Gonchon [to his followers]. Let's take advantage of the occasion!
A Followee of Gonchon. Monsieur Gonchon! They're stealing everything!
Gonchon. Never mind! You do the same!
The Shopkeeper. But they're coming into my shop!
Gonchon. Can't keep them out. [He enters the shop and shouts with the rest of the Crowd. Those outside run here and there. In a moment, swords, sticks, pistols, and hatchets are seen flourishing in the air.]
The People. Easy, now! No disorder, comrades!—Hey, there, run away to school, lad! This is no child's play! This must be serious! We must inspire the tyrants with the sacred terror of the nation. [A bust of Necker is carried out of the shop, hugged close to the breast of the athletic Porter. The Crowd gather around him.] Off with your hats! Here is our defender, our father! Cover him with crêpe! The Patrie is in mourning! [Gonchon and his followers come forth from the shop with the bust of the Duc d'Orléans. They assume the same attitudes of solemn dignity as the others. The People pay no attention to them.]
Hulin. What's that?
Hoche. Our friend Gonchon's patron, the Citizen d'Orléans.
Hulin. I'm going to break in his head, and those of his bearers.
Hoche [smiling]. No, no, let them be. Let them compromise themselves.
