DANTON. Every envious man says that. According to that fine way of reasoning the nation would soon be emasculated. ROBESPIERRE. There is no power where confidence is lacking! DANTON. So, you mistrust me? Do you really believe those absurd stories about me? Those wild ravings invented by Billaud-Varenne? Look at me. Have I the face of a hypocrite? Hate me, if you will, but don't suspect me! ROBESPIERRE. I judge men by their actions. DANTON. Do you complain of my actions? ROBESPIERRE. You boast that you feel no hatred--you don't hate the enemies of the Republic, but yet that is what is destroying the Republic. Pity for those hangdogs means cruelty toward the victims. You see, this weakness has forced us to raze whole cities; some day it may mean thirty years of civil war. DANTON. But you see crime everywhere! It is sheer madness. If you are sick, you must be taken care of, but don't make every one take your medicine. The Republic is killing itself. It is high time to put a stop to that absurd and ferocious Terror which is consuming France. But if you don't hurry, if you refuse to join us, you will soon be unable to stop it; it will burn you with the rest--or before the rest. Can't you see that the day Danton is not by, you will be the first to be struck down? I am the one who is still protecting you from the fire. ROBESPIERRE [_turning from_ DANTON]. May it consume me! CAMILLE [_aside to_ DANTON]. You said too much, Danton; you wounded his pride. DANTON. In the name of the _Patrie,_ Robespierre, of this _Patrie_ we both love so ardently, let us make peace for us all, friends and enemies--so long as they love France! Let this love wash clean all suspicion and all faults! Without it there is no virtue. With it, no crime. ROBESPIERRE. No _Patrie_ without virtue! DANTON [_menacingly_]. Once more, I ask you to make peace. You must realize what it costs me to make these advances. But I swallow my pride, if I can help the Republic. Give me your hand; free Fabre; reinstate Westermann; protect Hérault and Philippeaux from the infuriated people. ROBESPIERRE. It is my business to put down crime, not to govern it. DANTON [_restraining himself with the greatest difficulty_]. So you want war, Robespierre? Think well. ROBESPIERRE [_impassive as ever, turns his back on_ DANTON, _and speaks to_ DESMOULINS]. Camille, I ask you for the last time: will you cease your attacks on the Committee? CAMILLE. Let it cease to deserve them! ROBESPIERRE. Submit to the laws of the nation together with the rest. CAMILLE. I am a representative of the nation, and I have a right to speak for her. ROBESPIERRE. You owe it an example in obeying the law.