Collot d'Herbois. Caesar is fall'n! The baneful tree of Java,
Whose death-distilling boughs dropt poisonous dew,
Is rooted from its base. This worse than Cromwell,
The austere, the self-denying Robespierre,
Even in this hall, where once with terror mute 5
We listen'd to the hypocrite's harangues,
Has heard his doom.
Billaud Varennes. Yet must we not suppose
The tyrant will fall tamely. His sworn hireling
Henriot, the daring desperate Henriot,
Commands the force of Paris. I denounce him. 10
Freron. I denounce Fleuriot too, the mayor of Paris.
Enter Dubois Crancé.
Dubois Crancé. Robespierre is rescued. Henriot at the head
Of the arm'd force has rescued the fierce tyrant.
Collot d'Herbois. Ring the tocsin—call all the citizens
To save their country—never yet has Paris 15
Forsook the representatives of France.
Tallien. It is the hour of danger. I propose
This sitting be made permanent. [Loud applauses.
Collot d'Herbois. The National Convention shall remain
Firm at its post. 20
Enter a Messenger.
Messenger. Robespierre has reach'd the Commune. They espouse
The tyrant's cause. St. Just is up in arms!
St. Just—the young ambitious bold St. Just
Harangues the mob. The sanguinary Couthon
Thirsts for your blood. [Tocsin rings. 25