BOumlBe, *liable

19. tien-état. This 'third estate* èxisted 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 Tiers- Étai asserted its power over the other estâtes in the States-General of

primer, 'to take précédente of, to outstrip.' The word is derived from the Old French adjective/Ww^, "LoXm primus,

20. OÙ se passe notre liistolre, ' in which our story is laid.'

21. oommimes. The towns of France and other parts of Europe began to form communes or corporations to protect themselves from feudal nobles, and to manage their own affairs. The Kings of France encouraged them till the power of the nobles was crushed ; then the communes lost their power also.