The birth of the Dauphin appeared to give joy to all classes.  Men stopped one another in the streets, spoke without being acquainted, and those who were acquainted embraced each other.  In the birth of a legitimate heir to the sovereign every man beholds a pledge of prosperity and tranquillity.

[M.  Merard de Saint Just made a quatrain on the birth of the Dauphin to the following effect: 

“This infant Prince our hopes are centred in, will doubtless make us happy, rich, and free; And since with somebody he must begin, My fervent prayer is—­that it may be me!”

—­Note by the editor.]

The rejoicings were splendid and ingenious.  The artificers and tradesmen of Paris spent considerable sums in order to go to Versailles in a body, with their various insignia.  Almost every troop had music with it.  When they arrived at the court of the palace, they there arranged themselves so as to present a most interesting living picture.  Chimney-sweepers, quite as well dressed as those that appear upon the stage, carried an ornamented chimney, at the top of which was perched one of the smallest of their fraternity.  The chairmen carried a sedan highly gilt, in which were to be seen a handsome nurse and a little Dauphin.  The butchers made their appearance with their fat ox.  Cooks, masons, blacksmiths, all trades were on the alert.  The smiths hammered away upon an anvil, the shoemakers finished off a little pair of boots for the Dauphin, and the tailors a little suit of the uniform of his regiment.  The King remained a long time upon a balcony to enjoy the sight.  The whole Court was delighted with it.  So general was the enthusiasm that (the police not having carefully examined the procession) the grave-diggers had the imprudence to send their deputation also, with the emblematic devices of their ill-omened occupation.  They were met by the Princesse Sophie, the King’s aunt, who was thrilled with horror at the sight, and entreated the King to have the audacious, fellows driven out of the procession, which was then drawing up on the terrace.

The ‘dames de la halle’ came to congratulate the Queen, and were received with the suitable ceremonies.

Fifty of them appeared dressed in black silk gowns, the established full dress of their order, and almost all wore diamonds.  The Princesse de Chimay went to the door of the Queen’s bedroom to receive three of these ladies, who were led up to the Queen’s bed.  One of them addressed her Majesty in a speech written by M. de la Harpe.  It was set down on the inside of a fan, to which the speaker repeatedly referred, but without any embarrassment.  She was handsome, and had a remarkably fine voice.  The Queen was affected by the address, and answered it with great affability,—­wishing a distinction to be made between these women and the poissardes, who always left a disagreeable impression on her mind.