IV.

The king, reassured by this state of public feeling, proceeded, on the 7th, to the Assembly, where his appearance was the signal for unanimous acclamations.  Some applauded the king, others applauded the constitution, in the person of the king.  It inspired with real fanaticism that mass that judges of things by words alone, and believes all that the law proclaims sacred to be imperishable.  Not content with crying Vive le Roi, they cried also Vive sa Majeste; and the acclamations of one part of the people thus avenged themselves on the offences of the others, and revered those titles that a decree had striven to efface.  They even applauded the restoration of the royal chair beside that of the president, and it seemed to the royalists that this chair was a throne on which the people replaced the monarchy.  The king addressed them, standing and bareheaded; his speech reassured their minds and touched their hearts; and if he lacked the language of enthusiasm, he had at least the accent of sincerity.  “In order,” said he, “that our labours may produce the beneficial results we have a right to expect, it is necessary that a constant harmony and an unalterable confidence should exist between the king and the legislative body.  The enemies of our repose will seek every opportunity to spread disunion amongst us, but let the love of our country ally us, the public interest render us inseparable.  Thus, public power will unfold itself without opposition, and the administration be harassed by no vain fears.  The property and the opinions of every man shall be protected, and no excuse will remain for any one to live away from a country where the laws are in force, and the rights of all respected.”  This allusion to the emigres, and this indirect appeal to the king’s brothers, caused a sensation of joy and hope to pervade the ranks of the Assembly.

The president Pastoret, a moderate constitutionalist, beloved alike by the king and the people, because, with the doctrines of power, he possessed the acuteness of the diplomatist and the language of the constitution, replied,—­“Sire, your presence in this assembly is a fresh oath you take of fidelity to your country:  the rights of the people were forgotten and all power confused.  A constitution is born, and with it the liberty of France.  As a citizen, it is your duty to cherish—­as a king, to strengthen and defend it.  Far from shaking your power, it has confirmed it, and has given you friends in those who formerly were styled your subjects.  You said a few days ago in this temple of our country, that you have need of being beloved by all Frenchmen, and we also have need of being beloved by you.  The constitution has rendered you the greatest monarch in the world; your attachment to it will place your majesty amongst those kings most beloved by the people.  Strong by our union, we shall soon feel its salutary effects.  To purify the legislation, support public credit, and crush anarchy,—­such is our duty, such are our wishes.  Such are yours, sire; and the blessing of the French nation will be the recompence.”