MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 189 



oppressors, but as beings made for the purpose 

 only of continually labouring 1 to support them in 

 all their real and imaginary wants. This is nearly 

 the case in all countries where the aristocracy are 

 kept up and blinded by pride and guided by 

 ignorance. In this they are supported by what 

 may be called their satellites a kind of bastard 

 breed, who, in aping the worst part of the character 

 of those exalted above them, show themselves off 

 as the opulent, aspiring, purse-proud gentry of a 

 country. 



" If aught on earth th' immortal powers deride, 

 'Tis surely this, the littleness of pride." 



This kind of treatment, so long shown to the 

 people of France, could be endured no longer. 

 They, indeed, seemed heartily disposed to settle a 

 rational and just representative government quietly 

 themselves ; but this did not suit the views of 

 the surrounding despots, to whom the very word 

 liberty was offensive, and it was determined, at 

 once, that this attempt of the people to resume 

 their rights should instantly be overwhelmed. For 

 this purpose, immense armed and well-disciplined 

 mercenaries were gathered together, and almost 

 surrounded the country. Thus situated and re- 

 membering the traditionary tales handed down to 

 them of the cruelties and oppressions under which 

 their forefathers had groaned, the French people 

 could not bear their condition any longer. They 

 were driven to madness, and instantly retaliated 

 upon their oppressors, who, they conceived, meant 

 that they and their children's children should con- 

 tinue to be doomed for ages to come. In this 

 state of the public mind, the French people rose 

 simultaneously, as one man, and with unconquer- 



