Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/29

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THE FOURTEENTH OF JULY
23

The newspaper says he will remain Minister.—Good! If Monsieur Necker weren't there, everything would be lost.

Women [promenading about].No business today! They are all quite mad. They think of nothing but Versailles.—The little fellow who was with me just now spoke of nothing but Necker.—Say, is it true that that damned Austrian threw our deputies into prison?

The Swindlers [mysteriously shaking their bags of silver under the noses of the passers-by].Fine Sunday morning! Ten o'clock and the garden is full! What will it be soon?—Fine show and a small crop! They're here to get the latest news.—Oh, if you only know how to go about it—!

Gonchon [to the shopkeepers].Now, you fellows, stir yourselves, stir yourselves! Business isn't everything. Of course, business must be carried on, but we must be good patriots, too. Keep your eyes open. I warn you, things are beginning to happen!

A Shopkeeper.Do you know something, Monsieur Gonchon?

Gonchon.Careful. Grain is coming. Every one at his post. When the moment comes, give it to those idiots, and howl all together—

A Shopkeeper.Long live the Nation!

Gonchon [hitting him].Shut up, you fool. "Long live the Duc d'Orléans!" Then, if you like, both.

Camille Desmoulins [who has just come from a gambling-den—excited, laughing and stammering].Plucked! They've cleaned me!—I knew it: I said to