The clergy of France had already begun to lower their voice, when the parliament of Paris raised theirs. I could find in my heart to say, that in France the state is ever out of order; no sooner has the Sovereign repaired some weak part of his prerogative, than another appears to be running to ruin.
The parliament, instead of conforming to his pleasure, according to their usual way, sent a deputation with remonstrances. These speeches set out with great protestations of respect and submission, but are seldom without some term which favours of a republican spirit, tending to independency; and not seldom they strike at the prerogative of the crown.
The King, though naturally irresolute, had his intervals of firmness, in which he was immoveable. He gave the deputies to understand, that he would have his edicts enrolled that very day, under penalty of disobedience and immediate punishment.
The parliament were sitting when the deputies returned to Paris; being forbid to deliberate, they registered the edicts. After this act of duty, which they stiled deference, a second deputation was dispatched to Versailles. These gentlemen began their harangue in this manner: Your Majesty has commanded, and your parliament has obeyed.
A courtier said, that there they ought to have stopped, all the remainder of their long speech being quite useless and superfluous.
The King was pleased, in the evening, to mention this affair to me; and his having got the better of the parliament, made him much gayer than usual; but this extraordinary chearfulness raised in me some misgivings. To me, a body whose temporary submission excited in its master such a lively joy, appeared dangerous.
F I N I S
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The dukes of Richelieu, Mazarin, and Fleury.
[2] The military school was but just instituted.