A Bishop's Perspective

Author's note: I had to give this as a speech for class. To get the full effect, imagine a blushing girl holding a shaking paper and stuttering the words below.

I regret the course that has brought this madness upon us. Common men now swagger across the courtyard with an air of ridiculous arrogance. To think that they should be above me, a man of the Church, imbued with the power of God! Before, I could have given the heathens a punishment worthy of their foolish behavior. Yet now, to my great frustration, I am forced to watch these events transpire before my very eyes. I know that my title will be stripped if I get in the way of what these men call progress. I have already lost my land, my riches, and any respect that I might have had. My stature and devotion to God are all I have left.

I wish to return to the time before these infidels ruled France, back when I had wealth enough to help the poor and the ear of the king. Perhaps I did not do as much as I could have, but I certainly tried. Once- perhaps twice- I gave coins to a widow. Surely she understood that the rest of my purse was necessary for my own expenses. I owned a modest castle, of course, not nearly as large as some of the others. Robes, food, and servants were also necessary, as one might expect. Now, all of that is gone. My land has been sold to support this new government of ours and I am paid however much they wish. I am not even permitted to listen to the government debate their silly rules, let alone speak as I did during the Estates-General.

Still, I suppose this is better than how I was treated during the Revolution. I was forced to take an absurd oath and swear loyalty to an even worse Constitution. Many of my fellow clergy members refused to betray their beliefs as I did and fled. To this day, the politicians continue to debate our future. I believe we will come out stronger in the eyes of God then ever after experiencing the so-called grand revolution.

I find myself simultaneously placed in the background and under more suspicion than ever. Many of the rabble find it difficult to trust the Church and are being drawn away by fanciful ideals. I no longer have the influence or respect my robes demand, but I am watched with a close eye. If the country does not have faith in me, or our Lord, how can they come to success? This revolution is ripping our country and the rest of the world apart.

Perhaps it was the corruption of myself and others that brought this to its beginning. Yet, now, and during the Revolution, I had no freedom to make my own decisions and could not control anything for the first time in my life. My role, as I see it, was very small in this foolish game. I pray that it will soon be over.