u (not overburdened with money at this time) send riding Couriers
out from Paris; to gallop 'on all radii,' or highways, towards all
points of France? It is a miracle, which no penetrating man will call in
question. (Toulongeon, (i. 95); Weber, &c. &c.)

Already in most Towns, Electoral Committees were met; to regret Necker,
in harangue and resolution. In many a Town, as Rennes, Caen, Lyons, an
ebullient people was already regretting him in brickbats and musketry.
But now, at every Town's-end in France, there do arrive, in these days
of terror,--'men,' as men will arrive; nay, 'men on horseback,'
since Rumour oftenest travels riding. These men declare, with alarmed
countenance, The BRIGANDS to be coming, to be just at hand; and do
then--ride on, about their further business, be what it might! Whereupon
the whole population of such Town, defensively flies to arms. Petition
is soon thereafter forwarded to National Assembly; in such peril and
terror of peril, leave to organise yourself cannot be withheld: the
armed population becomes everywhere an enrolled National Guard. Thus
rides Rumour, careering along all radii, from Paris outwards, to such
purpose: in few days, some say in not many hours, all France to
the utmost borders bristles with bayonets. Singular, but
undeniable,--miraculous or not!--But thus may any chemical liquid;
though cooled to the freezing-point, or far lower, still continue
liquid; and then, on the slightest stroke or shake, it at once rushes
wholly into ice. Thus has France, for long months and even years, been
chemically dealt with; brought below zero; and now, shaken by the Fall
of a Bastille, it instantaneously congeals: into one crystallised mass,
of sharp-cutting steel! Guai a chi la tocca; 'Ware who touches it!

In Paris, an Electoral Committee, with a new Mayor and General, is
urgent with belligerent workmen to resume their handicrafts. Strong
Dames of the Market (Dames de la Halle) deliver congratulatory
harangues; present 'bouquets to the Shrine of Sainte Genevieve.'
Unenrolled men deposit their arms,--not so readily as could be wished;
and receive 'nine francs.' With Te Deums, Royal Visits, and sanctioned
Revolution, there is halcyon weather; weather even of preternatural
brightness; the hurricane being overblown.

Nevertheless, as is natural, the waves still run high, hollow rocks
retaining their murmur. We are but at the 22nd of the month, hardly
above a week since the Bastille fell, whe