opening of States General of i/8g g 



It is hard to believe, however, that it was curiosity alone that 

 was holding the attention of the people. This day meant more 

 to them than a gala day, more than simply an opportunity to see 

 a display of gorgeous attire and splendid equipages. They be- 

 lieved that it marked the beginning of a new order of things, that 

 oppression was at last to be overcome, their country regenerated 

 and prosperity restored. Throughout the line of march it was 

 the third estate, the deputies who were expected to bring about 

 these reforms, who aroused the greatest enthusiasm. It was not 

 the clergy in its rich ceremonial garb, nor the nobility in its 

 gorgeous court dress, nor even royalty itself with all its mag- 

 nificent retinue, that received the heartiest cheers from the crowd. 

 On the contrary, it was the third estate, in their somber black 

 garments, without adornment of any kind and absolutely lacking 

 in anything to delight the curious spectator. The Recit says : 

 " During the march, the commons did not cease to receive the 

 most touching testimonials of the confidence and of the attach- 

 ment of the people."^*' " It seemed to me," wrote Boulle, " that 

 the third estate, although not brilliantly attired, appeared to an 

 advantage, for everywhere its passage called for cheers and 

 clapping of hands. "^^ 



]\Iadam de Stael, in giving her impression of the procession and 

 of some of the deputies, writes : " I shall never forget that 

 moment, the day before the opening of the states general, when 

 twelve hundred deputies of France passed in procession going to 

 the church to hear mass. . . . That new kind of power in the 

 nation whose nature and force were as yet unknown, astonished 

 the greater part of those who had not reflected upon the rights of 

 the people." After discussing the loss of prestige by the clergy 

 and the nobility, the writer continues : " The importance of the 

 deputies of the third estate is increased by this [condition of the 

 upper orders]. Their black coats and black mantles, their air 

 of confidence, their large numbers, made them the center of at- 

 tention ; men of letters, merchants, and a great many lawyers com- 



^'^ Recit des seances des deputes des communes, 4. 



31 Boulle, Ouverture des ctats-gcneraux in Revue de la revolution, Docu- 

 ments inedits, 167. 



21 I 



