others. Corresponding with the various departments, holding every string of France in my hand: no one else could do that. If I stop for a moment, everything will collapse. No, I must stay until I drop.
Saint-Just. We shall all die at our posts.
Billaud-Varenne. Oh, Nature, thou didst not create me for such tempests! My soul is torn by these murderous blasts from the desert! My heart is too soft; I was intended for sweeter things: retirement, friends, a family!
Vadier [ironically]. Let us not become sentimental, Billaud!
Billaud-Varenne [becoming violent again]. Let as purify the atmosphere! To the guillotine with Desmoulins!
Robespierre. It is I who should give the example: I wash my hands of Desmoulins.
Vadier [laughing to himself]. Brutus, oh, magnanimous man, virtuous man, I knew very well you would never hesitate to rid yourself of a friend!
Robespierre. The fate of Desmoulins is bound up with that of another man.
Billaud-Varenne. Are you afraid to mention Danton by name?
Robespierre. I am afraid to break a talisman of the Republic.
Vadier. Its lucky piece.
Robespierre. Danton is my enemy. If my friendship counts for nothing in our deliberations, my hatred, on the other hand, should not weigh in my judgment. Before entering the fray, let us consider in cold blood
