Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/197

Rh others. Corresponding with the various departments, holding every string of France in my hand: no one else could do that. If I stop for a moment, everything will collapse. No, I must stay until I drop.

shall all die at our posts.

, Nature, thou didst not create me for such tempests! My soul is torn by these murderous blasts from the desert! My heart is too soft; I was intended for sweeter things: retirement, friends, a family!

[ironically us not become sentimental, Billaud!

[becoming violent again as purify the atmosphere! To the guillotine with Desmoulins!

is I who should give the example: I wash my hands of Desmoulins.

[laughing to himself, oh, magnanimous man, virtuous man, I knew very well you would never hesitate to rid yourself of a friend!

fate of Desmoulins is bound up with that of another man.

you afraid to mention Danton by name?

am afraid to break a talisman of the Republic.

lucky piece.

is my enemy. If my friendship counts for nothing in our deliberations, my hatred, on the other hand, should not weigh in my judgment. Before entering the fray, let us consider in cold blood