m with an antidote when he is in the agonies of death I wish to
save him! Yet that is the way your grandfather defended Louis XVI.....
As to the confiscation you speak of, what does that prove? Nothing.
Why, the property of Robespierre was confiscated! And let me tell you
that Robespierre himself, Marat, and Danton did much less mischief to
France than M. Necker. It was he who brought about the Revolution. You,
Monsieur de Stael, did not see this; but I did. I witnessed all that
passed in those days of terror and public calamity. But as long as I
live those days shall never return. Your speculators trace their Utopian
schemes upon paper; fools read and believe them. All are babbling about
general happiness, and presently the people have not bread to eat; then
comes a revolution. Such is usually the fruit of all these fine
theories! Your grandfather was the cause of the saturnalia which
desolated France. He is responsible for all the blood shed in the
Revolution!"

Duroc informed me that the Emperor uttered these last words in a tone of
fury which made all present tremble for young De Stael. Fortunately the
young man did not lose his self-possession in the conflict, while the
agitated expression of his countenance evidently showed what was passing
in his mind. He was sufficiently master of himself to reply to the
Emperor in a calm though rather faltering voice: "Sire, permit me to hope
that posterity will judge of my grandfather more favourably than your
Majesty does. During his administration he was ranked by the side of
Sully and Colbert; and let me repeat again that I trust posterity will
render him justice."--"Posterity will, probably, say little about him."--
"I venture to hope the contrary, Sire."

Then, added Duroc, the Emperor turning to us said with a smile, "After
all, gentlemen, it is not for me to say too much against the Revolution
since I have gained a throne by it." Then again turning to M. de Stael
he said, "The reign of anarchy is at au end. I must have subordination.
Respect the sovereign authority, since it comes from God. You are young,
and well educated, therefore; follow a better course, and avoid those bad
principles which endanger the welfare of society."--"Sire, since your
Majesty does me the honour to think me well educated, you ought not to
condemn the principles of my grandfather and my mother, for it is in
those principles that I have been brought up."--"Well, I advise you to
keep right in p