satisfaction is due to the conscience of the public. To be good subjects
was thenceforth the people's sole ambition. The spirit of lawlessness
had been expelled. Royalty was reconstituted. Men had recovered from the
follies of politics. They mocked at revolution, they jeered at the
republic, and as to those times when such strange words as _Right,
Liberty, Progress_, had been in the mouth--why, they laughed at such
bombast! Admirable was the return to common sense. England had been in a
dream. What joy to be quit of such errors! Was ever anything so mad?
Where should we be if every one had his rights? Fancy every one's
having a hand in the government? Can you imagine a city ruled by its
citizens? Why, the citizens are the team, and the team cannot be driver.
To put to the vote is to throw to the winds. Would you have states
driven like clouds? Disorder cannot build up order. With chaos for an
architect, the edifice would be a Babel. And, besides, what tyranny is
this pretended liberty! As for me, I wish to enjoy myself; not to
govern. It is a bore to have to vote; I want to dance. A prince is a
providence, and takes care of us all. Truly the king is generous to take
so much trouble for our sakes. Besides, he is to the manner born. He
knows what it is. It's his business. Peace, War, Legislation,
Finance--what have the people to do with such things? Of course the
people have to pay; of course the people have to serve; but that should
suffice them. They have a place in policy; from them come two essential
things, the army and the budget. To be liable to contribute, and to be
liable to serve; is not that enough? What more should they want? They
are the military and the financial arm. A magnificent _rôle_. The king
reigns for them, and they must reward him accordingly. Taxation and the
civil list are the salaries paid by the peoples and earned by the
prince. The people give their blood and their money, in return for which
they are led. To wish to lead themselves! what an absurd idea! They
require a guide; being ignorant, they are blind. Has not the blind man