Robespierre. There are who wish my ruin—but I'll make them
Blush for the crime in blood!
Barrere. Nay—but I tell thee,
Thou art too fond of slaughter—and the right 165
(If right it be) workest by most foul means!
Robespierre. Self-centering Fear! how well thou canst ape Mercy!
Too fond of slaughter!—matchless hypocrite!
Thought Barrere so, when Brissot, Danton died?
Thought Barrere so, when through the streaming streets 170
Of Paris red-eyed Massacre o'erwearied
Reel'd heavily, intoxicate with blood?
And when (O heavens!) in Lyons' death-red square
Sick Fancy groan'd o'er putrid hills of slain,
Didst thou not fiercely laugh, and bless the day? 175
Why, thou hast been the mouth-piece of all horrors,
And, like a blood-hound, crouch'd for murder! Now
Aloof thou standest from the tottering pillar,
Or, like a frighted child behind its mother,
Hidest thy pale face in the skirts of—Mercy! 180
Barrere. O prodigality of eloquent anger!
Why now I see thou'rt weak—thy case is desperate!
The cool ferocious Robespierre turn'd scolder!
Robespierre. Who from a bad man's bosom wards the blow
Reserves the whetted dagger for his own. 185
Denounced twice—and twice I saved his life! [Exit.
Barrere. The sections will support them—there's the point!
No! he can never weather out the storm—
Yet he is sudden in revenge—No more!
I must away to Tallien. [Exit. 190
Scene changes to the house of Adelaide.
Adelaide enters, speaking to a Servant.
Adelaide. Didst thou present the letter that I gave thee?
Did Tallien answer, he would soon return?