those peers, who formed part of the army, completed its
reduction to an absolute nullity. Without patriotism,
without energy, it confined itself to sanctioning with
an ill grace the measures adopted by the
representatives. M. Thibaudeau, M. de Segur, M. de
Bassano, and a few others, alone raised themselves to a
level with the state of affairs. M. Thibaudeau in
particular distinguished himself, on the 28th of June
and the 2d of July, by two speeches on our political
situation; which were considered then, as they long will
be, as noble specimens of courage, patriotism, and
eloquence.]

The chamber of deputies received its sentence of death with heroic
tranquillity. When M. Manuel, repeating the memorable words of
Mirabeau, exclaimed: "We are here by the will of the people; we will
not depart, till compelled by the bayonet: it is our duty, to devote
to our country our last moments; and, if necessary, the last drop of
our blood:" all the members of the assembly rose, in testimony of
their assent; and declared, that they would remain firm at their
posts.

But they were not allowed, to fulfil this glorious resolution. The
president, M. Lanjuinais, betraying their courage, and despising their
will, dissolved the sitting, and retired. "M. President," said General
Solignac to him, "the muse of history is here, and will record your
conduct."

The next morning, they found the avenues of their palace occupied by
foreigners, and the doors of the assembly closed. M. de Cazes, at the
head of some royal volunteers, had taken away the keys. This act of
violence, against which they protested, at length removed the bandage
from their eyes: they perceived the error they had committed, in too
hastily removing Napoleon from the throne, and blindly entrusting to
other hands the fate of their country[93].

[Footnote 93: I repeat here a preceding observation,
that I confine myself to a relation of facts, without
deciding upon them.]

Thus terminated, after a month's existence, that assembly, which the
French had chosen, to confirm the imperial dynasty, to secure their
liberties and their tranquillity; but which, through precipitancy,
want of foresight, and an excess of zeal and patriotism, had given
rise to nothing but convulsion