At one time I was yearning for the meeting of the Estates General in May, but after reading this I cannot help but think the meeting will be in vain. One of Sieyès phrases in particular stood out to me. It reads: “What agreement can be hoped for between the energy of the oppressed and the rage of the oppressors?” (Sieyès, D&M 4). He is right! There will be no compromise that will favor us all. It is nearly useless for us to believe that the King and his henchmen will consider our grievances valid. We can expect them to listen to reason.

— Adriette, a portrait artist to the nobility