Vintimille. And blow up a large part of Paris? What heroism! It's too ridiculous. You really couldn't do that unless you believed in something! Ridiculous to do it for no reason at all. You mustn't upset the table just because you lose.
De Launey. But what can I do?
The Pensioners. Surrender.
De Launey. Never! The King confided the Bastille to me. I shall never surrender! [He again tries to go, but the Pensioners seize him.]
The Pensioners [to Vintimille]. Monseigneur, you command us!
Vintimille [coldly]. Monsieur le Gouverneur is not well. Conduct him to his apartments, and take care of him.
De Launey [struggling]. Traitors! Cowards! [They carry him off.]
Vintimille [aside]. I was an idiot to get dragged into this! Nothing to do now. I must draw my next card with equanimity. [Aloud.] Monsieur de Flue?
De Flue. What is it?
Vintimille. Let us draw up our capitulation papers.
De Flue. Papers? No, thanks, I'll have nothing to do with them. [He turns his back. Vintimille writes, leaning against a cannon.]
A Swiss Guard, [to de Flue]. They will massacre us.
De Flue [phlegmatically]. Possibly. [He sits down on a drum and lights his pipe.]
The Swiss Guards [wiping their faces]. Damned
