The news of this banquet produced the greatest sensation in Paris.  On the 4th suppressed rumours announced an insurrection; the multitude already looked towards Versailles.  On the 5th the insurrection broke out in a violent and invincible manner; the entire want of flour was the signal.  A young girl, entering a guardhouse, seized a drum and rushed through the streets beating it and crying, “Bread!  Bread!” She was soon surrounded by a crowd of women.  This mob advanced towards the Hotel de Ville, increasing as it went.  It forced the guard that stood at the door, and penetrated into the interior, clamouring for bread and arms; it broke open doors, seized weapons, and marched towards Versailles.  The people soon rose en masse, uttering the same demand, till the cry “To Versailles!” rose on every side.  The women started first, headed by Maillard, one of the volunteers of the Bastille.  The populace, the National Guard, and the French guards requested to follow them.

During this tumult the court was in consternation; the flight of the king was suggested, and carriages prepared.  But, in the meantime, the rain, fatigue, and the inaction of the household troops lessened the fury of the multitude, and Lafayette arrived at the head of the Parisian army.

His presence restored security to the court, and the replies of the king to the deputation from Paris satisfied the multitude and the army.

About six next morning, however, some men of the lower class, more enthusiastic than the rest, and awake sooner than they, prowled round the chateau.  Finding a gate open, they informed their companions, and entered.

Lafayette, apprised of the invasion of the royal residence, mounted his horse and rode hastily to the scene of danger.  On the square he met some of the household troops surrounded by an infuriated mob, who were on the point of killing them.  He threw himself among them, called some French guards who were near, and having rescued the household troops and dispersed their assailant, he hurried to the chateau.  But the scene was not over.  The crowd assembled again in the marble court under the king’s balcony, loudly called for him, and he appeared.  They required his departure for Paris.  He promised to repair thither with his family, and this promise was received with general applause.  The queen was resolved to accompany him, but the prejudice against her was so strong that the journey was not without danger.  It was necessary to reconcile her with the multitude.  Lafayette proposed to her to accompany him to the balcony.  After some hesitation, she consented.  They appeared on it together, and to communicate by a sign with the tumultuous crowd, to conquer its animosity and to awaken its enthusiasm, Lafayette respectfully kissed the queen’s hand.  The crowd responded with acclamations.

Thus terminated the scene; the royal family set out for Paris, escorted by the army, and its guards mixed with it.