Taking the Bastile by Dumas Alexandre

Author:Dumas, Alexandre [Dumas, Alexandre]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Classics
ISBN: 1589632389
Google: R-s0oozxXnQC
Amazon: 1589632389
Barnesnoble: 1589632389
Goodreads: 212992
Publisher: Fredonia Books (NL)
Published: 1851-01-01T07:00:00+00:00

224 TAKING THE BASTILLE

‘With all respect.’

‘Among these twelve-fifteenths there are six of women, are there not?’

‘Yes, your majesty. But ‘ ,

‘Do not interrupt me. We said there were six-fifteenths of women, so let us say six; two of indifferent or incapable old men is that too much?’

‘No.’

‘There still remains four-fifteenths, of which you will allow that at least two are cowards or lukewarm individuals I flatter the French nation. But finally, there remain two-fifteenths; I will grant you that they are furious, robust, brave, and warlike. These two-fifteenths, let us consider them as belonging to Paris only, for it is needless to speak of the provinces, is it not? It is only Paris that requires to be retaken?’

‘Yes, madame. But ‘

‘Always but : wait a moment. You can reply when I have concluded.’

M. de Charny bowed.

‘I therefore estimate,’ continued the queen, ‘the two-fifteenths of Paris at one hundred thousand men is that sufficient ? ‘

This time the count did not answer.

‘Well, then 1 to these hundred thousand men, badly armed, badly disciplined, and but little accustomed to battle, hesitating, because they know they are doing wrong, I can oppose fifty thousand men, known throughout Europe for their bravery, with officers like you, Monsieur de Charny; besides that sacred cause which is denominated divine right, and in addition to all this, my own firm soul, which it is easy to move, but difficult to break.’

The count still remained silent.

‘Do you think,’ continued the queen, ‘that in a battle fought in such a cause, two men of the people are worth more than one of my soldiers?’

Charny said nothing.

‘Speak answer me I Do you think so?’ exclaimed the queen, growing impatient.

‘Madame,’ answered the count, at last, throwing aside, on this order from the queen, the respectful reserve which he had so long maintained, ‘on a field of battle, where these hundred thousand men would be isolated.

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