Page:The Royal Family of France (Henry).djvu/77

 VII.

BOURBONS.

The House of Bourbon descends from Robert the Strong, Duke de France, whose lineage can be distinctly traced through ten degrees up to Clodion, or Clodius the Hairy, supposed son of Pharamond. No doubt can be thrown on this statement The Charta of 799, discovered by M. de Vilevîeille, proves it clearly. Then the principle of hereditary right of succession to the Throne, instead of being controverted, was re-established by the elevation of Hugh Capet to the Throne.

The political vicissitudes of France are strong proofs how deeply Monarchical customs are rooted in the French soil, since during nine centuries the Crown has been hereditary "by an established custom," writes T. Bignon, "which is stronger than the law itself, this custom being engraved, not on marble or brass, but in the history and hearts of Frenchmen." The principle of Royalty is so powerful in France that during the space of fourteen centuries the French nation has had but three Races of Kings. France should have remained and should again be "the Christian Monarchy." Current History shows eloquently enough, that since the Monarchical principle has been violated in France, all other thrones have been trembling; the European balance is destroyed, lesser States vanish one after the other, power falls into the cleverest hands, rights are trodden underfoot by brutal violence, the scales of justice are replaced by the soldier's sword, the majesty of Royalty seems tarnished throughout the world. When France rises from her degradation and the Revolution in Europe is slain, then only European princes will resume their stability, and thrones regain their lustre. Putting aside all sentimental dislike to the brutal frankness of facts, who has not read in History that on the day on which Louis XIV, expired, men in Germany did exclaim: 71