Page:Norwegian Constitution.djvu/39

39 We are convinced, that we have compleated the desire and will of the Norwegian people, by electing You this day King of Norway, and, on presenting to Your Royal Highness this fundamental law of the country, we rejoice in the hope, that it may be found worthy of Your approbation, and that You will accept of a crown, voluntarily offered You by a free people.

At the Diet at Eidswold, the 17th of May 1814.

According to the resolution of the National Assembly signed in behalf af all the Deputies, by

His Royal Highness' the Prince Regents Answer in the National Assembly to the Adress above.

Norwegians! The high calling, to which you are elected by the trust of your fellow-citizens, is finished. The Constitution of Norway is founded; the Norwegian people has maintained its rights through you, its selected Deputies; it has maintained them for futurity, and, by a sage distribution of the power, secured civil Liberty and that public order which the executive power is obiiged and able to preserve.

The experience for which other states must suffer has taught the Deputies of the Norwegian people to guard the Constitution equally against the marks of despotism as against the abuses of a popular government.