Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/215

 was the nobility; they were no longer the absolute Lords on their own estates they had heretofore been: the meanest peasant was now free, and could not suffer but by a judgement of his Peers: but, in return for the loss of that power which it was dishonourable to use, they had many noble privileges confirmed to them, unknown to their ancestors: they were no longer the slaves of their Monarch, and the first to bear his fury; the King himself had no more authority over them, than over the lowest mechanic. How unusual was it in France, to see uncorrupt judges going the circuits of the provinces, who enjoyed their salaries fixed for life, and had no inducement to favour either side!

During this residence in France, so happy for that kingdom, the King built a very noble palace at Fontainebleau, and another on the banks of the Rhone; he also repaired the Louvre, and many