Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/147

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DANTON
141

what it will cost to attack General Rossignol and his band. The Committee is now lying in wait, but only in order to catch me. I wonder what infamy they are going to saddle me with? I'm all in a fever only to think of it. Let them chop my head if they will, but they must not touch my honor!

Hérault. I'm not so worried as you, Philippeaux. I already know what pretext they have to suppress me. I am so unfortunate as to think that while we may be the enemy of the governments of all Europe, we need not therefore despise every one who does not happen to be French. I had friends abroad, and I did not think it was necessary to break with them, in order to give in to the folly of Billaud-Varenne and others of his ilk. They entered my house, forced the drawers of my desks, stole some letters of a purely friendly nature. But that was enough, and of course I am now a conspirator for the restoration of the King, and receive money from Pitt.

Camille. Are you sure of what you say?

Hérault. Quite sure, Camille. My head is not worth a sou.

Camille. But you must hide.

Hérault. There is no hiding-place in the world for a Republican. Kings hound them, and the Republic sends them to the guillotine.

Camille. You lack courage. We are the most popular men of the Republic.

Hérault. Lafayette was popular, too, and Pétion, and Roland. Capet himself was popular. He who was a week ago the people's idol is now dead. Who can