Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 5 / Being the Historic Memoirs of Madam Campan, First Lady in Waiting to the Queen

("Memoirs of Mesdames," by Montigny, vol. i.)]

The Empress Catherine II. also conveyed her opinion upon the situation of Louis XVI. to the Queen, and her Majesty made me read a few lines in the Empress's own handwriting, which concluded with these words:

"Kings ought to proceed in their career undisturbed by the cries of the people, even as the moon pursues her course unimpeded by the baying of dogs." This maxim of the despotic sovereign of Russia was very inapplicable to the situation of a captive king.