Hulin. These French devils are all alike. They think of what may happen in a hundred years, and not of the next day.
The Man. Perhaps. But then others will think of us in a hundred years.
Hulin. Much good that does you!
The Man. My bones thrill already! What troubles me is that in history they won't know my name.
Hulin. You're vain!
The Man. Well, I love glory.
Hulin. It's a fine thing, of course. The only trouble is that you can't enjoy it until you're dead. A good pipe is better. [Vintimille enters right.]
Vintimille. The streets are empty. Two vagabonds talking about glory. A little mound of broken furniture, put there by a lot of epileptics. So this is the great revolution! A patrol of guards is enough to put the rabble in its place. What are they waiting for at Versailles?
The Man [getting up quickly and going to Vintimille]. What's he want?
Vintimille [ironically, as he glances at The Man]. Is this a new uniform of the Archers? Get out of here, old man!
The Man. Who are you? Where are you going at this hour?
Vintimille [handing him a paper]. Can you read?
The Man. Papers? Of course, I can read. [To Hulin.] You read them. What is it?
Hulin [after having read]. A pass. It's all right.
