Let us hope for this day, and be persuaded
that I shall neglect nothing which will help bring it about. And
now, as we part, I bow my knee to you, my young king; I now
acknowledge you solemnly as the son of my well-beloved cousin, King
Louis XVI., and the rightful heir of the throne of the lilies. May
the spirits of the murdered royal couple, may God and the ear of my
king take note of the oath which I now pronounce. I swear that I
will never acknowledge any other prince as King of France, so long
as you, King Louis XVII., are among the living. I swear that if I
ever break this vow, and acknowledge another King of France, you,
Louis XVII., may accuse me of high-treason, and condemn me to the
death which a traitor deserves. I swear that I will subject myself
to this death-penalty without opposition and complaint. And this I
swear by Almighty God, and by the memory of your royal parents,
whose spirits are with us at this hour."
"And I, Prince de Conde, I accept your oath," said Louis Charles,
gravely. "I go away now into exile, but I carry your oath with me as
my hope for the future, and may God grant that I shall never be
compelled to remind you of it, but that you will faithfully and
truly keep it. Fare you well! My crown rests in your heart."
"And in these papers, sire. Deliver them to the brave General
Kleber, and he will preserve them as his most sacred and cherished
possession.
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