BARRERE.
Oh, wondrous wise, and most convenient too!
I have long mark'd thee, Robespierre and now
Proclaim thee traitor tyrant!
Loud applauses.
ROBESPIERRE.
It is well;
I am a traitor! oh, that I had fallen
When Regnault lifted high the murderous knife;
Regnault, the instrument, belike of those
Who now themselves would fain assassinate,
And legalize their murders. I stand here
An isolated patriot hemm'd around
By faction's noisy pack; beset and bay'd
By the foul hell-hounds who know no escape
From justice' outstretch'd arm, but by the force
That pierces through her breast.
Murmurs, and shouts of
Down with the tyrant!
ROBESPIERRE.
Nay, but I will be heard. There was a time
When Robespierre began, the loud applauses
Of honest patriots drown'd the honest sound.
But times are changed, and villany prevails.
COLLOT D'HERBOIS.