Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/129

Rh heat! Can't we have something to drink''A Guard gets a pitcher of water, which is passed around. The Guards are together at the left, with their officer; they are indifferent and bored. The Pensioners, opposite, stand about the cannon where  is writing. They watch with respect every movement he makes.  holds the inkstand for him. ' reads in a low voice to ' what he has written,  nodding approval. His comrades repeat the words among themselves, likewise nodding.'']

[with mingled irony and approval lamb has captured the wolf.

demand their promise that no one shall be harmed.

costs us nothing to ask.

[smiling costs nothing to promiseHe goes to . you sign?

[as he signs way to fight!—Well, it's not my affair.

difficulty is not in writing, but in making them read what we writeThe Pensioners, approaching the gate, are greeted by musket-shots.]

're desperate. They won't let any one come near.

me the love-missive.

'll get killed, Béquart.

do I care? I'm not capitulating in order to save myself.

, then?

[pointing to the People save themAmong themselves, scornfully. don't