This or that shopkeeper who, up to this time, had always
formed his idea of nobles from his impressions of the members of the
Parliament of his town or of the gentry of his canton, now pictures
them according to the declamations of the club and the invectives of
the newspapers. The imaginary figure, in his mind, has gradually
absorbed the living figure: he no longer sees the calm and engaging
countenance, but a grinning and distorted mask. Kindliness or
indifference is replaced by animosity and distrust; they are
overthrown tyrants, ancient evil-doers, And enemies of the public;
he is satisfied beforehand and without further investigation that
they are hatching plots. If they avoid being caught, it is owing to
their address and perfidy, and they are only the more dangerous the
more inoffensive they appear. Their sub-mission is merely a feint,
their resignation hypocrisy, their favorable disposition, treachery.
Against these conspirators who cannot be touched the law is
inadequate; let us stretch it in practice, and as they wince at
equality let us try to make them bow beneath the yoke.
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