Billaud-Varenne [reading]. He dares to say that we went after Custine on Pitt's orders, and not because Custine was a traitor, but because he was not a worse one.
Vadier [reading]. "The Committee will reduce the Assembly to the servile condition of a parlement the rebellious members of which are to be thrown into prison."
Robespierre [correcting them]. He puts "would reduce," and not "will reduce."
Vadier. The same thing.
Billaud-Varenne [reading]. "See how near is the Committee to ruining the Republic, when it sends two of its Deputies which it cannot bribe to the Luxembourg?"
Robespierre. He says "it can send," and not "it sends."
Billaud-Varenne [pettishly]. Don't be so particular!
Saint-Just [reading]. He has the effrontery to maintain that "the War-office appointed as heads of the armies the brothers of actresses with whom they had been intimate."
Vadier. Disorganizing the defense, reviling the nation in the eyes of foreigners! Can nothing stop his vile tongue!
Billaud-Varenne. And the whole thing bristling with demands for clemency, and talk about humanity!
Vadier. And his hypocritical tears! Bah!
Saint-Just. There is no plague of Egypt like a sentimental man! No tyrant brings more harm to
