Fayette in this long war, the least of whose skirmishes assumed in
traversing the seas the importance of a great battle. The American war,
more remarkable for its results than its campaigns, was more fitted to
form republicans than warriors. M. de La Fayette joined in it with
heroism and devotion: he acquired the friendship of Washington. A French
name was written by him on the baptismal register of a transatlantic
nation. This name came back to France like the echo of liberty and
glory. That popularity which seizes on all that is brilliant, was
accorded to La Fayette on his return to his native land, and quite
intoxicated the young hero. Opinion adopted him, the opera applauded
him, actresses crowned him; the queen smiled upon him, the king created
him a general; Franklin, made him a citizen, and national enthusiasm
elevated him into its idol. This excess of public estimation decided his
life. La Fayette found this popularity so sweet that he could not
consent to lose it. Applause, however, is by no means glory, and
subsequently he deserved that which he acquired. He gave to democracy
that of which it was worthy, honesty.

On the 14th of July M. de La Fayette was ready for elevation on the
shields of the _bourgeoisie_ of Paris. A _frondeur_ of the court, a
revolutionist of high family, an aristocrat by birth, a democrat in
principles, radiant with military renown acquired beyond seas, he united
in his own person many qualities for rallying around him a civic
militia, and for becoming the natural chief of an army of citizens. His
American glory shone forth brilliantly in Paris. Distance increases
every reputation--his was immense; it comprised and eclipsed all;
Necker, Mirabeau, the Duc d'Orleans, the three most popular men in
Paris,--all

Paled their ineffectual fires