DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

2) eighteenth century it was what the Tower of London is now to us—the obsolete relic of feudal monarchy. Whatever may have been the cruelties perpetrated within its silent walls in bygone times, it had now become an almost disused prison, was garrisoned by a mere handful of soldiers, and con- tained only seven prisoners, of whom four were forgers. By the deluded populace it was still regarded as a barbarous instrument of despotic tyranny, and they fancied that by wreaking their vengeance upon it they would be making a just assertion of their rights. The ery, ‘To the Bastille!’ was taken up eagerly by the people, and on the 14th of July, the Bastille was surrounded by a seething and fierce crowd. The first step was taken by Deputy Thuriot, who, having gained admission to the fort- ress, begged its governor, de Launay, to turn away the guns which were pointed at the people. De Launay in performance of his duty refused. But the crowd had grown into a tempestuous multitude, would listen to no parley, and clamoured for the surrender of the fortress. De Launay, how- ever, stood firm. The rioters attacked the bridges, lowered the portcullis, and rushed upon the inner defences. Heedless of the fire directed upon them, they poured on, refusing the tardy capitulation offered by de Launay; and, despite the pledge given by their leaders that the governor and