But then Chénier sprang to the tribune. The poet's head was conspicuous among all that throng of heads. His brow was inspired, not by the muse of drama, but by the genius of patriotism.
"I am in truth amazed," he cried, "that you should dare to consider the demands of the revolted Sections. There can be no middle course for the Convention. Victory or death! When the Convention has conquered, it will be time enough to separate the guilty from those who are only misguided. Talk of assassins," he continued; "what of the assassins in the revolted parties!"
Lanjuinais ascended the tribune and said: "I foresee civil war."
Twenty voices cried out at the same time: "Civil war! It is you who are bringing it about."
Lanjuinais endeavored to reply, but cries of "Down! Down!" came from all parts of the hall.
It is true that just then they had seen General Bonaparte receive some stacks of arms.
"For whom are these arms?" they cried.
"For the Convention, if it is worthy of them," replied he.
The inspiration breathed by the young general's reply thrilled every heart.
"Arms! Give us arms!" cried the Conventionals. "We will die together!"