2008-11-26

Did Camille know...?

The last paragraph of this might be of interest - http://www.british-civil-wars.co.uk/biog/rainsborough.htm - did Camille Desmoulins know green ribbons had a historical socialist significance beyond general springy 'hope', I wonder...?

Oh, and an added thing - I've just googled 'green Rainsborough' and it brought up this: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-176509817.html - annoyingly, it's one of those restricted articles but I'm guessing it may go on to explain Carlyle's decision to call Robespierre the "Sea-green Incorruptible" - maybe linking the Levellers' Seagreen to de Stael's green vein description for added 'leftiness' (Carlyle had also written a history of Cromwell) - well, if that's the case it clears that mystery up! In Britain, at least, Carlyle's 'Sea-green Incorruptible' name has really stuck, though if crossbreeds Robespierre with the Levellers I'm a happy bunny, and yar boo sucks to Mr. Carlyle.

Btw, as far as I can gather, the Leveller ribbons were from the torn up green silk from Rainsborough's regiment's banner, with other supporters wearing rosemary sprigs ('that's for remembrance').