hould be to get themselves divided into two
chambers instead of seven; the Noblesse and the Commons separately. The
second, to persuade the King, instead of choosing the deputies of the
Commons himself, to summon those chosen by the people for the Provincial
administrations. The third, as the Noblesse is too numerous to be all
of the Assemblee, to obtain permission for that body to choose its own
deputies. Two Houses, so elected, would contain a mass of wisdom, which
would make the people happy, and the King great; would place him in
history where no other act can possibly place him. They would thus put
themselves in the track of the best guide they can follow, they would
soon overtake it, become its guide in turn, and lead to the wholesome
modifications wanting in that model, and necessary to constitute a
rational government. Should they attempt more than the established
habits of the people are ripe for, they must lose all, and retard
indefinitely the ultimate object of their aim. These, Madam, are my
opinions; but I wish to know yours, which I am sure will be better.

From a correspondent at Nismes you will not expect news. Were I to
attempt to give you news, I should tell you stories one thousand years
old. I should detail to you the intrigues of the courts of the Caesars,
how they affect us here, the oppressions of their praetors, prefects,
&c. I am immersed in antiquities from morning to night. For me the city
of Rome is actually existing in all the splendor of its empire. I am
filled with alarms for the event of the irruptions daily making on us
by the Goths, the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and Vandals, lest they should
re-conquer us to our original barbarism. If I am sometimes induced to
look forward to the eighteenth century, it is only when recalled to
it by the recollection of your goodness and friendship, and by those
sentiments of sincere esteem and respect, with which I have the honor to
be,

Madam, your most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LIV.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, April 11, 1787

TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.

Nice, April 11, 1787.

Your head, my dear friend, is full of _Notable_ things; and being better
employed, therefore, I do not expect letters from you. I am constantly
roving about to see what I have never seen before, and shall never see
again. In the great cities, I go to see what travellers think alone
worthy of being seen; but I make a job of it,