Vadier. Your friend, Maximilien; Capulle, dear Camille.
Robespierre. Has he been writing again?
Billaud-Varenne. These proofs have just been seized. Read.
Vadier [rubbing his hands]. The seventh Vieux Cordelier. The continuation of the good apostle's Credo.
Robespierre. The idiot! Will he not learn to hold his tongue?
Billaud-Varenne [like a monomaniac]. The guillotine!
Saint-Just [reading the proofs with Robespierre]. Like a prostitute, who cannot but bring dishonor upon herself.
Robespierre. And Danton?
Billaud-Varenne. Danton is at it again; he is speaking at the Palais-Royal. He insults Vadier, and me, and all the patriots. Desmoulins is with him. They're all together with the women and Westermann, too. They make obscene allusions to the Committee. The people are gathering about them, and laughing.
Saint-Just. You hear, Robespierre?
Robespierre [disdainfully]. No danger. We shall have time to deliberate in peace before Danton is through drinking. [Looking again at the proofs.] Why, this is suicide!
Vadier. He's gone too far this time!
Billaud-Varenne. His head should follow!
Saint-Just [reading]. He compares the members of the Convention to Nero and Tiberius.
