"You prize this liberty, you possess it while you do: Shew yourselves worthy to preserve it."
At one o'clock the van of the procession appeared under this triumphal arch.
M. de la Fayette leading a body of cavalry, himself mounted on a milk white charger, rode into the amphitheatre amid the acclamations of the people, _Vive la Fayette!_ The cavalry filed off to the right, and ranged themselves in the exterior line, on the opposite side to the entrance. The company of grenadiers formed under the steps of the amphitheatre, as well as all the companies who were employed as escorts.
The civil bodies took the places allotted for them, which was previously marked out. The battalion of youths of the military school, formed about one hundred paces from the grand altar, crossing the _Champ de Mars_; but facing the altar on the side next the military school.
While the national assembly passed through the triumphal arch, the escort of colours passed through the lateral gates, and the members took their seats on the right and left of the chair of state, and the chair of their own president.
The battalion of veterans was placed a hundred paces behind the altar, across the _Champ de Mars_, but facing the altar.
The detachments of the national guards, appointed to take the oath, ranged themselves under each banner, indicative of his place in the amphitheatre.
The music collected into one band, and occupied the side of the platform under the altar, next to the invalids; and the band of drums were placed on the opposite side.
The detachment of cavalry that closed the procession, formed the exterior line, on the side where they entered, opposite to the first detachment.
The altar was after an antique model. The ascent to it was by four stair cases; at each corner was a platform supporting an urn, which exhaled perfumes. On the south front were these verses from Mahomet, under a picture of arts and sciences:
"Les mortals sont egaux, ce ne'st pas leur naissance, "C'est la seule vertu qui fait leur difference."
"Men are equal: it is not by birth. It is virtue alone that confers distinction."
"La loi dans tout doit etre universelle, "Le mortels quels qu'ils soient egaux devant elle."
"The law in all things ought to be universal: Men of all descriptions are equal in its eyes."