gaunt silence. Did the distracted Court, with Gardes-des-Sceaux
Barentin, Triumvirate and Company, imagine that they could scatter six
hundred National Deputies, big with a National Constitution, like as
much barndoor poultry, big with next to nothing,--by the white or black
rod of a Supreme Usher? Barndoor poultry fly cackling: but National
Deputies turn round, lion-faced; and, with uplifted right-hand, swear an
Oath that makes the four corners of France tremble.

President Bailly has covered himself with honour; which shall become
rewards. The National Assembly is now doubly and trebly the Nation's
Assembly; not militant, martyred only, but triumphant; insulted, and
which could not be insulted. Paris disembogues itself once more,
to witness, 'with grim looks,' the Seance Royale: (See Arthur Young
(Travels, i. 115-118); A. Lameth, &c.) which, by a new felicity,
is postponed till Tuesday. The Hundred and Forty-nine, and even with
Bishops among them, all in processional mass, have had free leisure
to march off, and solemnly join the Commons sitting waiting in their
Church. The Commons welcomed them with shouts, with embracings, nay
with tears; (Dumont, Souvenirs sur Mirabeau, c. 4.) for it is growing a
life-and-death matter now.

As for the Seance itself, the Carpenters seem to have accomplished their
platform; but all else remains unaccomplished. Futile, we may say fatal,
was the whole matter. King Louis enters, through seas of people, all
grim-silent, angry with many things,--for it is a bitter rain too.
Enters, to a Third Estate, likewise grim-silent; which has been wetted
waiting under mean porches, at back-doors, while Court and Privileged
were entering by the front. King and Garde-des-Sceaux (there is
no Necker visible) make known, not without longwindedness, the
determinations of the royal breast. The Three Orders shall vote
separately. On the other hand, France may look for considerable
constitutional blessings; as specified in these Five-and-thirty
Articles, (Histoire Parlementaire, i. 13.) which Garde-des-Sceaux is
waxing hoarse with reading. Which Five-and-Thirty Articles, adds his
Majesty again rising, if the Three Orders most unfortunately cannot
agree together to effect them, I myself will effect: "seul je ferai
le bien de mes peuples,"--which being interpreted may signify, You,
contentious Deputies of the States-General, have probably not long to be
here! But, in fine, all shall now withdraw for this day;