He turned stoically from the Marseillais to the judges, where, to his amazement, he perceived a movement of clemency toward the accused. Suddenly the voice of Maillard appealed to the crowd:
"Citoyens, whatever the condition or the crimes of this feeble plaything of time, I declare to you that it is unworthy of the Republic to pursue here its vengeance! When nature, for eighty years, has spared one from peril of sickness, shock of accident, and the din of battles, man cannot show himself more pitiless than nature. Citoyens, I demand the handful of years for this venerable man."
An approving murmur saluted this oratorical appeal, broken by the strident voice of Javogues:
"Traitors have no age. If he is an aristocrat, let him die!"
Maillard, encouraged by the cries of dissent, extended his arm over the broken figure and said impressively:
"Whatever this man has been, exists no more. The Republic can take no vengeance here, for it can deprive this man of nothing. Citoyens, let him be acquitted."
"Well said."
"He speaks well."
"Free him!"