Page:Life of William Shelburne (vol 2).djvu/414

378 own case and that of the titulaires I cannot persuade myself that the Assembly will not soften, and in the end do what becomes them. I have always observed that great assemblies, as well as the public at large, are violent at first, but always come round in the end to what is just, and I am confirmed in this opinion by what has passed about the nuns. It is a pity in the meantime that some of the ecclesiastical members should, as they seem to me to do, have recourse to tricks which would better become lawyers, than to bold and open arguments addressed to the justice, the dignity, and the good sense of the Assembly and of the public. But I beg pardon, as you must think me most ridiculous for presuming to criticise men and things especially at such a distance. I am captivated to the greatest degree, as you may easily imagine by the proceedings in regard to the East and West Indies. M. Barnave promises to be very eminent, if the ideas were suggested by him to the committee, or indeed if he composed the Resolutions, which are admirably expressed. As to myself I am arranging and adapting my habits of life, as well as I can to the circumstances in which I find myself. I am endeavouring to form a rational society at home, as I do not like to go in search of it, and whenever you choose to make a part of it you will do us all great pleasure. Your aristocrates feel a great deal, and are in consequence led to express themselves sometimes warmly. M de Boufflers is in this case, but you know she was always more in your style, and Madame Helvetius in mine, to whom I beg you will say everything that is kind and respectful. I hope if she quits Paris she will not think of coming to any country but to this, and to no house in this in preference to mine.

"Your revolution is excessively hard upon individuals, but the effect it must have upon the whole world exceeds all power of imagination. We must contrive to meet once more before we die to talk over such great events, and their consequences. I am entirely taken up making love to my son, who as happens in all loves is more or