He had played upon their emotions--each in turn--as a skilful harpist plays upon the strings of his instrument.

And they were vibrant with the passions he had aroused, and the high note of hope on which he had brought his symphony to a close.
A dozen students caught him as he leapt down, and swung him to their shoulders, where again he came within view of all the acclaiming crowd.
The delicate Le Chapelier pressed alongside of him with flushed face and shining eyes.
"My lad," he said to him, "you have kindled a fire to-day that will sweep the face of France in a blaze of liberty." And then to the students he issued a sharp command.

"To the Literary Chamber--at once.

We must concert measures upon the instant, a delegate must be dispatched to Nantes forthwith, to convey to our friends there the message of the people of Rennes." The crowd fell back, opening a lane through which the students bore the hero of the hour.

Waving his hands to them, he called upon them to disperse to their homes, and await there in patience what must follow very soon.
"You have endured for centuries with a fortitude that is a pattern to the world," he flattered them.