ission to the laws, is it possible that generous and
faithful sailors can think of separating from their king? Tell them to
remain where their country calls them. The precise execution of the
constitution is to-day the surest means of appreciating its advantages,
and of ascertaining what is wanting to make it perfect. It is your king
who desires you to remain at your posts as he remains at his. You would
have considered it a crime to resist his orders, you will not refuse his
prayers."

He wrote to general officers, and to commandants of the land
forces:--"In accepting the constitution, I have promised to maintain it
within, and defend it against enemies without; this solemn act should
banish all uncertainty. The law and the king are henceforth identified.
The enemy of the law becomes that of the king. I cannot consider those
sincerely devoted to my person who abandon their country at the moment
when it has the greatest need of their services. Those only are attached
to me who follow my example and unite with me for the public weal, and
remain inseparable from the destiny of the empire!"

Finally, he ordered M. de Lessart, the minister for foreign affairs, to
publish the following proclamation, addressed to the French
emigrants:--"The king," thus it ran, "informed that a great number of
French emigrants are withdrawing to foreign lands, cannot see without
much grief such an emigration. Although the law permits to all citizens
a free power to quit the kingdom, the king is anxious to enlighten them
as to their duties, and the distress they are preparing for themselves.
If they think, by such means, to give me a proof of their affection, let
them be undeceived; my real friends are those who unite with me in order
to put the laws in execution, and re-establish order and peace in the
kingdom. When I accepted the constitution, I was desirous of putting an
end to civil discord--I believed that all Frenchmen would second my
intentions. However, it is at this moment that emigration is increasing:
some depart because of the disturbances which have threatened their
lives and property. Ought we not to pardon the circumstances? Have not I
too my sorrows? And when I forget mine, can any one remember his perils?
How can order be again established if those interested in it abandon it
by abandoning themselves? Return, then, to the bosom of your country:
come and give to the laws the support of good citizens. Think of the
grief your obs