" When the Tsar stood up to listen to the Marseillaise,
I was, as all Frenchmen were too, justly proud at this public
homage rendered to my country. Before the whole of Europe,
looking attentively at what was taking place on that day,
the French nation put her hand loyally into the hand that
had stretched itself towards her.
" It is not my place to discuss with you, Monsieur l'Am-
bassadeur, the consequences of the events which have taken
place at Cronstadt ; all that I can say is that no one desires

280



Two Presidents

more ardently than I do that these might prove beneficial
for both nations, and also for the whole of Europe.
" Any excesses of zeal connected with such a noble cause
find most certainly their excuse in that cause itself. It is
only to be regretted that they also might harm it. It is for
that very reason, I do not doubt, that by thinking the thing
over you have already convinced yourself that the ancient
precept of ' Ne qmd nimis,' especially when such important
interests are at stake, is an excellent safeguard.
" As concerns myself, I put it into practice to-day. You
are our honoured guest, Monsieur PAmbassadeur ; allow me
not to forget it, and to beg of you to accept the assurance
of my most respectful feelings.
