March of Women


(Episode 40—Adieu, My Beloved Oscar)

60,000 women marched towards Versailles with ten drummers, four cannons and Mallard, the conqueror of the Bastille. They were covered with mud and soaked to the skin by the rain. The women were armed with broom handles, pitchforks, swords, skewers, and old pistols. Some even carried kitchen knives.

"See what a state we are in, but the jade will pay us dearly!"

"We each want to bring back part of Marie Antoinette."

Marie Antoinette was quite calm. According to the reporters, "Her countenance was noble and dignified. Her face was calm and although she could have had no illusions as to what there was to fear, no one could perceive the least trace of anxiety. She reassured everyone, thought of everything and was far more preoccupied by all that was dear to her than with her own person. During this evening of 5 October she was seen to received a great many people in her drawing-room, to speak with firmness and dignity to all who came near her and to communicate her confidence to those who could not conceal their alarm."

Quote from Marie Antoinette, "I know they have come from Paris to demand my head, but I learned from my mother not to fear death and I shall await it with firmness."

Marie Antoinette showed up in her balcony. She bowed her head and curtsied. There was then a great shout "Long live the Queen!", from the parade.

She then went back to her bedroom and covering her children with tears and kisses.

Then, Louis XVI decided to go to Paris.

Marie Antoinette’s intention at that moment, "I know the fate that awaits me, but my duty is to die at the King’s feet and in the arms of my children."

They moved to Tuileries.


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