only stutter. He puts his hand to his forehead. His friends look at him in anxiety]. I ask for mercy. I don't know what's the matter—with me! I—I can't speak.
Judge. Do you confess having done these things?
Camille. No, no.
Judge. Then defend yourself.
Camille. I cannot. Excuse me. I—I am ill. [His friends press about him. He sits down, breathing hard, and mops his forehead with a handkerchief. The Judge shrugs his shoulders.]
Fouquier-Tinville. Do you confess or not?
Philippeaux. Read the seditious passages.
Danton. Yes, read them; dare read them before the people. Let them judge where their friends stand!
Judge. I have sufficiently indicated them. There is no need of again calling public attention to such dangerous sentiments.
Danton. For whom are they dangerous? For cut-throats?
Fouquier-Tinville. I see your course has been prepared in advance. We shall pay no attention to it.
Camille [in agony]. I am ashamed—I beg your pardon, all of you. I haven't slept for several nights; all these charges against me—! I'm not master of myself—I can't speak. Give me a breathing-spell. I—I feel dizzy.
Fouquier-Tinville. We have no time to waste.
Danton. At what hour have you decided to have our heads? Can't you wait, hangman?
