Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/42

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
36
THE FOURTEENTH OF JULY

La Contat. See! He's crying!

Marat. They give you opium, but I pour burning liquor on your bleeding wounds, and I will continue to do so until you realize your rights and your duties, until you are free, until you are happy. Yes, in spite of your frivolousness, you will be happy, you will be happy, or I shall cease to exist! [He ends, his cheeks streaming with tears, his voice broken with sobs.]

La Contat. His cheeks are running with tears! How funny he is!

The Crowd [half laughing, the other half applauding]. There's a real friend of the people! Long live Marat! [They surround him, put him on their shoulders and, in spite of his struggles, carry him about.]

Hulin [catching sight of a little girl who is looking at Marat, her eyes full of tears]. What's the trouble, little one? You're crying, too? [The Little Girl keeps her eyes fixed on Marat, whose bearers have now allowed him to alight. She runs to him.]

Little Julie [to Marat, her hands clasped]. Don't cry! Don't cry!

Marat [looking at her]. What is it, little one?

Julie. Don't be unhappy, please! We'll be better, I promise, we won't be cowards any more. We won't lie; we'll be good, I swear! [The Crowd laughs. Hulin motions those near him to be silent, and not interrupt the Little Girl. Marat, who is seated, assumes a different expression as he listens to her. His face brightens, and he looks tenderly at the child, and takes her hands in his.]

Marat. Why do you cry?