_Fourth Messenger._ Henriot is taken! [_Loud applauses._ Three of your brave soldiers Swore they would seize the rebel slave of tyrants, Or perish in the attempt. As he patroll'd 50 The streets of Paris, stirring up the mob, They seiz'd him. [_Applauses._ _Billaud Varennes._ Let the names of these brave men Live to the future day. _Enter BOURDON L'OISE, sword in hand._ _Bourdon l'Oise._ I have clear'd the Commune. [_Applauses._ Through the throng I rush'd, Brandishing my good sword to drench its blade 55 Deep in the tyrant's heart. The timid rebels Gave way. I met the soldiery--I spake Of the dictator's crimes--of patriots chain'd In dark deep dungeons by his lawless rage-- Of knaves secure beneath his fostering power. 60 I spake of Liberty. Their honest hearts Caught the warm flame. The general shout burst forth, 'Live the Convention--Down with Robespierre!' [_Applauses._ (_Shouts from without--Down with the Tyrant!_) _Tallien._ I hear, I hear the soul-inspiring sounds, France shall be saved! her generous sons attached 65 To principles, not persons, spurn the idol They worshipp'd once. Yes, Robespierre shall fall As Capet fell! Oh! never let us deem That France shall crouch beneath a tyrant's throne, That the almighty people who have broke 70 On their oppressors' heads the oppressive chain, Will court again their fetters! easier were it To hurl the cloud-capt mountain from its base, Than force the bonds of slavery upon men Determined to be free! [_Applauses._ 75 _Enter LEGENDRE--a pistol in one hand, keys in the other._ _Legendre (flinging down the keys)._ So--let the mutinous Jacobins meet now In the open air. [_Loud applauses._ A factious turbulent party Lording it o'er the state since Danton died, And with him the Cordeliers.--A hireling band Of loud-tongued orators controull'd the Club, 80 And bade them bow the knee to Robespierre. Vivier has 'scaped me. Curse his coward heart-- This fate-fraught tube of Justice in my hand, I rush'd into the hall. He mark'd mine eye That beam'd its patriot anger, and flash'd full 85 With death-denouncing meaning. 'Mid the throng He mingled. I pursued--but stay'd my hand, Lest haply I might shed the innocent blood. [_Applauses._