“For absolute government, the only kind of government under which enterprises against the spirit of the law can be put down. Yes. Arbitrary rule is the salvation of a country when it comes to the support of justice, for the right of mercy is strictly one-sided. The king can pardon a fraudulent bankrupt; he cannot do anything for the victims. The letter of the law is fatal to modern society.”
“Just get that into the electors’ heads!” said Bixiou.
“Some one has undertaken to do it.”
“Who?”
“Time. As the Bishop of Leon said, ‘Liberty is ancient, but kingship is eternal; any nation in its right mind returns to monarchical government in one form or another.’”
“I say, there was somebody next door,” said Finot, hearing us rise to go.
“There always is somebody next door,” retorted Bixiou. “But he must have been drunk.”
PARIS, November 1837.