Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/240

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DANTON

and are silent. Saint-Just looks at them, coldly, and they fall back. There is dead silence for a few seconds, then murmurs are heard here and there. Vadier enters a moment after, and takes advantage of the calm to speak.]

Vadier. Citizens, the Committee on Provisions and Necessities [the People are silent] takes this occasion to announce to the public the arrival of a large amount of grain and wood at the port of Bercy. [A great clamor arises. People jostle one another in a wild attempt to leave the hall. After a few moments, only a small knot of curious onlookers remain. Vadier casts a glance of irony at the People.] Their hearts are good, but their stomachs better. [The Jury reenters. The monotony of the Judge's questions is drowned by the last stragglers. The noise outside gradually subsides, and Herman's voice becomes more distinct. Sentence is passed in a death-like silence.]

Judge. Jurymen citizens, there was a conspiracy which was to have brought dishonor upon the national representatives, re-established the monarchy, and through corruption destroy the Republican government. Is Georges-Jacques Danton, solicitor, Deputy to the National Convention, guilty of conspiracy against the Republic?

The Head of the Jury. He is.

Judge. Is Lucie-Simplice-Camille Desmoulins, solicitor, Deputy to the Convention, guilty of conspiring against the Republic?

The Head of the Jury. He is.

Judge. Is Philippe-François-Nazaire Fabre, known