From the commencement of my reign I have desired the reform of abuses, and in all my acts I have taken for rule public opinion.

I have conceived the project of assuring the happiness of the people on permanent bases, and of subjecting my own authority to settled rules.

From these intentions I have never varied.

I have favoured the establishment of trials of your work before it was even finished.

I have done so in all sincerity; and, if the disorders which have attended almost every epoch of the Revolution have frequently affected my heart, I hoped that the law would resume its force, and that on reaching the term of your labours, every day would restore to it that respect, without which the people can have no liberty, and a king no happiness.