They compose France.

They are France.

For surely you cannot suppose the remainder to be anything that matters.

It cannot be pretended that twenty-four million souls are of any account, that they can be representative of this great nation, or that they can exist for any purpose but that of servitude to the million elect." Bitter laughter shook them now, as he desired it should.

"Seeing their privileges in danger of invasion by these twenty-four millions--mostly canailles; possibly created by God, it is true, but clearly so created to be the slaves of Privilege--does it surprise you that the dispensing of royal justice should be placed in the stout hands of these Lesdiguieres, men without brains to think or hearts to be touched?
Consider what it is that must be defended against the assault of us others--canaille.