Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/48

42 -power and intelligence are not currency that one may give. Work done for others is work ill done. I have made myself free. Let the others do likewise!

, in those words, I recognize my odious compatriots! Simply because Nature has given them six feet of body and the muscles of an animal, they think they have a right to despise those who are weak and ill. And when after they have reaped their harvests and worked in their fields, they sit down satisfied before their own doors, smoking a vile pipe the nasty smoke of which calms their tiny consciences, they think they have done their duty, and tell their less fortunate brothers who ask for help to "go and do likewise."

[quietly well you know me! You have described me perfectlyHe smiles to himself.]

[''who comes in. He wears the uniform of a corporal of the French Guards. He carries some clothes over his arm. To '''t believe him, citizen. He libels himself. He never refuses the outstretched hand of misfortune. Only last week, he took command of us and freed the French Guards who were imprisoned in the Abbey by the aristocrats.

[without turning his head, extends his hand over his shoulder, it's you, Hoche? Who has asked for your advice? You're talking nonsense! I was telling you not long ago that sometimes I feel I have too much strength, and then I knock in a door, or demolish a wall. And, of course, when I see a drowning man, I offer him a helping hand. I don't