Thus terminated the 19th of Brumaire.  One of the greatest revolutions on record in the history of the world was accomplished, by means of swords and bayonets unquestionably, but still without any effusion of blood.  From that hour the fate of France was determined.  The Abbe Sieyes, Talleyrand, and other eminent civilians, who had a hand in this great day’s proceedings, had never doubted that, under the new state of things to which it should lead, they were to have the chief management of the civil concerns of France.  The ambition of Buonaparte, they questioned not, would be satisfied with the control of the armies and military establishments of the Republic.  But they reckoned without their host.  Next day the three consuls met in Paris; and a lengthened discussion arose touching the internal condition and foreign relations of France, and the measures not only of war, but of finance and diplomacy, to be resorted to.  To the astonishment of Sieyes, Napoleon entered readily and largely upon such topics, showed perfect familiarity with them in their minutest details, and suggested resolutions which it was impossible not to approve.  “Gentlemen,” said the Abbe, on reaching his own house, where Talleyrand and the others expected him—­and it is easy so imagine the sensations with which Sieyes spoke the words, and Talleyrand heard them—­“Gentlemen, I perceive that you have got a master.  Buonaparte can do, and will do, everything himself.  But” (he added, after a pause) “it is better to submit than to protract dissension for ever.”

Buonaparte sent word next morning to Gohier and Moulins that they were at liberty.  These ex-Directors were in haste to seclude themselves from public view; and the new ruler took possession the same evening of the Palace of the Luxembourg.

[Footnote 31:  Crabbe.]

CHAPTER XIV

     The Provisional Consulate—­Reforms in France—­Pacification of the
     Chouans—­Constitution of the year VIII.—­Buonaparte Chief Consul.

The upper population of Paris had watched the stormy days of the 18th and 19th Brumaire with the most anxious fears, lest the end should be anarchy and the re-establishment of the reign of terror.  Such, in all likelihood, must have been the result, had Buonaparte failed, after once attempting to strike his blow.  His success held out the prospect of victory abroad, and of a firm and stable government at home, under which life and property might exist in safety; and wearied utterly with so many revolutions and constitutions, each in turn pretending everything, and ending in nothing but confusion, the immense majority of the nation were well prepared to consider any government as a blessing which seemed to rest on a solid basis, and to bid fair for endurance.  The revolutionary fever had in most bosoms spent its strength ere now; and Buonaparte found henceforth little opposition to any of his measures, unless in cases where the substantial personal comforts of men—­not abstract theories or dogmas—­nor even political rights of unquestionable value and importance—­were invaded by his administration.