He Returns to France, and Prepares to Enter on His Mission.

Le noirarrived in France just after the execution of the unfortunate Louis. ⁹ The enthusiasm of liberty and equality, which at that time reigned nearly throughout the nation, was so congenial with his own feelings, / that he was enflamed almost to madness by the ardour of republicanism, and he soon became one of the most diligent members of the Jacobin Club, ¹⁰ and a constant associate of Marat and Robespiere. ¹¹ Forming also a close connexion with the celebrated Mr. Thomas Paine, ¹² and being much enlightened both by the writings and the conversation of that gentleman, (for his long and early residence in America, had made him so perfect a master of the English language, that even by his pronunciation, he could hardly be distinguished from a native) he lamented that the English nation, so long held up as a pattern of a free government / to all Europe, should be now so far behind hand with their neighbours.