Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/215

Rh at all. I had friends, and no power in the State could prevent my caring for them and helping them when they needed help.

were once President of the Convention. It was your duty to furnish an example of obedience to the nation.

now offer them an example of another sort: sacrificing my life for my duty.

that all you have to say?

is all.

next, Herman!

[to , who is next name and occupations?

[nervously-Camille-Simplice Desmoulins, Deputy to the Convention.

old are you?

old as the {lang|fr|sans-culotte}} Jesus when he was crucified: thirty-three.

are accused of having sought to bring discredit upon the Republic. You have spoken libelously of the actions of the State, and compared the glory of our time to the nastiness of the Roman emperors. You have reawakened the hopes of the aristocrats, excited suspicion against those who saw the necessity of putting down rebellion, and undermined the work of national defense. Under your mask of humanity, which is belied by your character as already known, you have tried to release from prison the suspects, and overwhelm the State with a counter-revolution. What have you to say in your defense?

[deeply agitated, tries to answer, but can