Gonchon.I forgive you, because it wouldn't do to duel with the enemy at our gates, but I'll meet you soon before the men of Versailles.
Desmoulins.Are they really coming?
Gonchon.Ah, you turn pale?—Yes, the struggle is at hand. The mercenaries from Lorraine and Flanders are in the Plain of Grenelle, the artillery at Saint-Denis; the German cavalry at the École militaire. The Marshal, with all his aides-de-camp, is giving orders for war at Versailles. They are going to attack tonight.
A Woman.Good God, what will becomes of us?
A Bourgeois.The bandits! They treat us like enemies!
A Workingman [to Gonchon].How do you know that? The road to Versailles is cut off. They've stationed cannon at the Pont de Sèvres. No one can pass.
Gonchon.Suspicious, eh? I'll make the first man who doubts my patriotism swallow my fist. Don't you know Gonchon?
The Workingman.We don't suspect you.—Don't get excited.—We've too much to do to get into a quarrel with you. We only asked you where you got your information?
Gonchon.You haven't the right to ask me. I know what I know. I have a way of knowing.
Another Workingman [to the First].Let him alone; he's all right.
A Bourgeois.Lord, what shall we do?
A Student.To the gates! Everybody to the gates! Don't let them in!
