see certain points in the constitution in which more perfection might be attained; but I agree to allow experience to be the judge.  When I shall have fairly and loyally put in action the powers of government confided to me no reproach can be addressed to me, and the nation will make itself known by the means which the constitution has reserved to it.  (Applause.) Let those who are restrained by the fear of persecutions and troubles out of their country return to it in safety.  In order to extinguish hatreds let us consent to a mutual forgetfulness of the past.  (The tribunes and the left renewed their acclamations.) Let the accusations and the prosecutions which have sprung solely from the events of the constitution be obliterated in a general reconciliation.  I do not refer to those which have been caused by an attachment to me.  Can you see any guilt in them?  As to those who from excess, in which I can see personal insult, have drawn on themselves the visitation of the laws, I prove with respect to them that I am the king of all the French.  I will swear to the constitution in the very place where it was drawn up, and I will present myself to-morrow at noon to the National Assembly.”

The Assembly adopted unanimously, on the proposition of La Fayette, the general amnesty demanded by the king.  A numerous deputation went to carry to him this resolution.  The queen was present.  “My wife and children, who are here,” said the king to the deputation, “share my sentiments.”  The queen, who desired to reconcile herself to public opinion, advanced, and said, “Here are my children; we all agree to participate in the sentiments of the king.”  These words reported to the Assembly, prepared all hearts for the pardon which royalty was about to implore.  Next day the king went to the Assembly; he wore no decoration but the cross of Saint Louis, from deference to a recent decree suppressing the other orders of chivalry.  He took his place beside the president, the Assembly all standing.

“I come,” said the king, “to consecrate solemnly here the acceptance I have given to the constitutional act.  I swear to be faithful to the nation and the law, and to employ all the power delegated to me for maintaining the constitution, and carrying its decrees into effect.  May this great and memorable epoch be that of the re-establishment of peace, and become the gage of the happiness of the people, and the prosperity of the empire.”  The unanimous applauses of the chamber, and the tribunes ardent for liberty, but kindly disposed towards the king, demonstrated that the nation entered with enthusiasm into this conquest of the constitution.