cannot but hope for them that the storm is passing over; the ship will ride into port, lilies flying at the mast, and all her sails set.
But if the atonement of the nation is not complete, if France must still bow before the powers that be, if the small number of the loyal are to follow the example of the renegades and of the foresworn, and cast lots for the shreds of the winding-sheet of their old Monarchy; if Europe is to witness all these tokens of social desolation on the ruins of the Monarchy of Clovis and Henry IV., honest men should still look forward to a resurrection; they should still hope for the salvation of that France for which Louis XVI. intercedes before the throne of Grace. In his will, the martyr King says:—"I forgive from my whole heart those who have conducted themselves towards me as enemies, without my giving them the least cause, and I pray God to forgive them. And I exhort my son, if he should ever have the misfortune to reign, to forget all hatred and all enmity, and especially my misfortunes and suffering. I recommend to him always to consider that it is the duty of man to devote himself entirely to the happiness of his fellow-men—that he will promote the happiness of his subjects, only when he governs according to the laws—and that the King can make the laws respected and attain his object, only when he possesses the necessary authority. … I submit to Providence and necessity in laying my innocent head on the scaffold By my death, the burden of the Royal dignity devolves upon my son. Be his father, and rule the State so as to transmit it to him tranquil and prosperous- My desire is, that you assume the title of Regent of the kingdom; my brother, Charles Louis, will take that of Lieutenant-General. But, less by the force of arms than by the assurance of a wise freedom and good laws, restore to my son his dominions usurped by rebels. Your brother requests it of you, and your King commands it Given in the Tower of the Temple, January 20th, 1793."
The Royal Princes will soon discharge the rational, just and generous debt burdening surely their heart and their conscience, and bring back to their country " peace with honour." A message to which no more fitting reply can be gratefully returned than, " Honour to whom honour is due."
