"What is the third estate ?" said that able revolutionist.

"Nothing.

What ought it to be?
Everything ?" It was hoisting the flag against the two upper orders.
"The deputies of the clergy and of the noblesse have nothing in common with national representation," he said, "and no alliance is possible between the three orders in the States-general." It may be permissible to quote here a page or, so from the second volume of this history.

"At the moment when France was electing the constituent assembly, a man, whose mind was more powerful than accurate, Abbe Sieyes, could say, 'What is the third estate?
Everything.

What has it been hitherto in the body politic?
Nothing.