had the air of a great man, and at times he even seemed a good and virtuous man.
Saint-Just. Nothing so resembles virtue as a great crime.
Vadier [sarcastically]. You will deliver his funeral oration later on, Maximilien. But now let us bring down the beast.
Saint-Just. Vadier, you must respect death.
Vadier. But the little fellow is still alive.
Saint-Just. Danton is already doomed.
Billaud-Varenne. Who will take it upon himself to accuse him?
Vadier. Saint-Just. The young man does it so well. Every sentence of his is as good as a stroke of the guillotine.
Saint-Just. It would give me great pleasure to attack the monster.
Robespierre [getting papers, which he gives to Saint-Just]. Here are the notes, all ready for you.
Vadier [aside]. He has a whole portfolio like that for each of his friends.
Robespierre. Let us not honor Danton by trying him alone: it would attract too much attention.
Billaud-Varenne. Let us overwhelm him in a general accusation.
Vadier. Whom shall we put with him, to fill out the menu?
Saint-Just. Every one who has tried to corrupt the cause of Liberty by means of money, evil example, or brains.
Vadier. Let us be clear. You're too vague.