at six o’clock in the morning, continued scarcely interrupted until after sunset."[17] When the Dauphin was born the joy of France was that of a whole family.  “People stopped each other in the streets, spoke together without any acquaintance, and everybody embraced everybody he knew."[18] Every one, through vague tradition, through immemorial respect, feels that France is a ship constructed by his hands and the hands of his ancestors.  In this sense, the vessel is his property; it is his right to it is the same as that of each passenger to his private goods.  The king’s only duty consists in being expert and vigilant in guiding across the oceans and beneath his banner the magnificent ship upon which everyone’s welfare depends.-Under the ascendancy of such an idea he was allowed to do everything.  By fair means or foul, he so reduced ancient authorities as to make them a fragment, a pretense, a souvenir.  The nobles are simply his officials or his courtiers.  Since the Concordat he nominates the dignitaries of the Church.  The States-General were not convoked for a hundred and seventy-five years; the provincial assemblies, which continue to subsist, do nothing but apportion the taxes; the parliaments are exiled when they risk a remonstrance.  Through his council, his intendants, his sub-delegates, he intervenes in the most trifling of local matters.  His revenue is four hundred and seventy-seven millions.[19] He disburses one-half of that of the Clergy.  In short, he is absolute master, and he so declares himself.[20] -Possessions, freedom from taxation, the satisfactions of vanity, a few remnants of local jurisdiction and authority, are consequently all that is left to his ancient rivals; in exchange for these they enjoy his favors and marks of preference.-Such, in brief, is the history of the privileged classes, the Clergy, the Nobles, and the King.  It must be kept in mind to comprehend their situation at the moment of their fall; having created France, they enjoy it.  Let us see clearly what becomes of them at the end of the eighteenth century; what portion of their advantages they preserved; what services they still render, and what services they do not render.

Notes : 

[1].  “Les Moines d’Occident,” by Montalembert, I. 277.  St. Lupicin before the Burgundian King Chilperic, II. 416.  Saint Karileff before King Childebert.  Cf. passim, Gregory of Tours and the Bollandist collection.

[2].  No legend is more frequently encountered; we find it as late as the twelfth century.

[3].  Chilperic, for example, acting under the advice of Fredegonde after the death of all their children.

[4].  Montalembert, ibid., II. book 8; and especially “Les Forêts de la France dans l’antiquité et au Moyen Age,” by Alfred Maury.  Spinoe et vepres is a phrase constantly recurring in the lives of the saints.

[5].  We find the same thing to day with the colonies of Trappists in Algiers.