Formidable omens these! Which mark the inward purpose,
the determined will, and the coming deeds of this rising power. If
it prevails, its first work will be to destroy all ancient
documents, all title deeds, rent-rolls, contracts, and claims to
which force compels it to submit. By force likewise it will draw up
others to its own advantage, and the scribes who do it will be its
own deputies and administrators whom it holds in its rude grasp.
Those who are in high places are not alarmed; they even find that
there is some good in the revolt, inasmuch as it compels the towns
to suppress unjust taxation.[32] The new Marseilles guard, formed
of young men, is allowed to march to Aubagne, "to insist that M. le
lieutenant criminel and M. l'avocat du Roi release the prisoners."
The disobedience of Marseilles, which refuses to receive the
magistrates sent under letters patent to take testimony, is
tolerated. And better still, in spite of the remonstrances of the
parliament of Aix, a general amnesty is proclaimed; "no one is
excepted but a few of the leaders, to whom is allowed the liberty of
leaving the kingdom.
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