people, who have been suddenly enlightened, in order to shake their faith in their true friends. Everything nowadays is open to suspicion; even the memory of Marat. We must be prudent, and take care not to add to the general suspicion by internal quarrels.
Saint-Just. Let us put an end to suspicion with the death of the suspects.
Vadier [aside, glancing at Robespierre]. The coward! He's afraid to touch his aristocratic friends! Cromwell keeps with the majority! If he persists I'll guillotine a hundred toads in his pond!
Robespierre. A head like his does not fall without making the State feel it.
Billaud-Varenne [suspiciously and with violence]. Are you afraid, Robespierre?
Vadier [inciting Billaud-Varenne]. Ask him, Billaud, if he uses Danton like a mattress to hide behind, and escape the bullets?
Billaud-Varenne [brutally]. Speak out: You are afraid of being exposed by Danton's fall? You stick close to him! Danton diverts the attention—and the blows—from you, eh?
Robespierre. I take no notice of such slander. What do I care for the dangers? What is my life to me? But I have some experience from the past, and I am looking into the future. You are bloodthirsty monsters; your hatred blinds you. You think of yourselves, and not of the Republic.
Saint-Just. Let us calmly consider what the Republic owes to the conspirators. Let us not ask whether Danton is talented, but whether his talents
