soumise, *liable

19. tiers-état. This 'third estate' existed ail over Europe, where deputies from the dtizens of towns were summoned to deliberate with the nobles and clergy, the other two 'estâtes of the realm.' The Tùrs- État asserted its power over the other estâtes in the States-General of

primer, *to take precedence of, to outstrip.* The word is derived from the Old French adjective/W/w^f, IjaXixi primus.

20. où se passe notre liistoire, 'in which our story is laid.'

11. communes. The towns of France and other parts of Europe b^;an to form communes or corporations to protect themselves from feudal nobles, and to manage their own aflfaîrs. The Kings of France encouraged them till the power of the nobles was crushed ; then the communes lost their power also.