WESTERMANN. Speak before the clubs, inspire the people, overthrow the Committees, put down Robespierre. DANTON. No. PHILIPPEAUX. Why not? DANTON. Later. I don't want to. CAMILLE. You're injuring yourself, Danton. WESTERMANN. It makes me rage when I see these good people afraid to act. What fiendish poison is in the air, keeping you people, whose heads are already in the noose, from moving a leg, from fighting, or at least running away? I've done all I could. I leave you; I'll find Robespierre, whom you are all afraid of--Yes, you are, though you joke about it; your very fear makes him strong--I'll tell him the truth, and he'll see for the first time a man who dares resist him. I'll break the idol! [_He goes out fuming_.] PHILIPPEAUX. I'm coming with you, Westermann. DANTON [_quietly, and with a touch of sarcasm_]. He will break nothing. Robespierre will look at him--like that--and it will be over. Poor fellow! PHILIPPEAUX. Danton, Danton, where are you? Where is the athlete of the Revolution? DANTON. You are cowards. There is nothing to fear. PHILIPPEAUX. _Quos vult perdere_--[_He goes out._ HÉRAULT _rises, takes his hat, and prepares to leave._] CAMILLE. Are you going, too, Hérault? HÉRAULT. Camille, Westermann's style of waging war is not yours, I know. The best thing you can do is to retire altogether. Let them forget you. Why discuss it? CAMILLE. I must satisfy my conscience. HÉRAULT [_shrugs his shoulders, then kisses_ LUCILE'S _hand_]. Good-by, Lucile. LUCILE. Good-by. I hope to see you soon again. HÉRAULT [_with a smile_]. Does one ever know? CAMILLE. Where are you going? HÉRAULT. Rue Saint-Honoré. DANTON. Are you too making a visit to Robespierre? HÉRAULT. No: that is where I usually walk. I see the carts pass by. CAMILLE. I thought you disliked the spectacle? HÉRAULT. It teaches me not to fear death. [_He goes out with_ LUCILE.] DANTON [_following_ HÉRAULT _with his eyes_]. Poor devil, he's nervous. He blames me for not doing anything. You, too, Camille, would like to blame me; I can see it in your face. Go on, you think me a coward? You think Danton sacrifices his friends for the glory of his belly? CAMILLE. Danton, why do you refuse? DANTON. Children! Danton is not built like other men. Volcanic passions stir within this breast, but they are always subject to my will. My heart has tremendous needs, and my senses make terrible demands on me; but the dominating head is there. [_He touches his brow._] CAMILLE. But what is your idea?