I would not exchange for an adventurous glory on the shifting stage of revolutions, the high and firm position which my birth, my duty, and some reputation already acquired have secured for me in my native land." After this conversation, M.de Custine, finding the prince immoveable, disclosed his ultimatum, and held before his eyes the dazzling chance of the crown of France, if it fell from the brow of Louis XVI.

into the hands of a conquering general.

The duke appeared overwhelmed, and dismissed M.de Custine without depriving him of all hope of his accepting such an offer.

But shortly afterwards, the duke, from duplicity, repentance, or prudence, replied by a formal refusal to both these propositions.

He addressed his reply to Louis XVI., and not to his minister; and this unhappy king thus learnt the last word of the constitutional party, and how frail was the tenure on his brow of a crown which was already offered perspectively to the ambition of a foe!.