But Robespierre continues to protest—
"Don't listen to that man! His words are but poisonous drivel!"
Immediately loud cries are heard—
"Order! Order! Robespierre is not in the tribune! Billaud-Varennes is in the tribune! Silence! Silence!"
And Robespierre, with a shrug of contempt, returns to his place.
Silence being gradually restored, Billaud-Varennes begins to speak.
"I was at the Jacobins' yesterday; the room was crowded with men posted there to insult the National representatives, and to calumniate the Committee of Public Safety which devotes its days and nights to kneading bread for you, to forging arms and raising armies for you, to sending them forth to victory!"
A voice is heard in approval, and fresh applause breaks out; but the gaze of the orator is fixed on that part of the assembly called the Mountain. He seems to recognise some one, at whom he points with lifted arm.
"I see yonder, on the Mountain, one of the wretches who insulted us yesterday. There he stands!"
This is the signal for renewed uproar. Several members spring up and turn round towards the person indicated.