p.

29.] The notables met at Rouen to the number of eighty, nine of the clergy, nineteen of the noblesse, fifty-two of the third estate.

The king opened the assembly on the 4th of November, 1596, with these words, full of dignity, and powerful in their vivid simplicity: "If I desired to win the title of orator, I would have learned by rote some fine, long speech, and would deliver it to you with proper gravity.

But, gentlemen, my desire prompts me towards two more glorious titles, the names of deliverer and restorer of this kingdom.

In order to attain whereto I have gathered you together.