he had
succeeded in repulsing persons whose violence made him tremble for the
King's life. As soon as she saw the marshal, Marie Antoinette made
haste to say: "I have learned from the King how courageously you
defended him yesterday. I share his gratitude."--"Madame," he replied,
alluding to those of his relatives who had figured among the promoters
of the Revolution, "I did very little in comparison with the injuries I
should like to repair. They were not mine, but they touch me very
nearly."--"My son," said the Queen, calling the Dauphin, "repeat before
the marshal, the prayer you addressed to God this morning for the
King." The child, kneeling down, put his hands together, and looking
up to heaven, began to sing this refrain from the opera of _Pierre le
Grand_:--

_Ciel, entends la priere
Qu'ici je fais:
Conserve un si bon pere
A ses sujets._[1]

After the Marshal de Mouchy came M. de Malesherbes. Contrary to his
usual custom, the ex-first {221} president wore his sword. "It is a
long time," some one said to him, "since you have worn a
sword."--"True," replied the old man, "but who would not arm when the
King's life is in danger?" Then, looking with emotion at the little
Prince, he said to Marie Antoinette: "I hope, Madame, that at least our
children will see better days!"

And yet, even for the present there still remained a glimmer of hope.
Hardly had the invaders left the palace than invectives against them
rose from all classes of society. The calmness and courage of the King
and his family found admirers on every side. The departments sent
addresses demanding the punishment of those who had been guilty.
Royalist sentiments woke to life anew. One might almost believe that
the indignation caused by the recent scandals would produce an
immediate reaction in favor of Louis XVI. Possibly, with an energetic
sovereign, something might have been attempted. On the whole, the
insurrection had obtained nothing. Even the Girondins perceived the
dangerous character of revolutionary passions. Honest men stigmatized
the criminal tendencies which had just displayed themselves. It was
the moment for the King to show himself and strike a great blow. But
Louis XVI. had neither will nor energy. Letting the last chance of
safety which fortune offered him escape, he was unable to profit by the
turn in public opinion. Nothing could shake him out of that easy
patience which was the chief cause of h