Your ministers would like to avoid this assembly whose surveillance they dread.

Their hope is vain.

Before two years are over, the necessities of the state will force you to convoke the States-general." M.d'Espremesnil was overcome; less violent than usual, he had, appealed to the king's heart; for a moment Louis XVI.

appeared to be moved, and so was the assembly with him; the edicts were about to be enregistered despite the efforts of the opposition; already the premier president was collecting the votes; the keeper of the seals would not, at this grave moment, renounce any kingly prerogative.

"When the king is at the Parliament, there is no deliberation; his will makes law," said the legal rule and the custom of the magistracy.