He believed himself sufficiently plastic for the task, and resolved to attempt it.

Without a lofty imagination, he yet had ambition and courage, and he viewed the position of affairs as a drama, similar to the Fronde[8], in which skilful actors could enlarge their hopes in proportion to the facts, and direct the catastrophe.

He had not sufficient penetration to see, that in a revolution there is but one serious actor--enthusiasm; and he had none.
He stammered out the words of a revolutionary tongue--he assumed the costume, but had not the spirit of the times.
The contrast of this nature and of this part, this court favourite casting himself into the crowd to serve the nation, this aristocratic elegance, masked in patriotism of the tribune, pleased public opinion for the moment.

They applauded this transformation as a difficulty overcome.

The people was flattered by having great lords with it.