Béquart and the Pensioners. You're not going to fire?
The Swiss Guards. Why not?
Béquart. Into the mob? It would be nothing but massacre!
The Swiss Guards. What's that to us?
Béquart. They are our relatives, Frenchmen like the rest of us. Put that cannon back, and don't dare fire.
The Swiss Guards. Get out of our way. Let us pass! [They knock Béquart out of the way.]
The Pensioners. Damned Germans! [They cross bayonets.]
The Swiss Guards. Knock them down! These battered scarecrows! They can't frighten us!
Béquart. If you advance, I'll fire. [He takes aim. Vintimille and de Flue stand between them.]
De Flue. Down with your weapons! Down, by God! [He beats them with his cane.]
Vintimille. Snarling dogs!
De Launey [at his wits' end]. They too are in revolt! They won't fight now! All is lost! [He rushes toward the citadel and tries to enter.]
Vintimille [stopping him]. Where are you going?
De Launey [in desperation]. To die! But they will die with us!
Vintimille. What are you going to do?
De Launey. To the basements! Tons of powder! Set it off!
The Pensioners. Don't do that!
De Launey. I will!
