HULIN [_without turning his head, extends his hand over his shoulder_]. Ah, it's you, Hoche? Who has asked for your advice? You're talking nonsense! I was telling you not long ago that sometimes I feel I have too much strength, and then I knock in a door, or demolish a wall. And, of course, when I see a drowning man, I offer him a helping hand. I don't reason about those things. But I don't lie in wait for people who are going to drown, nor do I throw them into the water--like these people who start revolutions--just in order to fish them out afterward. MARAT. You are ashamed of the good you do. I hate these people who brag of their vices. [_He turns his back._] What are you carrying there? HOCHE. Some waistcoats that I embroidered; I'm trying to sell them. MARAT. Pretty work for a soldier! Do you mend clothes? HOCHE. It's as good a trade as tearing them. MARAT. Don't you blush to steal women's business? So that is what you are doing? You think of your business, you hoard your gold, when Paris is about to swim in blood! HOCHE [_quietly, and with a touch of disdain_]. Oh, we have time enough. Everything in due time. MARAT. Your heart is cold, your pulse is slow. You are no patriot. [_To_ HULIN.] And as for you, you are worse than if you really did what you brag about! You had a decent healthy character, which you are wilfully perverting.--Oh, Liberty, these are your defenders. Indifferent to the dangers that beset you, they will do nothing to combat them! I at least will not abandon you, I alone. I shall watch over the people. I will save them in spite of themselves. [_He goes out._] HULIN [_watching him go, and laughing_]. Our gay associate! He sees everything through pink spectacles. He's a doctor from my country. One feels immediately that he is used to commanding people. He hasn't enough to do in his own business, he must needs treat all humanity. HOCHE [_following_ MARAT _with his eyes, and with a mixture of pity and interest_]. An honest man. The woes of humanity weigh heavy on his shoulders; they unhinge his reason and his judgment. He is sick with virtue. HULIN. Where did you know him? HOCHE. I've read his books. HULIN. You must have time to waste. Where did you get hold of them? HOCHE. I bought them with the money I received from these waistcoats--for which he reproached me. HULIN [_looking at him_]. Let me see. What's the matter? Have you been fighting again? HOCHE. Yes. HULIN. Barbarian! Where did you get that? HOCHE. In the Place Louis XV. I was walking past. The arrogance of those Germans, camping here in our own Paris, got on my nerves. I could not help laughing at them. They fell upon me in a body, but the people there got me away from them. I made a mess of one or two, however. HULIN. Indeed! That will cost you dear. HOCHE. Bah! Do me a favor, Hulin. Bead this letter for me. HULIN. To whom is it addressed? HOCHE. To the King. HULIN. Are you writing to the King?