It appears to me as if I were in a great crisis, not of the affairs
of France alone, but of all Europe, perhaps of more than Europe.
All circumstances taken together, the French revolution is the most
astonishing that has hitherto happened in the world. The most wonderful
things are brought about in many instances by means the most absurd and
ridiculous; in the most ridiculous modes; and, apparently, by the most
contemptible instruments. Everything seems out of nature in this
strange chaos of levity and ferocity, and of all sorts of crimes
jumbled together with all sorts of follies. In viewing this monstrous
tragi-comic scene, the most opposite passions necessarily succeed,
and sometimes mix with each other in the mind; alternate contempt and
indignation; alternate laughter and tears; alternate scorn and horror.