JUDGE. Then defend yourself.

CAMILLE. I cannot. Excuse me. I—I am ill. [His friends press about him. He sits down, breathing hard, and mops his forehead with a handkerchief. The Judge shrugs his shoulders.]

FOUQUIER-TINVILLE. Do you confess or not?

PHILIPPEAUX. Read the seditious passages.

DANTON. Yes, read them; dare read them before the people. Let them judge where their friends stand!

JUDGE. I have sufficiently indicated them. There is no need of again calling public attention to such dangerous sentiments.

DANTON. For whom are they dangerous? For cut-throats?

FOUQUIER-TINVILLE. I see your course has been prepared in advance. We shall pay no attention to it.

CAMILLE [in agony]. I am ashamed—I beg your pardon, all of you. I haven't slept for several nights; all these charges against me—! I'm not master of myself—I can't speak. Give me a breathing-spell. I—I feel dizzy.

FOUQUIER-TINVILLE. We have no time to waste.