The foreign soldiers were silent. Launay pointed to the iron door. But Billet attempted a final effort.
"Governor, in the name of the nation, in the name of your brothers!"
"Brothers? is that what you call them who are bellowing 'Down the Bastile, and Death to the Governor?' they may be brothers of yours, but surely they are none of mine."
"Humanity—which urges you to come a hundred thousand strong against one hundred hapless soldiers immured in these walls and cut their throats?"
"But by giving up the Bastile you save their lives."
"And I lose my honor."
Billet was hushed, for the soldierly argument crushed him; but again he addressed the soldiers, saying:
"Surrender, friends, while it is yet time; in another ten minutes it will be too late."
"I will have you shot unless you are out of this instantly," thundered Launay, "as true as I am a noble."