Thunders of applause greet Billaud-Varennes' words; shouts, cheers, and waving of hands which continue long after he has left the tribune.
Robespierre now leaves his seat in great agitation, crying—
"It is all false, and I will prove it!"
But his words are again drowned in an uproar of voices, and cries of "Silence! Silence!"
"I will give the traitor his answer!" exclaims Robespierre, trying to make himself heard above the tumult which increases at every word he utters, so that his voice is now completely lost. Some of the members rush into the semicircle, forming a living rampart round the tribune.
The din is dominated by a new voice from the presidential chair.
"Silence, let no man speak!" it thunders forth.
It is Thuriot, who has just replaced Collot d'Herbois in the chair.
"I demand a hearing!" vociferates the Incorruptible, "and I will be heard!"
"You shall not!"