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the meantime, the people who had, though they scarcely knew why,

attached to the idea of equality that of exemption from toil, found to their

infinite surprise, that their burthens had increased tenfold, whilst their

comforts had unaccountably diminished in the same proportion. The blessings

of civilization were indeed fast slipping away from them. Every man became

afraid lest the hard-earned means of existence should be torn from his grasp;

for, as all laws had been abolished, the strong tyrannized over the weak, and

the most enlightened nation in the world was in imminent danger of

degenerating into a horde of rapacious barbarians.

This state of things could not continue; and the people, finding from

experience that perfect equality was not quite the most enviable mode of

government, began to suspect that a division of labour and a distinction of

ranks were absolutely necessary to civilization; and sought out their ancient

nobility, to endeavour to restore something like order to society. These

illustrious personages were soon found: those who had not emigrated, had

retired to their seats in the country, where, surrounded by their dependants,

and the few friends who had remained faithful to them, they enjoyed the

otium cum dignitate, and consoled themselves for the loss of their former

greatness, by railing most manfully at those who had deprived them of it.

Amongst this number, was the lineal descendant of the late royal family, and

to him the people now resolved humbly and unconditionally to offer the

crown; imagining, with the usual vehemence and inconsistency of popular

commotions, that an arbitrary government must be best for them, as being the

very reverse of that, the evils of which they had just so forcibly experienced.

The prince, however, to whom a deputation from the people made this offer,

happened not to be ambitious. Like another Cincinnatus, he placed all his

happiness in the cultivation of a small farm, and had sufficient prudence to

reject a grandeur which he felt must be purchased by the sacrifice of his

peace. The deputies were in despair at his refusal; and they reurged their suit

with every argument the distress of their situation could inspire. They painted

in glowing colours the horrors of the anarchy that prevailed, the misery of the

kingdom and despair of the people; and at last wound up their arguments by a

solemn appeal to Heaven, that if he persisted in his refusal, the future

wretchedness of the people might fall upon his head. The prince, however,

continued inexorable; and the deputies were preparing to withdraw, when the

prince's daughter, who had been present during the whole interview, rushed

forward and prevented their retreat:—"Stay! I will be your queen," cried she

energetically; "I will save my country, or perish in the attempt!"

The princess was a beautiful woman, about six-and-twenty; and, at this

moment, her fine eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, her cheeks glowing, and

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