Page:Trial of Louis XVI (1793).pdf/14

 If, however, Louis, was to be deprived of his inviolability as a king, he must then, of course, have the right of being judged like a citizen; and, in that case, where were the prefaratory [sic] forms of trial decreed for citizens by the law? Where were the jurors, those hostages for the life and honour of citizens? Where was the proportion of suffrages which the law had so wifely established? Where that silent ballot which inclosed within the same urn the opinion and conscience of the judge? "I speak to you," said M. Deseze, "with the freedom of a free man: I search among you for judges, and I see only accusers; you would give judgment and upon Louis, you have accused him; you would try him, and you have already expressed your will."

As to the charge of having wished to dissolve the National Assembly, was it forgotten that Louis had convoked it? Was it forgotten, that during 150 years, princes, more jealous of their authority, had constantly refused that convocation? Was it forgotten that, but for Louis, but for the numerous sacrifices to which he had consented, the audience could not then be fitting to deliberate upon the interests of the State?

He would not then speak of the moment in which Talon was said to have the care of producing a counter-revolution, intrusted in part to him; but, even upon an ordinary trial, could it be permitted that papers, taken from a citizen, without an inventory, and unsealed, the invasion of his house, should be produced in evidence against him. In some of these papers mention was made of money which had been expended; but, even if it was denied that this expence was for purposes of benevolence, could it be forgotten how easily kings were circumvented and deceived. The plan of a letter to La Fayette and Mirabeau was spoken of, but this letter bad not been sent; and as to the letter of thanks to Bouille, the Constituent Assembly itself had voted thanks to that officer. But the words were still to be uttered which would immediately overthrow the whole series of accusation; they were these, "Subsequent to all these circumstances Louis accepted the constitution." The constitution. was the past of the alliance between the people and the king; Rh