Not only, moreover, do they do no harm, but they are even worthy of respect.

With many of the nobles the title of the estate covers the family name, the former alone being made use of.

If one were substituted for the other, the public would have difficulty in discovering M.de Mirabeau, Lafayette, and M.de Moutmorency, under the new names Riquetti, M.Mottie, and M.Bouchard.Besides, it would be wrong to the bearer of it, to whom the abolished title is a legitimate possession, often precious, it being a certificate of quality and descent, an authentic personal distinction of which he cannot be deprived without losing his position, rank, and worth, in the human world around him .-- The Assembly, however, with a popular principle at stake, gives no heed to public utility, nor to the rights of individuals.

The feudal system being abolished, all that remains of it must be got rid of.

A decree is passed that "hereditary nobility is offensive to reason and to true liberty;" that, where it exists, "there is no political equality."[2226] Every French citizen is forbidden to assume or retain the titles of prince, duke, count, marquis, chevalier, and the like, and to bear any other than the "true name of his family;" he is prohibited from making his servants wear liveries, and from having coats-of-arms on his house or on his carriage.