44 MEMOIR OF CUVTER. 



just, that almost double employment was given to 

 the ministry, to enable them to maintain order, and 

 prevent open outrage. His leave of absence was, 

 therefore, several times delayed ; but the general 

 tranquillity in Paris appeared so perfect, that it was 

 at last given, and his passports signed. So much was 

 the foresight of the statesman this time at fault, that 

 the firing commenced in the capital before he had 

 been five hours absent. Near Boulogne, he and 

 his friends were overtaken by those that fled from a 

 scene of terror ; and in the deepest anxiety they 

 reached Calais. To return would have been impos- 

 sible, with passports dated nearly two months back, 

 and signed by the discarded sovereign, and their first 

 communications brought them, at one and the same 

 time, " the details of the revolution, and of the resto- 

 ration to peace." The same communications brought 

 him assurances of perfect tranquillity in Paris, and of 

 the safety of Madame Cuvier;he determined therefore 

 to continue his journey, and again saw the collections 

 and institutions of London. His anxiety for the affairs 

 of his own country, however, prevented a long visit ; 

 and he returned again to Paris, having been only a 

 fortnight in England; "and, to the happiness of those 

 around him, M. Cuvier found himself, even under 

 the government of the Citizen King, in possession of 

 all his honours, his dignities, and his important func- 

 tions *." 



Even new honours awaited him ; for, by the order 

 * Memoir of Baron Cuvier, by Mrs Lee, p. 47. 



