same principles and sentiments which governed him in the part he acted in
1789 and 1792: and although he might acquiesce in a different government,
either under the First Consul, or under Louis XVIII. he could not,
consistently, and therefore he chose not to forward their views by his own
personal influence and support. He was still calumniated by some agents of
the Bourbons, yet he declared, on the return of Bonaparte from Elba, to
gain the throne of France, "that in all measures, which should promote or
be consistent with the liberties of the people, he would aid the cause of
the legitimate heir of the crown." The views of Louis' friends and allies
were too arbitrary to lead them to expect his approbation and aid.

Louis XVIII. had not been long in France, before great discontent was
manifested among the citizens at the prospect of his being placed on the
throne of his brother. Napoleon and his friends took advantage of this
state of things: he left his retreat in the Island of Elba, and returned to
Paris. Louis was obliged to retire. Bonaparte, through his brother Joseph,
the ex-king of Spain, solicited of Lafayette to accept of a peerage. But he
promptly declined; but observed, "that if there should be a convocation of
a chamber of representatives," which he strenuously urged, "he would
consent to take a part in public affairs, should he be elected." His
independence and his want of faith in Napoleon, were preserved,
notwithstanding the urgent advances of the latter; and he resolutely
refused to go near him till after his final abdication. Yet even at this
time, Lafayette thought he might rely on "his cordial opposition to all
foreign invasion and influence, and to any family or party which should
avail itself of such assistance in order to attack the independence and the
liberties of France." Much as he distrusted the views of Bonaparte, and
desirous as he was of some explicit guaranty, from him and his supporters,
for the liberty of the French people, he would not unite with the Bourbons,
who were resolved to place Louis XVIII. firmly on the throne of his