_(He claps his hat on his head with an air of defiance._ If one of those brave soldiers who have won the day were here, If one of those thousands and thousands of heroes Who have saved this land were here, Perhaps he would say that you were not your country's sole defender and we should hear the true account of how these events occurred. And if, sir, following your example, We advertised broadcast all that we had done according to the measure of the power with which in that hour of peril the people honored us, We should see to whom in actual fact belonged The greater part of the credit for our glorious victory. But at least, my friends, (_He slowly lifts his right hand_) Here I swear it to you! (_he holds it uplifted_) and I ask you all to join me in the oath! In the darkest hour we kept our faith in our country! CRIES: True! It was he! He did it all! _(Loud applause._ THE TRIBUNE OF THE PEOPLE: No, No, my friends! Your pardon! Not that! A man is only a man. Do not say that I did it all, I alone. Do you know who did it all? I will tell you. The people, my friends. The noble people of our native land! They did it all! _(Silence._ THE TRIBUNE OF THE PEOPLE (_slowly and impressively_): My friends, honor to the people of our country! _(He solemnly bares his head._ _(Loud clapping, hurrahs, uproar._ SOMEONE (_in the crowd_): Very good indeed! ANOTHER: No more the one than the other! THE TRIBUNE OF THE PEOPLE: As for you, sir, we shall recognise what you were able to do According as we find it good. I do not know what dark designs you cherish. But if you tamper with our liberty You will find, sir, that you have to deal with me! _(He crosses his arms and plants himself opposite TÊTE-D'OR._ THE MAN OUT OF OFFICE: You are not by yourself in that, Jacquot. _(He likewise crosses his arms and plants himself beside the TRIBUNE OF THE PEOPLE, confronting TÊTE-D'OR._ _(To TÊTE-D'OR._ Don't imagine yourself the least bit bigger than anybody else. TÊTE-D'OR: Another? Who is this? A VOICE (_in the crowd_): I am Envy! THE MAN OUT OF OFFICE: Hah! Who do you think that you are, sir? All men are equal! _(He makes a horizontal gesture._ One is no greater than another. THE TRIBUNE OF THE PEOPLE: Don't flatter yourself that the people will consent to renounce their rights! TÊTE-D'OR: Kill me then, for I shall not renounce mine! THE MAN OUT OF OFFICE: They will cling to their liberty. TÊTE-D'OR: I also would be free. THE TRIBUNE OF THE PEOPLE: Are you not free, then, madman? TÊTE-D'OR: While there is something not beneath my sway I am not free. _(Murmur._ I say to you, kill me while there still is time! You are a cityful and I am all alone. Kill me, then! For if you do not kill me I will put my hand upon you with power. THE TRIBUNE OF THE PEOPLE: Tête-d'or.... TÊTE-D'OR: Let me speak in my turn! Listen, noise! Listen, nothing! And listen, flocks dispersed in your folds and pastures, and you