Well, give me
your counsel. Tell me now what I shall do to restore peace and
quiet."
But no one replied. Perplexed and confused they looked down to the
ground, and only Necker found courage to answer the king after a
long pause.
"Sire," he said, "it is a question that might be considered for days
which your majesty has submitted to us, and on its answer depends,
perhaps, the whole fate of the monarchy. But, as you wish to know
the opinions of your ministers, I will venture to give mine: that it
would be the safest and most expedient course for your majesty to
comply with the wishes of the people, and go to Paris!"
"I supposed so," whispered the king, dropping his head.
"To Paris!" cried the queen, raising her head. "It is impossible.
You cannot be in earnest in being willing to go of your own accord
down into the abyss of revolution, in order to be destroyed there!
To Paris!"
"To Paris!" was the thundering cry from below, as if the words of
the queen had awakened a fearful, thousand-voiced echo. "To Paris!
The king and the queen shall go to Paris!"
"And never come from there!" cried the queen, with, bursting tears.
"Speak, Lafayette!" cried the king. "What do you think?"
"Sire, I think that there is only one way to restore peace and to
quiet the people, and that is, for your majesty to go to-day with
the royal family to Paris.
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