the _noblesse_, to whom he
belonged. The one, Maury, early trained to struggles of polemical
theology, had sharpened and polished in the pulpit the eloquence he was
to bring into the tribune. Sprung from the lowest ranks of the people,
he only belonged to the _ancien regime_ by his garb, and defended
religion and the monarchy as two texts, imposed upon him as themes for
discourses. His conviction was the part he played; any other appointed
character would have suited equally well; yet he sustained with
unflinching courage and admirable consistency that which had been "set
down for him."

Devoted from his youth to serious studies, endowed with abundant flow of
words, striking and vivid in his language, his harangues were perfect
treatises on the subjects he discussed. The only rival of Mirabeau, he
needed but a cause more natural and more sterling to have become his
equal: but sophistry could not deck abuses in colours more specious than
those with which Maury invested the _ancien regime_.

Historical erudition and sacred learning supplied him with ample sources
of argument. The boldness of his character and language inspired words
which even avenge a defeat, and his fine countenance, his sonorous
voice, his commanding gesture, the defiance and good temper with which
he braved the tribunes, frequently drew down the applauses of his
enemies. The people, who recognised his invincible strength, were amused
at his impotent opposition. Maury was to them as one of those gladiators
whom they like to see fight, although well knowing that they must perish
in the strife. One thing was wanting to the Abbe Maury,--weight to his
eloquence; neither his birth, his faith, nor his life inspired respect
in those who listened. The actor was visible in the man, the advocate in
the cause, the orator and his language were not identified. Strip the
Abbe Maury of the habit of his order, and he might have changed sides
without a struggle, and have taken his seat amongst the innovators. Such
orators grace a party, they never save it.

XVI.

Cazales was one of those men who are themselves ignorant of their own
powers until the hour arrives when circumstances call forth their
genius, and assign to them a duty. An obscure officer in the ranks of
the army, chance, which cast him into the tribune, revealed the orator.
He did not inquire which side he should defend; noble, the _noblesse_;
royalist, the king; a subject, the throne. His position ma