Prophecies, those popular presentiments of destiny, domestic prodigies, admitted by the interested credulity of numerous clients of this house, announced the throne shortly to one of these princes.

These rumours were rife amongst the people, from themselves, or the skilful insinuations of the partisans of the house of Orleans.

In the convocation of States-General, the duke had not hesitated to pronounce in favour of the most popular reforms.

The instructions which he had drawn up for the electors of his dominions were the work of the abbe Sieyes.

The prince himself intrigued for the name and style of _Citoyen_.