Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 04.djvu/351

 now to be about becoming Revolution in France. Commencement of the 'French Revolution,'—henceforth a phenomenon absorbing all others for mankind,—is commonly dated here.

1789. May–June.

Assembling of States-General at Versailles; Procession to the Church of St. Louis there. May 4th. Third Estate has the Nation behind it; wishes to be a main element in the business. Hopes, and (led by Mirabeau and other able heads) decides, that it must be the main element of all,—and will continue 'inert,' and do nothing, till that come about: namely, till the other Two Estates, Noblesse and Clergy, be joined with it; in which conjunct state it can outvote them, and may become what it wishes. 'Inertia,' or the scheme of doing only harangues and adroit formalities, is adopted by it; adroitly persevered in, for seven weeks: much to the hope of France; to the alarm of Necker and the Court.

Court decides to intervene. Hall of Assembly is found shut (Saturday, June 20th); Third-Estate Deputies take Oath, celebrated 'Oath of the Tennis-Court,' in that emergency. Emotion of French mankind. Monday June 22d, Court does intervene, but with reverse effect: Séance Royale, Royal Speech, giving open intimation of much significance, 'If you Three Estates cannot agree, I the King will myself achieve the happiness of my People.' Noblesse and Clergy leave the Hall along with King; Third Estate remains pondering this intimation. Enter Supreme-Usher de Brézé, to command departure; Mirabeau's fulminant words to him: exit De Brézé, fruitless and worse, 'amid seas of angry people.' All France on the edge of blazing out: Court recoils; Third Estate, other Two now joining it on order, triumphs, successful in every particular. The States-General are henceforth 'National Assembly'; called in Books distinctively 'Constituent Assembly'; that is. Assembly met 'to make the Constitution,'—perfect Constitution, under which the French People might realise their Millennium.

1789. June–July.

Great hope, great excitement, great suspicion. Court terrors and plans: old Marechal Broglie,—this is the Broglie who was young in the Seven-Years War; son of a Marshal Broglie, and grandson of another, who much filled the Newspapers in their time. Gardes Françaises at Paris need to be confined to their quarters; and cannot (June 26th). Sunday July 12th, News that Necker is dismissed, and gone homewards overnight: panic terror of Paris, kindling into hot frenzy;—ends in besieging the Bastille; and in taking it, chiefly by infinite noise, the Gardes Françaises at length mutely assisting in the rear. Bastille falls,