Your voice yet commands the people--" "The poor and virtuous people," murmured Robespierre.
"And even," continued Payan, "if our design at the Fete fail us, we must not shrink from the resources still at our command.

Reflect! Henriot, the general of the Parisian army, furnishes you with troops to arrest; the Jacobin Club with a public to approve; inexorable Dumas with judges who never acquit.

We must be bold!" "And we ARE bold," exclaimed Robespierre, with sudden passion, and striking his hand on the table as he rose, with his crest erect, as a serpent in the act to strike.

"In seeing the multitude of vices that the revolutionary torrent mingles with civic virtues, I tremble to be sullied in the eyes of posterity by the impure neighbourhood of these perverse men who thrust themselves among the sincere defenders of humanity.

What!--they think to divide the country like a booty! I thank them for their hatred to all that is virtuous and worthy! These men,"-- and he grasped the list of Payan in his hand,--"these!--not WE--have drawn the line of demarcation between themselves and the lovers of France!" "True, we must reign alone!" muttered Payan; "in other words, the state needs unity of will;" working, with his strong practical mind, the corollary from the logic of his word-compelling colleague.
"I will go to the Convention," continued Robespierre.