damned blackguard, do you want to cut the throats of us all? You lop off the branches before attacking the heart. Let me tell you, my roots extend way down into the earth, in the hearts of the people of France. You will never pull them out except by killing the Republic. My fall will carry the rest of you along, and the vile vermin that are now gnawing at my feet will be the first to go. Does my patience encourage you? Do the vermin run up my body? I won't stand it much longer! The lion stretches himself! You little rat, you don't know that I could crush you between my fingers if I wished? Hurrah for war, if you want war! The excitement of past conflicts is getting the better of me. My voice has been silent for too long. Once more it will send the nation to fight against the tyrants!
Camille. We'll scale the new Tuileries. The Vieux Cordelier will sound the battle-cry. [Robespierre quietly goes to the door. Lucile, deeply troubled and unable to utter a word, disappears for a moment into the next room, and comes back with a baby.]
Lucile. Maximilien! [Robespierre turns, looks at the little Horace, hesitates a moment, smiles, then takes the baby and sits down. He kisses him, and looks at Lucile and Camille. Then, without a word, he returns the baby to Lucile, and goes out. The incident is played without visible emotion, except on the part of Lucile.]
Camille. Poor Lucile! You're worried?
Lucile. Oh, Camille, Camille, how imprudent of you!
