Robespierre. Happy the man who strives on the field of action, and is not forced to stay at home.
Saint-Just. Who strives more than you? The liberty of the world is here in Paris.
Robespierre. Here we have the agonizing task of stamping out viciousness. It soils every one who takes part in the nasty business. I must confess, when I contemplate the vicious crimes which the torrent of the Revolution rolls along with all its virtue, I am afraid that I shall catch up some of the nastiness and be identified with it in the eyes of posterity. Merely because I am near perverse and impure men.
Saint-Just. Put the sword between yourself and them. You should touch the impure only with steel.
Robespierre. The corruption is spreading everywhere. Men I counted on most have succumbed. Old friends.
Saint-Just. No friends! We have only the Patrie!
Robespierre. Danton is a menace; he is under suspicion. He has uttered violent and insulting words. He is surrounded by conspirators, debauchees, ruined financiers, degraded officers. Every sort of malcontent has joined his forces.
Saint-Just. Danton must go!
Robespierre. Danton was once a Republican. He loved the Patrie. Perhaps he still loves her?
Saint-Just. No one respects her unless he proves it by austere and pure living. He is not a Republican who possesses aristocratic vices and ideas. I hate Catiline. His cynical heart, his cowardly brain, his
