BILLAUD-VARENNE. Are you afraid to mention Danton by name?
ROBESPIERRE. I am afraid to break a talisman of the Republic.
VADIER. Its lucky piece.
ROBESPIERRE. Danton is my enemy. If my friendship counts for nothing in our deliberations, my hatred, on the other hand, should not weigh in my judgment. Before entering the fray, let us consider in cold blood what risks we incur in thus dismantling a fortress of the Revolution.
BILLAUD-VARENNE. A fortress for sale!
VADIER. The scarecrow of the Revolution! In time of public danger such monstrous idols are brought out to rout the enemy. He rather inspires fear in the breast of those who hear him. His hideous face frightens Liberty.
ROBESPIERRE. You cannot deny that his face is known and feared throughout Europe.
VADIER [chaffingly]. True, and like a good sans-culotte he cheerfully shows to the world "What Cæsar shamelessly showed to Nicodemus in his youth, and what long ago the hero of Greece admired in Hephæstos, and Hadrian put into the Pantheon."
SAINT-JUST [angrily]. Stop your nasty joking! Would you make war on corruption with corruption?
VADIER. Now, you aren't going to make me recite Rousseau to you?