de Lafayette to
keep the brutality of the people away from you, and protect you in
your walks."
"Sufficient, gentlemen," cried Marie Antoinette, impatiently. "You
now know my fixed resolve, and it is not necessary to discuss it
further. I will not hide myself from the people, and I will confront
them under the simple protection of God. Defended by Him, and
sustained by the conviction that I have not merited the hate with
which I am pursued, I will continue to meet the subjects of the king
fearlessly, with an unveiled head, and only God and my fate shall
judge between me and them! I thank you, gentlemen, for your zeal and
your care, and you may be sure that I shall never forget it. But now
farewell, gentlemen! It is growing cold, and I should like to return
to the palace."
"Will your majesty not have the kindness to allow us both to mingle
with your train, and accompany you to the palace?" asked Lafayette.
"I came hither, attended by only two lackeys, who are waiting
outside the pavilion," answered the queen. "You know that I have
laid aside the court etiquette which used to attend the queen upon
her walks, and which do not allow the free enjoyment of nature. My
enemies charge me with this as an offence, and consider it improper
that the Queen of France should take a walk without a brilliant
train of courtiers, and like any other human being.
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