashing vision, into what was, into what existed as fact; and
did, with his wild heart, follow that and no other. Whereby on what ways soever he travels and struggles, often
enough falling, he is still a brother man. Hate him not; thou canst not hate him! Shining through such soil and
tarnish, and now victorious effulgent, and oftenest struggling eclipsed, the light of genius itself is in this man;
which was never yet base and hateful: but at worst was lamentable, loveable with pity. They say that he was
ambitious, that he wanted to be Minister. It is most true; and was he not simply the one man in France who could
The French Revolution
180
The French Revolution
have done any good as Minister? Not vanity alone, not pride alone; far from that! Wild burstings of affection were
in this great heart; of fierce lightning, and soft dew of pity. So sunk, bemired in wretchedest defacements, it may
be said of him, like the Magdalen of old, that he loved much: his Father the harshest of old crabbed men he loved
with warmth, with veneration.
Be it that his falls and follies are manifold,−−as himself often lamented even with tears. (Dumont, p. 287.) Alas, is
not the Life of every such man already a poetic Tragedy; made up 'of Fate and of one's own Deservings,' of
Schicksal und eigene Schuld; full of the elements of Pity and Fear? This brother man, if not Epic for us, is Tragic;
if not great, is large; large in his qualities, world−large in his destinies. Whom other men, recognising him as
such, may, through long times, remember, and draw nigh to examine and consider: these, in their several dialects,
will say of him and sing of him,−−till the right thing be said; and so the Formula that can judge him be no longer
an undiscovered one.
Here then the wild Gabriel Honore drops from the tissue of our History; not without a tragic farewell. He is gone:
the flower of the wild Riquetti or Arrighetti kindred; which seems as if in him, with one last effort, it had done its
best, and then expired, or sunk down to the undistinguished level. Crabbed old Marquis Mirabeau, the Friend of
Men, sleeps sound. The Bailli Mirabeau, worthy uncle, will soon die forlorn, alone. Barrel−Mirabeau, already
gone across the Rhine, his Regiment of Emigrants will drive nigh desperate. 'Barrel−Mirabeau,' says a biographer
of his, 'went indignantly across the Rhine, and drilled Emigrant Regiments. But as he sat one morning in his tent,
sour of stomach doubtless and of heart, meditating in Tartarean humour on the turn things took, a certain Captain
or Subaltern demanded admittance on business. Such Captain is refused; he again demands, with refusal; and then
again, till Colonel Viscount Barrel− Mirabeau, blazing up into a mere burning brandy barrel, clutches his sword,
and tumbles out on this canaille of an intruder,−−alas, on the canaille of an intruder's sword's point, who had
drawn with swift dexterity; and dies, and the Newspapers name it apoplexy and alarming accident.' So die the
Mirabeaus.
New Mirabeaus one hears not of: the wild kindred, as we said, is gone out with this its greatest. As families and
kindreds sometimes do; producing, after long ages of unnoted notability, some living quintescence of all the
qualities they had, to flame forth as a man world−noted; after whom they rest as if exhausted; the sceptre passing
to others. The chosen Last of the Mirabeaus is gone; the chosen man of France is gone. It was he who shook old
France from its basis; and, as if with his single hand, has held it toppling there, still unfallen. What things
depended on that one man! He is as a ship suddenly shivered on sunk rocks: much swims on the waste waters, far
from help.
BOOK 2.IV. VARENNES
Chapter 2.4.I. Easter at Saint−Cloud.
The French Monarchy may now therefore be considered as, in all human probability, lost; as struggling
henceforth in blindness as well as weakness, the last light of reasonable guidance having gone out. What remains
of resources their poor Majesties will waste still further, in uncertain loitering and wavering. Mirabeau himself
had to complain that they only gave him half confidence, and always had some plan within his plan. Had they fled
frankly with him, to Rouen or anywhither, long ago! They may fly now with chance immeasurably lessened;
which will go on lessening towards absolute zero. Decide, O Queen; poor Louis can decide nothing: execute this
Flight−project, or at least abandon it. Correspondence with Bouille there has been enough; what profits
consulting, and hypothesis, while all around is in fierce activity of practice? The Rustic sits waiting till the river
run dry: alas with you it is not a common river, but a Nile Inundation; snow melting in the unseen mountains; till
all, and you where you sit, be submerged.
Many things invite to flight. The voice Journals invites; Royalist Journals proudly hinting it as a threat, Patriot
Journals rabidly denouncing it as a terror. Mother Society, waxing more and more emphatic, invites;−−so
The French Revolution
181
The French Revolution
emphatic that, as was prophesied, Lafayette and your limited Patriots have ere long to branch off from her, and
form themselves into Feuillans; with infinite public controversy; the victory in which, doubtful though it look,
will remain with the unlimited Mother. Moreover, ever since the Day of Poniards, we have seen unlimited
Patriotism openly equipping itself with arms. Citizens denied 'activity,' which is facetiously made to signify a
certain weight of purse, cannot buy blue uniforms, and be Guardsmen; but man is greater than blue cloth; man can
fight, if need be, in multiform cloth, or even almost without cloth−−as Sansculotte. So Pikes continued to be
hammered, whether those Dirks of improved structure with barbs be 'meant for the West−India market,' or not
meant. Men beat, the wrong way, their ploughshares into swords. Is there not what we may call an 'Austrian
Committee,' Comite Autrichein, sitting daily and nightly in the Tuileries? Patriotism, by vision and suspicion,
knows it too well! If the King fly, will there not be Aristocrat−Austrian Invasion; butchery, replacement of
Feudalism; wars more than civil? The hearts of men are saddened and maddened.
Dissident Priests likewise give trouble enough. Expelled from their Parish Churches, where Constitutional Priests,
elected by the Public, have replaced them, these unhappy persons resort to Convents of Nuns, or other such
receptacles; and there, on Sabbath, collecting assemblages of Anti− Constitutional individuals, who have grown
devout all on a sudden, (Toulongeon, i. 262.) they worship or pretend to worship in their strait− laced
contumacious manner; to the scandal of Patriotism. Dissident Priests, passing along with their sacred wafer for the
dying, seem wishful to be massacred in the streets; wherein Patriotism will not gratify them. Slighter palm of
martyrdom, however, shall not be denied: martyrdom not of massacre, yet of fustigation. At the refractory places
of worship, Patriot men appear; Patriot women with strong hazel wands, which they apply. Shut thy eyes, O
Reader; see not this misery, peculiar to these later times,−−of martyrdom without sincerity, with only cant and
contumacy! A dead Catholic Church is not allowed to lie dead; no, it is galvanised into the detestablest death−life;
whereat Humanity, we say, shuts its eyes. For the Patriot women take their hazel wands, and fustigate, amid
laughter of bystanders, with alacrity: broad bottom of Priests; alas, Nuns too reversed, and cotillons retrousses!
The National Guard does what it can: Municipality 'invokes the Principles of Toleration;' grants Dissident
worshippers the Church of the Theatins; promising protection. But it is to no purpose: at the door of that Theatins
Church, appears a Placard, and suspended atop, like Plebeian Consular fasces,−−a Bundle of Rods! The Principles
of Toleration must do the best they may: but no Dissident man shall worship contumaciously; there is a
Plebiscitum to that effect; which, though unspoken, is like the laws of the Medes and Persians. Dissident
contumacious Priests ought not to be harboured, even in private, by any man: the Club of the Cordeliers openly
denounces Majesty himself as doing it. (Newspapers of April and June, 1791 (in Hist. Parl. ix. 449; x, 217).)
Many things invite to flight: but probably this thing above all others, that it has become impossible! On the 15th
of April, notice is given that his Majesty, who has suffered much from catarrh lately, will enjoy the Spring
weather, for a few days, at Saint−Cloud. Out at Saint−Cloud? Wishing to celebrate his Easter, his Paques, or
Pasch, there; with refractory Anti−Constitutional Dissidents?−−Wishing rather to make off for Compiegne, and
thence to the Frontiers? As were, in good sooth, perhaps feasible, or would once have been; nothing but some two
chasseurs attending you; chasseurs easily corrupted! It is a pleasant possibility, execute it or not. Men say there
are thirty thousand Chevaliers of the Poniard lurking in the woods there: lurking in the woods, and thirty
thousand,−− for the human Imagination is not fettered. But now, how easily might these, dashing out on
Lafayette, snatch off the Hereditary Representative; and roll away with him, after the manner of a whirlblast,
whither they listed!−−Enough, it were well the King did not go. Lafayette is forewarned and forearmed: but,
indeed, is the risk his only; or his and all France's?
Monday the eighteenth of April is come; the Easter Journey to Saint−Cloud shall take effect. National Guard has
got its orders; a First Division, as Advanced Guard, has even marched, and probably arrived. His Majesty's
Maison−bouche, they say, is all busy stewing and frying at Saint−Cloud; the King's Dinner not far from ready
there. About one o'clock, the Royal Carriage, with its eight royal blacks, shoots stately into the Place du
Carrousel; draws up to receive its royal burden. But hark! From the neighbouring Church of Saint−Roch, the
tocsin begins ding−donging. Is the King stolen then; he is going; gone? Multitudes of persons crowd the
Carrousel: the Royal Carriage still stands there;−−and, by Heaven's strength, shall stand!
The French Revolution
182
The French Revolution
Lafayette comes up, with aide−de−camps and oratory; pervading the groups: "Taisez vous," answer the groups,
"the King shall not go." Monsieur appears, at an upper window: ten thousand voices bray and shriek, "Nous ne
voulons pas que le Roi parte." Their Majesties have mounted. Crack go the whips; but twenty Patriot arms have
seized each of the eight bridles: there is rearing, rocking, vociferation; not the smallest headway. In vain does
Lafayette fret, indignant; and perorate and strive: Patriots in the passion of terror, bellow round the Royal
Carriage; it is one bellowing sea of Patriot terror run frantic. Will Royalty fly off towards Austria; like a lit rocket,
towards endless Conflagration of Civil War? Stop it, ye Patriots, in the name of Heaven! Rude voices passionately
apostrophise Royalty itself. Usher Campan, and other the like official persons, pressing forward with help or
advice, are clutched by the sashes, and hurled and whirled, in a confused perilous manner; so that her Majesty has
to plead passionately from the carriage−window.
Order cannot be heard, cannot be followed; National Guards know not how to act. Centre Grenadiers, of the
Observatoire Battalion, are there; not on duty; alas, in quasi−mutiny; speaking rude disobedient words;
threatening the mounted Guards with sharp shot if they hurt the people. Lafayette mounts and dismounts; runs
haranguing, panting; on the verge of despair. For an hour and three−quarters; 'seven quarters of an hour,' by the
Tuileries Clock! Desperate Lafayette will open a passage, were it by the cannon's mouth, if his Majesty will order.
Their Majesties, counselled to it by Royalist friends, by Patriot foes, dismount; and retire in, with heavy indignant
heart; giving up the enterprise. Maison−bouche may eat that cooked dinner themselves; his Majesty shall not see
Saint−Cloud this day,−−or any day. (Deux Amis, vi. c. 1; Hist. Parl. ix. 407−14.)
The pathetic fable of imprisonment in one's own Palace has become a sad fact, then? Majesty complains to
Assembly; Municipality deliberates, proposes to petition or address; Sections respond with sullen brevity of
negation. Lafayette flings down his Commission; appears in civic pepper− and−salt frock; and cannot be flattered
back again;−−not in less than three days; and by unheard−of entreaty; National Guards kneeling to him, and
declaring that it is not sycophancy, that they are free men kneeling here to the Statue of Liberty. For the rest, those
Centre Grenadiers of the Observatoire are disbanded,−−yet indeed are reinlisted, all but fourteen, under a new
name, and with new quarters. The King must keep his Easter in Paris: meditating much on this singular posture of
things: but as good as determined now to fly from it, desire being whetted by difficulty.
Chapter 2.4.II. Easter at Paris.
For above a year, ever since March 1790, it would seem, there has hovered a project of Flight before the royal
mind; and ever and anon has been condensing itself into something like a purpose; but this or the other difficulty
always vaporised it again. It seems so full of risks, perhaps of civil war itself; above all, it cannot be done without
effort. Somnolent laziness will not serve: to fly, if not in a leather vache, one must verily stir himself. Better to
adopt that Constitution of theirs; execute it so as to shew all men that it is inexecutable? Better or not so good;
surely it is easier. To all difficulties you need only say, There is a lion in the path, behold your Constitution will
not act! For a somnolent person it requires no effort to counterfeit death,−−as Dame de Stael and Friends of
Liberty can see the King's Government long doing, faisant le mort.
Nay now, when desire whetted by difficulty has brought the matter to a head, and the royal mind no longer halts
between two, what can come of it? Grant that poor Louis were safe with Bouille, what on the whole could he look
for there? Exasperated Tickets of Entry answer, Much, all. But cold Reason answers, Little almost nothing. Is not
loyalty a law of Nature? ask the Tickets of Entry. Is not love of your King, and even death for him, the glory of all
Frenchmen,−−except these few Democrats? Let Democrat Constitution−builders see what they will do without
their Keystone; and France rend its hair, having lost the Hereditary Representative!
Thus will King Louis fly; one sees not reasonably towards what. As a maltreated Boy, shall we say, who, having a
Stepmother, rushes sulky into the wide world; and will wring the paternal heart?−−Poor Louis escapes from
known unsupportable evils, to an unknown mixture of good and evil, coloured by Hope. He goes, as Rabelais did
when dying, to seek a great May−be: je vais chercher un grand Peut−etre! As not only the sulky Boy but the wise
The French Revolution
183
The French Revolution
grown Man is obliged to do, so often, in emergencies.
For the rest, there is still no lack of stimulants, and stepdame maltreatments, to keep one's resolution at the due
pitch. Factious disturbance ceases not: as indeed how can they, unless authoritatively conjured, in a Revolt which
is by nature bottomless? If the ceasing of faction be the price of the King's somnolence, he may awake when he
will, and take wing.
Remark, in any case, what somersets and contortions a dead Catholicism is making,−−skilfully galvanised:
hideous, and even piteous, to behold! Jurant and Dissident, with their shaved crowns, argue frothing everywhere;
or are ceasing to argue, and stripping for battle. In Paris was scourging while need continued: contrariwise, in the
Morbihan of Brittany, without scourging, armed Peasants are up, roused by pulpit−drum, they know not why.
General Dumouriez, who has got missioned thitherward, finds all in sour heat of darkness; finds also that
explanation and conciliation will still do much. (Deux Amis, v. 410−21; Dumouriez, ii. c. 5.)
But again, consider this: that his Holiness, Pius Sixth, has seen good to excommunicate Bishop Talleyrand!
Surely, we will say then, considering it, there is no living or dead Church in the Earth that has not the
indubitablest right to excommunicate Talleyrand. Pope Pius has right and might, in his way. But truly so likewise
has Father Adam, ci−devant Marquis Saint−Huruge, in his way. Behold, therefore, on the Fourth of May, in the
Palais−Royal, a mixed loud−sounding multitude; in the middle of whom, Father Adam, bull−voiced
Saint−Huruge, in white hat, towers visible and audible. With him, it is said, walks Journalist Gorsas, walk many
others of the washed sort; for no authority will interfere. Pius Sixth, with his plush and tiara, and power of the
Keys, they bear aloft: of natural size,−−made of lath and combustible gum. Royou, the King's Friend, is borne too
in effigy; with a pile of Newspaper King's−Friends, condemned numbers of the Ami−du−Roi; fit fuel of the
sacrifice. Speeches are spoken; a judgment is held, a doom proclaimed, audible in bull−voice, towards the four
winds. And thus, amid great shouting, the holocaust is consummated, under the summer sky; and our
lath−and−gum Holiness, with the attendant victims, mounts up in flame, and sinks down in ashes; a decomposed
Pope: and right or might, among all the parties, has better or worse accomplished itself, as it could. (Hist. Parl. x.
99−102.) But, on the whole, reckoning from Martin Luther in the Marketplace of Wittenberg to Marquis
Saint−Huruge in this Palais−Royal of Paris, what a journey have we gone; into what strange territories has it
carried us! No Authority can now interfere. Nay Religion herself, mourning for such things, may after all ask,
What have I to do with them?
In such extraordinary manner does dead Catholicism somerset and caper, skilfully galvanised. For, does the
reader inquire into the subject−matter of controversy in this case; what the difference between Orthodoxy or My−
doxy and Heterodoxy or Thy−doxy might here be? My−doxy is that an august National Assembly can equalize
the extent of Bishopricks; that an equalized Bishop, his Creed and Formularies being left quite as they were, can
swear Fidelity to King, Law and Nation, and so become a Constitutional Bishop. Thy−doxy, if thou be Dissident,
is that he cannot; but that he must become an accursed thing. Human ill−nature needs but some Homoiousian iota,
or even the pretence of one; and will flow copiously through the eye of a needle: thus always must mortals go
jargoning and fuming,
And, like the ancient Stoics in their porches With fierce dispute maintain their churches.
This Auto−da−fe of Saint−Huruge's was on the Fourth of May, 1791. Royalty sees it; but says nothing.
Chapter 2.4.III. Count Fersen.
Royalty, in fact, should, by this time, be far on with its preparations. Unhappily much preparation is needful:
could a Hereditary Representative be carried in leather vache, how easy were it! But it is not so.
The French Revolution
184
The French Revolution
New clothes are needed, as usual, in all Epic transactions, were it in the grimmest iron ages; consider 'Queen
Chrimhilde, with her sixty semstresses,' in that iron Nibelungen Song! No Queen can stir without new clothes.
Therefore, now, Dame Campan whisks assiduous to this mantua−maker and to that: and there is clipping of frocks
and gowns, upper clothes and under, great and small; such a clipping and sewing, as might have been dispensed
with. Moreover, her Majesty cannot go a step anywhither without her Necessaire; dear Necessaire, of inlaid ivory
and rosewood; cunningly devised; which holds perfumes, toilet−implements, infinite small queenlike furnitures:
Necessary to terrestrial life. Not without a cost of some five hundred louis, of much precious time, and difficult
hoodwinking which does not blind, can this same Necessary of life be forwarded by the Flanders
Carriers,−−never to get to hand. (Campan, ii. c. 18.) All which, you would say, augurs ill for the prospering of the
enterprise. But the whims of women and queens must be humoured.
Bouille, on his side, is making a fortified Camp at Montmedi; gathering Royal−Allemand, and all manner of other
German and true French Troops thither, 'to watch the Austrians.' His Majesty will not cross the Frontiers, unless
on compulsion. Neither shall the Emigrants be much employed, hateful as they are to all people. (Bouille,
Memoires, ii. c. 10.) Nor shall old war−god Broglie have any hand in the business; but solely our brave Bouille;
to whom, on the day of meeting, a Marshal's Baton shall be delivered, by a rescued King, amid the shouting of all
the troops. In the meanwhile, Paris being so suspicious, were it not perhaps good to write your Foreign
Ambassadors an ostensible Constitutional Letter; desiring all Kings and men to take heed that King Louis loves
the Constitution, that he has voluntarily sworn, and does again swear, to maintain the same, and will reckon those
his enemies who affect to say otherwise? Such a Constitutional circular is despatched by Couriers, is
communicated confidentially to the Assembly, and printed in all Newspapers; with the finest effect. (Moniteur,
Seance du 23 Avril, 1791.) Simulation and dissimulation mingle extensively in human affairs.
We observe, however, that Count Fersen is often using his Ticket of Entry; which surely he has clear right to do.
A gallant Soldier and Swede, devoted to this fair Queen;−−as indeed the Highest Swede now is. Has not King
Gustav, famed fiery Chevalier du Nord, sworn himself, by the old laws of chivalry, her Knight? He will descend
on fire−wings, of Swedish musketry, and deliver her from these foul dragons,−−if, alas, the assassin's pistol
intervene not!
But, in fact, Count Fersen does seem a likely young soldier, of alert decisive ways: he circulates widely, seen,
unseen; and has business on hand. Also Colonel the Duke de Choiseul, nephew of Choiseul the great, of Choiseul
the now deceased; he and Engineer Goguelat are passing and repassing between Metz and the Tuileries; and
Letters go in cipher,−−one of them, a most important one, hard to decipher; Fersen having ciphered it in haste.
(Choiseul, Relation du Depart de Louis XVI. (Paris, 1822), p. 39.) As for Duke de Villequier, he is gone ever
since the Day of Poniards; but his Apartment is useful for her Majesty.
On the other side, poor Commandment Gouvion, watching at the Tuileries, second in National Command, sees
several things hard to interpret. It is the same Gouvion who sat, long months ago, at the Townhall, gazing helpless
into that Insurrection of Women; motionless, as the brave stabled steed when conflagration rises, till Usher
Maillard snatched his drum. Sincerer Patriot there is not; but many a shiftier. He, if Dame Campan gossip
credibly, is paying some similitude of love−court to a certain false Chambermaid of the Palace, who betrays much
to him: the Necessaire, the clothes, the packing of the jewels, (Campan, ii. 141.)−−could he understand it when
betrayed. Helpless Gouvion gazes with sincere glassy eyes into it; stirs up his sentries to vigilence; walks restless
to and fro; and hopes the best.
But, on the whole, one finds that, in the second week of June, Colonel de Choiseul is privately in Paris; having
come 'to see his children.' Also that Fersen has got a stupendous new Coach built, of the kind named Berline;
done by the first artists; according to a model: they bring it home to him, in Choiseul's presence; the two friends
take a proof−drive in it, along the streets; in meditative mood; then send it up to 'Madame Sullivan's, in the Rue
de Clichy,' far North, to wait there till wanted. Apparently a certain Russian Baroness de Korff, with
Waiting−woman, Valet, and two Children, will travel homewards with some state: in whom these young military
The French Revolution
185
The French Revolution
gentlemen take interest? A Passport has been procured for her; and much assistance shewn, with Coach−builders
and such like;−−so helpful polite are young military men. Fersen has likewise purchased a Chaise fit for two, at
least for two waiting−maids; further, certain necessary horses: one would say, he is himself quitting France, not
without outlay? We observe finally that their Majesties, Heaven willing, will assist at Corpus−Christi Day, this
blessed Summer Solstice, in Assumption Church, here at Paris, to the joy of all the world. For which same day,
moreover, brave Bouille, at Metz, as we find, has invited a party of friends to dinner; but indeed is gone from
home, in the interim, over to Montmedi.
These are of the Phenomena, or visual Appearances, of this wide−working terrestrial world: which truly is all
phenomenal, what they call spectral; and never rests at any moment; one never at any moment can know why.
On Monday night, the Twentieth of June 1791, about eleven o'clock, there is many a hackney−coach, and
glass−coach (carrosse de remise), still rumbling, or at rest, on the streets of Paris. But of all Glass−coaches, we
recommend this to thee, O Reader, which stands drawn up, in the Rue de l'Echelle, hard by the Carrousel and
outgate of the Tuileries; in the Rue de l'Echelle that then was; 'opposite Ronsin the saddler's door,' as if waiting
for a fare there! Not long does it wait: a hooded Dame, with two hooded Children has issued from Villequier's
door, where no sentry walks, into the Tuileries Court−of−Princes; into the Carrousel; into the Rue de l'Echelle;
where the Glass−coachman readily admits them; and again waits. Not long; another Dame, likewise hooded or
shrouded, leaning on a servant, issues in the same manner, by the Glass−coachman, cheerfully admitted. Whither
go, so many Dames? 'Tis His Majesty's Couchee, Majesty just gone to bed, and all the Palace−world is retiring
home. But the Glass−coachman still waits; his fare seemingly incomplete.
By and by, we note a thickset Individual, in round hat and peruke, arm−and− arm with some servant, seemingly of
the Runner or Courier sort; he also issues through Villequier's door; starts a shoebuckle as he passes one of the
sentries, stoops down to clasp it again; is however, by the Glass− coachman, still more cheerfully admitted. And
now, is his fare complete? Not yet; the Glass−coachman still waits.−−Alas! and the false Chambermaid has
warned Gouvion that she thinks the Royal Family will fly this very night; and Gouvion distrusting his own glazed
eyes, has sent express for Lafayette; and Lafayette's Carriage, flaring with lights, rolls this moment through the
inner Arch of the Carrousel,−−where a Lady shaded in broad gypsy−hat, and leaning on the arm of a servant, also
of the Runner or Courier sort, stands aside to let it pass, and has even the whim to touch a spoke of it with her
badine,−−light little magic rod which she calls badine, such as the Beautiful then wore. The flare of Lafayette's
Carriage, rolls past: all is found quiet in the Court−of−Princes; sentries at their post; Majesties' Apartments closed
in smooth rest. Your false Chambermaid must have been mistaken? Watch thou, Gouvion, with Argus' vigilance;
for, of a truth, treachery is within these walls.
But where is the Lady that stood aside in gypsy hat, and touched the wheel− spoke with her badine? O Reader,
that Lady that touched the wheel−spoke was the Queen of France! She has issued safe through that inner Arch,
into the Carrousel itself; but not into the Rue de l'Echelle. Flurried by the rattle and rencounter, she took the right
hand not the left; neither she nor her Courier knows Paris; he indeed is no Courier, but a loyal stupid ci−devant
Bodyguard disguised as one. They are off, quite wrong, over the Pont Royal and River; roaming disconsolate in
the Rue du Bac; far from the Glass−coachman, who still waits. Waits, with flutter of heart; with thoughts−−which
he must button close up, under his jarvie surtout!
Midnight clangs from all the City−steeples; one precious hour has been spent so; most mortals are asleep. The
Glass−coachman waits; and what mood! A brother jarvie drives up, enters into conversation; is answered
cheerfully in jarvie dialect: the brothers of the whip exchange a pinch of snuff; (Weber, ii. 340−2; Choiseul, p.
44−56.) decline drinking together; and part with good night. Be the Heavens blest! here at length is the
Queen−lady, in gypsy−hat; safe after perils; who has had to inquire her way. She too is admitted; her Courier
jumps aloft, as the other, who is also a disguised Bodyguard, has done: and now, O Glass−coachman of a
thousand,−−Count Fersen, for the Reader sees it is thou,−−drive!
The French Revolution
186
The French Revolution
Dust shall not stick to the hoofs of Fersen: crack! crack! the Glass−coach rattles, and every soul breathes lighter.
But is Fersen on the right road? Northeastward, to the Barrier of Saint−Martin and Metz Highway, thither were
we bound: and lo, he drives right Northward! The royal Individual, in round hat and peruke, sits astonished; but
right or wrong, there is no remedy. Crack, crack, we go incessant, through the slumbering City. Seldom, since
Paris rose out of mud, or the Longhaired Kings went in Bullock−carts, was there such a drive. Mortals on each
hand of you, close by, stretched out horizontal, dormant; and we alive and quaking! Crack, crack, through the Rue
de Grammont; across the Boulevard; up the Rue de la Chaussee d'Antin,−−these windows, all silent, of Number
42, were Mirabeau's. Towards the Barrier not of Saint−Martin, but of Clichy on the utmost North! Patience, ye
royal Individuals; Fersen understands what he is about. Passing up the Rue de Clichy, he alights for one moment
at Madame Sullivan's: "Did Count Fersen's Coachman get the Baroness de Korff's new Berline?"−−"Gone with it
an hour−and−half ago," grumbles responsive the drowsy Porter.−−"C'est bien." Yes, it is well;−−though had not
such hour−and half been lost, it were still better. Forth therefore, O Fersen, fast, by the Barrier de Clichy; then
Eastward along the Outward Boulevard, what horses and whipcord can do!
Thus Fersen drives, through the ambrosial night. Sleeping Paris is now all on the right hand of him; silent except
for some snoring hum; and now he is Eastward as far as the Barrier de Saint−Martin; looking earnestly for
Baroness de Korff's Berline. This Heaven's Berline he at length does descry, drawn up with its six horses, his own
German Coachman waiting on the box. Right, thou good German: now haste, whither thou knowest!−−And as for
us of the Glass−coach, haste too, O haste; much time is already lost! The august Glass−coach fare, six Insides,
hastily packs itself into the new Berline; two Bodyguard Couriers behind. The Glass−coach itself is turned adrift,
its head towards the City; to wander whither it lists,−−and be found next morning tumbled in a ditch. But Fersen
is on the new box, with its brave new hammer−cloths; flourishing his whip; he bolts forward towards Bondy.
There a third and final Bodyguard Courier of ours ought surely to be, with post−horses ready−ordered. There
likewise ought that purchased Chaise, with the two Waiting−maids and their bandboxes to be; whom also her
Majesty could not travel without. Swift, thou deft Fersen, and may the Heavens turn it well!
Once more, by Heaven's blessing, it is all well. Here is the sleeping Hamlet of Bondy; Chaise with
Waiting−women; horses all ready, and postillions with their churn−boots, impatient in the dewy dawn. Brief
harnessing done, the postillions with their churn−boots vault into the saddles; brandish circularly their little noisy
whips. Fersen, under his jarvie−surtout, bends in lowly silent reverence of adieu; royal hands wave speechless in
expressible response; Baroness de Korff's Berline, with the Royalty of France, bounds off: for ever, as it proved.
Deft Fersen dashes obliquely Northward, through the country, towards Bougret; gains Bougret, finds his German
Coachman and chariot waiting there; cracks off, and drives undiscovered into unknown space. A deft active man,
we say; what he undertook to do is nimbly and successfully done.
A so the Royalty of France is actually fled? This precious night, the shortest of the year, it flies and drives!
Baroness de Korff is, at bottom, Dame de Tourzel, Governess of the Royal Children: she who came hooded with
the two hooded little ones; little Dauphin; little Madame Royale, known long afterwards as Duchess
d'Angouleme. Baroness de Korff's Waiting−maid is the Queen in gypsy−hat. The royal Individual in round hat
and peruke, he is Valet, for the time being. That other hooded Dame, styled Travelling−companion, is kind Sister
Elizabeth; she had sworn, long since, when the Insurrection of Women was, that only death should part her and
them. And so they rush there, not too impetuously, through the Wood of Bondy:−−over a Rubicon in their own
and France's History.
Great; though the future is all vague! If we reach Bouille? If we do not reach him? O Louis! and this all round
thee is the great slumbering Earth (and overhead, the great watchful Heaven); the slumbering Wood of Bondy,−−
where Longhaired Childeric Donothing was struck through with iron; (Henault, Abrege Chronologique, p. 36.)
not unreasonably. These peaked stone−towers are Raincy; towers of wicked d'Orleans. All slumbers save the
multiplex rustle of our new Berline. Loose−skirted scarecrow of an Herb− merchant, with his ass and early
greens, toilsomely plodding, seems the only creature we meet. But right ahead the great North−East sends up
evermore his gray brindled dawn: from dewy branch, birds here and there, with short deep warble, salute the
The French Revolution
187
The French Revolution
coming Sun. Stars fade out, and Galaxies; Street−lamps of the City of God. The Universe, O my brothers, is
flinging wide its portals for the Levee of the GREAT HIGH KING. Thou, poor King Louis, farest nevertheless, as
mortals do, towards Orient lands of Hope; and the Tuileries with its Levees, and France and the Earth itself, is but
a larger kind of doghutch,−−occasionally going rabid.
Chapter 2.4.IV. Attitude.
But in Paris, at six in the morning; when some Patriot Deputy, warned by a billet, awoke Lafayette, and they went
to the Tuileries?−−Imagination may paint, but words cannot, the surprise of Lafayette; or with what bewilderment
helpless Gouvion rolled glassy Argus's eyes, discerning now that his false Chambermaid told true!
However, it is to be recorded that Paris, thanks to an august National Assembly, did, on this seeming doomsday,
surpass itself. Never, according to Historian eye−witnesses, was there seen such an 'imposing attitude.' (Deux
Amis, vi. 67−178; Toulongeon, ii. 1−38; Camille, Prudhomme and Editors (in Hist. Parl. x. 240−4.) Sections all
'in permanence;' our Townhall, too, having first, about ten o'clock, fired three solemn alarm− cannons: above all,
our National Assembly! National Assembly, likewise permanent, decides what is needful; with unanimous
consent, for the Cote Droit sits dumb, afraid of the Lanterne. Decides with a calm promptitude, which rises
towards the sublime. One must needs vote, for the thing is self−evident, that his Majesty has been abducted, or
spirited away, 'enleve,' by some person or persons unknown: in which case, what will the Constitution have us
do? Let us return to first principles, as we always say; "revenons aux principes."
By first or by second principles, much is promptly decided: Ministers are sent for, instructed how to continue their
functions; Lafayette is examined; and Gouvion, who gives a most helpless account, the best he can. Letters are
found written: one Letter, of immense magnitude; all in his Majesty's hand, and evidently of his Majesty's own
composition; addressed to the National Assembly. It details, with earnestness, with a childlike simplicity, what
woes his Majesty has suffered. Woes great and small: A Necker seen applauded, a Majesty not; then insurrection;
want of due cash in Civil List; general want of cash, furniture and order; anarchy everywhere; Deficit never yet, in
the smallest, 'choked or comble:'−− wherefore in brief His Majesty has retired towards a Place of Liberty; and,
leaving Sanctions, Federation, and what Oaths there may be, to shift for themselves, does now refer−−to what,
thinks an august Assembly? To that 'Declaration of the Twenty−third of June,' with its "Seul il fera, He alone will
make his People happy." As if that were not buried, deep enough, under two irrevocable Twelvemonths, and the
wreck and rubbish of a whole Feudal World! This strange autograph Letter the National Assembly decides on
printing; on transmitting to the Eighty−three Departments, with exegetic commentary, short but pithy.
Commissioners also shall go forth on all sides; the People be exhorted; the Armies be increased; care taken that
the Commonweal suffer no damage.−−And now, with a sublime air of calmness, nay of indifference, we 'pass to
the order of the day!'
By such sublime calmness, the terror of the People is calmed. These gleaming Pike forests, which bristled fateful
in the early sun, disappear again; the far−sounding Street−orators cease, or spout milder. We are to have a civil
war; let us have it then. The King is gone; but National Assembly, but France and we remain. The People also
takes a great attitude; the People also is calm; motionless as a couchant lion. With but a few broolings, some
waggings of the tail; to shew what it will do! Cazales, for instance, was beset by street−groups, and cries of
Lanterne; but National Patrols easily delivered him. Likewise all King's effigies and statues, at least stucco ones,
get abolished. Even King's names; the word Roi fades suddenly out of all shop−signs; the Royal Bengal Tiger
itself, on the Boulevards, becomes the National Bengal one, Tigre National. (Walpoliana.)
How great is a calm couchant People! On the morrow, men will say to one another: "We have no King, yet we
slept sound enough." On the morrow, fervent Achille de Chatelet, and Thomas Paine the rebellious Needleman,
shall have the walls of Paris profusely plastered with their Placard; announcing that there must be a Republic!
(Dumont,c. 16.)−−Need we add that Lafayette too, though at first menaced by Pikes, has taken a great attitude, or
indeed the greatest of all? Scouts and Aides−de−camp fly forth, vague, in quest and pursuit; young Romoeuf
The French Revolution
188
The French Revolution
towards Valenciennes, though with small hope.
Thus Paris; sublimely calmed, in its bereavement. But from the Messageries Royales, in all Mail−bags, radiates
forth far−darting the electric news: Our Hereditary Representative is flown. Laugh, black Royalists: yet be it in
your sleeve only; lest Patriotism notice, and waxing frantic, lower the Lanterne! In Paris alone is a sublime
National Assembly with its calmness; truly, other places must take it as they can: with open mouth and eyes; with
panic cackling, with wrath, with conjecture. How each one of those dull leathern Diligences, with its leathern bag
and 'The King is fled,' furrows up smooth France as it goes; through town and hamlet, ruffles the smooth public
mind into quivering agitation of death−terror; then lumbers on, as if nothing had happened! Along all highways;
towards the utmost borders; till all France is ruffled,−−roughened up (metaphorically speaking) into one
enormous, desperate−minded, red−guggling Turkey Cock!
For example, it is under cloud of night that the leathern Monster reaches Nantes; deep sunk in sleep. The word
spoken rouses all Patriot men: General Dumouriez, enveloped in roquelaures, has to descend from his bedroom;
finds the street covered with 'four or five thousand citizens in their shirts.' (Dumouriez, Memoires, ii. 109.) Here
and there a faint farthing rushlight, hastily kindled; and so many swart−featured haggard faces, with nightcaps
pushed back; and the more or less flowing drapery of night−shirt: open−mouthed till the General say his word!
And overhead, as always, the Great Bear is turning so quiet round Bootes; steady, indifferent as the leathern
Diligence itself. Take comfort, ye men of Nantes: Bootes and the steady Bear are turning; ancient Atlantic still
sends his brine, loud−billowing, up your Loire−stream; brandy shall be hot in the stomach: this is not the Last of
the Days, but one before the Last.−−The fools! If they knew what was doing, in these very instants, also by
candle−light, in the far North−East!
Perhaps we may say the most terrified man in Paris or France is−−who thinks the Reader?−−seagreen
Robespierre. Double paleness, with the shadow of gibbets and halters, overcasts the seagreen features: it is too
clear to him that there is to be 'a Saint−Bartholomew of Patriots,' that in four− and−twenty hours he will not be in
life. These horrid anticipations of the soul he is heard uttering at Petion's; by a notable witness. By Madame
Roland, namely; her whom we saw, last year, radiant at the Lyons Federation! These four months, the Rolands
have been in Paris; arranging with Assembly Committees the Municipal affairs of Lyons, affairs all sunk in
debt;−−communing, the while, as was most natural, with the best Patriots to be found here, with our Brissots,
Petions, Buzots, Robespierres; who were wont to come to us, says the fair Hostess, four evenings in the week.
They, running about, busier than ever this day, would fain have comforted the seagreen man: spake of Achille du
Chatelet's Placard; of a Journal to be called The Republican; of preparing men's minds for a Republic. "A
Republic?" said the Seagreen, with one of his dry husky unsportful laughs, "What is that?" (Madame Roland, ii.
70.) O seagreen Incorruptible, thou shalt see!
Chapter 2.4.V. The New Berline.
But scouts all this while and aide−de−camps, have flown forth faster than the leathern Diligences. Young
Romoeuf, as we said, was off early towards Valenciennes: distracted Villagers seize him, as a traitor with a finger
of his own in the plot; drag him back to the Townhall; to the National Assembly, which speedily grants a new
passport. Nay now, that same scarecrow of an Herb−merchant with his ass has bethought him of the grand new
Berline seen in the Wood of Bondy; and delivered evidence of it: (Moniteur, (in Hist. Parl. x. 244−313.)
Romoeuf, furnished with new passport, is sent forth with double speed on a hopefuller track; by Bondy, Claye,
and Chalons, towards Metz, to track the new Berline; and gallops a franc etrier.
Miserable new Berline! Why could not Royalty go in some old Berline similar to that of other men? Flying for
life, one does not stickle about his vehicle. Monsieur, in a commonplace travelling−carriage is off Northwards;
Madame, his Princess, in another, with variation of route: they cross one another while changing horses, without
look of recognition; and reach Flanders, no man questioning them. Precisely in the same manner, beautiful
Princess de Lamballe set off, about the same hour; and will reach England safe:−−would she had continued there!
The French Revolution
189
The French Revolution
The beautiful, the good, but the unfortunate; reserved for a frightful end!
All runs along, unmolested, speedy, except only the new Berline. Huge leathern vehicle;−−huge Argosy, let us
say, or Acapulco−ship; with its heavy stern−boat of Chaise−and−pair; with its three yellow Pilot−boats of
mounted Bodyguard Couriers, rocking aimless round it and ahead of it, to bewilder, not to guide! It lumbers
along, lurchingly with stress, at a snail's pace; noted of all the world. The Bodyguard Couriers, in their yellow
liveries, go prancing and clattering; loyal but stupid; unacquainted with all things. Stoppages occur; and breakages
to be repaired at Etoges. King Louis too will dismount, will walk up hills, and enjoy the blessed sunshine:−−with
eleven horses and double drink money, and all furtherances of Nature and Art, it will be found that Royalty,
flying for life, accomplishes Sixty−nine miles in Twenty−two incessant hours. Slow Royalty! And yet not a
minute of these hours but is precious: on minutes hang the destinies of Royalty now.
Readers, therefore, can judge in what humour Duke de Choiseul might stand waiting, in the Village of
Pont−de−Sommevelle, some leagues beyond Chalons, hour after hour, now when the day bends visibly westward.
Choiseul drove out of Paris, in all privity, ten hours before their Majesties' fixed time; his Hussars, led by
Engineer Goguelat, are here duly, come 'to escort a Treasure that is expected:' but, hour after hour, is no Baroness
de Korff's Berline. Indeed, over all that North−east Region, on the skirts of Champagne and of Lorraine, where
the Great Road runs, the agitation is considerable. For all along, from this Pont−de−Sommevelle Northeastward
as far as Montmedi, at Post−villages and Towns, escorts of Hussars and Dragoons do lounge waiting: a train or
chain of Military Escorts; at the Montmedi end of it our brave Bouille: an electric thunder−chain; which the
invisible Bouille, like a Father Jove, holds in his hand−−for wise purposes! Brave Bouille has done what man
could; has spread out his electric thunder−chain of Military Escorts, onwards to the threshold of Chalons: it waits
but for the new Korff Berline; to receive it, escort it, and, if need be, bear it off in whirlwind of military fire. They
lie and lounge there, we say, these fierce Troopers; from Montmedi and Stenai, through Clermont,
Sainte−Menehould to utmost Pont−de−Sommevelle, in all Post−villages; for the route shall avoid Verdun and
great Towns: they loiter impatient 'till the Treasure arrive.'
Judge what a day this is for brave Bouille: perhaps the first day of a new glorious life; surely the last day of the
old! Also, and indeed still more, what a day, beautiful and terrible, for your young full−blooded Captains: your
Dandoins, Comte de Damas, Duke de Choiseul, Engineer Goguelat, and the like; entrusted with the
secret!−−Alas, the day bends ever more westward; and no Korff Berline comes to sight. It is four hours beyond
the time, and still no Berline. In all Village−streets, Royalist Captains go lounging, looking often Paris−ward;
with face of unconcern, with heart full of black care: rigorous Quartermasters can hardly keep the private
dragoons from cafes and dramshops. (Declaration du Sieur La Gache du Regiment Royal−Dragoons (in Choiseul,
pp. 125−39.) Dawn on our bewilderment, thou new Berline; dawn on us, thou Sun−chariot of a new Berline, with
the destinies of France!
It was of His Majesty's ordering, this military array of Escorts: a thing solacing the Royal imagination with a look
of security and rescue; yet, in reality, creating only alarm, and where there was otherwise no danger, danger
without end. For each Patriot, in these Post−villages, asks naturally: This clatter of cavalry, and marching and
lounging of troops, what means it? To escort a Treasure? Why escort, when no Patriot will steal from the Nation;
or where is your Treasure?−−There has been such marching and counter−marching: for it is another fatality, that
certain of these Military Escorts came out so early as yesterday; the Nineteenth not the Twentieth of the month
being the day first appointed, which her Majesty, for some necessity or other, saw good to alter. And now
consider the suspicious nature of Patriotism; suspicious, above all, of Bouille the Aristocrat; and how the sour
doubting humour has had leave to accumulate and exacerbate for four−and−twenty hours!
At Pont−de−Sommevelle, these Forty foreign Hussars of Goguelat and Duke Choiseul are becoming an
unspeakable mystery to all men. They lounged long enough, already, at Sainte−Menehould; lounged and loitered
till our National Volunteers there, all risen into hot wrath of doubt, 'demanded three hundred fusils of their
Townhall,' and got them. At which same moment too, as it chanced, our Captain Dandoins was just coming in,
The French Revolution
190
The French Revolution
from Clermont with his troop, at the other end of the Village. A fresh troop; alarming enough; though happily
they are only Dragoons and French! So that Goguelat with his Hussars had to ride, and even to do it fast; till here
at Pont−de−Sommevelle, where Choiseul lay waiting, he found resting−place. Resting−place, as on burning
marle. For the rumour of him flies abroad; and men run to and fro in fright and anger: Chalons sends forth
exploratory pickets, coming from Sainte−Menehould, on that. What is it, ye whiskered Hussars, men of foreign
guttural speech; in the name of Heaven, what is it that brings you? A Treasure?−−exploratory pickets shake their
heads. The hungry Peasants, however, know too well what Treasure it is: Military seizure for rents, feudalities;
which no Bailiff could make us pay! This they know;−−and set to jingling their Parish−bell by way of tocsin; with
rapid effect! Choiseul and Goguelat, if the whole country is not to take fire, must needs, be there Berline, be there
no Berline, saddle and ride.
They mount; and this Parish tocsin happily ceases. They ride slowly Eastward, towards Sainte−Menehould; still
hoping the Sun−Chariot of a Berline may overtake them. Ah me, no Berline! And near now is that
Sainte−Menehould, which expelled us in the morning, with its 'three hundred National fusils;' which looks, belike,
not too lovingly on Captain Dandoins and his fresh Dragoons, though only French;−−which, in a word, one dare
not enter the second time, under pain of explosion! With rather heavy heart, our Hussar Party strikes off to the
left; through byways, through pathless hills and woods, they, avoiding Sainte−Menehould and all places which
have seen them heretofore, will make direct for the distant Village of Varennes. It is probable they will have a
rough evening−ride.
This first military post, therefore, in the long thunder−chain, has gone off with no effect; or with worse, and your
chain threatens to entangle itself!−−The Great Road, however, is got hushed again into a kind of quietude, though
one of the wakefullest. Indolent Dragoons cannot, by any Quartermaster, be kept altogether from the dramshop;
where Patriots drink, and will even treat, eager enough for news. Captains, in a state near distraction, beat the
dusky highway, with a face of indifference; and no Sun−Chariot appears. Why lingers it? Incredible, that with
eleven horses and such yellow Couriers and furtherances, its rate should be under the weightiest dray−rate, some
three miles an hour! Alas, one knows not whether it ever even got out of Paris;−−and yet also one knows not
whether, this very moment, it is not at the Village−end! One's heart flutters on the verge of unutterabilities.
Chapter 2.4.VI. Old−Dragoon Drouet.
In this manner, however, has the Day bent downwards. Wearied mortals are creeping home from their
field−labour; the village−artisan eats with relish his supper of herbs, or has strolled forth to the village−street for a
sweet mouthful of air and human news. Still summer−eventide everywhere! The great Sun hangs flaming on the
utmost North−West; for it is his longest day this year. The hill−tops rejoicing will ere long be at their ruddiest,
and blush Good−night. The thrush, in green dells, on long−shadowed leafy spray, pours gushing his glad
serenade, to the babble of brooks grown audibler; silence is stealing over the Earth. Your dusty Mill of Valmy, as
all other mills and drudgeries, may furl its canvass, and cease swashing and circling. The swenkt grinders in this
Treadmill of an Earth have ground out another Day; and lounge there, as we say, in village−groups; movable, or
ranked on social stone−seats; (Rapport de M. Remy (in Choiseul, p. 143.) their children, mischievous imps,
sporting about their feet. Unnotable hum of sweet human gossip rises from this Village of Sainte− Menehould, as
from all other villages. Gossip mostly sweet, unnotable; for the very Dragoons are French and gallant; nor as yet
has the Paris−and− Verdun Diligence, with its leathern bag, rumbled in, to terrify the minds of men.
One figure nevertheless we do note at the last door of the Village: that figure in loose−flowing nightgown, of Jean
Baptiste Drouet, Master of the Post here. An acrid choleric man, rather dangerous−looking; still in the prime of
life, though he has served, in his time as a Conde Dragoon. This day from an early hour, Drouet got his choler
stirred, and has been kept fretting. Hussar Goguelat in the morning saw good, by way of thrift, to bargain with his
own Innkeeper, not with Drouet regular Maitre de Poste, about some gig−horse for the sending back of his gig;
which thing Drouet perceiving came over in red ire, menacing the Inn−keeper, and would not be appeased.
Wholly an unsatisfactory day. For Drouet is an acrid Patriot too, was at the Paris Feast of Pikes: and what do these
The French Revolution
191
The French Revolution
Bouille Soldiers mean? Hussars, with their gig, and a vengeance to it!−−have hardly been thrust out, when
Dandoins and his fresh Dragoons arrive from Clermont, and stroll. For what purpose? Choleric Drouet steps out
and steps in, with long−flowing nightgown; looking abroad, with that sharpness of faculty which stirred choler
gives to man.
On the other hand, mark Captain Dandoins on the street of that same Village; sauntering with a face of
indifference, a heart eaten of black care! For no Korff Berline makes its appearance. The great Sun flames broader
towards setting: one's heart flutters on the verge of dread unutterabilities.
By Heaven! Here is the yellow Bodyguard Courier; spurring fast, in the ruddy evening light! Steady, O Dandoins,
stand with inscrutable indifferent face; though the yellow blockhead spurs past the Post−house; inquires to find it;
and stirs the Village, all delighted with his fine livery.−−Lumbering along with its mountains of bandboxes, and
Chaise behind, the Korff Berline rolls in; huge Acapulco−ship with its Cockboat, having got thus far. The eyes of
the Villagers look enlightened, as such eyes do when a coach−transit, which is an event, occurs for them. Strolling
Dragoons respectfully, so fine are the yellow liveries, bring hand to helmet; and a lady in gipsy−hat responds with
a grace peculiar to her. (Declaration de la Gache (in Choiseul ubi supra.) Dandoins stands with folded arms, and
what look of indifference and disdainful garrison−air a man can, while the heart is like leaping out of him. Curled
disdainful moustachio; careless glance,−−which however surveys the Village−groups, and does not like them.
With his eye he bespeaks the yellow Courier. Be quick, be quick! Thick−headed Yellow cannot understand the
eye; comes up mumbling, to ask in words: seen of the Village!
Nor is Post−master Drouet unobservant, all this while; but steps out and steps in, with his long−flowing
nightgown, in the level sunlight; prying into several things. When a man's faculties, at the right time, are
sharpened by choler, it may lead to much. That Lady in slouched gypsy−hat, though sitting back in the Carriage,
does she not resemble some one we have seen, some time;−−at the Feast of Pikes, or elsewhere? And this
Grosse− Tete in round hat and peruke, which, looking rearward, pokes itself out from time to time, methinks there
are features in it−−? Quick, Sieur Guillaume, Clerk of the Directoire, bring me a new Assignat! Drouet scans the
new Assignat; compares the Paper−money Picture with the Gross−Head in round hat there: by Day and Night!
you might say the one was an attempted Engraving of the other. And this march of Troops; this sauntering and
whispering,−−I see it!
Drouet Post−master of this Village, hot Patriot, Old Dragoon of Conde, consider, therefore, what thou wilt do.
And fast: for behold the new Berline, expeditiously yoked, cracks whipcord, and rolls away!−−Drouet dare not,
on the spur of the instant, clutch the bridles in his own two hands; Dandoins, with broadsword, might hew you
off. Our poor Nationals, not one of them here, have three hundred fusils but then no powder; besides one is not
sure, only morally−certain. Drouet, as an adroit Old−Dragoon of Conde does what is advisablest: privily bespeaks
Clerk Guillaume, Old−Dragoon of Conde he too; privily, while Clerk Guillaume is saddling two of the fleetest
horses, slips over to the Townhall to whisper a word; then mounts with Clerk Guillaume; and the two bound
eastward in pursuit, to see what can be done.
They bound eastward, in sharp trot; their moral−certainty permeating the Village, from the Townhall outwards, in
busy whispers. Alas! Captain Dandoins orders his Dragoons to mount; but they, complaining of long fast, demand
bread−and−cheese first;−−before which brief repast can be eaten, the whole Village is permeated; not whispering
now, but blustering and shrieking! National Volunteers, in hurried muster, shriek for gunpowder; Dragoons halt
between Patriotism and Rule of the Service, between bread and cheese and fixed bayonets: Dandoins hands
secretly his Pocket−book, with its secret despatches, to the rigorous Quartermaster: the very Ostlers have
stable−forks and flails. The rigorous Quartermaster, half−saddled, cuts out his way with the sword's edge, amid
levelled bayonets, amid Patriot vociferations, adjurations, flail−strokes; and rides frantic; (Declaration de La
Gache (in Choiseul), p. 134.)−−few or even none following him; the rest, so sweetly constrained consenting to
stay there.
The French Revolution
192
The French Revolution
And thus the new Berline rolls; and Drouet and Guillaume gallop after it, and Dandoins's Troopers or Trooper
gallops after them; and Sainte− Menehould, with some leagues of the King's Highway, is in explosion;−−and your
Military thunder−chain has gone off in a self−destructive manner; one may fear with the frightfullest issues!
Chapter 2.4.VII. The Night of Spurs.
This comes of mysterious Escorts, and a new Berline with eleven horses: 'he that has a secret should not only hide
it, but hide that he has it to hide.' Your first Military Escort has exploded self−destructive; and all Military
Escorts, and a suspicious Country will now be up, explosive; comparable not to victorious thunder. Comparable,
say rather, to the first stirring of an Alpine Avalanche; which, once stir it, as here at Sainte− Menehould, will
spread,−−all round, and on and on, as far as Stenai; thundering with wild ruin, till Patriot Villagers, Peasantry,
Military Escorts, new Berline and Royalty are down,−−jumbling in the Abyss!
The thick shades of Night are falling. Postillions crack the whip: the Royal Berline is through Clermont, where
Colonel Comte de Damas got a word whispered to it; is safe through, towards Varennes; rushing at the rate of
double drink−money: an Unknown 'Inconnu on horseback' shrieks earnestly some hoarse whisper, not audible,
into the rushing Carriage−window, and vanishes, left in the night. (Campan, ii. 159.) August Travellers palpitate;
nevertheless overwearied Nature sinks every one of them into a kind of sleep. Alas, and Drouet and Clerk
Guillaume spur; taking side− roads, for shortness, for safety; scattering abroad that moral−certainty of theirs;
which flies, a bird of the air carrying it!
And your rigorous Quartermaster spurs; awakening hoarse trumpet−tone, as here at Clermont, calling out
Dragoons gone to bed. Brave Colonel de Damas has them mounted, in part, these Clermont men; young Cornet
Remy dashes off with a few. But the Patriot Magistracy is out here at Clermont too; National Guards shrieking for
ball−cartridges; and the Village 'illuminates itself;'−−deft Patriots springing out of bed; alertly, in shirt or shift,
striking a light; sticking up each his farthing candle, or penurious oil− cruise, till all glitters and glimmers; so deft
are they! A camisado, or shirt−tumult, every where: stormbell set a−ringing; village−drum beating furious
generale, as here at Clermont, under illumination; distracted Patriots pleading and menacing! Brave young
Colonel de Damas, in that uproar of distracted Patriotism, speaks some fire−sentences to what Troopers he has:
"Comrades insulted at Sainte−Menehould; King and Country calling on the brave;" then gives the fire−word,
Draw swords. Whereupon, alas, the Troopers only smite their sword−handles, driving them further home! "To
me, whoever is for the King!" cries Damas in despair; and gallops, he with some poor loyal Two, of the subaltern
sort, into the bosom of the Night. (Proces−verbal du Directoire de Clermont (in Choiseul, p. 189−95).)
Night unexampled in the Clermontais; shortest of the year; remarkablest of the century: Night deserving to be
named of Spurs! Cornet Remy, and those Few he dashed off with, has missed his road; is galloping for hours
towards Verdun; then, for hours, across hedged country, through roused hamlets, towards Varennes. Unlucky
Cornet Remy; unluckier Colonel Damas, with whom there ride desperate only some loyal Two! More ride not of
that Clermont Escort: of other Escorts, in other Villages, not even Two may ride; but only all curvet and
prance,−−impeded by stormbell and your Village illuminating itself.
And Drouet rides and Clerk Guillaume; and the Country runs.−−Goguelat and Duke Choiseul are plunging
through morasses, over cliffs, over stock and stone, in the shaggy woods of the Clermontais; by tracks; or
trackless, with guides; Hussars tumbling into pitfalls, and lying 'swooned three quarters of an hour,' the rest
refusing to march without them. What an evening−ride from Pont−de−Sommerville; what a thirty hours, since
Choiseul quitted Paris, with Queen's−valet Leonard in the chaise by him! Black Care sits behind the rider. Thus
go they plunging; rustle the owlet from his branchy nest; champ the sweet−scented forest−herb,
queen−of−the−meadows spilling her spikenard; and frighten the ear of Night. But hark! towards twelve o'clock,
as one guesses, for the very stars are gone out: sound of the tocsin from Varennes? Checking bridle, the Hussar
Officer listens: "Some fire undoubtedly!"−−yet rides on, with double breathlessness, to verify.
The French Revolution
193
The French Revolution
Yes, gallant friends that do your utmost, it is a certain sort of fire: difficult to quench.−−The Korff Berline, fairly
ahead of all this riding Avalanche, reached the little paltry Village of Varennes about eleven o'clock; hopeful, in
spite of that horse−whispering Unknown. Do not all towns now lie behind us; Verdun avoided, on our right?
Within wind of Bouille himself, in a manner; and the darkest of midsummer nights favouring us! And so we halt
on the hill−top at the South end of the Village; expecting our relay; which young Bouille, Bouille's own son, with
his Escort of Hussars, was to have ready; for in this Village is no Post. Distracting to think of: neither horse nor
Hussar is here! Ah, and stout horses, a proper relay belonging to Duke Choiseul, do stand at hay, but in the Upper
Village over the Bridge; and we know not of them. Hussars likewise do wait, but drinking in the taverns. For
indeed it is six hours beyond the time; young Bouille, silly stripling, thinking the matter over for this night, has
retired to bed. And so our yellow Couriers, inexperienced, must rove, groping, bungling, through a Village mostly
asleep: Postillions will not, for any money, go on with the tired horses; not at least without refreshment; not they,
let the Valet in round hat argue as he likes.
Miserable! 'For five−and−thirty minutes' by the King's watch, the Berline is at a dead stand; Round−hat arguing
with Churnboots; tired horses slobbering their meal−and−water; yellow Couriers groping, bungling;−−young
Bouille asleep, all the while, in the Upper Village, and Choiseul's fine team standing there at hay. No help for it;
not with a King's ransom: the horses deliberately slobber, Round−hat argues, Bouille sleeps. And mark now, in
the thick night, do not two Horsemen, with jaded trot, come clank− clanking; and start with half−pause, if one
noticed them, at sight of this dim mass of a Berline, and its dull slobbering and arguing; then prick off faster, into
the Village? It is Drouet, he and Clerk Guillaume! Still ahead, they two, of the whole riding hurlyburly; unshot,
though some brag of having chased them. Perilous is Drouet's errand also; but he is an Old− Dragoon, with his
wits shaken thoroughly awake.
The Village of Varennes lies dark and slumberous; a most unlevel Village, of inverse saddle−shape, as men write.
It sleeps; the rushing of the River Aire singing lullaby to it. Nevertheless from the Golden Arms, Bras d'Or
Tavern, across that sloping marketplace, there still comes shine of social light; comes voice of rude drovers, or the
like, who have not yet taken the stirrup−cup; Boniface Le Blanc, in white apron, serving them: cheerful to behold.
To this Bras d'Or, Drouet enters, alacrity looking through his eyes: he nudges Boniface, in all privacy, "Camarade,
es tu bon Patriote, Art thou a good Patriot?"−−"Si je suis!" answers Boniface.−−"In that case," eagerly whispers
Drouet−−what whisper is needful, heard of Boniface alone. (Deux Amis, vi. 139−78.)
And now see Boniface Le Blanc bustling, as he never did for the jolliest toper. See Drouet and Guillaume,
dexterous Old−Dragoons, instantly down blocking the Bridge, with a 'furniture waggon they find there,' with
whatever waggons, tumbrils, barrels, barrows their hands can lay hold of;−− till no carriage can pass. Then
swiftly, the Bridge once blocked, see them take station hard by, under Varennes Archway: joined by Le Blanc, Le
Blanc's Brother, and one or two alert Patriots he has roused. Some half− dozen in all, with National Muskets, they
stand close, waiting under the Archway, till that same Korff Berline rumble up.
It rumbles up: Alte la! lanterns flash out from under coat−skirts, bridles chuck in strong fists, two National
Muskets level themselves fore and aft through the two Coach−doors: "Mesdames, your Passports?"−−Alas! Alas!
Sieur Sausse, Procureur of the Township, Tallow−chandler also and Grocer is there, with official
grocer−politeness; Drouet with fierce logic and ready wit:−−The respected Travelling Party, be it Baroness de
Korff's, or persons of still higher consequence, will perhaps please to rest itself in M. Sausse's till the dawn strike
up!
O Louis; O hapless Marie−Antoinette, fated to pass thy life with such men! Phlegmatic Louis, art thou but lazy
semi−animate phlegm then, to the centre of thee? King, Captain−General, Sovereign Frank! If thy heart ever
formed, since it began beating under the name of heart, any resolution at all, be it now then, or never in this
world: "Violent nocturnal individuals, and if it were persons of high consequence? And if it were the King
himself? Has the King not the power, which all beggars have, of travelling unmolested on his own Highway? Yes:
it is the King; and tremble ye to know it! The King has said, in this one small matter; and in France, or under
The French Revolution
194
The French Revolution
God's Throne, is no power that shall gainsay. Not the King shall ye stop here under this your miserable Archway;
but his dead body only, and answer it to Heaven and Earth. To me, Bodyguards: Postillions, en avant!"−−One
fancies in that case the pale paralysis of these two Le Blanc musketeers; the drooping of Drouet's under−jaw; and
how Procureur Sausse had melted like tallow in furnace−heat: Louis faring on; in some few steps awakening
Young Bouille, awakening relays and hussars: triumphant entry, with cavalcading high−brandishing Escort, and
Escorts, into Montmedi; and the whole course of French History different!
Alas, it was not in the poor phlegmatic man. Had it been in him, French History had never come under this
Varennes Archway to decide itself.−−He steps out; all step out. Procureur Sausse gives his grocer−arms to the
Queen and Sister Elizabeth; Majesty taking the two children by the hand. And thus they walk, coolly back, over
the Marketplace, to Procureur Sausse's; mount into his small upper story; where straightway his Majesty 'demands
refreshments.' Demands refreshments, as is written; gets bread− and−cheese with a bottle of Burgundy; and
remarks, that it is the best Burgundy he ever drank!
Meanwhile, the Varennes Notables, and all men, official, and non−official, are hastily drawing on their breeches;
getting their fighting−gear. Mortals half−dressed tumble out barrels, lay felled trees; scouts dart off to all the four
winds,−−the tocsin begins clanging, 'the Village illuminates itself.' Very singular: how these little Villages do
manage, so adroit are they, when startled in midnight alarm of war. Like little adroit municipal rattle−snakes,
suddenly awakened: for their stormbell rattles and rings; their eyes glisten luminous (with tallow−light), as in
rattle−snake ire; and the Village will sting! Old−Dragoon Drouet is our engineer and generalissimo; valiant as a
Ruy Diaz:−−Now or never, ye Patriots, for the Soldiery is coming; massacre by Austrians, by Aristocrats, wars
more than civil, it all depends on you and the hour!−− National Guards rank themselves, half−buttoned: mortals,
we say, still only in breeches, in under−petticoat, tumble out barrels and lumber, lay felled trees for barricades:
the Village will sting. Rabid Democracy, it would seem, is not confined to Paris, then? Ah no, whatsoever
Courtiers might talk; too clearly no. This of dying for one's King is grown into a dying for one's self, against the
King, if need be.
And so our riding and running Avalanche and Hurlyburly has reached the Abyss, Korff Berline foremost; and
may pour itself thither, and jumble: endless! For the next six hours, need we ask if there was a clattering far and
wide? Clattering and tocsining and hot tumult, over all the Clermontais, spreading through the Three Bishopricks:
Dragoon and Hussar Troops galloping on roads and no−roads; National Guards arming and starting in the dead of
night; tocsin after tocsin transmitting the alarm. In some forty minutes, Goguelat and Choiseul, with their wearied
Hussars, reach Varennes. Ah, it is no fire then; or a fire difficult to quench! They leap the tree−barricades, in spite
of National serjeant; they enter the village, Choiseul instructing his Troopers how the matter really is; who
respond interjectionally, in their guttural dialect, "Der Konig; die Koniginn!" and seem stanch. These now, in their
stanch humour, will, for one thing, beset Procureur Sausse's house. Most beneficial: had not Drouet stormfully
ordered otherwise; and even bellowed, in his extremity, "Cannoneers to your guns!"−−two old honey−combed
Field−pieces, empty of all but cobwebs; the rattle whereof, as the Cannoneers with assured countenance trundled
them up, did nevertheless abate the Hussar ardour, and produce a respectfuller ranking further back. Jugs of wine,
handed over the ranks, for the German throat too has sensibility, will complete the business. When Engineer
Goguelat, some hour or so afterwards, steps forth, the response to him is−−a hiccuping Vive la Nation!
What boots it? Goguelat, Choiseul, now also Count Damas, and all the Varennes Officiality are with the King;
and the King can give no order, form no opinion; but sits there, as he has ever done, like clay on potter's wheel;
perhaps the absurdest of all pitiable and pardonable clay−figures that now circle under the Moon. He will go on,
next morning, and take the National Guard with him; Sausse permitting! Hapless Queen: with her two children
laid there on the mean bed, old Mother Sausse kneeling to Heaven, with tears and an audible prayer, to bless
them; imperial Marie−Antoinette near kneeling to Son Sausse and Wife Sausse, amid candle−boxes and treacle−
barrels,−−in vain! There are Three−thousand National Guards got in; before long they will count Ten−thousand;
tocsins spreading like fire on dry heath, or far faster.
The French Revolution
195
The French Revolution
Young Bouille, roused by this Varennes tocsin, has taken horse, and−−fled towards his Father. Thitherward also
rides, in an almost hysterically desperate manner, a certain Sieur Aubriot, Choiseul's Orderly; swimming dark
rivers, our Bridge being blocked; spurring as if the Hell−hunt were at his heels. (Rapport de M. Aubriot
(Choiseul, p. 150−7.) Through the village of Dun, he, galloping still on, scatters the alarm; at Dun, brave Captain
Deslons and his Escort of a Hundred, saddle and ride. Deslons too gets into Varennes; leaving his Hundred
outside, at the tree−barricade; offers to cut King Louis out, if he will order it: but unfortunately "the work will
prove hot;" whereupon King Louis has "no orders to give." (Extrait d'un Rapport de M. Deslons (Choiseul, p.
164−7.)
And so the tocsin clangs, and Dragoons gallop; and can do nothing, having gallopped: National Guards stream in
like the gathering of ravens: your exploding Thunder−chain, falling Avalanche, or what else we liken it to, does
play, with a vengeance,−−up now as far as Stenai and Bouille himself. (Bouille, ii. 74−6.) Brave Bouille, son of
the whirlwind, he saddles Royal Allemand; speaks fire−words, kindling heart and eyes; distributes twenty− five
gold−louis a company:−−Ride, Royal−Allemand, long−famed: no Tuileries Charge and Necker−Orleans
Bust−Procession; a very King made captive, and world all to win!−−Such is the Night deserving to be named of
Spurs.
At six o'clock two things have happened. Lafayette's Aide−de−camp, Romoeuf, riding a franc etrier, on that old
Herb−merchant's route, quickened during the last stages, has got to Varennes; where the Ten thousand now
furiously demand, with fury of panic terror, that Royalty shall forthwith return Paris−ward, that there be not
infinite bloodshed. Also, on the other side, 'English Tom,' Choiseul's jokei, flying with that Choiseul relay, has
met Bouille on the heights of Dun; the adamantine brow flushed with dark thunder; thunderous rattle of Royal
Allemand at his heels. English Tom answers as he can the brief question, How it is at Varennes?−−then asks in
turn what he, English Tom, with M. de Choiseul's horses, is to do, and whither to ride?−−To the Bottomless Pool!
answers a thunder−voice; then again speaking and spurring, orders Royal Allemand to the gallop; and vanishes,
swearing (en jurant). (Declaration du Sieur Thomas (in Choiseul, p. 188).) 'Tis the last of our brave Bouille.
Within sight of Varennes, he having drawn bridle, calls a council of officers; finds that it is in vain. King Louis
has departed, consenting: amid the clangour of universal stormbell; amid the tramp of Ten thousand armed men,
already arrived; and say, of Sixty thousand flocking thither. Brave Deslons, even without 'orders,' darted at the
River Aire with his Hundred! (Weber, ii. 386.) swam one branch of it, could not the other; and stood there,
dripping and panting, with inflated nostril; the Ten thousand answering him with a shout of mockery, the new
Berline lumbering Paris−ward its weary inevitable way. No help, then in Earth; nor in an age, not of miracles, in
Heaven!
That night, 'Marquis de Bouille and twenty−one more of us rode over the Frontiers; the Bernardine monks at
Orval in Luxemburg gave us supper and lodging.' (Aubriot, ut supra, p. 158.) With little of speech, Bouille rides;
with thoughts that do not brook speech. Northward, towards uncertainty, and the Cimmerian Night: towards
West−Indian Isles, for with thin Emigrant delirium the son of the whirlwind cannot act; towards England, towards
premature Stoical death; not towards France any more. Honour to the Brave; who, be it in this quarrel or in that, is
a substance and articulate−speaking piece of Human Valour, not a fanfaronading hollow Spectrum and squeaking
and gibbering Shadow! One of the few Royalist Chief−actors this Bouille, of whom so much can be said.
The brave Bouille too, then, vanishes from the tissue of our Story. Story and tissue, faint ineffectual Emblem of
that grand Miraculous Tissue, and Living Tapestry named French Revolution, which did weave itself then in very
fact, 'on the loud−sounding 'LOOM OF TIME!' The old Brave drop out from it, with their strivings; and new acrid
Drouets, of new strivings and colour, come in:−−as is the manner of that weaving.
Chapter 2.4.VIII. The Return.
So then our grand Royalist Plot, of Flight to Metz, has executed itself. Long hovering in the background, as a
dread royal ultimatum, it has rushed forward in its terrors: verily to some purpose. How many Royalist Plots and
The French Revolution
196
The French Revolution
Projects, one after another, cunningly−devised, that were to explode like powder−mines and thunderclaps; not one
solitary Plot of which has issued otherwise! Powder−mine of a Seance Royale on the Twenty−third of June 1789,
which exploded as we then said, 'through the touchhole;' which next, your wargod Broglie having reloaded it,
brought a Bastille about your ears. Then came fervent Opera−Repast, with flourishing of sabres, and O Richard, O
my King; which, aided by Hunger, produces Insurrection of Women, and Pallas Athene in the shape of
Demoiselle Theroigne. Valour profits not; neither has fortune smiled on Fanfaronade. The Bouille Armament
ends as the Broglie one had done. Man after man spends himself in this cause, only to work it quicker ruin; it
seems a cause doomed, forsaken of Earth and Heaven.
On the Sixth of October gone a year, King Louis, escorted by Demoiselle Theroigne and some two hundred
thousand, made a Royal Progress and Entrance into Paris, such as man had never witnessed: we prophesied him
Two more such; and accordingly another of them, after this Flight to Metz, is now coming to pass. Theroigne will
not escort here, neither does Mirabeau now 'sit in one of the accompanying carriages.' Mirabeau lies dead, in the
Pantheon of Great Men. Theroigne lies living, in dark Austrian Prison; having gone to Liege, professionally, and
been seized there. Bemurmured now by the hoarse−flowing Danube; the light of her Patriot Supper−Parties gone
quite out; so lies Theroigne: she shall speak with the Kaiser face to face, and return. And France lies how!
Fleeting Time shears down the great and the little; and in two years alters many things.
But at all events, here, we say, is a second Ignominious Royal Procession, though much altered; to be witnessed
also by its hundreds of thousands. Patience, ye Paris Patriots; the Royal Berline is returning. Not till Saturday: for
the Royal Berline travels by slow stages; amid such loud− voiced confluent sea of National Guards, sixty
thousand as they count; amid such tumult of all people. Three National−Assembly Commissioners, famed
Barnave, famed Petion, generally−respectable Latour−Maubourg, have gone to meet it; of whom the two former
ride in the Berline itself beside Majesty, day after day. Latour, as a mere respectability, and man of whom all men
speak well, can ride in the rear, with Dame Tourzel and the Soubrettes.
So on Saturday evening, about seven o'clock, Paris by hundreds of thousands is again drawn up: not now dancing
the tricolor joy−dance of hope; nor as yet dancing in fury−dance of hate and revenge; but in silence, with vague
look of conjecture and curiosity mostly scientific. A Sainte−Antoine Placard has given notice this morning that
'whosoever insults Louis shall be caned, whosoever applauds him shall be hanged.' Behold then, at last, that
wonderful New Berline; encircled by blue National sea with fixed bayonets, which flows slowly, floating it on,
through the silent assembled hundreds of thousands. Three yellow Couriers sit atop bound with ropes; Petion,
Barnave, their Majesties, with Sister Elizabeth, and the Children of France, are within.
Smile of embarrassment, or cloud of dull sourness, is on the broad phlegmatic face of his Majesty: who keeps
declaring to the successive Official−persons, what is evident, "Eh bien, me voila, Well, here you have me;" and
what is not evident, "I do assure you I did not mean to pass the frontiers;" and so forth: speeches natural for that
poor Royal man; which Decency would veil. Silent is her Majesty, with a look of grief and scorn; natural for that
Royal Woman. Thus lumbers and creeps the ignominious Royal Procession, through many streets, amid a
silent−gazing people: comparable, Mercier thinks, (Nouveau Paris, iii. 22.) to some Procession de Roi de
Bazoche; or say, Procession of King Crispin, with his Dukes of Sutor−mania and royal blazonry of Cordwainery.
Except indeed that this is not comic; ah no, it is comico−tragic; with bound Couriers, and a Doom hanging over it;
most fantastic, yet most miserably real. Miserablest flebile ludibrium of a Pickleherring Tragedy! It sweeps along
there, in most ungorgeous pall, through many streets, in the dusty summer evening; gets itself at length wriggled
out of sight; vanishing in the Tuileries Palace−−towards its doom, of slow torture, peine forte et dure.
Populace, it is true, seizes the three rope−bound yellow Couriers; will at least massacre them. But our august
Assembly, which is sitting at this great moment, sends out Deputation of rescue; and the whole is got huddled up.
Barnave, 'all dusty,' is already there, in the National Hall; making brief discreet address and report. As indeed,
through the whole journey, this Barnave has been most discreet, sympathetic; and has gained the Queen's trust,
whose noble instinct teaches her always who is to be trusted. Very different from heavy Petion; who, if Campan
The French Revolution
197
The French Revolution
speak truth, ate his luncheon, comfortably filled his wine−glass, in the Royal Berline; flung out his chicken−bones
past the nose of Royalty itself; and, on the King's saying "France cannot be a Republic," answered "No, it is not
ripe yet." Barnave is henceforth a Queen's adviser, if advice could profit: and her Majesty astonishes Dame
Campan by signifying almost a regard for Barnave: and that, in a day of retribution and Royal triumph, Barnave
shall not be executed. (Campan, ii. c. 18.)
On Monday night Royalty went; on Saturday evening it returns: so much, within one short week, has Royalty
accomplished for itself. The Pickleherring Tragedy has vanished in the Tuileries Palace, towards 'pain strong and
hard.' Watched, fettered, and humbled, as Royalty never was. Watched even in its sleeping−apartments and
inmost recesses: for it has to sleep with door set ajar, blue National Argus watching, his eye fixed on the Queen's
curtains; nay, on one occasion, as the Queen cannot sleep, he offers to sit by her pillow, and converse a little!
(Ibid. ii. 149.)
Chapter 2.4.IX. Sharp Shot.
In regard to all which, this most pressing question arises: What is to be done with it? "Depose it!" resolutely
answer Robespierre and the thoroughgoing few. For truly, with a King who runs away, and needs to be watched
in his very bedroom that he may stay and govern you, what other reasonable thing can be done? Had Philippe
d'Orleans not been a caput mortuum! But of him, known as one defunct, no man now dreams. "Depose it not; say
that it is inviolable, that it was spirited away, was enleve; at any cost of sophistry and solecism, reestablish it!" so
answer with loud vehemence all manner of Constitutional Royalists; as all your Pure Royalists do naturally
likewise, with low vehemence, and rage compressed by fear, still more passionately answer. Nay Barnave and the
two Lameths, and what will follow them, do likewise answer so. Answer, with their whole might: terror−struck at
the unknown Abysses on the verge of which, driven thither by themselves mainly, all now reels, ready to plunge.
By mighty effort and combination this latter course, of reestablish it, is the course fixed on; and it shall by the
strong arm, if not by the clearest logic, be made good. With the sacrifice of all their hard−earned popularity, this
notable Triumvirate, says Toulongeon, 'set the Throne up again, which they had so toiled to overturn: as one
might set up an overturned pyramid, on its vertex; to stand so long as it is held.'
Unhappy France; unhappy in King, Queen, and Constitution; one knows not in which unhappiest! Was the
meaning of our so glorious French Revolution this, and no other, That when Shams and Delusions, long
soul−killing, had become body−killing, and got the length of Bankruptcy and Inanition, a great People rose and,
with one voice, said, in the Name of the Highest: Shams shall be no more? So many sorrows and bloody horrors,
endured, and to be yet endured through dismal coming centuries, were they not the heavy price paid and payable
for this same: Total Destruction of Shams from among men? And now, O Barnave Triumvirate! is it in such
double−distilled Delusion, and Sham even of a Sham, that an Effort of this kind will rest acquiescent? Messieurs
of the popular Triumvirate: Never! But, after all, what can poor popular Triumvirates and fallible august Senators
do? They can, when the Truth is all too−horrible, stick their heads ostrich− like into what sheltering Fallacy is
nearest: and wait there, a posteriori!
Readers who saw the Clermontais and Three−Bishopricks gallop, in the Night of Spurs; Diligences ruffling up all
France into one terrific terrified Cock of India; and the Town of Nantes in its shirt,−−may fancy what an affair to
settle this was. Robespierre, on the extreme Left, with perhaps Petion and lean old Goupil, for the very
Triumvirate has defalcated, are shrieking hoarse; drowned in Constitutional clamour. But the debate and arguing
of a whole Nation; the bellowings through all Journals, for and against; the reverberant voice of Danton; the
Hyperion−shafts of Camille; the porcupine−quills of implacable Marat:−−conceive all this.
Constitutionalists in a body, as we often predicted, do now recede from the Mother Society, and become
Feuillans; threatening her with inanition, the rank and respectability being mostly gone. Petition after Petition,
forwarded by Post, or borne in Deputation, comes praying for Judgment and Decheance, which is our name for
The French Revolution
198
The French Revolution
Deposition; praying, at lowest, for Reference to the Eighty−three Departments of France. Hot Marseillese
Deputation comes declaring, among other things: "Our Phocean Ancestors flung a Bar of Iron into the Bay at their
first landing; this Bar will float again on the Mediterranean brine before we consent to be slaves." All this for four
weeks or more, while the matter still hangs doubtful; Emigration streaming with double violence over the
frontiers; (Bouille, ii. 101.) France seething in fierce agitation of this question and prize− question: What is to be
done with the fugitive Hereditary Representative?
Finally, on Friday the 15th of July 1791, the National Assembly decides; in what negatory manner we know.
Whereupon the Theatres all close, the Bourne−stones and Portable−chairs begin spouting, Municipal Placards
flaming on the walls, and Proclamations published by sound of trumpet, 'invite to repose;' with small effect. And
so, on Sunday the 17th, there shall be a thing seen, worthy of remembering. Scroll of a Petition, drawn up by
Brissots, Dantons, by Cordeliers, Jacobins; for the thing was infinitely shaken and manipulated, and many had a
hand in it: such Scroll lies now visible, on the wooden framework of the Fatherland's Altar, for signature.
Unworking Paris, male and female, is crowding thither, all day, to sign or to see. Our fair Roland herself the eye
of History can discern there, 'in the morning;' (Madame Roland, ii. 74.) not without interest. In few weeks the fair
Patriot will quit Paris; yet perhaps only to return.
But, what with sorrow of baulked Patriotism, what with closed theatres, and Proclamations still publishing
themselves by sound of trumpet, the fervour of men's minds, this day, is great. Nay, over and above, there has
fallen out an incident, of the nature of Farce−Tragedy and Riddle; enough to stimulate all creatures. Early in the
day, a Patriot (or some say, it was a Patriotess, and indeed Truth is undiscoverable), while standing on the firm
deal−board of Fatherland's Altar, feels suddenly, with indescribable torpedo−shock of amazement, his bootsole
pricked through from below; he clutches up suddenly this electrified bootsole and foot; discerns next instant−−the
point of a gimlet or brad−awl playing up, through the firm deal−board, and now hastily drawing itself back!
Mystery, perhaps Treason? The wooden frame−work is impetuously broken up; and behold, verily a mystery;
never explicable fully to the end of the world! Two human individuals, of mean aspect, one of them with a
wooden leg, lie ensconced there, gimlet in hand: they must have come in overnight; they have a supply of
provisions,−−no 'barrel of gunpowder' that one can see; they affect to be asleep; look blank enough, and give the
lamest account of themselves. "Mere curiosity; they were boring up to get an eye−hole; to see, perhaps 'with
lubricity,' whatsoever, from that new point of vision, could be seen:"−−little that was edifying, one would think!
But indeed what stupidest thing may not human Dulness, Pruriency, Lubricity, Chance and the Devil, choosing
Two out of Half−a−million idle human heads, tempt them to? (Hist. Parl. xi. 104−7.)
Sure enough, the two human individuals with their gimlet are there. Ill− starred pair of individuals! For the result
of it all is that Patriotism, fretting itself, in this state of nervous excitability, with hypotheses, suspicions and
reports, keeps questioning these two distracted human individuals, and again questioning them; claps them into
the nearest Guardhouse, clutches them out again; one hypothetic group snatching them from another: till finally,
in such extreme state of nervous excitability, Patriotism hangs them as spies of Sieur Motier; and the life and
secret is choked out of them forevermore. Forevermore, alas! Or is a day to be looked for when these two
evidently mean individuals, who are human nevertheless, will become Historical Riddles; and, like him of the
Iron Mask (also a human individual, and evidently nothing more),−−have their Dissertations? To us this only is
certain, that they had a gimlet, provisions and a wooden leg; and have died there on the Lanterne, as the
unluckiest fools might die.
And so the signature goes on, in a still more excited manner. And Chaumette, for Antiquarians possess the very
Paper to this hour, (Ibid. xi. 113, signed himself 'in a flowing saucy hand slightly leaned;' and Hebert, detestable
Pere Duchene, as if 'an inked spider had dropped on the paper;' Usher Maillard also has signed, and many
Crosses, which cannot write. And Paris, through its thousand avenues, is welling to the Champ− de−Mars and
from it, in the utmost excitability of humour; central Fatherland's Altar quite heaped with signing Patriots and
Patriotesses; the Thirty−benches and whole internal Space crowded with onlookers, with comers and goers; one
regurgitating whirlpool of men and women in their Sunday clothes. All which a Constitutional Sieur Motier sees;
The French Revolution
199
The French Revolution
and Bailly, looking into it with his long visage made still longer. Auguring no good; perhaps Decheance and
Deposition after all! Stop it, ye Constitutional Patriots; fire itself is quenchable, yet only quenchable at first!
Stop it, truly: but how stop it? Have not the first Free People of the Universe a right to petition?−−Happily, if also
unhappily, here is one proof of riot: these two human individuals, hanged at the Lanterne. Proof, O treacherous
Sieur Motier? Were they not two human individuals sent thither by thee to be hanged; to be a pretext for thy
bloody Drapeau Rouge? This question shall many a Patriot, one day, ask; and answer affirmatively, strong in
Preternatural Suspicion.
Enough, towards half past seven in the evening, the mere natural eye can behold this thing: Sieur Motier, with
Municipals in scarf, with blue National Patrollotism, rank after rank, to the clang of drums; wending resolutely to
the Champ−de−Mars; Mayor Bailly, with elongated visage, bearing, as in sad duty bound, the Drapeau Rouge!
Howl of angry derision rises in treble and bass from a hundred thousand throats, at the sight of Martial Law;
which nevertheless waving its Red sanguinary Flag, advances there, from the Gros−Caillou Entrance; advances,
drumming and waving, towards Altar of Fatherland. Amid still wilder howls, with objurgation, obtestation; with
flights of pebbles and mud, saxa et faeces; with crackle of a pistol−shot;−−finally with volley−fire of
Patrollotism; levelled muskets; roll of volley on volley! Precisely after one year and three days, our sublime
Federation Field is wetted, in this manner, with French blood.
Some 'Twelve unfortunately shot,' reports Bailly, counting by units; but Patriotism counts by tens and even by
hundreds. Not to be forgotten, nor forgiven! Patriotism flies, shrieking, execrating. Camille ceases Journalising,
this day; great Danton with Camille and Freron have taken wing, for their life; Marat burrows deep in the Earth,
and is silent. Once more Patrollotism has triumphed: one other time; but it is the last.
This was the Royal Flight to Varennes. Thus was the Throne overturned thereby; but thus also was it victoriously
set up again−−on its vertex; and will stand while it can be held.
BOOK 2.V. PARLIAMENT FIRST
Chapter 2.5.I. Grande Acceptation.
In the last nights of September, when the autumnal equinox is past, and grey September fades into brown October,
why are the Champs Elysees illuminated; why is Paris dancing, and flinging fire−works? They are gala− nights,
these last of September; Paris may well dance, and the Universe: the Edifice of the Constitution is completed!
Completed; nay revised, to see that there was nothing insufficient in it; solemnly proferred to his Majesty;
solemnly accepted by him, to the sound of cannon−salvoes, on the fourteenth of the month. And now by such
illumination, jubilee, dancing and fire−working, do we joyously handsel the new Social Edifice, and first raise
heat and reek there, in the name of Hope.
The Revision, especially with a throne standing on its vertex, has been a work of difficulty, of delicacy. In the
way of propping and buttressing, so indispensable now, something could be done; and yet, as is feared, not
enough. A repentant Barnave Triumvirate, our Rabauts, Duports, Thourets, and indeed all Constitutional Deputies
did strain every nerve: but the Extreme Left was so noisy; the People were so suspicious, clamorous to have the
work ended: and then the loyal Right Side sat feeble petulant all the while, and as it were, pouting and petting;
unable to help, had they even been willing; the two Hundred and Ninety had solemnly made scission, before that:
and departed, shaking the dust off their feet. To such transcendency of fret, and desperate hope that worsening of
the bad might the sooner end it and bring back the good, had our unfortunate loyal Right Side now come!
(Toulongeon, ii. 56, 59.)
However, one finds that this and the other little prop has been added, where possibility allowed. Civil−list and
Privy−purse were from of old well cared for. King's Constitutional Guard, Eighteen hundred loyal men from the
The French Revolution
200
The French Revolution
Eighty−three Departments, under a loyal Duke de Brissac; this, with trustworthy Swiss besides, is of itself
something. The old loyal Bodyguards are indeed dissolved, in name as well as in fact; and gone mostly towards
Coblentz. But now also those Sansculottic violent Gardes Francaises, or Centre Grenadiers, shall have their
mittimus: they do ere long, in the Journals, not without a hoarse pathos, publish their Farewell; 'wishing all
Aristocrats the graves in Paris which to us are denied.' (Hist. Parl. xiii. 73.) They depart, these first Soldiers of the
Revolution; they hover very dimly in the distance for about another year; till they can be remodelled, new−named,
and sent to fight the Austrians; and then History beholds them no more. A most notable Corps of men; which has
its place in World−History;−−though to us, so is History written, they remain mere rubrics of men; nameless; a
shaggy Grenadier Mass, crossed with buff−belts. And yet might we not ask: What Argonauts, what Leonidas'
Spartans had done such a work? Think of their destiny: since that May morning, some three years ago, when they,
unparticipating, trundled off d'Espremenil to the Calypso Isles; since that July evening, some two years ago, when
they, participating and sacreing with knit brows, poured a volley into Besenval's Prince de Lambesc! History
waves them her mute adieu.
So that the Sovereign Power, these Sansculottic Watchdogs, more like wolves, being leashed and led away from
his Tuileries, breathes freer. The Sovereign Power is guarded henceforth by a loyal Eighteen hundred,−−whom
Contrivance, under various pretexts, may gradually swell to Six thousand; who will hinder no Journey to
Saint−Cloud. The sad Varennes business has been soldered up; cemented, even in the blood of the
Champ−de−Mars, these two months and more; and indeed ever since, as formerly, Majesty has had its privileges,
its 'choice of residence,' though, for good reasons, the royal mind 'prefers continuing in Paris.' Poor royal mind,
poor Paris; that have to go mumming; enveloped in speciosities, in falsehood which knows itself false; and to
enact mutually your sorrowful farce−tragedy, being bound to it; and on the whole, to hope always, in spite of
hope!
Nay, now that his Majesty has accepted the Constitution, to the sound of cannon−salvoes, who would not hope?
Our good King was misguided but he meant well. Lafayette has moved for an Amnesty, for universal forgiving
and forgetting of Revolutionary faults; and now surely the glorious Revolution cleared of its rubbish, is complete!
Strange enough, and touching in several ways, the old cry of Vive le Roi once more rises round King Louis the
Hereditary Representative. Their Majesties went to the Opera; gave money to the Poor: the Queen herself, now
when the Constitution is accepted, hears voice of cheering. Bygone shall be bygone; the New Era shall begin! To
and fro, amid those lamp−galaxies of the Elysian Fields, the Royal Carriage slowly wends and rolls; every where
with vivats, from a multitude striving to be glad. Louis looks out, mainly on the variegated lamps and gay human
groups, with satisfaction enough for the hour. In her Majesty's face, 'under that kind graceful smile a deep sadness
is legible.' (De Stael, Considerations, i. c. 23.) Brilliancies, of valour and of wit, stroll here observant: a Dame de
Stael, leaning most probably on the arm of her Narbonne. She meets Deputies; who have built this Constitution;
who saunter here with vague communings,−−not without thoughts whether it will stand. But as yet melodious
fiddlestrings twang and warble every where, with the rhythm of light fantastic feet; long lamp− galaxies fling
their coloured radiance; and brass−lunged Hawkers elbow and bawl, "Grande Acceptation, Constitution
Monarchique:" it behoves the Son of Adam to hope. Have not Lafayette, Barnave, and all Constitutionalists set
their shoulders handsomely to the inverted pyramid of a throne? Feuillans, including almost the whole
Constitutional Respectability of France, perorate nightly from their tribune; correspond through all Post− offices;
denouncing unquiet Jacobinism; trusting well that its time is nigh done. Much is uncertain, questionable: but if the
Hereditary Representative be wise and lucky, may one not, with a sanguine Gaelic temper, hope that he will get in
motion better or worse; that what is wanting to him will gradually be gained and added?
For the rest, as we must repeat, in this building of the Constitutional Fabric, especially in this Revision of it,
nothing that one could think of to give it new strength, especially to steady it, to give it permanence, and even
eternity, has been forgotten. Biennial Parliament, to be called Legislative, Assemblee Legislative; with Seven
Hundred and Forty−five Members, chosen in a judicious manner by the 'active citizens' alone, and even by
electing of electors still more active: this, with privileges of Parliament shall meet, self−authorized if need be, and
self−dissolved; shall grant money−supplies and talk; watch over the administration and authorities; discharge for
The French Revolution
201
The French Revolution
ever the functions of a Constitutional Great Council, Collective Wisdom, and National Palaver,−−as the Heavens
will enable. Our First biennial Parliament, which indeed has been a−choosing since early in August, is now as
good as chosen. Nay it has mostly got to Paris: it arrived gradually;−−not without pathetic greeting to its
venerable Parent, the now moribund Constituent; and sat there in the Galleries, reverently listening; ready to
begin, the instant the ground were clear.
Then as to changes in the Constitution itself? This, impossible for any Legislative, or common biennial
Parliament, and possible solely for some resuscitated Constituent or National Convention,−−is evidently one of
the most ticklish points. The august moribund Assembly debated it for four entire days. Some thought a change,
or at least reviewal and new approval, might be admissible in thirty years; some even went lower, down to twenty,
nay to fifteen. The august Assembly had once decided for thirty years; but it revoked that, on better thoughts; and
did not fix any date of time, but merely some vague outline of a posture of circumstances, and on the whole left
the matter hanging. (Choix de Rapports, (Paris, 1825), vi. 239− 317.) Doubtless a National Convention can be
assembled even within the thirty years: yet one may hope, not; but that Legislatives, biennial Parliaments of the
common kind, with their limited faculty, and perhaps quiet successive additions thereto, may suffice, for
generations, or indeed while computed Time runs.
Furthermore, be it noted that no member of this Constituent has been, or could be, elected to the new Legislative.
So noble−minded were these Law− makers! cry some: and Solon−like would banish themselves. So splenetic! cry
more: each grudging the other, none daring to be outdone in self− denial by the other. So unwise in either case!
answer all practical men. But consider this other self−denying ordinance, That none of us can be King's Minister,
or accept the smallest Court Appointment, for the space of four, or at lowest (and on long debate and Revision),
for the space of two years! So moves the incorruptible seagreen Robespierre; with cheap magnanimity he; and
none dare be outdone by him. It was such a law, not so superfluous then, that sent Mirabeau to the Gardens of
Saint−Cloud, under cloak of darkness, to that colloquy of the gods; and thwarted many things. Happily and
unhappily there is no Mirabeau now to thwart.
Welcomer meanwhile, welcome surely to all right hearts, is Lafayette's chivalrous Amnesty. Welcome too is that
hard−wrung Union of Avignon; which has cost us, first and last, 'thirty sessions of debate,' and so much else: may
it at length prove lucky! Rousseau's statue is decreed: virtuous Jean−Jacques, Evangelist of the Contrat Social.
Not Drouet of Varennes; nor worthy Lataille, master of the old world−famous Tennis Court in Versailles, is
forgotten; but each has his honourable mention, and due reward in money. (Moniteur (in Hist. Parl. xi. 473.)
Whereupon, things being all so neatly winded up, and the Deputations, and Messages, and royal and other
Ceremonials having rustled by; and the King having now affectionately perorated about peace and tranquilisation,
and members having answered "Oui! oui!" with effusion, even with tears,−−President Thouret, he of the Law
Reforms, rises, and, with a strong voice, utters these memorable last−words: "The National Constituent Assembly
declares that it has finished its mission; and that its sittings are all ended." Incorruptible Robespierre, virtuous
Petion are borne home on the shoulders of the people; with vivats heaven−high. The rest glide quietly to their
respective places of abode. It is the last afternoon of September, 1791; on the morrow morning the new
Legislative will begin.
So, amid glitter of illuminated streets and Champs Elysees, and crackle of fireworks and glad deray, has the first
National Assembly vanished; dissolving, as they well say, into blank Time; and is no more. National Assembly is
gone, its work remaining; as all Bodies of men go, and as man himself goes: it had its beginning, and must
likewise have its end. A Phantasm−Reality born of Time, as the rest of us are; flitting ever backwards now on the
tide of Time: to be long remembered of men. Very strange Assemblages, Sanhedrims, Amphictyonics, Trades
Unions, Ecumenic Councils, Parliaments and Congresses, have met together on this Planet, and dispersed again;
but a stranger Assemblage than this august Constituent, or with a stranger mission, perhaps never met there. Seen
from the distance, this also will be a miracle. Twelve Hundred human individuals, with the Gospel of
Jean−Jacques Rousseau in their pocket, congregating in the name of Twenty−five Millions, with full assurance of
faith, to 'make the Constitution:' such sight, the acme and main product of the Eighteenth Century, our World can
The French Revolution
202
The French Revolution
witness once only. For Time is rich in wonders, in monstrosities most rich; and is observed never to repeat
himself, or any of his Gospels:−−surely least of all, this Gospel according to Jean−Jacques. Once it was right and
indispensable, since such had become the Belief of men; but once also is enough.
They have made the Constitution, these Twelve Hundred Jean−Jacques Evangelists; not without result. Near
twenty−nine months they sat, with various fortune; in various capacity;−−always, we may say, in that capacity of
carborne Caroccio, and miraculous Standard of the Revolt of Men, as a Thing high and lifted up; whereon
whosoever looked might hope healing. They have seen much: cannons levelled on them; then suddenly, by
interposition of the Powers, the cannons drawn back; and a war−god Broglie vanishing, in thunder not his own,
amid the dust and downrushing of a Bastille and Old Feudal France. They have suffered somewhat: Royal
Session, with rain and Oath of the Tennis−Court; Nights of Pentecost; Insurrections of Women. Also have they
not done somewhat? Made the Constitution, and managed all things the while; passed, in these twenty− nine
months, 'twenty−five hundred Decrees,' which on the average is some three for each day, including Sundays!
Brevity, one finds, is possible, at times: had not Moreau de St. Mery to give three thousand orders before rising
from his seat?−−There was valour (or value) in these men; and a kind of faith,−−were it only faith in this, That
cobwebs are not cloth; that a Constitution could be made. Cobwebs and chimeras ought verily to disappear; for a
Reality there is. Let formulas, soul−killing, and now grown body−killing, insupportable, begone, in the name of
Heaven and Earth!−−Time, as we say, brought forth these Twelve Hundred; Eternity was before them, Eternity
behind: they worked, as we all do, in the confluence of Two Eternities; what work was given them. Say not that it
was nothing they did. Consciously they did somewhat; unconsciously how much! They had their giants and their
dwarfs, they accomplished their good and their evil; they are gone, and return no more. Shall they not go with our
blessing, in these circumstances; with our mild farewell?
By post, by diligence, on saddle or sole; they are gone: towards the four winds! Not a few over the marches, to
rank at Coblentz. Thither wended Maury, among others; but in the end towards Rome,−−to be clothed there in red
Cardinal plush; in falsehood as in a garment; pet son (her last−born?) of the Scarlet Woman. Talleyrand−Perigord,
excommunicated Constitutional Bishop, will make his way to London; to be Ambassador, spite of the Self−
denying Law; brisk young Marquis Chauvelin acting as Ambassador's−Cloak. In London too, one finds Petion the
virtuous; harangued and haranguing, pledging the wine−cup with Constitutional Reform Clubs, in solemn tavern−
dinner. Incorruptible Robespierre retires for a little to native Arras: seven short weeks of quiet; the last appointed
him in this world. Public Accuser in the Paris Department, acknowledged highpriest of the Jacobins; the glass of
incorruptible thin Patriotism, for his narrow emphasis is loved of all the narrow,−−this man seems to be rising,
somewhither? He sells his small heritage at Arras; accompanied by a Brother and a Sister, he returns, scheming
out with resolute timidity a small sure destiny for himself and them, to his old lodging, at the Cabinet−maker's, in
the Rue St. Honore:−−O resolute−tremulous incorruptible seagreen man, towards what a destiny!
Lafayette, for his part, will lay down the command. He retires Cincinnatus−like to his hearth and farm; but soon
leaves them again. Our National Guard, however, shall henceforth have no one Commandant; but all Colonels
shall command in succession, month about. Other Deputies we have met, or Dame de Stael has met, 'sauntering in
a thoughtful manner;' perhaps uncertain what to do. Some, as Barnave, the Lameths, and their Duport, will
continue here in Paris: watching the new biennial Legislative, Parliament the First; teaching it to walk, if so might
be; and the Court to lead it.
Thus these: sauntering in a thoughtful manner; travelling by post or diligence,−−whither Fate beckons. Giant
Mirabeau slumbers in the Pantheon of Great Men: and France? and Europe?−−The brass−lunged Hawkers sing
"Grand Acceptation, Monarchic Constitution" through these gay crowds: the Morrow, grandson of Yesterday,
must be what it can, as To−day its father is. Our new biennial Legislative begins to constitute itself on the first of
October, 1791.
Chapter 2.5.II. The Book of the Law.
The French Revolution
203
The French Revolution
If the august Constituent Assembly itself, fixing the regards of the Universe, could, at the present distance of time
and place, gain comparatively small attention from us, how much less can this poor Legislative! It has its Right
Side and its Left; the less Patriotic and the more, for Aristocrats exist not here or now: it spouts and speaks: listens
to Reports, reads Bills and Laws; works in its vocation, for a season: but the history of France, one finds, is
seldom or never there. Unhappy Legislative, what can History do with it; if not drop a tear over it, almost in
silence? First of the two−year Parliaments of France, which, if Paper Constitution and oft−repeated National Oath
could avail aught, were to follow in softly−strong indissoluble sequence while Time ran,−−it had to vanish
dolefully within one year; and there came no second like it. Alas! your biennial Parliaments in endless
indissoluble sequence; they, and all that Constitutional Fabric, built with such explosive Federation Oaths, and its
top−stone brought out with dancing and variegated radiance, went to pieces, like frail crockery, in the crash of
things; and already, in eleven short months, were in that Limbo near the Moon, with the ghosts of other Chimeras.
There, except for rare specific purposes, let them rest, in melancholy peace.
On the whole, how unknown is a man to himself; or a public Body of men to itself! Aesop's fly sat on the
chariot−wheel, exclaiming, What a dust I do raise! Great Governors, clad in purple with fasces and insignia, are
governed by their valets, by the pouting of their women and children; or, in Constitutional countries, by the
paragraphs of their Able Editors. Say not, I am this or that; I am doing this or that! For thou knowest it not, thou
knowest only the name it as yet goes by. A purple Nebuchadnezzar rejoices to feel himself now verily Emperor of
this great Babylon which he has builded; and is a nondescript biped−quadruped, on the eve of a seven− years
course of grazing! These Seven Hundred and Forty−five elected individuals doubt not but they are the First
biennial Parliament, come to govern France by parliamentary eloquence: and they are what? And they have come
to do what? Things foolish and not wise!
It is much lamented by many that this First Biennial had no members of the old Constituent in it, with their
experience of parties and parliamentary tactics; that such was their foolish Self−denying Law. Most surely, old
members of the Constituent had been welcome to us here. But, on the other hand, what old or what new members
of any Constituent under the Sun could have effectually profited? There are First biennial Parliaments so postured
as to be, in a sense, beyond wisdom; where wisdom and folly differ only in degree, and wreckage and dissolution
are the appointed issue for both.
Old−Constituents, your Barnaves, Lameths and the like, for whom a special Gallery has been set apart, where
they may sit in honour and listen, are in the habit of sneering at these new Legislators; (Dumouriez, ii. 150, but
let not us! The poor Seven Hundred and Forty−five, sent together by the active citizens of France, are what they
could be; do what is fated them. That they are of Patriot temper we can well understand. Aristocrat Noblesse had
fled over the marches, or sat brooding silent in their unburnt Chateaus; small prospect had they in Primary
Electoral Assemblies. What with Flights to Varennes, what with Days of Poniards, with plot after plot, the People
are left to themselves; the People must needs choose Defenders of the People, such as can be had. Choosing, as
they also will ever do, 'if not the ablest man, yet the man ablest to be chosen!' Fervour of character, decided
Patriot−Constitutional feeling; these are qualities: but free utterance, mastership in tongue−fence; this is the
quality of qualities. Accordingly one finds, with little astonishment, in this First Biennial, that as many as Four
hundred Members are of the Advocate or Attorney species. Men who can speak, if there be aught to speak: nay
here are men also who can think, and even act. Candour will say of this ill− fated First French Parliament that it
wanted not its modicum of talent, its modicum of honesty; that it, neither in the one respect nor in the other, sank
below the average of Parliaments, but rose above the average. Let average Parliaments, whom the world does not
guillotine, and cast forth to long infamy, be thankful not to themselves but to their stars!
France, as we say, has once more done what it could: fervid men have come together from wide separation; for
strange issues. Fiery Max Isnard is come, from the utmost South−East; fiery Claude Fauchet, Te−Deum Fauchet
Bishop of Calvados, from the utmost North−West. No Mirabeau now sits here, who had swallowed formulas: our
only Mirabeau now is Danton, working as yet out of doors; whom some call 'Mirabeau of the Sansculottes.'
The French Revolution
204
The French Revolution
Nevertheless we have our gifts,−−especially of speech and logic. An eloquent Vergniaud we have; most
mellifluous yet most impetuous of public speakers; from the region named Gironde, of the Garonne: a man
unfortunately of indolent habits; who will sit playing with your children, when he ought to be scheming and
perorating. Sharp bustling Guadet; considerate grave Censonne; kind−sparkling mirthful young Ducos; Valaze
doomed to a sad end: all these likewise are of that Gironde, or Bourdeaux region: men of fervid Constitutional
principles; of quick talent, irrefragable logic, clear respectability; who will have the Reign of Liberty establish
itself, but only by respectable methods. Round whom others of like temper will gather; known by and by as
Girondins, to the sorrowing wonder of the world. Of which sort note Condorcet, Marquis and Philosopher; who
has worked at much, at Paris Municipal Constitution, Differential Calculus, Newspaper Chronique de Paris,
Biography, Philosophy; and now sits here as two−years Senator: a notable Condorcet, with stoical Roman face,
and fiery heart; 'volcano hid under snow;' styled likewise, in irreverent language, 'mouton enrage,' peaceablest of
creatures bitten rabid! Or note, lastly, Jean−Pierre Brissot; whom Destiny, long working noisily with him, has
hurled hither, say, to have done with him. A biennial Senator he too; nay, for the present, the king of such.
Restless, scheming, scribbling Brissot; who took to himself the style de Warville, heralds know not in the least
why;−−unless it were that the father of him did, in an unexceptionable manner, perform Cookery and Vintnery in
the Village of Ouarville? A man of the windmill species, that grinds always, turning towards all winds; not in the
steadiest manner.
In all these men there is talent, faculty to work; and they will do it: working and shaping, not without effect,
though alas not in marble, only in quicksand!−−But the highest faculty of them all remains yet to be mentioned;
or indeed has yet to unfold itself for mention: Captain Hippolyte Carnot, sent hither from the Pas de Calais; with
his cold mathematical head, and silent stubbornness of will: iron Carnot, far− planning, imperturbable,
unconquerable; who, in the hour of need, shall not be found wanting. His hair is yet black; and it shall grow grey,
under many kinds of fortune, bright and troublous; and with iron aspect this man shall face them all.
Nor is Cote Droit, and band of King's friends, wanting: Vaublanc, Dumas, Jaucourt the honoured Chevalier; who
love Liberty, yet with Monarchy over it; and speak fearlessly according to that faith;−−whom the thick−coming
hurricanes will sweep away. With them, let a new military Theodore Lameth be named;−−were it only for his two
Brothers' sake, who look down on him, approvingly there, from the Old−Constituents' Gallery. Frothy professing
Pastorets, honey−mouthed conciliatory Lamourettes, and speechless nameless individuals sit plentiful, as
Moderates, in the middle. Still less is a Cote Gauche wanting: extreme Left; sitting on the topmost benches, as if
aloft on its speculatory Height or Mountain, which will become a practical fulminatory Height, and make the
name of Mountain famous−infamous to all times and lands.
Honour waits not on this Mountain; nor as yet even loud dishonour. Gifts it boasts not, nor graces, of speaking or
of thinking; solely this one gift of assured faith, of audacity that will defy the Earth and the Heavens. Foremost
here are the Cordelier Trio: hot Merlin from Thionville, hot Bazire, Attorneys both; Chabot, disfrocked Capuchin,
skilful in agio. Lawyer Lacroix, who wore once as subaltern the single epaulette, has loud lungs and a hungry
heart. There too is Couthon, little dreaming what he is;−−whom a sad chance has paralysed in the lower
extremities. For, it seems, he sat once a whole night, not warm in his true love's bower (who indeed was by law
another's), but sunken to the middle in a cold peat−bog, being hunted out; quaking for his life, in the cold quaking
morass; (Dumouriez, ii. 370.) and goes now on crutches to the end. Cambon likewise, in whom slumbers
undeveloped such a finance−talent for printing of Assignats; Father of Paper−money; who, in the hour of menace,
shall utter this stern sentence, 'War to the Manorhouse, peace to the Hut, Guerre aux Chateaux, paix aux
Chaumieres!' (Choix de Rapports, xi. 25.) Lecointre, the intrepid Draper of Versailles, is welcome here; known
since the Opera−Repast and Insurrection of Women. Thuriot too; Elector Thuriot, who stood in the embrasures of
the Bastille, and saw Saint−Antoine rising in mass; who has many other things to see. Last and grimmest of all
note old Ruhl, with his brown dusky face and long white hair; of Alsatian Lutheran breed; a man whom age and
book−learning have not taught; who, haranguing the old men of Rheims, shall hold up the Sacred Ampulla
(Heaven− sent, wherefrom Clovis and all Kings have been anointed) as a mere worthless oil−bottle, and dash it to
sherds on the pavement there; who, alas, shall dash much to sherds, and finally his own wild head, by pistol− shot,
The French Revolution
205
The French Revolution
and so end it.
Such lava welters redhot in the bowels of this Mountain; unknown to the world and to itself! A mere
commonplace Mountain hitherto; distinguished from the Plain chiefly by its superior barrenness, its baldness of
look: at the utmost it may, to the most observant, perceptibly smoke. For as yet all lies so solid, peaceable; and
doubts not, as was said, that it will endure while Time runs. Do not all love Liberty and the Constitution? All
heartily;−−and yet with degrees. Some, as Chevalier Jaucourt and his Right Side, may love Liberty less than
Royalty, were the trial made; others, as Brissot and his Left Side, may love it more than Royalty. Nay again of
these latter some may love Liberty more than Law itself; others not more. Parties will unfold themselves; no
mortal as yet knows how. Forces work within these men and without: dissidence grows opposition; ever
widening; waxing into incompatibility and internecine feud: till the strong is abolished by a stronger; himself in
his turn by a strongest! Who can help it? Jaucourt and his Monarchists, Feuillans, or Moderates; Brissot and his
Brissotins, Jacobins, or Girondins; these, with the Cordelier Trio, and all men, must work what is appointed them,
and in the way appointed them.
And to think what fate these poor Seven Hundred and Forty−five are assembled, most unwittingly, to meet! Let
no heart be so hard as not to pity them. Their soul's wish was to live and work as the First of the French
Parliaments: and make the Constitution march. Did they not, at their very instalment, go through the most
affecting Constitutional ceremony, almost with tears? The Twelve Eldest are sent solemnly to fetch the
Constitution itself, the printed book of the Law. Archivist Camus, an Old−Constituent appointed Archivist, he and
the Ancient Twelve, amid blare of military pomp and clangour, enter, bearing the divine Book: and President and
all Legislative Senators, laying their hand on the same, successively take the Oath, with cheers and
heart−effusion, universal three−times−three. (Moniteur, Seance du 4 Octobre 1791.) In this manner they begin
their Session. Unhappy mortals! For, that same day, his Majesty having received their Deputation of welcome, as
seemed, rather drily, the Deputation cannot but feel slighted, cannot but lament such slight: and thereupon our
cheering swearing First Parliament sees itself, on the morrow, obliged to explode into fierce retaliatory sputter, of
anti− royal Enactment as to how they, for their part, will receive Majesty; and how Majesty shall not be called
Sire any more, except they please: and then, on the following day, to recal this Enactment of theirs, as too hasty,
and a mere sputter though not unprovoked.
An effervescent well−intentioned set of Senators; too combustible, where continual sparks are flying! Their
History is a series of sputters and quarrels; true desire to do their function, fatal impossibility to do it.
Denunciations, reprimandings of King's Ministers, of traitors supposed and real; hot rage and fulmination against
fulminating Emigrants; terror of Austrian Kaiser, of 'Austrian Committee' in the Tuileries itself: rage and haunting
terror, haste and dim desperate bewilderment!−−Haste, we say; and yet the Constitution had provided against
haste. No Bill can be passed till it have been printed, till it have been thrice read, with intervals of eight
days;−−'unless the Assembly shall beforehand decree that there is urgency.' Which, accordingly, the Assembly,
scrupulous of the Constitution, never omits to do: Considering this, and also considering that, and then that other,
the Assembly decrees always 'qu'il y a urgence;' and thereupon 'the Assembly, having decreed that there is
urgence,' is free to decree−−what indispensable distracted thing seems best to it. Two thousand and odd decrees,
as men reckon, within Eleven months! (Montgaillard, iii. 1. 237.) The haste of the Constituent seemed great; but
this is treble−quick. For the time itself is rushing treble−quick; and they have to keep pace with that. Unhappy
Seven Hundred and Forty−five: true−patriotic, but so combustible; being fired, they must needs fling fire: Senate
of touchwood and rockets, in a world of smoke−storm, with sparks wind−driven continually flying!
Or think, on the other hand, looking forward some months, of that scene they call Baiser de Lamourette! The
dangers of the country are now grown imminent, immeasurable; National Assembly, hope of France, is divided
against itself. In such extreme circumstances, honey−mouthed Abbe Lamourette, new Bishop of Lyons, rises,
whose name, l'amourette, signifies the sweetheart, or Delilah doxy,−−he rises, and, with pathetic honied
eloquence, calls on all august Senators to forget mutual griefs and grudges, to swear a new oath, and unite as
brothers. Whereupon they all, with vivats, embrace and swear; Left Side confounding itself with Right; barren
The French Revolution
206
The French Revolution
Mountain rushing down to fruitful Plain, Pastoret into the arms of Condorcet, injured to the breast of injurer, with
tears; and all swearing that whosoever wishes either Feuillant Two−Chamber Monarchy or Extreme− Jacobin
Republic, or any thing but the Constitution and that only, shall be anathema marantha. (Moniteur, Seance du 6
Juillet 1792.) Touching to behold! For, literally on the morrow morning, they must again quarrel, driven by Fate;
and their sublime reconcilement is called derisively Baiser de L'amourette, or Delilah Kiss.
Like fated Eteocles−Polynices Brothers, embracing, though in vain; weeping that they must not love, that they
must hate only, and die by each other's hands! Or say, like doomed Familiar Spirits; ordered, by Art Magic under
penalties, to do a harder than twist ropes of sand: 'to make the Constitution march.' If the Constitution would but
march! Alas, the Constitution will not stir. It falls on its face; they tremblingly lift it on end again: march, thou
gold Constitution! The Constitution will not march.−−"He shall march, by−−!" said kind Uncle Toby, and even
swore. The Corporal answered mournfully: "He will never march in this world."
A constitution, as we often say, will march when it images, if not the old Habits and Beliefs of the Constituted;
then accurately their Rights, or better indeed, their Mights;−−for these two, well−understood, are they not one and
the same? The old Habits of France are gone: her new Rights and Mights are not yet ascertained, except in
Paper−theorem; nor can be, in any sort, till she have tried. Till she have measured herself, in fell death− grip, and
were it in utmost preternatural spasm of madness, with Principalities and Powers, with the upper and the under,
internal and external; with the Earth and Tophet and the very Heaven! Then will she know.−−Three things bode
ill for the marching of this French Constitution: the French People; the French King; thirdly the French Noblesse
and an assembled European World.
Chapter 2.5.III. Avignon.
But quitting generalities, what strange Fact is this, in the far South− West, towards which the eyes of all men do
now, in the end of October, bend themselves? A tragical combustion, long smoking and smouldering unluminous,
has now burst into flame there.
Hot is that Southern Provencal blood: alas, collisions, as was once said, must occur in a career of Freedom;
different directions will produce such; nay different velocities in the same direction will! To much that went on
there History, busied elsewhere, would not specially give heed: to troubles of Uzez, troubles of Nismes, Protestant
and Catholic, Patriot and Aristocrat; to troubles of Marseilles, Montpelier, Arles; to Aristocrat Camp of Jales, that
wondrous real−imaginary Entity, now fading pale−dim, then always again glowing forth deep−hued (in the
Imagination mainly);−− ominous magical, 'an Aristocrat picture of war done naturally!' All this was a tragical
deadly combustion, with plot and riot, tumult by night and by day; but a dark combustion, not luminous, not
noticed; which now, however, one cannot help noticing.
Above all places, the unluminous combustion in Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin was fierce. Papal Avignon,
with its Castle rising sheer over the Rhone−stream; beautifullest Town, with its purple vines and gold−orange
groves: why must foolish old rhyming Rene, the last Sovereign of Provence, bequeath it to the Pope and Gold
Tiara, not rather to Louis Eleventh with the Leaden Virgin in his hatband? For good and for evil! Popes, Anti−
popes, with their pomp, have dwelt in that Castle of Avignon rising sheer over the Rhone−stream: there Laura de
Sade went to hear mass; her Petrarch twanging and singing by the Fountain of Vaucluse hard by, surely in a most
melancholy manner. This was in the old days.
And now in these new days, such issues do come from a squirt of the pen by some foolish rhyming Rene, after
centuries, this is what we have: Jourdan Coupe−tete, leading to siege and warfare an Army, from three to fifteen
thousand strong, called the Brigands of Avignon; which title they themselves accept, with the addition of an
epithet, 'The brave Brigands of Avignon!' It is even so. Jourdan the Headsman fled hither from that Chatelet
Inquest, from that Insurrection of Women; and began dealing in madder; but the scene was rife in other than
dye−stuffs; so Jourdan shut his madder shop, and has risen, for he was the man to do it. The tile− beard of Jourdan
The French Revolution
207
The French Revolution
is shaven off; his fat visage has got coppered and studded with black carbuncles; the Silenus trunk is swollen with
drink and high living: he wears blue National uniform with epaulettes, 'an enormous sabre, two horse−pistols
crossed in his belt, and other two smaller, sticking from his pockets;' styles himself General, and is the tyrant of
men. (Dampmartin, Evenemens, i. 267.) Consider this one fact, O Reader; and what sort of facts must have
preceded it, must accompany it! Such things come of old Rene; and of the question which has risen, Whether
Avignon cannot now cease wholly to be Papal and become French and free?
For some twenty−five months the confusion has lasted. Say three months of arguing; then seven of raging; then
finally some fifteen months now of fighting, and even of hanging. For already in February 1790, the Papal
Aristocrats had set up four gibbets, for a sign; but the People rose in June, in retributive frenzy; and, forcing the
public Hangman to act, hanged four Aristocrats, on each Papal gibbet a Papal Haman. Then were Avignon
Emigrations, Papal Aristocrats emigrating over the Rhone River; demission of Papal Consul, flight, victory:
re−entrance of Papal Legate, truce, and new onslaught; and the various turns of war. Petitions there were to
National Assembly; Congresses of Townships; three−score and odd Townships voting for French Reunion, and
the blessings of Liberty; while some twelve of the smaller, manipulated by Aristocrats, gave vote the other way:
with shrieks and discord! Township against Township, Town against Town: Carpentras, long jealous of Avignon,
is now turned out in open war with it;−−and Jourdan Coupe−tete, your first General being killed in mutiny, closes
his dye−shop; and does there visibly, with siege−artillery, above all with bluster and tumult, with the 'brave
Brigands of Avignon,' beleaguer the rival Town, for two months, in the face of the world!
Feats were done, doubt it not, far−famed in Parish History; but to Universal History unknown. Gibbets we see
rise, on the one side and on the other; and wretched carcasses swinging there, a dozen in the row; wretched Mayor
of Vaison buried before dead. (Barbaroux, Memoires, p. 26.) The fruitful seedfield, lie unreaped, the vineyards
trampled down; there is red cruelty, madness of universal choler and gall. Havoc and anarchy everywhere; a
combustion most fierce, but unlucent, not to be noticed here!−−Finally, as we saw, on the 14th of September last,
the National Constituent Assembly, having sent Commissioners and heard them; (Lescene Desmaisons: Compte
rendu a l'Assemblee Nationale, 10 Septembre 1791 (Choix des Rapports, vii. 273−93).) having heard Petitions,
held Debates, month after month ever since August 1789; and on the whole 'spent thirty sittings' on this matter,
did solemnly decree that Avignon and the Comtat were incorporated with France, and His Holiness the Pope
should have what indemnity was reasonable.
And so hereby all is amnestied and finished? Alas, when madness of choler has gone through the blood of men,
and gibbets have swung on this side and on that, what will a parchment Decree and Lafayette Amnesty do?
Oblivious Lethe flows not above ground! Papal Aristocrats and Patriot Brigands are still an eye−sorrow to each
other; suspected, suspicious, in what they do and forbear. The august Constituent Assembly is gone but a
fortnight, when, on Sunday the Sixteenth morning of October 1791, the unquenched combustion suddenly
becomes luminous! For Anti−constitutional Placards are up, and the Statue of the Virgin is said to have shed
tears, and grown red. (Proces−verbal de la Commune d'Avignon, (in Hist. Parl. xii. 419−23.) Wherefore, on that
morning, Patriot l'Escuyer, one of our 'six leading Patriots,' having taken counsel with his brethren and General
Jourdan, determines on going to Church, in company with a friend or two: not to hear mass, which he values little;
but to meet all the Papalists there in a body, nay to meet that same weeping Virgin, for it is the Cordeliers Church;
and give them a word of admonition. Adventurous errand; which has the fatallest issue! What L'Escuyer's word of
admonition might be no History records; but the answer to it was a shrieking howl from the Aristocrat Papal
worshippers, many of them women. A thousand−voiced shriek and menace; which as L'Escuyer did not fly,
became a thousand−handed hustle and jostle; a thousand−footed kick, with tumblings and tramplings, with the
pricking of semstresses stilettos, scissors, and female pointed instruments. Horrible to behold; the ancient Dead,
and Petrarchan Laura, sleeping round it there; (Ugo Foscolo, Essay on Petrarch, p. 35.) high Altar and burning
tapers looking down on it; the Virgin quite tearless, and of the natural stone−colour!−−L'Escuyer's friend or two
rush off, like Job's Messengers, for Jourdan and the National Force. But heavy Jourdan will seize the Town−Gates
first; does not run treble−fast, as he might: on arriving at the Cordeliers Church, the Church is silent, vacant;
L'Escuyer, all alone, lies there, swimming in his blood, at the foot of the high Altar; pricked with scissors;
The French Revolution
208
The French Revolution
trodden, massacred;−−gives one dumb sob, and gasps out his miserable life for evermore.
Sight to stir the heart of any man; much more of many men, self−styled Brigands of Avignon! The corpse of
L'Escuyer, stretched on a bier, the ghastly head girt with laurel, is borne through the streets; with many− voiced
unmelodious Nenia; funeral−wail still deeper than it is loud! The copper−face of Jourdan, of bereft Patriotism, has
grown black. Patriot Municipality despatches official Narrative and tidings to Paris; orders numerous or
innumerable arrestments for inquest and perquisition. Aristocrats male and female are haled to the Castle; lie
crowded in subterranean dungeons there, bemoaned by the hoarse rushing of the Rhone; cut out from help.
So lie they; waiting inquest and perquisition. Alas! with a Jourdan Headsman for Generalissimo, with his
copper−face grown black, and armed Brigand Patriots chanting their Nenia, the inquest is likely to be brief. On
the next day and the next, let Municipality consent or not, a Brigand Court−Martial establishes itself in the
subterranean stories of the Castle of Avignon; Brigand Executioners, with naked sabre, waiting at the door, for a
Brigand verdict. Short judgment, no appeal! There is Brigand wrath and vengeance; not unrefreshed by brandy.
Close by is the Dungeon of the Glaciere, or Ice−Tower: there may be deeds done−−? For which language has no
name!−−Darkness and the shadow of horrid cruelty envelopes these Castle Dungeons, that Glaciere Tower: clear
only that many have entered, that few have returned. Jourdan and the Brigands, supreme now over Municipals,
over all Authorities Patriot or Papal, reign in Avignon, waited on by Terror and Silence.
The result of all which is that, on the 15th of November 1791, we behold Friend Dampmartin, and subalterns
beneath him, and General Choisi above him, with Infantry and Cavalry, and proper cannon−carriages rattling in
front, with spread banners, to the sound of fife and drum, wend, in a deliberate formidable manner, towards that
sheer Castle Rock, towards those broad Gates of Avignon; three new National−Assembly Commissioners
following at safe distance in the rear. (Dampmartin, i. 251−94.) Avignon, summoned in the name of Assembly
and Law, flings its Gates wide open; Choisi with the rest, Dampmartin and the Bons Enfans, 'Good Boys of
Baufremont,' so they name these brave Constitutional Dragoons, known to them of old,−−do enter, amid shouts
and scattered flowers. To the joy of all honest persons; to the terror only of Jourdan Headsman and the Brigands.
Nay next we behold carbuncled swollen Jourdan himself shew copper−face, with sabre and four pistols; affecting
to talk high: engaging, meanwhile, to surrender the Castle that instant. So the Choisi Grenadiers enter with him
there. They start and stop, passing that Glaciere, snuffing its horrible breath; with wild yell, with cries of "Cut the
Butcher down!"−−and Jourdan has to whisk himself through secret passages, and instantaneously vanish.
Be the mystery of iniquity laid bare then! A Hundred and Thirty Corpses, of men, nay of women and even
children (for the trembling mother, hastily seized, could not leave her infant), lie heaped in that Glaciere; putrid,
under putridities: the horror of the world. For three days there is mournful lifting out, and recognition; amid the
cries and movements of a passionate Southern people, now kneeling in prayer, now storming in wild pity and
rage: lastly there is solemn sepulture, with muffled drums, religious requiem, and all the people's wail and tears.
Their Massacred rest now in holy ground; buried in one grave.
And Jourdan Coupe−tete? Him also we behold again, after a day or two: in flight, through the most romantic
Petrarchan hill−country; vehemently spurring his nag; young Ligonnet, a brisk youth of Avignon, with Choisi
Dragoons, close in his rear! With such swollen mass of a rider no nag can run to advantage. The tired nag,
spur−driven, does take the River Sorgue; but sticks in the middle of it; firm on that chiaro fondo di Sorga; and
will proceed no further for spurring! Young Ligonnet dashes up; the Copper−face menaces and bellows, draws
pistol, perhaps even snaps it; is nevertheless seized by the collar; is tied firm, ancles under horse's belly, and
ridden back to Avignon, hardly to be saved from massacre on the streets there. (Dampmartin, ubi supra.)
Such is the combustion of Avignon and the South−West, when it becomes luminous! Long loud debate is in the
august Legislative, in the Mother− Society as to what now shall be done with it. Amnesty, cry eloquent Vergniaud
and all Patriots: let there be mutual pardon and repentance, restoration, pacification, and if so might any how be,
an end! Which vote ultimately prevails. So the South−West smoulders and welters again in an 'Amnesty,' or
The French Revolution
209
The French Revolution
Non−remembrance, which alas cannot but remember, no Lethe flowing above ground! Jourdan himself remains
unchanged; gets loose again as one not yet gallows−ripe; nay, as we transciently discern from the distance, is
'carried in triumph through the cities of the South.' (Deux Amis vii. (Paris, 1797), pp. 59−71.) What things men
carry!
With which transient glimpse, of a Copper−faced Portent faring in this manner through the cities of the South, we
must quit these regions;−−and let them smoulder. They want not their Aristocrats; proud old Nobles, not yet
emigrated. Arles has its 'Chiffonne,' so, in symbolical cant, they name that Aristocrat Secret−Association; Arles
has its pavements piled up, by and by, into Aristocrat barricades. Against which Rebecqui, the hot− clear Patriot,
must lead Marseilles with cannon. The Bar of Iron has not yet risen to the top in the Bay of Marseilles; neither
have these hot Sons of the Phoceans submitted to be slaves. By clear management and hot instance, Rebecqui
dissipates that Chiffonne, without bloodshed; restores the pavement of Arles. He sails in Coast−barks, this
Rebecqui, scrutinising suspicious Martello−towers, with the keen eye of Patriotism; marches overland with
despatch, singly, or in force; to City after City; dim scouring far and wide; (Barbaroux, p. 21; Hist. Parl. xiii.
421−4.)−− argues, and if it must be, fights. For there is much to do; Jales itself is looking suspicious. So that
Legislator Fauchet, after debate on it, has to propose Commissioners and a Camp on the Plain of Beaucaire: with
or without result.
Of all which, and much else, let us note only this small consequence, that young Barbaroux, Advocate,
Town−Clerk of Marseilles, being charged to have these things remedied, arrived at Paris in the month of February
1792. The beautiful and brave: young Spartan, ripe in energy, not ripe in wisdom; over whose black doom there
shall flit nevertheless a certain ruddy fervour, streaks of bright Southern tint, not wholly swallowed of Death!
Note also that the Rolands of Lyons are again in Paris; for the second and final time. King's Inspectorship is
abrogated at Lyons, as elsewhere: Roland has his retiring−pension to claim, if attainable; has Patriot friends to
commune with; at lowest, has a book to publish. That young Barbaroux and the Rolands came together; that
elderly Spartan Roland liked, or even loved the young Spartan, and was loved by him, one can fancy: and
Madame−−? Breathe not, thou poison−breath, Evil−speech! That soul is taintless, clear, as the mirror−sea. And
yet if they too did look into each other's eyes, and each, in silence, in tragical renunciance, did find that the other
was all too lovely? Honi soit! She calls him 'beautiful as Antinous:' he 'will speak elsewhere of that astonishing
woman.'−−A Madame d'Udon (or some such name, for Dumont does not recollect quite clearly) gives copious
Breakfast to the Brissotin Deputies and us Friends of Freedom, at her house in the Place Vendome; with
temporary celebrity, with graces and wreathed smiles; not without cost. There, amid wide babble and jingle, our
plan of Legislative Debate is settled for the day, and much counselling held. Strict Roland is seen there, but does
not go often. (Dumont, Souvenirs, p. 374.)
Chapter 2.5.IV. No Sugar.
Such are our inward troubles; seen in the Cities of the South; extant, seen or unseen, in all cities and districts,
North as well as South. For in all are Aristocrats, more or less malignant; watched by Patriotism; which again,
being of various shades, from light Fayettist−Feuillant down to deep−sombre Jacobin, has to watch itself!
Directories of Departments, what we call County Magistracies, being chosen by Citizens of a too 'active' class, are
found to pull one way; Municipalities, Town Magistracies, to pull the other way. In all places too are Dissident
Priests; whom the Legislative will have to deal with: contumacious individuals, working on that angriest of
passions; plotting, enlisting for Coblentz; or suspected of plotting: fuel of a universal unconstitutional heat. What
to do with them? They may be conscientious as well as contumacious: gently they should be dealt with, and yet it
must be speedily. In unilluminated La Vendee the simple are like to be seduced by them; many a simple peasant,
a Cathelineau the wool−dealer wayfaring meditative with his wool−packs, in these hamlets, dubiously shakes his
head! Two Assembly Commissioners went thither last Autumn; considerate Gensonne, not yet called to be a
Senator; Gallois, an editorial man. These Two, consulting with General Dumouriez, spake and worked, softly,
with judgment; they have hushed down the irritation, and produced a soft Report,−−for the time.
The French Revolution
210
The French Revolution
The General himself doubts not in the least but he can keep peace there; being an able man. He passes these frosty
months among the pleasant people of Niort, occupies 'tolerably handsome apartments in the Castle of Niort,' and
tempers the minds of men. (Dumouriez, ii. 129.) Why is there but one Dumouriez? Elsewhere you find South or
North, nothing but untempered obscure jarring; which breaks forth ever and anon into open clangour of riot.
Southern Perpignan has its tocsin, by torch light; with rushing and onslaught: Northern Caen not less, by daylight;
with Aristocrats ranged in arms at Places of Worship; Departmental compromise proving impossible; breaking
into musketry and a Plot discovered! (Hist. Parl. xii. 131, 141; xiii. 114, 417.) Add Hunger too: for Bread, always
dear, is getting dearer: not so much as Sugar can be had; for good reasons. Poor Simoneau, Mayor of Etampes, in
this Northern region, hanging out his Red Flag in some riot of grains, is trampled to death by a hungry
exasperated People. What a trade this of Mayor, in these times! Mayor of Saint−Denis hung at the Lanterne, by
Suspicion and Dyspepsia, as we saw long since; Mayor of Vaison, as we saw lately, buried before dead; and now
this poor Simoneau, the Tanner, of Etampes,−−whom legal Constitutionalism will not forget.
With factions, suspicions, want of bread and sugar, it is verily what they call dechire, torn asunder this poor
country: France and all that is French. For, over seas too come bad news. In black Saint−Domingo, before that
variegated Glitter in the Champs Elysees was lit for an Accepted Constitution, there had risen, and was burning
contemporary with it, quite another variegated Glitter and nocturnal Fulgor, had we known it: of molasses and
ardent−spirits; of sugar−boileries, plantations, furniture, cattle and men: skyhigh; the Plain of Cap Francais one
huge whirl of smoke and flame!
What a change here, in these two years; since that first 'Box of Tricolor Cockades' got through the Custom−house,
and atrabiliar Creoles too rejoiced that there was a levelling of Bastilles! Levelling is comfortable, as we often
say: levelling, yet only down to oneself. Your pale−white Creoles, have their grievances:−−and your yellow
Quarteroons? And your dark−yellow Mulattoes? And your Slaves soot−black? Quarteroon Oge, Friend of our
Parisian Brissotin Friends of the Blacks, felt, for his share too, that Insurrection was the most sacred of duties. So
the tricolor Cockades had fluttered and swashed only some three months on the Creole hat, when Oge's
signal−conflagrations went aloft; with the voice of rage and terror. Repressed, doomed to die, he took black
powder or seedgrains in the hollow of his hand, this Oge; sprinkled a film of white ones on the top, and said to his
Judges, "Behold they are white;"−−then shook his hand, and said "Where are the Whites, Ou sont les Blancs?"
So now, in the Autumn of 1791, looking from the sky−windows of Cap Francais, thick clouds of smoke girdle our
horizon, smoke in the day, in the night fire; preceded by fugitive shrieking white women, by Terror and Rumour.
Black demonised squadrons are massacring and harrying, with nameless cruelty. They fight and fire 'from behind
thickets and coverts,' for the Black man loves the Bush; they rush to the attack, thousands strong, with brandished
cutlasses and fusils, with caperings, shoutings and vociferation,−−which, if the White Volunteer Company stands
firm, dwindle into staggerings, into quick gabblement, into panic flight at the first volley, perhaps before it. (Deux
Amis, x. 157.) Poor Oge could be broken on the wheel; this fire−whirlwind too can be abated, driven up into the
Mountains: but Saint−Domingo is shaken, as Oge's seedgrains were; shaking, writhing in long horrid
death−throes, it is Black without remedy; and remains, as African Haiti, a monition to the world.
O my Parisian Friends, is not this, as well as Regraters and Feuillant Plotters, one cause of the astonishing dearth
of Sugar! The Grocer, palpitant, with drooping lip, sees his Sugar taxe; weighed out by Female Patriotism, in
instant retail, at the inadequate rate of twenty−five sous, or thirteen pence a pound. "Abstain from it?" yes, ye
Patriot Sections, all ye Jacobins, abstain! Louvet and Collot−d'Herbois so advise; resolute to make the sacrifice:
though "how shall literary men do without coffee?" Abstain, with an oath; that is the surest! (Debats des Jacobins,
(Hist. Parl. xiii. 171, 92−98.)
Also, for like reason, must not Brest and the Shipping Interest languish? Poor Brest languishes, sorrowing, not
without spleen; denounces an Aristocrat Bertrand−Moleville traitorous Aristocrat Marine−Minister. Do not her
Ships and King's Ships lie rotting piecemeal in harbour; Naval Officers mostly fled, and on furlough too, with
pay? Little stirring there; if it be not the Brest Gallies, whip−driven, with their Galley− Slaves,−−alas, with some
The French Revolution
211
The French Revolution
Forty of our hapless Swiss Soldiers of Chateau− Vieux, among others! These Forty Swiss, too mindful of Nanci,
do now, in their red wool caps, tug sorrowfully at the oar; looking into the Atlantic brine, which reflects only their
own sorrowful shaggy faces; and seem forgotten of Hope.
But, on the whole, may we not say, in fugitive language, that the French Constitution which shall march is very
rheumatic, full of shooting internal pains, in joint and muscle; and will not march without difficulty?
Chapter 2.5.V. Kings and Emigrants.
Extremely rheumatic Constitutions have been known to march, and keep on their feet, though in a staggering
sprawling manner, for long periods, in virtue of one thing only: that the Head were healthy. But this Head of the
French Constitution! What King Louis is and cannot help being, Readers already know. A King who cannot take
the Constitution, nor reject the Constitution: nor do anything at all, but miserably ask, What shall I do? A King
environed with endless confusions; in whose own mind is no germ of order. Haughty implacable remnants of
Noblesse struggling with humiliated repentant Barnave−Lameths: struggling in that obscure element of fetchers
and carriers, of Half−pay braggarts from the Cafe Valois, of Chambermaids, whisperers, and subaltern officious
persons; fierce Patriotism looking on all the while, more and more suspicious, from without: what, in such
struggle, can they do? At best, cancel one another, and produce zero. Poor King! Barnave and your Senatorial
Jaucourts speak earnestly into this ear; Bertrand−Moleville, and Messengers from Coblentz, speak earnestly into
that: the poor Royal head turns to the one side and to the other side; can turn itself fixedly to no side. Let Decency
drop a veil over it: sorrier misery was seldom enacted in the world. This one small fact, does it not throw the
saddest light on much? The Queen is lamenting to Madam Campan: "What am I to do? When they, these
Barnaves, get us advised to any step which the Noblesse do not like, then I am pouted at; nobody comes to my
card table; the King's Couchee is solitary." (Campan, ii. 177−202.) In such a case of dubiety, what is one to do?
Go inevitably to the ground!
The King has accepted this Constitution, knowing beforehand that it will not serve: he studies it, and executes it in
the hope mainly that it will be found inexecutable. King's Ships lie rotting in harbour, their officers gone; the
Armies disorganised; robbers scour the highways, which wear down unrepaired; all Public Service lies slack and
waste: the Executive makes no effort, or an effort only to throw the blame on the Constitution. Shamming death,
'faisant le mort!' What Constitution, use it in this manner, can march? 'Grow to disgust the Nation' it will truly,
(Bertrand− Moleville, i. c. 4.)−−unless you first grow to disgust the Nation! It is Bertrand de Moleville's plan, and
his Majesty's; the best they can form.
Or if, after all, this best−plan proved too slow; proved a failure? Provident of that too, the Queen, shrouded in
deepest mystery, 'writes all day, in cipher, day after day, to Coblentz;' Engineer Goguelat, he of the Night of
Spurs, whom the Lafayette Amnesty has delivered from Prison, rides and runs. Now and then, on fit occasion, a
Royal familiar visit can be paid to that Salle de Manege, an affecting encouraging Royal Speech (sincere, doubt it
not, for the moment) can be delivered there, and the Senators all cheer and almost weep;−−at the same time
Mallet du Pan has visibly ceased editing, and invisibly bears abroad a King's Autograph, soliciting help from the
Foreign Potentates. (Moleville, i. 370.) Unhappy Louis, do this thing or else that other,−−if thou couldst!
The thing which the King's Government did do was to stagger distractedly from contradiction to contradiction;
and wedding Fire to Water, envelope itself in hissing, and ashy steam! Danton and needy corruptible Patriots are
sopped with presents of cash: they accept the sop: they rise refreshed by it, and travel their own way. (Ibid. i. c.
17.) Nay, the King's Government did likewise hire Hand−clappers, or claqueurs, persons to applaud. Subterranean
Rivarol has Fifteen Hundred men in King's pay, at the rate of some ten thousand pounds sterling, per month; what
he calls 'a staff of genius:' Paragraph−writers, Placard−Journalists; 'two hundred and eighty Applauders, at three
shillings a day:' one of the strangest Staffs ever commanded by man. The muster−rolls and account−books of
which still exist. (Montgaillard, iii. 41.) Bertrand−Moleville himself, in a way he thinks very dexterous, contrives
to pack the Galleries of the Legislative; gets Sansculottes hired to go thither, and applaud at a signal given, they
The French Revolution
212
The French Revolution
fancying it was Petion that bid them: a device which was not detected for almost a week. Dexterous enough; as if
a man finding the Day fast decline should determine on altering the Clockhands: that is a thing possible for him.
Here too let us note an unexpected apparition of Philippe d'Orleans at Court: his last at the Levee of any King.
D'Orleans, sometime in the winter months seemingly, has been appointed to that old first−coveted rank of
Admiral,−−though only over ships rotting in port. The wished−for comes too late! However, he waits on
Bertrand−Moleville to give thanks: nay to state that he would willingly thank his Majesty in person; that, in spite
of all the horrible things men have said and sung, he is far from being his Majesty's enemy; at bottom, how far!
Bertrand delivers the message, brings about the royal Interview, which does pass to the satisfaction of his
Majesty; d'Orleans seeming clearly repentant, determined to turn over a new leaf. And yet, next Sunday, what do
we see? 'Next Sunday,' says Bertrand, 'he came to the King's Levee; but the Courtiers ignorant of what had
passed, the crowd of Royalists who were accustomed to resort thither on that day specially to pay their court, gave
him the most humiliating reception. They came pressing round him; managing, as if by mistake, to tread on his
toes, to elbow him towards the door, and not let him enter again. He went downstairs to her Majesty's Apartments,
where cover was laid; so soon as he shewed face, sounds rose on all sides, "Messieurs, take care of the dishes," as
if he had carried poison in his pockets. The insults which his presence every where excited forced him to retire
without having seen the Royal Family: the crowd followed him to the Queen's Staircase; in descending, he
received a spitting (crachat) on the head, and some others, on his clothes. Rage and spite were seen visibly painted
on his face:' (Bertrand−Moleville, i. 177.) as indeed how could they miss to be? He imputes it all to the King and
Queen, who know nothing of it, who are even much grieved at it; and so descends, to his Chaos again. Bertrand
was there at the Chateau that day himself, and an eye−witness to these things.
For the rest, Non−jurant Priests, and the repression of them, will distract the King's conscience; Emigrant Princes
and Noblesse will force him to double−dealing: there must be veto on veto; amid the ever−waxing indignation of
men. For Patriotism, as we said, looks on from without, more and more suspicious. Waxing tempest, blast after
blast, of Patriot indignation, from without; dim inorganic whirl of Intrigues, Fatuities, within! Inorganic, fatuous;
from which the eye turns away. De Stael intrigues for her so gallant Narbonne, to get him made War−Minister;
and ceases not, having got him made. The King shall fly to Rouen; shall there, with the gallant Narbonne,
properly 'modify the Constitution.' This is the same brisk Narbonne, who, last year, cut out from their
entanglement, by force of dragoons, those poor fugitive Royal Aunts: men say he is at bottom their Brother, or
even more, so scandalous is scandal. He drives now, with his de Stael, rapidly to the Armies, to the Frontier
Towns; produces rose−coloured Reports, not too credible; perorates, gesticulates; wavers poising himself on the
top, for a moment, seen of men; then tumbles, dismissed, washed away by the Time−flood.
Also the fair Princess de Lamballe intrigues, bosom friend of her Majesty: to the angering of Patriotism. Beautiful
Unfortunate, why did she ever return from England? Her small silver−voice, what can it profit in that piping of
the black World−tornado? Which will whirl her, poor fragile Bird of Paradise, against grim rocks. Lamballe and
de Stael intrigue visibly, apart or together: but who shall reckon how many others, and in what infinite ways,
invisibly! Is there not what one may call an 'Austrian Committee,' sitting invisible in the Tuileries; centre of an
invisible Anti−National Spiderweb, which, for we sleep among mysteries, stretches its threads to the ends of the
Earth? Journalist Carra has now the clearest certainty of it: to Brissotin Patriotism, and France generally, it is
growing more and more probable.
O Reader, hast thou no pity for this Constitution? Rheumatic shooting pains in its members; pressure of
hydrocephale and hysteric vapours on its Brain: a Constitution divided against itself; which will never march,
hardly even stagger? Why were not Drouet and Procureur Sausse in their beds, that unblessed Varennes Night!
Why did they not, in the name of Heaven, let the Korff Berline go whither it listed! Nameless incoherency,
incompatibility, perhaps prodigies at which the world still shudders, had been spared.
But now comes the third thing that bodes ill for the marching of this French Constitution: besides the French
People, and the French King, there is thirdly−−the assembled European world? it has become necessary now to
The French Revolution
213
The French Revolution
look at that also. Fair France is so luminous: and round and round it, is troublous Cimmerian Night. Calonnes,
Breteuils hover dim, far−flown; overnetting Europe with intrigues. From Turin to Vienna; to Berlin, and utmost
Petersburg in the frozen North! Great Burke has raised his great voice long ago; eloquently demonstrating that the
end of an Epoch is come, to all appearance the end of Civilised Time. Him many answer: Camille Desmoulins,
Clootz Speaker of Mankind, Paine the rebellious Needleman, and honourable Gallic Vindicators in that country
and in this: but the great Burke remains unanswerable; 'The Age of Chivalry is gone,' and could not but go, having
now produced the still more indomitable Age of Hunger. Altars enough, of the Dubois−Rohan sort, changing to
the Gobel−and− Talleyrand sort, are faring by rapid transmutation to, shall we say, the right Proprietor of them?
French Game and French Game−Preservers did alight on the Cliffs of Dover, with cries of distress. Who will say
that the end of much is not come? A set of mortals has risen, who believe that Truth is not a printed Speculation,
but a practical Fact; that Freedom and Brotherhood are possible in this Earth, supposed always to be Belial's,
which 'the Supreme Quack' was to inherit! Who will say that Church, State, Throne, Altar are not in danger; that
the sacred Strong−box itself, last Palladium of effete Humanity, may not be blasphemously blown upon, and its
padlocks undone?
The poor Constituent Assembly might act with what delicacy and diplomacy it would; declare that it abjured
meddling with its neighbours, foreign conquest, and so forth; but from the first this thing was to be predicted: that
old Europe and new France could not subsist together. A Glorious Revolution, oversetting State−Prisons and
Feudalism; publishing, with outburst of Federative Cannon, in face of all the Earth, that Appearance is not
Reality, how shall it subsist amid Governments which, if Appearance is not Reality, are−−one knows not what? In
death feud, and internecine wrestle and battle, it shall subsist with them; not otherwise.
Rights of Man, printed on Cotton Handkerchiefs, in various dialects of human speech, pass over to the Frankfort
Fair. (Toulongeon, i. 256.) What say we, Frankfort Fair? They have crossed Euphrates and the fabulous
Hydaspes; wafted themselves beyond the Ural, Altai, Himmalayah: struck off from wood stereotypes, in angular
Picture−writing, they are jabbered and jingled of in China and Japan. Where will it stop? Kien−Lung smells
mischief; not the remotest Dalai−Lama shall now knead his dough−pills in peace.−−Hateful to us; as is the Night!
Bestir yourselves, ye Defenders of Order! They do bestir themselves: all Kings and Kinglets, with their spiritual
temporal array, are astir; their brows clouded with menace. Diplomatic emissaries fly swift; Conventions, privy
Conclaves assemble; and wise wigs wag, taking what counsel they can.
Also, as we said, the Pamphleteer draws pen, on this side and that: zealous fists beat the Pulpit−drum. Not without
issue! Did not iron Birmingham, shouting 'Church and King,' itself knew not why, burst out, last July, into rage,
drunkenness, and fire; and your Priestleys, and the like, dining there on that Bastille day, get the maddest
singeing: scandalous to consider! In which same days, as we can remark, high Potentates, Austrian and Prussian,
with Emigrants, were faring towards Pilnitz in Saxony; there, on the 27th of August, they, keeping to themselves
what further 'secret Treaty' there might or might not be, did publish their hopes and their threatenings, their
Declaration that it was 'the common cause of Kings.'
Where a will to quarrel is, there is a way. Our readers remember that Pentecost−Night, Fourth of August 1789,
when Feudalism fell in a few hours? The National Assembly, in abolishing Feudalism, promised that
'compensation' should be given; and did endeavour to give it. Nevertheless the Austrian Kaiser answers that his
German Princes, for their part, cannot be unfeudalised; that they have Possessions in French Alsace, and Feudal
Rights secured to them, for which no conceivable compensation will suffice. So this of the Possessioned Princes,
'Princes Possessiones' is bandied from Court to Court; covers acres of diplomatic paper at this day: a weariness to
the world. Kaunitz argues from Vienna; Delessart responds from Paris, though perhaps not sharply enough. The
Kaiser and his Possessioned Princes will too evidently come and take compensation−−so much as they can get.
Nay might one not partition France, as we have done Poland, and are doing; and so pacify it with a vengeance?
From South to North! For actually it is 'the common cause of Kings.' Swedish Gustav, sworn Knight of the Queen
of France, will lead Coalised Armies;−−had not Ankarstrom treasonously shot him; for, indeed, there were griefs
The French Revolution
214
The French Revolution
nearer home. (30th March 1792 (Annual Register, p. 11). Austria and Prussia speak at Pilnitz; all men intensely
listening: Imperial Rescripts have gone out from Turin; there will be secret Convention at Vienna. Catherine of
Russia beckons approvingly; will help, were she ready. Spanish Bourbon stirs amid his pillows; from him too,
even from him, shall there come help. Lean Pitt, 'the Minister of Preparatives,' looks out from his watch−tower in
Saint−James's, in a suspicious manner. Councillors plotting, Calonnes dim−hovering;−−alas, Serjeants
rub−a−dubbing openly through all manner of German market−towns, collecting ragged valour! (Toulongeon, ii.
100−117.) Look where you will, immeasurable Obscurantism is girdling this fair France; which, again, will not be
girdled by it. Europe is in travail; pang after pang; what a shriek was that of Pilnitz! The birth will be: WAR.
Nay the worst feature of the business is this last, still to be named; the Emigrants at Coblentz, so many thousands
ranking there, in bitter hate and menace: King's Brothers, all Princes of the Blood except wicked d'Orleans; your
duelling de Castries, your eloquent Cazales; bull−headed Malseignes, a wargod Broglie; Distaff Seigneurs,
insulted Officers, all that have ridden across the Rhine−stream;−−d'Artois welcoming Abbe Maury with a kiss,
and clasping him publicly to his own royal heart! Emigration, flowing over the Frontiers, now in drops, now in
streams, in various humours of fear, of petulance, rage and hope, ever since those first Bastille days when d'Artois
went, 'to shame the citizens of Paris,'−−has swollen to the size of a Phenomenon of the world. Coblentz is become
a small extra−national Versailles; a Versailles in partibus: briguing, intriguing, favouritism, strumpetocracy itself,
they say, goes on there; all the old activities, on a small scale, quickened by hungry Revenge.
Enthusiasm, of loyalty, of hatred and hope, has risen to a high pitch; as, in any Coblentz tavern, you may hear, in
speech, and in singing. Maury assists in the interior Council; much is decided on; for one thing, they keep lists of
the dates of your emigrating; a month sooner, or a month later determines your greater or your less right to the
coming Division of the Spoil. Cazales himself, because he had occasionally spoken with a Constitutional tone,
was looked on coldly at first: so pure are our principles. (Montgaillard, iii. 517; Toulongeon, (ubi supra).) And
arms are a−hammering at Liege; 'three thousand horses' ambling hitherward from the Fairs of Germany: Cavalry
enrolling; likewise Foot−soldiers, 'in blue coat, red waistcoat, and nankeen trousers!' (See Hist. Parl. xiii. 11−38,
41−61, 358, They have their secret domestic correspondences, as their open foreign: with disaffected
Crypto−Aristocrats, with contumacious Priests, with Austrian Committee in the Tuileries. Deserters are spirited
over by assiduous crimps; Royal−Allemand is gone almost wholly. Their route of march, towards France and the
Division of the Spoil, is marked out, were the Kaiser once ready. "It is said, they mean to poison the sources; but,"
adds Patriotism making Report of it, "they will not poison the source of Liberty," whereat 'on applaudit,' we
cannot but applaud. Also they have manufactories of False Assignats; and men that circulate in the interior
distributing and disbursing the same; one of these we denounce now to Legislative Patriotism: 'A man Lebrun by
name; about thirty years of age, with blonde hair and in quantity; has,' only for the time being surely, 'a
black−eye, oeil poche; goes in a wiski with a black horse,' (Moniteur, Seance du 2 Novembre 1791 (Hist. Parl. xii.
212).)−−always keeping his Gig!
Unhappy Emigrants, it was their lot, and the lot of France! They are ignorant of much that they should know: of
themselves, of what is around them. A Political Party that knows not when it is beaten, may become one of the
fatallist of things, to itself, and to all. Nothing will convince these men that they cannot scatter the French
Revolution at the first blast of their war−trumpet; that the French Revolution is other than a blustering
Effervescence, of brawlers and spouters, which, at the flash of chivalrous broadswords, at the rustle of
gallows−ropes, will burrow itself, in dens the deeper the welcomer. But, alas, what man does know and measure
himself, and the things that are round him;−−else where were the need of physical fighting at all? Never, till they
are cleft asunder, can these heads believe that a Sansculottic arm has any vigour in it: cleft asunder, it will be too
late to believe.
One may say, without spleen against his poor erring brothers of any side, that above all other mischiefs, this of the
Emigrant Nobles acted fatally on France. Could they have known, could they have understood! In the beginning
of 1789, a splendour and a terror still surrounded them: the Conflagration of their Chateaus, kindled by months of
obstinacy, went out after the Fourth of August; and might have continued out, had they at all known what to
The French Revolution
215
The French Revolution
defend, what to relinquish as indefensible. They were still a graduated Hierarchy of Authorities, or the accredited
Similitude of such: they sat there, uniting King with Commonalty; transmitting and translating gradually, from
degree to degree, the command of the one into the obedience of the other; rendering command and obedience still
possible. Had they understood their place, and what to do in it, this French Revolution, which went forth
explosively in years and in months, might have spread itself over generations; and not a torture−death but a quiet
euthanasia have been provided for many things.
But they were proud and high, these men; they were not wise to consider. They spurned all from them; in
disdainful hate, they drew the sword and flung away the scabbard. France has not only no Hierarchy of
Authorities, to translate command into obedience; its Hierarchy of Authorities has fled to the enemies of France;
calls loudly on the enemies of France to interfere armed, who want but a pretext to do that. Jealous Kings and
Kaisers might have looked on long, meditating interference, yet afraid and ashamed to interfere: but now do not
the King's Brothers, and all French Nobles, Dignitaries and Authorities that are free to speak, which the King
himself is not,−−passionately invite us, in the name of Right and of Might? Ranked at Coblentz, from Fifteen to
Twenty thousand stand now brandishing their weapons, with the cry: On, on! Yes, Messieurs, you shall on;−−and
divide the spoil according to your dates of emigrating.
Of all which things a poor Legislative Assembly, and Patriot France, is informed: by denunciant friend, by
triumphant foe. Sulleau's Pamphlets, of the Rivarol Staff of Genius, circulate; heralding supreme hope. Durosoy's
Placards tapestry the walls; Chant du Coq crows day, pecked at by Tallien's Ami des Citoyens. King's−Friend,
Royou, Ami du Roi, can name, in exact arithmetical ciphers, the contingents of the various Invading Potentates; in
all, Four hundred and nineteen thousand Foreign fighting men, with Fifteen thousand Emigrants. Not to reckon
these your daily and hourly desertions, which an Editor must daily record, of whole Companies, and even
Regiments, crying Vive le Roi, vive la Reine, and marching over with banners spread: (Ami du Roi Newspaper
(in Hist. Parl. xiii. 175).)−− lies all, and wind; yet to Patriotism not wind; nor, alas, one day, to Royou! Patriotism,
therefore, may brawl and babble yet a little while: but its hours are numbered: Europe is coming with Four
hundred and nineteen thousand and the Chivalry of France; the gallows, one may hope, will get its own.
Chapter 2.5.VI. Brigands and Jales.
We shall have War, then; and on what terms! With an Executive 'pretending,' really with less and less
deceptiveness now, 'to be dead;' casting even a wishful eye towards the enemy: on such terms we shall have War.
Public Functionary in vigorous action there is none; if it be not Rivarol with his Staff of Genius and Two hundred
and eighty Applauders. The Public Service lies waste: the very tax−gatherer has forgotten his cunning: in this and
the other Provincial Board of Management (Directoire de Departmente) it is found advisable to retain what Taxes
you can gather, to pay your own inevitable expenditures. Our Revenue is Assignats; emission on emission of
Paper−money. And the Army; our Three grand Armies, of Rochambeau, of Luckner, of Lafayette? Lean,
disconsolate hover these Three grand Armies, watching the Frontiers there; three Flights of long−necked Cranes
in moulting time;−−wretched, disobedient, disorganised; who never saw fire; the old Generals and Officers gone
across the Rhine. War− minister Narbonne, he of the rose−coloured Reports, solicits recruitments, equipments,
money, always money; threatens, since he can get none,− to 'take his sword,' which belongs to himself, and go
serve his country with that. (Moniteur, Seance du 23 Janvier, 1792; Biographie des Ministres para Narbonne.)
The question of questions is: What shall be done? Shall we, with a desperate defiance which Fortune sometimes
favours, draw the sword at once, in the face of this in−rushing world of Emigration and Obscurantism; or wait,
and temporise and diplomatise, till, if possible, our resources mature themselves a little? And yet again are our
resources growing towards maturity; or growing the other way? Dubious: the ablest Patriots are divided; Brissot
and his Brissotins, or Girondins, in the Legislative, cry aloud for the former defiant plan; Robespierre, in the
Jacobins, pleads as loud for the latter dilatory one: with responses, even with mutual reprimands; distracting the
Mother of Patriotism. Consider also what agitated Breakfasts there may be at Madame d'Udon's in the Place
The French Revolution
216
The French Revolution
Vendome! The alarm of all men is great. Help, ye Patriots; and O at least agree; for the hour presses. Frost was
not yet gone, when in that 'tolerably handsome apartment of the Castle of Niort,' there arrived a Letter: General
Dumouriez must to Paris. It is War−minister Narbonne that writes; the General shall give counsel about many
things. (Dumouriez, ii. c. 6.) In the month of February 1792, Brissotin friends welcome their Dumouriez
Polymetis,−−comparable really to an antique Ulysses in modern costume; quick, elastic, shifty, insuppressible, a
'many−counselled man.'
Let the Reader fancy this fair France with a whole Cimmerian Europe girdling her, rolling in on her; black, to
burst in red thunder of War; fair France herself hand−shackled and foot−shackled in the weltering complexities of
this Social Clothing, or Constitution, which they have made for her; a France that, in such Constitution, cannot
march! And Hunger too; and plotting Aristocrats, and excommunicating Dissident Priests: 'The man Lebrun by
name' urging his black wiski, visible to the eye: and, still more terrible in his invisibility, Engineer Goguelat, with
Queen's cipher, riding and running!
The excommunicatory Priests give new trouble in the Maine and Loire; La Vendee, nor Cathelineau the
wool−dealer, has not ceased grumbling and rumbling. Nay behold Jales itself once more: how often does that
real− imaginary Camp of the Fiend require to be extinguished! For near two years now, it has waned faint and
again waxed bright, in the bewildered soul of Patriotism: actually, if Patriotism knew it, one of the most surprising
products of Nature working with Art. Royalist Seigneurs, under this or the other pretext, assemble the simple
people of these Cevennes Mountains; men not unused to revolt, and with heart for fighting, could their poor heads
be got persuaded. The Royalist Seigneur harangues; harping mainly on the religious string: "True Priests
maltreated, false Priests intruded, Protestants (once dragooned) now triumphing, things sacred given to the dogs;"
and so produces, from the pious Mountaineer throat, rough growlings. "Shall we not testify, then, ye brave hearts
of the Cevennes; march to the rescue? Holy Religion; duty to God and King?" "Si fait, si fait, Just so, just so,"
answer the brave hearts always: "Mais il y a de bien bonnes choses dans la Revolution, But there are many good
things in the Revolution too!"−−And so the matter, cajole as we may, will only turn on its axis, not stir from the
spot, and remains theatrical merely. (Dampmartin, i. 201.)
Nevertheless deepen your cajolery, harp quick and quicker, ye Royalist Seigneurs; with a dead−lift effort you may
bring it to that. In the month of June next, this Camp of Jales will step forth as a theatricality suddenly become
real; Two thousand strong, and with the boast that it is Seventy thousand: most strange to see; with flags flying,
bayonets fixed; with Proclamation, and d'Artois Commission of civil war! Let some Rebecqui, or other the like
hot−clear Patriot; let some 'Lieutenant−Colonel Aubry,' if Rebecqui is busy elsewhere, raise instantaneous
National Guards, and disperse and dissolve it; and blow the Old Castle asunder, (Moniteur, Seance du 15 Juillet
1792.) that so, if possible, we hear of it no more!
In the Months of February and March, it is recorded, the terror, especially of rural France, had risen even to the
transcendental pitch: not far from madness. In Town and Hamlet is rumour; of war, massacre: that Austrians,
Aristocrats, above all, that The Brigands are close by. Men quit their houses and huts; rush fugitive, shrieking,
with wife and child, they know not whither. Such a terror, the eye−witnesses say, never fell on a Nation; nor shall
again fall, even in Reigns of Terror expressly so−called. The Countries of the Loire, all the Central and
South−East regions, start up distracted, 'simultaneously as by an electric shock;'−−for indeed grain too gets
scarcer and scarcer. 'The people barricade the entrances of Towns, pile stones in the upper stories, the women
prepare boiling water; from moment to moment, expecting the attack. In the Country, the alarm−bell rings
incessant: troops of peasants, gathered by it, scour the highways, seeking an imaginary enemy. They are armed
mostly with scythes stuck in wood; and, arriving in wild troops at the barricaded Towns, are themselves
sometimes taken for Brigands.' (Newspapers, (in Hist. Parl. xiii. 325).)
So rushes old France: old France is rushing down. What the end will be is known to no mortal; that the end is near
all mortals may know.
The French Revolution
217
The French Revolution
Chapter 2.5.VII. Constitution will not march.
To all which our poor Legislative, tied up by an unmarching Constitution, can oppose nothing, by way of remedy,
but mere bursts of parliamentary eloquence! They go on, debating, denouncing, objurgating: loud weltering
Chaos, which devours itself.
But their two thousand and odd Decrees? Reader, these happily concern not thee, nor me. Mere Occasional
Decrees, foolish and not foolish; sufficient for that day was its own evil! Of the whole two thousand there are not,
now half a score, and these mostly blighted in the bud by royal Veto, that will profit or disprofit us. On the 17th of
January, the Legislative, for one thing, got its High Court, its Haute Cour, set up at Orleans. The theory had been
given by the Constituent, in May last, but this is the reality: a Court for the trial of Political Offences; a Court
which cannot want work. To this it was decreed that there needed no royal Acceptance, therefore that there could
be no Veto. Also Priests can now be married; ever since last October. A patriotic adventurous Priest had made
bold to marry himself then; and not thinking this enough, came to the bar with his new spouse; that the whole
world might hold honey−moon with him, and a Law be obtained.
Less joyful are the Laws against Refractory Priests; and yet no less needful! Decrees on Priests and Decrees on
Emigrants: these are the two brief Series of Decrees, worked out with endless debate, and then cancelled by Veto,
which mainly concern us here. For an august National Assembly must needs conquer these Refractories, Clerical
or Laic, and thumbscrew them into obedience; yet, behold, always as you turn your legislative thumbscrew, and
will press and even crush till Refractories give way,−− King's Veto steps in, with magical paralysis; and your
thumbscrew, hardly squeezing, much less crushing, does not act!
Truly a melancholy Set of Decrees, a pair of Sets; paralysed by Veto! First, under date the 28th of October 1791,
we have Legislative Proclamation, issued by herald and bill−sticker; inviting Monsieur, the King's Brother to
return within two months, under penalties. To which invitation Monsieur replies nothing; or indeed replies by
Newspaper Parody, inviting the august Legislative 'to return to common sense within two months,' under
penalties. Whereupon the Legislative must take stronger measures. So, on the 9th of November, we declare all
Emigrants to be 'suspect of conspiracy;' and, in brief, to be 'outlawed,' if they have not returned at
Newyear's−day:−−Will the King say Veto? That 'triple impost' shall be levied on these men's Properties, or even
their Properties be 'put in sequestration,' one can understand. But further, on Newyear's−day itself, not an
individual having 'returned,' we declare, and with fresh emphasis some fortnight later again declare, That
Monsieur is dechu, forfeited of his eventual Heirship to the Crown; nay more that Conde, Calonne, and a
considerable List of others are accused of high treason; and shall be judged by our High Court of Orleans:
Veto!−−Then again as to Nonjurant Priests: it was decreed, in November last, that they should forfeit what
Pensions they had; be 'put under inspection, under surveillance,' and, if need were, be banished: Veto! A still
sharper turn is coming; but to this also the answer will be, Veto.
Veto after Veto; your thumbscrew paralysed! Gods and men may see that the Legislative is in a false position. As,
alas, who is in a true one? Voices already murmur for a 'National Convention.' (December 1791 (Hist. Parl. xii.
257).) This poor Legislative, spurred and stung into action by a whole France and a whole Europe, cannot act; can
only objurgate and perorate; with stormy 'motions,' and motion in which is no way: with effervescence, with noise
and fuliginous fury!
What scenes in that National Hall! President jingling his inaudible bell; or, as utmost signal of distress, clapping
on his hat; 'the tumult subsiding in twenty minutes,' and this or the other indiscreet Member sent to the Abbaye
Prison for three days! Suspected Persons must be summoned and questioned; old M. de Sombreuil of the
Invalides has to give account of himself, and why he leaves his Gates open. Unusual smoke rose from the Sevres
Pottery, indicating conspiracy; the Potters explained that it was Necklace−Lamotte's Memoirs, bought up by her
Majesty, which they were endeavouring to suppress by fire, (Moniteur, Seance du 28 Mai 1792; Campan, ii.
196.)−−which nevertheless he that runs may still read.
The French Revolution
218
The French Revolution
Again, it would seem, Duke de Brissac and the King's Constitutional−Guard are 'making cartridges secretly in the
cellars;' a set of Royalists, pure and impure; black cut−throats many of them, picked out of gaming houses and
sinks; in all Six thousand instead of Eighteen hundred; who evidently gloom on us every time we enter the
Chateau. (Dumouriez, ii. 168.) Wherefore, with infinite debate, let Brissac and King's Guard be disbanded.
Disbanded accordingly they are; after only two months of existence, for they did not get on foot till March of this
same year. So ends briefly the King's new Constitutional Maison Militaire; he must now be guarded by mere
Swiss and blue Nationals again. It seems the lot of Constitutional things. New Constitutional Maison Civile he
would never even establish, much as Barnave urged it; old resident Duchesses sniffed at it, and held aloof; on the
whole her Majesty thought it not worth while, the Noblesse would so soon be back triumphant. (Campan, ii. c.
19.)
Or, looking still into this National Hall and its scenes, behold Bishop Torne, a Constitutional Prelate, not of severe
morals, demanding that 'religious costumes and such caricatures' be abolished. Bishop Torne warms, catches fire;
finishes by untying, and indignantly flinging on the table, as if for gage or bet, his own pontifical cross. Which
cross, at any rate, is instantly covered by the cross of Te−Deum Fauchet, then by other crosses, and insignia, till
all are stripped; this clerical Senator clutching off his skull−cap, that other his frill−collar,−−lest Fanaticism return
on us. (Moniteur, du 7 Avril 1792; Deux Amis, vii. 111.)
Quick is the movement here! And then so confused, unsubstantial, you might call it almost spectral; pallid, dim,
inane, like the Kingdoms of Dis! Unruly Liguet, shrunk to a kind of spectre for us, pleads here, some cause that he
has: amid rumour and interruption, which excel human patience; he 'tears his papers, and withdraws,' the irascible
adust little man. Nay honourable members will tear their papers, being effervescent: Merlin of Thionville tears his
papers, crying: "So, the People cannot be saved by you!" Nor are Deputations wanting: Deputations of Sections;
generally with complaint and denouncement, always with Patriot fervour of sentiment: Deputation of Women,
pleading that they also may be allowed to take Pikes, and exercise in the Champ−de−Mars. Why not, ye
Amazons, if it be in you? Then occasionally, having done our message and got answer, we 'defile through the
Hall, singing ca−ira;' or rather roll and whirl through it, 'dancing our ronde patriotique the while,'−−our new
Carmagnole, or Pyrrhic war−dance and liberty−dance. Patriot Huguenin, Ex−Advocate, Ex−Carabineer,
Ex−Clerk of the Barriers, comes deputed, with Saint−Antoine at his heels; denouncing Anti−patriotism, Famine,
Forstalment and Man−eaters; asks an august Legislative: "Is there not a tocsin in your hearts against these
mangeurs d'hommes!" (See Moniteur, Seances (in Hist. Parl. xiii. xiv.).)
But above all things, for this is a continual business, the Legislative has to reprimand the King's Ministers. Of His
Majesty's Ministers we have said hitherto, and say, next to nothing. Still more spectral these! Sorrowful; of no
permanency any of them, none at least since Montmorin vanished: the 'eldest of the King's Council' is
occasionally not ten days old! (Dumouriez, ii. 137.) Feuillant−Constitutional, as your respectable Cahier de
Gerville, as your respectable unfortunate Delessarts; or Royalist− Constitutional, as Montmorin last Friend of
Necker; or Aristocrat as Bertrand−Moleville: they flit there phantom−like, in the huge simmering confusion; poor
shadows, dashed in the racking winds; powerless, without meaning;−−whom the human memory need not charge
itself with.
But how often, we say, are these poor Majesty's Ministers summoned over; to be questioned, tutored; nay,
threatened, almost bullied! They answer what, with adroitest simulation and casuistry, they can: of which a poor
Legislative knows not what to make. One thing only is clear, That Cimmerian Europe is girdling us in; that France
(not actually dead, surely?) cannot march. Have a care, ye Ministers! Sharp Guadet transfixes you with
cross−questions, with sudden Advocate−conclusions; the sleeping tempest that is in Vergniaud can be awakened.
Restless Brissot brings up Reports, Accusations, endless thin Logic; it is the man's highday even now. Condorcet
redacts, with his firm pen, our 'Address of the Legislative Assembly to the French Nation.' (16th February 1792
(Choix des Rapports, viii. 375−92).) Fiery Max Isnard, who, for the rest, will "carry not Fire and Sword" on those
Cimmerian Enemies "but Liberty,"−−is for declaring "that we hold Ministers responsible; and that by
responsibility we mean death, nous entendons la mort."
The French Revolution
219
The French Revolution
For verily it grows serious: the time presses, and traitors there are. Bertrand−Moleville has a smooth tongue, the
known Aristocrat; gall in his heart. How his answers and explanations flow ready; jesuitic, plausible to the ear!
But perhaps the notablest is this, which befel once when Bertrand had done answering and was withdrawn.
Scarcely had the august Assembly begun considering what was to be done with him, when the Hall fills with
smoke. Thick sour smoke: no oratory, only wheezing and barking;−− irremediable; so that the august Assembly
has to adjourn! (Courrier de Paris, 14 Janvier, 1792 (Gorsas's Newspaper), in Hist. Parl. xiii. 83.) A miracle?
Typical miracle? One knows not: only this one seems to know, that 'the Keeper of the Stoves was appointed by
Bertrand' or by some underling of his!−−O fuliginous confused Kingdom of Dis, with thy Tantalus− Ixion toils,
with thy angry Fire−floods, and Streams named of Lamentation, why hast thou not thy Lethe too, that so one
might finish?
Chapter 2.5.VIII. The Jacobins.
Nevertheless let not Patriotism despair. Have we not, in Paris at least, a virtuous Petion, a wholly Patriotic
Municipality? Virtuous Petion, ever since November, is Mayor of Paris: in our Municipality, the Public, for the
Public is now admitted too, may behold an energetic Danton; further, an epigrammatic slow−sure Manuel; a
resolute unrepentant Billaud−Varennes, of Jesuit breeding; Tallien able−editor; and nothing but Patriots, better or
worse. So ran the November Elections: to the joy of most citizens; nay the very Court supported Petion rather
than Lafayette. And so Bailly and his Feuillants, long waning like the Moon, had to withdraw then, making some
sorrowful obeisance, into extinction;−−or indeed into worse, into lurid half−light, grimmed by the shadow of that
Red Flag of theirs, and bitter memory of the