“What’s the gist of it?”
“The Committee begin by affirming that they are neither revolutionaries nor republicans, and proceed to enumerate the advantages of a hereditary monarchy. At the same time, they admit that occasions may arise to justify the setting aside of the legitimate occupant of the throne; as, for example, when a ruler shows signs of madness. Such a crisis is now occurring in Russian affairs, and the Committee proceed to point out the strange words, ukases, and acts of Paul, all which, it is alleged, sufficiently prove that the Czar has lost his reason.”
This was what all men in St. Petersburg had been thinking for a long time, but none had durst say so openly.
“In these melancholy circumstances it becomes the duty of all good patriots to unite for the peaceful deposing of Paul, who shall be maintained in honourable captivity till such time as he shall recover his reason; failing its recovery, he shall remain a captive till the day of his demise.”
“Speciously put, but the conspirators know that they are signing Paul’s death-warrant.”
“How so?”
“What sovereign ever lived long after his dethronement?”
“The probity of Alexander is a sure guarantee for his father’s safety.”
“Circumstances will prove too strong for Alexander. The conspirators will take good care that Paul shall not live long to trouble the new reign. One morning he will be found dead in bed, and people will say, ‘Alas! for the Little Father! He has died of apoplexy. His physicians always said he would.’ Dr. Wylie is already preparing the public mind for the event.—Well, we’ll defeat their plans. In the morning this document shall be put into Paul’s hands. But you spoke of autograph signatures. Of course, the Czarovitch’s name figures there?”