consistent with their duty to God, but nothing would induce them to change their religion.
They told a very different story when the dragoons really came amongst them, for the principal men proved to be arrant cowards, and trod one upon another, trying who could get into the church first to make recantation. There was much more courageous and unshaken faith amongst the poor country people. Before the dragoons appeared, a good many sailors embarked with their families, and crowds of persons followed them to the sea-shore, with the desire of going also, if room could be found in the vessels. It was on this occasion that a Mr. Certani, the Catholic Curé at Royan, a sensible, respectable man, went after them to the shore, and dissuaded many from embarking, by making them a promise that Royan should not be visited by dragoons. He said the King loved his brave seamen too well to allow them to be disturbed. He gave additional weight to his advice, by telling them, that if what he had said to them did not prove true, they should be at liberty to burn him alive in his house. Some were persuaded by him to change their plans and return home: others, less credulous, embarked, happily for themselves, while they had the opportunity.
I was from home on that day, and when I returned, and heard of the proceedings, I went to M. le Curé, and told him I was come to bid him farewell, for I was certain we should soon have the dragoons in our parish, and I did not mean to trust myself to their tender mercies, if I could help it.
He urged me to do as many others had done, appear to change, which would answer every purpose.
