Billaud-Varenne. We must win at all costs! Every one must tremble with fear at our terrible dictatorship!
Vadier. This is not a question of whether one man shall or shall not be judged according to law, but whether all Europe is to become Jacobin or not.
Saint-Just [his hands to his breast, resembling David's "Robespierre," in his picture of the "Tennis-Court Oath"]. Oh, Republic, take my honor if you will, take me and devour me!
Billaud-Varenne [sharply]. Perhaps at this very moment the Republic is choking; our ideas are fruitless; Reason is dying. Quick!
Robespierre. Arrest Danton. [He signs a paper. Billaud-Varenne also signs, in feverish haste.]
Saint-Just. For you, Liberty! [He signs.]
Billaud-Varenne. The Convention won't object?
Robespierre [disdainfully]. The Convention is always ready to sacrifice its members for the public welfare.
Vadier [signing]. Leave this matter to me.
Robespierre [with a sigh]. The Revolution weighs heavier on our shoulders than ever.
Vadier [aside]. The cat-tiger has scruples, but he licks his chops all the same!
Robespierre. A regrettable necessity. We mutilate the Republic in order to save her.
Saint-Just [somber and exalted]. The philosopher Jesus said to his disciples: "And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should
