ll
parties blended. Jaucourt and Merlin, Albite and Ramond, Gensonne and
Calvet, Chabot and Genty, men who ordinarily opposed each other
relentlessly, could be seen sitting on the same bench. As if by
miracle, the Assembly chamber became the temple of Concord. The moved
spectators mingled their acclamations with the oaths of the deputies.
According to the expressions of the _Moniteur_, serenity and joy were
on all faces, and unction in every heart.

M. Emmery was the next speaker. "When the Assembly is reunited," said
he, "all the powers ought to be so. I ask, therefore, that the
Assembly at once send the King the minutes of its proceedings by a
deputation of twenty-four members." The motion was adopted.

A few minutes later, Louis XVI., followed by the deputation and
surrounded by his ministers, entered the hall. Cries of "Long live the
nation! Long live the King!" resounded from every side. The sovereign
{244} placed himself near the president, and in a voice that betrayed
emotion, made the following address: "Gentlemen, the spectacle most
affecting to my heart is that of the reunion of all wills for the sake
of the country's safety. I have long desired this salutary moment; my
desire is accomplished. The nation and the King are one. Each of them
has the same end in view. Their reunion will save France. The
Constitution should be the rallying-point for all Frenchmen. We all
ought to defend it. The King will always set the example of so doing."
The president replied: "Sire, this memorable moment, when all
constituted authorities unite, is a signal of joy to the friends of
liberty, and of terror to its enemies. From this union will issue the
force necessary to combat the tyrants combined against us. It is a
sure warrant of liberty."

After prolonged applause a great silence followed. "I own to you, M.
the President," presently said the complaisant Louis XVI., "that I was
longing for the deputation to finish, so that I might hasten to the
Assembly." Applause and cries of "Long live the nation! Long live the
King!" redoubled. What! this monarch now acclaimed is the same prince
against whom Vergniaud hurled invectives a few days ago with the
enthusiastic approbation of the same Assembly! He is the sovereign
whom the Girondin thus addressed: "O King, who doubtless have believed
with Lysander the tyrant that truth is no better than a lie, and that
men must be amused {245} with oaths like children wi