FRANCE. 435

Up to the gates of Metz, the German or rather a patois of that language is universally spoken by the lower class, and there seemed to be none of any other rank. Between the Servant-maids at the inns and their mistresses, there appeared to be no difference either in dress, manners, or language.

Through the whole distance of fifty miles from the Prussian boundary to Metz, there is not a single good house to be seen, except the convent, and that of the iron-master, noticed before. There is nothing in any of the‘ villages, large and populous as they are, nor within sight of the road, though it is an open country, that looks like a decent farmer’s or clergy- man’s house. All seemed of the same standard; each filthy, dilapidated, and small, with barn and stables adjoining of corresponding appearance. The horses and waggons looked miserable; the cows, few, and poor; and I did not see more than fifty sheep, which were of a bad race, and nearly half of them black. The inhabitants were ill-clothed, and at every stoppage we were assailed by numerous beggars,* pour l'amour de Dieu” The churches are small, and seemed to be dwellings recently converted to that use, and mostlÿ dis- tinguishable only by a crucifix on them. One, and only one, indeed seemed to have been of a hundred years duration.

Such a country, and a population in such a condition, is admirably calculated by means of the conscription, to furnish soldiers; and whether its present state has been brought about by the revolution, or is the same as existed before that event, it will be sure to submit implicitly to whatever exertions or severe privations may be exacted by those who can obtain the supremacy in Paris. There is no building going on, and scarcely any old houses under repair. Equality seems to have led to equal poverty. My companion, though a staunch