Database: On the Plight of the Nobility

(This pamphlet is printed on the finest-quality paper and includes many fine woodcut illustrations.)

In these desperate times, we hear much of the plight of the Poor, but little of the plight of the Nobility.

Yet, why have we not? For the poor have always been poor–as such they have nothing more to lose, but we stand to lose all. We have been turned out of our homes, had our goods seized by mobs who claim to represent "the People", we have been attacked in the streets, arrested, and even murdered simply for the crime of inheriting a title.

And yet, without our wealth, where is France? For who will employ the poor if not for the rich? Who will employ the Pastry-maker if the king throws no party for him to cater? Who will employ a groundskeeper if not a Count with grounds to keep? Who, indeed, will employ even the lowliest of tanners without we of the nobility to buy their shockingly-priced goods?

No, there is no France without us! We of the Second Estate are the pillars which uphold our society! The very fact of this can be seen in the ways in which the Lower Classes have decided to express their displeasure. It began with their ignorance of protocol in attempting to continue the Estates General in a mere tennis court, without the blessing of their Rightful King but it did not end there. They have broken open armories and stolen weapons! They have marched upon Palaces and broken inside to threaten the king. They have threatened their betters in the street!

Is this angry mob really an effective way to govern a nation? I submit that it is not! Nobles of France, rise up and reclaim your titles! Call upon friends and family abroad to aid us in our time of peril! We must put an end to this revolution, for without us France is lost!