witty, attractive, clever, an intense admirer of Prussian tactics and the duke of Brunswick, from whom he had had lessons in Berlin, he inspired confidence into this prince beforehand.  He offered to him the rank of generalissimo of the French armies, an allowance of three millions of francs, and an establishment in France equivalent to his possessions and rank in the empire.  The letter bearing these offers was signed by the minister of war and Louis XVI. himself.

M. de Custine set out from France in the month of January; on his arrival he handed his letter to the duke.  Four days elapsed before an interview was accorded to him.  On the fifth day, the duke admitted him to a personal and private interview.  He expressed to M. de Custine with military frankness his pride and gratitude that the price attached to his merits by France must inspire in him:  “But,” he added, “my blood is German and my honour Prussia’s; my ambition is satisfied with being the second person in this monarchy, which has adopted me.  I would not exchange for an adventurous glory on the shifting stage of revolutions, the high and firm position which my birth, my duty, and some reputation already acquired have secured for me in my native land.”

After this conversation, M. de Custine, finding the prince immoveable, disclosed his ultimatum, and held before his eyes the dazzling chance of the crown of France, if it fell from the brow of Louis XVI. into the hands of a conquering general.  The duke appeared overwhelmed, and dismissed M. de Custine without depriving him of all hope of his accepting such an offer.  But shortly afterwards, the duke, from duplicity, repentance, or prudence, replied by a formal refusal to both these propositions.  He addressed his reply to Louis XVI., and not to his minister; and this unhappy king thus learnt the last word of the constitutional party, and how frail was the tenure on his brow of a crown which was already offered perspectively to the ambition of a foe!

BOOK VI.

I.

Such were the mutually threatening dispositions of France and Europe at the moment when the Constituted Assembly, after having proclaimed its principles, left to others to defend and apply them; like the legislator who retires into private life, thence to watch the effect and the working of his laws.  The great idea of France abdicated, if we may use the expression, with the Constituted Assembly; and the government fell from its high position into the hands of the inexperience or the impulses of a new people.  From the 29th of September to the 1st of October, there seemed to be a new reign:  the Legislative Assembly found themselves on that day face to face with a king who, destitute of authority, ruled over a people destitute of moderation.  They felt on their first sitting the oscillation of a power without a counterpoise, that seeks to balance itself by its own wisdom, and changing from insult to repentance, wounds itself with the weapon that has been placed in its grasp.