the National Guard afterwards arrive through the Great
Cabinet and the State Bedchamber. "Come here! four grenadiers of the
National Guard!" cries the King. One of them says, "Sire, do not be
afraid."--"I am not afraid," replies the King; "put your hand on my
heart; it is pure and tranquil." And taking the grenadier's hand he
presses it forcibly against his breast. The grenadier is a tailor
named Jean Lalanne. Later, under the Terror, by a decree of the 12th
Messidor, Year II., he will be condemned to death for having--so runs
the sentence--"displayed the character of a {201} cringing valet of the
tyrant, in boasting before several citizens that Capet, taking his hand
and laying it on his heart, had said to him, 'Feel, my friend, whether
it palpitates.'"

"Gentlemen, save the King!" cries Madame Elisabeth. Meanwhile, the
crowd is still in the next apartment, the Hall of the Guards. They are
battering away with hatchets and gun-stocks at the door which opens
into the King's Antechamber. Nothing but a partition separates Louis
XVI. from the assailants. He orders the door to be opened. The crowd
rush in. "Here I am," says Louis XVI. calmly; "I have never deviated
from the Constitution."

"Citizens," says Acloque, "recognize your King and respect him; the law
commands you to do so. We will all perish rather than suffer him to
receive the slightest harm." M. de Canolle cries: "Long live the
nation! Long live the King!" This cry is not repeated. Some one begs
Madame Elisabeth to retire. "I will not leave the King," she replies,
"I will not leave him." Those who surround Louis XVI. make a rampart
for him of their bodies. The crowd becomes immense. It is proposed to
the King that he stand on a bench in the embrasure of the central
window, from which there is a view of the courtyard. Other benches and
a table are placed in front of him. Madame Elisabeth takes a bench in
the next window with M. de Marsilly. The hall is full. Groans,
atrocious threats, and gross insults resound on every side. Some one
shouts: "Down with the {202} veto! To the devil with the veto! Recall
the patriot ministers! Let him sign, or we will not go out of here!"
The butcher Legendre comes forward. He asks permission to speak.
Silence is obtained, and, addressing the King, he says: "Monsieur." At
this unusual title, Louis XVI. make a gesture of surprise. "Yes,
Monsieur," goes on Legendre, "listen to us; it is your duty to l