The French Guards. What's that!—Give up my saber?—I'll give it to you in the belly!
The People. Kill him!
Hoche. Silence! Let me explain. I know him.—Let me go, friend!
Marat [standing on the tips of his toes to take Hoche by the collar]. Give up your saber!
Hoche [quietly freeing himself, and taking hold of Marat, who squirms]. What are you going to do with it, son?
Marat. Keep you from thrusting it into the heart of Liberty.
Hoche. Do you suspect those who have come to shed their blood for the people?
Marat. Who guarantees your loyalty? Why should we have confidence in unknown soldiers?
The French Guards. Break his head, Hoche! [Hoche quiets them with a gesture, looks smilingly at Marat, and releases him.] He is right. Why have confidence in us? He has never seen us at work. [Marat, with not a word to say, suddenly assumes an attitude of silent impassiveness.] Good Lord, it is hard to let yourself be accused when you're risking death for those birds!
Hoche. Why, he doesn't know us. That makes no difference. [Good-naturedly.] But you're mistaken. Marat, you have done well to take such precautions for the people. [To the People.] We'll understand each other in a moment. A glance will prove that we are all good fellows, and believe in one another. But he is wise and has given us a lesson in prudence:
