Before I conclude this long account, I must mention, with regret, that the persons in the gallery where I sat, spoke with the most sovereign contempt of the legislative body. “Ils font bien[25],” said one man, alluding to the boots, which constitute part of their dress; “de porter des bottes. C’est un habit de voyage—ils ne resteront pas ici long temps.”—“Nous les payons 10,000 francs[26],” said another, “pour ne faire rien, je suis étonné que Bonaparte ne se débarasse pas de ces gens là.”—“Je crois bien,” cried a third, addressing himself to me, “que monsieur votre ambassadeur a un revenu à lui plus grand, que celui de tous ces gaillards ensemble. Sans leur traitement de législateur ils mouraient de faim[27].”
It is contrary to my plan to enter on any political subjects, or the strange levity of these remarks would lead to some very serious reflections. I only give you this chit chat of the peuple souverain[28], as characteristic of the french, and of the present order of public affairs.
I am, &c.
LETTER VI.
The abbé Sicard, and the institution in behalf of the deaf and dumb.—His favourite pupil, Massieu.—Examination of a young woman, who had become deaf at six years old.—Reflections on the establishment.
Paris, december the 1st, 1801 (10 frimaire.)
MY DEAR SIR,
I had this morning so high a mental treat, that I cannot help communicating to you the particulars without delay, in the hope of being able, while my mind is strongly impressed with the subject, to convey to you some faint idea of the pleasure which I received.
I shall not now speak to you of splendid buildings, of glorious monuments of human ingenuity, of renowned heroes, or of brilliant festivals. What I saw to day interested me, and I am sure would have interested you, much more than all such objects united; I mean, the institution des sourd-muets (that humane establishment for the instruction of the deaf and dumb), first founded under the care of the abbé l’Epée, and now conducted by his worthy successor, the abbé Sicard.