The new habit of
the Directory is so charmingly fancied, that it is impossible not to
fall in love with so well-dressed a Constitution;--the costume of the
_sans-culotte_ Constitution of 1793 was absolutely insufferable. The
Committee for Foreign Affairs were such slovens, and stunk so
abominably, that no _muscadin_ ambassador of the smallest degree of
delicacy of nerves could come within ten yards of them; but now they are
so powdered, and perfumed, and ribanded, and sashed, and plumed, that,
though they are grown infinitely more insolent in their fine clothes
even than they were in their rags, (and that was enough,) as they now
appear, there is something in it more grand and noble, something more
suitable to an awful Roman Senate receiving the homage of dependent
tetrarchs. Like that Senate, (their perpetual model for conduct towards
other nations,) they permit their vassals (during their good pleasure)
to assume the name of kings, in order to bestow more dignity on the
suite and retinue of the sovereign Republic by the nominal rank of their
slaves: _Ut habeant instrumenta servitutis et reges_." All this is very
fine, undoubtedly; and ambassadors whose hands are almost out for want
of employment may long to have their part in this august ceremony of the
Republic one and indivisible.
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