Assembly shall make the Constitution; and neither foreign Pandour,
domestic Triumvirate, with levelled Cannon, Guy-Faux powder-plots (for
that too was spoken of); nor any tyrannic Power on the Earth, or under
the Earth, shall say to it, What dost thou?--So jubilates the people;
sure now of a Constitution. Cracked Marquis Saint-Huruge is heard
under the windows of the Chateau; murmuring sheer speculative-treason.
(Campan, ii. 46-64.)



Chapter 1.5.IX.

The Lanterne.

The Fall of the Bastille may be said to have shaken all France to the
deepest foundations of its existence. The rumour of these wonders flies
every where: with the natural speed of Rumour; with an effect thought
to be preternatural, produced by plots. Did d'Orleans or Laclos, nay did
Mirabeau (not overburdened with money at this time) send riding Couriers
out from Paris; to gallop 'on all radii,' or highways, towards all
points of France? It is a miracle, which no penetrating man will call in
question. (Toulongeon, (i. 95); Weber, &c. &c.)

Already in most Towns, Electoral Committees were met; to regret Necker,
in harangue and resolution. In many a Town, as Rennes, Caen, Lyons, an
ebullient people was already regretting him in brickbats and musketry.
But now, at every Town's-end in France, there do arrive, in these days
of terror,--'men,' as men will arrive; nay, 'men on horseback,'
since Rumour oftenest travels riding. These men declare, with alarmed
countenance, The BRIGANDS to be coming, to be just at hand; and do