FOUQUIER-TINVILLE [in the midst of his work]. I beg you to cease your personal conversations. It is against the law.

DANTON. Do you dare tell your father how to make children? I was the one who organized this court; I ought to know how to behave in it.

CAMILLE. I am beginning to take pleasure in life again. A moment ago, everything was dark; I felt as if I were already in the grave.

DANTON. It isn't that everything is light: you yourself have changed. You didn't loom very large on the horizon.

CAMILLE. I am ashamed of my weakness. My flesh is feeble.

DANTON. You're a sly one! You wanted to become an object of sympathy to the women! See that girl there making eyes at you!

HÉRAULT [softly]. My poor friends, I really pity you.

DANTON. Why, my handsome fellow?

HÉRAULT. You're selling the bear-skin, when your own is already disposed of.

DANTON. My skin? Yes, I know, there are many who would like it. Saint-Just especially. Well, let him come and take it, and if he succeeds, let him make a rug of it.