Note 212 — Chapter XLII
Reading edition
The very walls of Versailles, the residence of the king, were placarded with doggerels, among which were many of a mo treasonable character. All of these pointed to the feminine influence over the king. Such couplets as these:
Bateaux plats à vendre [213] Soldats à louer Ministres à vendre Généraux à louer O, France! le sexe femelle Fit toujours ton destin. Tel bonheur fait d'une pucelle Ton malheur vient d'une catin.