HOCHE. Why, he doesn't know us. That makes no difference. [_Good-naturedly_.] But you're mistaken. Marat, you have done well to take such precautions for the people. [_To the People_.] We'll understand each other in a moment. A glance will prove that we are all good fellows, and believe in one another. But he is wise and has given us a lesson in prudence: this is war-time, and you have the right to demand an account from every one. No one can be excepted. THE PEOPLE. We know you, Hoche, you're a friend! HOCHE. Be careful with your friends. [_Smiling_]. That doesn't refer to me. Your uncertain position does not make many friends for you, and what few you have, are not dangerous. But when you become powerful, you will see them flock to you; then you must keep your eyes open. THE FRENCH GUARDS. That's good advice.--Be prudent, that's right! Trust no one! HOCHE [_laughing_]. When two eyes please me, I ask nothing more. But I'm a fool, and that's my affair. You have to save the world. Don't imitate me. We are only a few hundred French Guards. Our officers, who know our sympathies for the people, tried to send us to Saint-Denis, away from you. But we left our barracks and now we offer our sabers to you. In order to reassure Marat, divide yourselves into groups of ten or twenty; then each group takes its place in a people's battalion. Then you will be our masters, and we can lead you and train you. Will you come with me, Marat? We can each learn something from the other. You'll see that there are still brave men; and perhaps you will teach me to hunt down traitors--though I think your labor will be lost. [MARAT, _whose eyes have been glued on_ HOCHE, _goes to him and offers his hand._] MARAT. I was mistaken. HOCHE [_takes his hand and smiles_]. How tiresome it must be to suspect people! I'd rather die. MARAT [_sighing_]. So would I. But as you said just now, it is not for us, but for the nation. HOCHE. Continue to keep a sharp watch over the people. I don't envy you: my task is much easier. MARAT [_looking at_ HOCHE]. Oh, Nature, if the eyes and voice of this man lie, there is no honesty! Soldier, I have offended you before every one. And before every one, I ask your pardon. HOCHE. But you didn't offend me. No one knows better than I what a military chief is, and what dangers beset the cause of Liberty. Military discipline makes every man a slave; men cannot like it: we abhor it as much as you do. We have ourselves just broken the blind power that was in our hands. Open your arms to us, make room for us at your tables, give us back our lost liberty, our cramped consciences, our right to be men like you, your equals and your brothers. Soldiers, become again part of the People. And you, People, all of you, become the Army; defend yourselves, defend us, and defend our souls, which are being attacked. Give us your hands, embrace us, let us be but one heart. You are all of you our friends. All of us for all of us!