VADIER. No, no, young man. Your youthful imprudence is running away with you. Would you call Danton into court?
SAINT-JUST. Danton believes that no one will dare attack him face to face. I shall undeceive him.
VADIER. Your good intentions, my friend, are not enough. You must have lungs deep enough to drown out the roarings of that bull!
SAINT-JUST. Truth will overcome tempests.
ROBESPIERRE. We cannot expose the Republic in an open argument like that.
SAINT-JUST. What then? [ROBESPIERRE does not answer.]
BILLAUD-VARENNE. Have Danton arrested tonight.
SAINT-JUST [violently]. Never!
VADIER. The end justifies the means!
SAINT-JUST. I never strike an unarmed enemy. I will face Danton willingly. Combats like that can only bring honor to the Republic; but your suggestion is dishonorable. Ignoble!