162 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



d'etat against the whole of France, and I hope, to prevent 

 any bad effects, that the king has at least sixty thousand 

 troops in Paris." 



" For what purpose ? Everything will pass without con- 

 fusion." 



"The counsellors of the crown owe a long account to 

 their king and country for many great misfortunes !" 



" What do you mean T 



" The enemies of the throne will make the country be- 

 lieve that the king has failed in his engagements." 



"The country will not believe them. I have desired 

 nothing but the good of my people. The proofs of my 

 solicitude for them may be found in every act of my life, 

 and in all my discourses. Can my people have forgotten 

 the words I addressed to the president of the tribunal of 

 Paris ? It is by justice alone that kings hold their thrones, 

 and the most important part of my authority is delegated 

 to you. Make use of it with a religious fidelity, and be 

 assured that you will gain my affection and esteem in pro- 

 portion as you exercise your judgment with exactitude and 

 impartiality." 



After some moments, the king continued : 



" Do you not perceive, M. de Girardin, that I have hitherto 

 acted exactly as they pleased ? France is happy and pros- 

 perous; but there exists some thousands of individuals who 

 spread disorder everywhere, grasp at power, and are ever 

 trying to get the Government into difficulties. When the 

 Chamber of Deputies wished to take the administration of 

 affairs out of the hands of Yillele, I consented immediately 

 to their wishes, although my personal opinion was favourable 

 to that minister. I composed a mixed Cabinet, choosing 

 my elements amongst the most honourable and capable 

 individuals in the Chamber. I had every right to expect 

 that such a loyal concession on my part would be favourably 



