Tallien. These tyrants are in arms against the law:
Outlaw the rebels.
Merlin. Health to the representatives of France!
I past this moment through the arméd force—
They ask'd my name—and when they heard a delegate, 30
Swore I was not the friend of France.
Collot d'Herbois. The tyrants threaten us as when they turn'd
The cannon's mouth on Brissot.
Enter another Messenger.
Second Messenger. Vivier harangues the Jacobins—the Club
Espouse the cause of Robespierre. 35
Enter another Messenger.
Third Messenger. All's lost—the tyrant triumphs. Henriot leads
The soldiers to his aid.—Already I hear
The rattling cannon destined to surround
This sacred hall.
Tallien. Why, we will die like men then.
The representatives of France dare death, 40
When duty steels their bosoms. [Loud applauses.
Tallien (addressing the galleries). Citizens!
France is insulted in her delegates—
The majesty of the Republic is insulted—
Tyrants are up in arms. An arméd force
Threats the Convention. The Convention swears 45
To die, or save the country! [Violent applauses from the galleries.