The Fourteenth of July, and Danton: Two Plays of the French RevolutionRolland, Romain
History
The Fourteenth of July, and Danton: Two Plays of the French Revolution
Rolland, Romain
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Drama
DANTON. I committed every crime for the sake of Liberty. I
shouldered every task that the hypocrites shunned. I have
sacrificed everything for the Revolution. I now see it was all
in vain. The minx has played me false; and now she sacrifices
me, as she will sacrifice Robespierre tomorrow. She will take
up with the first adventurer who presents himself. Well, what
of it? I regret nothing; I love her, and I am glad I dishonored
myself for her sake. I pity the poor beggars who never embraced
her. When once you have been intimate with the divine strumpet,
you are ready to die, for you have lived. [_He goes out with_
PHILIPPEAUX.]
FOUQUIER-TINVILLE. I ask the jury whether they have sufficient
instructions?
JUDGE. The jury will retire to deliberate. [_The Jury goes out.
The People shift restlessly about, undecided what to think or
do. Outside_ DANTON _is? heard, and the shouting of the crowds.
They rush to, the windows. Some of the court also look out.
Those who are in the hall, repeat what is said outside, at first
in undertones, then loudly_.]
FOUQUIER-TINVILLE. The riot is beginning. We'll be torn to
pieces.
VADIER. Don't allow the shouting to influence the jury. Go and
tell them. [_They go out. The People shout angrily at_ VADIER
_and_ FOUQUIER-TINVILLE, _who enter the jury-room_.]
JUDGE [_terror-stricken_]. Citizens, the dignity of the
Tribunal--Respect for justice--[_The shouting drowns out his
last words._] They are coming! We shall all be massacred! [_He
shrinks toward the door, where he takes hold of the knob. The
People, in fury, tear up benches and throw them toward the
judges' benches, shouting threats of death. Enter_; SAINT-JUST.
_The People are somewhat intimidated, and are silent._
SAINT-JUST _looks at them, coldly, and they fall back. There is
dead silence for a few seconds, then murmurs are heard here and
there._ VADIER _enters a moment after, and takes advantage of
the calm to speak._]
VADIER. Citizens, the Committee on Provisions and Necessities
[_the People are silent_] takes this occasion to announce to
the public the arrival of a large amount of grain and wood
at the port of Bercy. [_A great clamor arises. People jostle
one another in a wild attempt to leave the hall. After a few
moments, only a small knot of curious onlookers remain._ VADIER
_casts a glance of irony at the People_.] Their hearts are good,
but their stomachs better. [_The Jury reenters. The monotony of
the Judge's questions is drowned by the last stragglers. The
noise outside gradually subsides, and_ HERMAN'S _voice becomes
more distinct. Sentence is passed in a death-like silence_.]
JUDGE. Jurymen citizens, there was a conspiracy which was
to have brought dishonor upon the national representatives,
re-established the monarchy, and through corruption destroy the
Republican government. Is Georges-Jacques Danton, solicitor,
Deputy to the National Convention, guilty of conspiracy against
the Republic?
THE HEAD OF THE JURY. He is.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account