"Very well, then! We will tell you the poet's name."
And as he was all attention, they exclaimed in chorus—
"Maximilian Robespierre!"
The Incorruptible smiled. What were they talking about? He the author of a poem!
"Yes."
Before he had time to protest, Cornélie recited the first verse—
"Crois-moi, jeune et belle Ophélie..."
Ah, yes! They were right. Robespierre remembered the piece now. He had composed it at Arras, and read it in public before the Society of the Rosati, of which he was a member. He went on with the verse from memory, while Cornélie followed in the book—
"Si flatteur que soit ton miroir,
Sois charmante avec modestie,
Fais semblant de n'en rien savoir."
What! had Buonarotti really set that to music? Robespierre was very curious to hear it.