the quarter, together with those idiots who meet there, don't hesitate. Do as you like; it's a matter of no importance.
De Launey. Let us wait; there is no immediate hurry. We have plenty of men and ammunition; we are not yet reduced to extremes. Are we, old Béquart?
Béquart. We're safe till the Last Judgment, Monsieur le Gouverneur. I served under Monsieur de Chevert at Prague forty-seven years ago. The Marshal de Belle-Isle stationed us there. We were a handful in the enemy's country; we were short of everything, and even the city was against us. They could never have dislodged us. And here we have only a rabble of women and shopkeepers, with solid walls between us, and the troops of the Champ de Mars and Sèvres only a step away. We can smoke our pipes and sit with crossed legs.
De Flue. The moment you think you're quiet, these frogs of Parisians fly at your throat. Throw a few stones at them and you'll see them jump back in their pond soon enough.
De Launey. Don't anger them too much.
De Flue. Give the rascals an inch and they'll take a mile. Hang the vagabond, or he will hang you.
Béquart. They're only poor devils, Monsieur de Flue. You mustn't be too hard on them. They really don't realize what they are doing.
De Flue. God, if they don't, I do! And that's enough.
De Launey. You are thinking only of the success of your battle, Monsieur de Flue. It's another matter
