possesses a liberal mind, and she recognizes no privileges: the three orders are equal in her eyes. In her person she realizes the perfect union of the nation. Let us do honor to so rare a virtue. Messieurs, let us show mercy for Madame.
Desmoulins. Mercy for Notre Dame!
The Crowd [laughing]. Yes, yes, mercy for Madame!
Vintimille. Really, Messieurs, I am taking advantage—
The Crowd. No, no!
Vintimille. Finally, Messieurs, if you burned M. de Vintimille's children, would you not tremble to vie with our tragediennes?
The Crowd [laughing]. Long live the children! Ha, ha!
Vintimille [in a changed tone]. As for him, burn him, Messieurs, burn him, burn him. And, let me tell you, if you don't burn him, he will burn you! [He steps down from the chair, and disappears into the Crowd, who laugh and shout, and applaud him.]
La Contat [going quickly to Vintimille]. Run quickly! They might recognize you!
Vintimille. Hello, Contat, were you there? What are you doing in such vile company?
La Contat. Don't make fun of the dogs until you are well out of the village.
Vintimille. Oh, not every barking dog bites. Come!
La Contat. Later.
Vintimille. I shall meet you at the Bastille.
