Page:The Royal Family of France (Henry).djvu/76

 Legitimacy therefore was established for the benefit of nations, not for that of a Royal Family. It acquires power and brilliancy in proportion as its personification in the Royal Family becomes ancient; men honour that which is consecrated by the hand of Time. Prayer becomes more easily recollected in a temple whose vaulted roof is darkened by the lapse of centuries, than in the light and brilliant edifices of modern construction. The countless generations who have knelt in the same spot, have uttered the same words, have taken the same oaths, have wept the same tears, have rejoiced in the same hope, add the force of example to the power of precept. Time thus transforms the act of reason, which founded legitimacy, into a feeling of affection, gratitude and respect.