travelers and sensitive ladies who pity it, but who to the weight of
the vehicle add their own and that of their luggage.

Likewise, in the mind of the peasant, athwart his perplexed
brooding, a new idea, slowly, little by little, is unfolded: -- that
of an oppressed multitude of which he makes one, a vast herd
scattered far beyond the visible horizon, everywhere ill used,
starved, and fleeced. Towards the end of 1788 we begin to detect in
the correspondence of the intendants and military commandants the
dull universal muttering of coming wrath. Men's characters seem to
change; they become suspicious and restive. -- And just at this
moment, the Government, dropping the reins, calls upon them to
direct themselves.[11]. In the month of November 1787, the King
declared that he would convoke the States-General. On the 5th of
July 1788, he calls for memoranda (des mémoires) on this subject
from every competent person and body. On the 8th of August he fixes
the date of the session. On the 5th of October he convokes the
notables, in order to consider the subject with them. On the 27th
of December he grants a double representation to the Third-Estate,
because "its cause is allied with generous sentiments, and it will
always obtain the support of public opinion." The same day he
introduces into the electoral assemblies of the clergy a majority of
curés[12], "because good and useful pastors are daily and closely
associated with the indigence and relief of the people," from which
it follows "that they are much more familiar with their sufferings"
and necessities. On the 24th January 1789, he prescribes the
procedure and method of the meetings. After the 7th of February
writs of summons are sent out one after the other. Eight days
after, each parish assembly begins to draw up its memorial of
grievances, and becomes excited over the detailed enumeration of all