Sir,
it is of such crime that you speak with respect; it is with such a
rabble that you have dealt, instead of ordering your soldiers to cut
them down."
"Madame," said Lafayette, turning pale, "had I attempted to do that,
your majesty would not have found refuge in this chamber. For the
anger of the mob is like the lightning and thunder of the tempest,
it heeds neither door nor bolt, and if it has once broken loose,
nothing can restrain or stop it."
"Oh," cried the queen, with a mocking laugh, "it is plain that Mr.
Lafayette has been pursuing his studies in America, at the
university of revolutions. He speaks of the people with a deference
as if it were another majesty to bow to."
"And in that Lafayette is right," said the king, rising and
approaching them. "Hear the yell, madame! it sounds like the roaring
of lions, and you know, Marie, that the lion is called the king of
beasts. Tell us, general, what does the lion want, and what does his
roaring mean?"
"Sire, the enemies of the royal family, the agitators and rebels,
who have within these last hours come from Paris, have urged on the
people afresh, and kindled them with senseless calumnies. They have
persuaded the people that your majesty has summoned hither the
regiments from all the neighboring stations; that you are collecting
an army to put yourself at its head and march against Paris.
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