[8]
II.
Workings of the popular imagination with respect to them. - The
monomania of suspicion. - The nobles distrusted and treated as
enemies. - Situation of a gentleman on his domain. - M. de.
Bussy
Popular passion, unfortunately, is a blind power, and, for lack of
enlightenment, suffers itself to be guided by spectral illusions.
Imaginary conceptions work, and work in conformity with the
structure of the excited brain which has given birth to them:
What if the Ancient Regime should return!
What if we were obliged to restore the property of the clergy!
What if we should be again forced to pay the salt tax, the excise,
the taille, and other dues which, thanks to the law, we no longer
pay, besides other taxes and dues that we do not pay in spite of the
law!
What if all the nobles whose chateaux are burnt, and who have given
rent acquittances at the point of the sword, should find some way to
avenge themselves and recover their former privileges!
Undoubtedly they brood over these things, make agreements amongst
each other, and plot with the strangers; at the first opportunity
they will fall upon us: we must watch them, repress them, and, if
needs be, destroy them.
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