The things we do!

Not having the money to
liquidate the debt in full of those who are bound along with him-
self, he remains a captive in his ancient chains by virtue of the
new law which announces to him his freedom.
In the face of these unexpected trammels the peasant becomes
furious: His fixed idea, from the outbreak of the Revolution, is
that he no longer owes anything to anybody, and, among the speeches,
decrees, proclamations, and instructions which rumor brings to his
ears, he comprehends but one phrase, and is determined to comprehend
no other, and that is, that henceforth his obligations are removed.
He does not swerve from this, and since the law hinders, instead of
aiding him, he will break the law. In fact, after the 4th of
August, 1789, feudal dues cease to be collected. The claims which
are maintained are not enforced any more than those which are
suppressed. Whole communities come and give notice to the lord of
the manor that they will not pay any more rent. Others, with sword
in hand, compel him to give them acquittances.


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