She would, she must live for her children. She must, so long
as a breath remained in her, devote all her powers to retain for her
son the dauphin at least the crown beneath whose burden his father
sank. She wanted nothing more for herself, all for her son alone.
There were still true friends who wanted to save the queen. Secret
tidings came to her that all was ready for her escape. It was
against her that the popular rage was chiefly directed, and her life
was even threatened. Twice had the attempt been made to kill the
queen, and the most violent denunciations of the populace were
directed against her. It was therefore the queen whom her friends
wanted most to save. Every thing was prepared for the flight, true
and devoted friends were waiting for her, ready to conduct her to
the boundaries of France, where she should meet deputies sent by her
nephew, the Emperor Francis. The plan was laid with the greatest
care; nothing but the consent of the queen was needed to bring it to
completion, and save her from certain destruction. But Marie
Antoinette withheld her acquiescence. "It is of no consequence about
my life," she said. "I know that I must die, and I am prepared for
it. If the king and my children cannot escape with me, I remain; for
my place is at the side of my husband and my children.
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