DANTON. The Revolution cannot exist with both of us. I could never have defended myself without killing him. I prefer the Revolution to myself. [WESTERMANN goes out.]
PHILIPPEAUX. Come, Danton, it is some consolation to die as one has lived.
DANTON. I committed every crime for the sake of Liberty. I shouldered every task that the hypocrites shunned. I have sacrificed everything for the Revolution. I now see it was all in vain. The minx has played me false; and now she sacrifices me, as she will sacrifice Robespierre tomorrow. She will take up with the first adventurer who presents himself. Well, what of it? I regret nothing; I love her, and I am glad I dishonored myself for her sake. I pity the poor beggars who never embraced her. When once you have been intimate with the divine strumpet, you are ready to die, for you have lived. [He goes out with PHILIPPEAUX.]
FOUQUIER-TINVILLE. I ask the jury whether they have sufficient instructions?
JUDGE. The jury will retire to deliberate. [The Jury goes out. The People shift restlessly about, undecided what to think or do. Outside DANTON is? heard, and the shouting of the crowds. They rush to, the windows. Some of the court also look out. Those who are in the hall, repeat what is said outside, at first in undertones, then loudly.]
FOUQUIER-TINVILLE. The riot is beginning. We'll be torn to pieces.
VADIER. Don't allow the shouting to influence the jury. Go and tell them. [They go out. The People shout angrily at VADIER and FOUQUIER-TINVILLE, who enter the jury-room.]
JUDGE [terror-stricken]. Citizens, the dignity of the Tribunal—Respect for justice—[The shouting drowns out his last words.] They are coming! We shall all be massacred! [He shrinks toward the door, where he takes hold of the knob. The People, in fury, tear up benches and throw them toward the judges' benches, shouting threats of death. Enter; SAINT-JUST. The People are somewhat intimidated, and are silent. SAINT-JUST looks at them, coldly, and they fall back. There is dead silence for a few seconds, then murmurs are heard here and there. VADIER enters a moment after, and takes advantage of the calm to speak.]
VADIER. Citizens, the Committee on Provisions and Necessities [the People are silent] takes this occasion to announce to the public the arrival of a large amount of grain and wood at the port of Bercy. [A great clamor arises. People jostle one another in a wild attempt to leave the hall. After a few moments, only a small knot of curious onlookers remain. VADIER casts a glance of irony at the People.] Their hearts are good, but their stomachs better. [The Jury reenters. The monotony of the Judge's questions is drowned by the last stragglers. The noise outside gradually subsides, and HERMAN'S voice becomes more distinct. Sentence is passed in a death-like silence.]
JUDGE. Jurymen citizens, there was a conspiracy which was to have brought dishonor upon the national representatives, re-established the monarchy, and through corruption destroy the Republican government. Is Georges-Jacques Danton, solicitor, Deputy to the National Convention, guilty of conspiracy against the Republic?