220 BAILLY. 
This celebrated astronomer passed his time in reading 
novels. He sometimes said with a bitter smile: “My . 
day has been well occupied; since I got up, 1 have put 
myself in a position to give an analysis of the two, or of 
the three first volumes of the new novel that the reading- 
room has just received.” From time to time these ab- 
stractions were of a more elevated tone; he owed them 
to two young persons, who having reached an advanced 
age may now be listening to my words. Bailly discoursed 
with them of Homer, of Plato, of Aristotle, of the prin- 
cipal works in our literature, of the rapid progress of the 
sciences, and chiefly of those of astronomy. What our 
colleague chiefly appreciated in these two young friends, 
was a true sensibility, and great warmth of feeling. I 
know that years have not effaced or weakened these rare 
qualities in the bosoms of those two Brétons. M. Pariset, » 
our colleague, and M. Villenave, will therefore think it 
natural in me to thank them here, in the name of science , 
and literature, in the name of humanity, for the few 
moments of sweet peace and happiness that they afforded 
to our learned colleague, at a time when the inconstancy 
and ingratitude of men were lacerating his heart. 
Louis X VI. had perished; dark clouds hung over the 
horizon; some acts of odious brutality showed our pro- 
scribed philosopher how little he must thenceforward 
depend on public sympathy; how much times had 
changed since the memorable meeting (of the 7th of 
October, 1791), at which the National Assembly decided 
that the bust of Bailly should be placed in the hall of 
their meetings! The storm appeared near and very 
menacing; even persons usually of little foresight were 
meditating where to find shelter. 
During these transactions, Charles Marquis de Casaux, 
