Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/71

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THE FOURTEENTH OF JULY
65

The Carpenter. They keep putting us off at the Hôtel de Ville. A few hundred bourgeois there take everything.

The Mason. Never mind. We have knives, and sticks and stones. Anything is good to kill with.

The Woman. I've got a lot of tiles, broken bottles, and glass here in my room. Everything's near the window—dishes, furniture, everything. If they pass this way, I'll smash them!

Another Woman [at her window]. My kettle's been on the fire since dinner. The water's hot enough to boil paving-stones. Let them come! I'll boil them!

A Vagabond [with a gun, speaking to a Bourgeois]. Give me some money.

The Bourgeois. No begging here.

The Vagabond. I'm not asking for bread, though I am starving. But I have a musket, and not a sou to buy powder with. Give me some money.

Another Vagabond [a little drunk]. I've got money, much as you like! [He pulls a handful of money from his pocket.]

First Vagabond. Where did you get that?

Second Vagabond. I took it from the Lazarists when they pillaged the convent.

First Vagabond [seizing the other by the throat]. Do you want to dishonor the people, you pig?

Second Vagabond [trying to break away]. What's matter? Are you crazy?

First Vagabond [shaking him]. Empty your pockets!

Second Vagabond. But I—