LA CONTAT [brushing him aside]. Don't sniff at me. I said, Long live the Queen!
THE CROWD [exasperated]. By God!
A CLERK. There's a girl who needs a good thrashing.
LA CONTAT. There's a face that needn't wait for one! [She slaps him.]
THE CLERK. Help! [Some laugh, others shout.]
THE CROWD [gathering round]. Come and see!—What's the matter?—An aristocrat assaulting a patriot—Into the river!
DESMOULINS. Citizens, it's only a joke.
THE CROWD [furiously]. To the river!
HULIN [bullying the Crowd], Here! [He stands before LA CONTAT.] You know me, comrades, I am Hulin. You saw me at work the other day: I smashed in the gate of the Abbey to save our friends the French Guards, who were imprisoned. I'll smash in the head of the first man who comes a step nearer. Respect the women, I tell you! If you want to fight, there's no lack of enemies. Go and find them.
THE CROWD. He's right.—Bravo!—No, he isn't!—She insulted us!—She's got to apologize! On her knees, the aristocrat!—Make her cry Down with the Queen!