of naming the agents of his power, but you have made
those agents responsible. To be independent the
king must be inviolable: do not let us set aside
this axiom. We have never failed to observe this
as regards individuals, let us regard it as respects
the monarch. Our principles, the constitution,
the law, declare that he has not forfeited (qu’il
n’est pas dechu): thus, then, we have
to choose between our attachment to the constitution
and our resentment against an individual. Yes,
I demand at this moment from him amongst you all,
who may have conceived against the head of the executive
power prejudices however strong, and resentment however
deep; I ask at his hands whether he is more irritated
against the king than he is attached to the laws of
his country? I would say to those who rage so
furiously against an individual who has done wrong,—I
would say, Then you would be at his feet if you were
content with him? (Loud and lengthened applause.)
Those who would thus sacrifice the constitution to
their anger against one man, seem to me too much inclined
to sacrifice liberty from their enthusiasm for some
other man; and since they love a republic, it is,
indeed, the moment to say to them, What, would you
wish a republic in such a nation? How is it you
do not fear that the same variableness of the people,
which to-day manifests itself by hatred, may on another
day be displayed by enthusiasm in favour of some great
man? Enthusiasm even more dangerous than hatred:
for the French nation, you know, understands better
how to love than to hate. I neither fear the
attacks of foreign nations nor of emigrants:
I have already said so; but I now repeat it with the
more truth, as I fear the continuation of uneasiness
and agitation, which will not cease to exist and affect
us until the Revolution be wholly and pacifically
concluded. We need fear no mischief from without;
but vast injury is done to us from within, when we
are disturbed by painful ideas—when chimerical
dangers, excited around us, create with the people
some consistency and some credit for the men who use
them as a means of unceasing agitation. Immense
damage is done to us when that revolutionary impetus,
which has destroyed every thing there was to destroy,
and which has urged us to the point where we must at
last pause, is perpetuated. If the Revolution
advance one step further it cannot do so without danger.
In the line of liberty, the first act which can follow
is the annihilation of royalty; in the line of equality,
the first act which must follow is an attempt on all
property. Revolutions are not effected with metaphysical
maxims—there must be an actual tangible
prey to offer to the multitude that is led astray.
It is time, therefore, to end the Revolution.
It ought to stop at the moment when the nation is
free, and when all Frenchmen are equal. If it
continue in trouble, it is dishonoured, and we with
it; yes, all the world ought to agree that the common
interest is involved in the close of the Revolution.