He doubtless did not
foresee such zeal, such devotion, on your part. You shall judge
yourselves of the duties put upon me,--duties which I shall know how
to accomplish."
So saying, he left the room and returned immediately holding in his
hand an open letter bearing the royal seal and signature.
"These are the letters-patent in virtue of which you are to obey me,"
he said. "They authorize me to govern the provinces of Brittany,
Normandy, Maine, and Anjou, in the king's name, and to recognize the
services of such officers as may distinguish themselves in his
armies."
A movement of satisfaction ran through the assembly. The Chouans
approached the marquis and made a respectful circle round him. All
eyes fastened on the king's signature. The young chief, who was
standing near the chimney, suddenly threw the letters into the fire,
and they were burned in a second.
"I do not choose to command any," cried the young man, "but those who
see a king in the king, and not a prey to prey upon. You are free,
gentlemen, to leave me."
Madame du Gua, the Abbe Gudin, Major Brigaut, the Chevalier du
Vissard, the Baron du Guenic, and the Comte de Bauvan raised the cry
of "Vive le roi!" For a moment the other leaders hesitated; then,
carried away by the noble action of the marquis, they begged him to
forget what had passed, assuring him that, letters-patent or not, he
must always be their leader.
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