SAINT-JUST. No one respects her unless he proves it by austere and pure living. He is not a Republican who possesses aristocratic vices and ideas. I hate Catiline. His cynical heart, his cowardly brain, his ignoble political ideals--he tries to please all parties in order to use them for his own ends--it all brings dishonor upon the Republic. Danton must be laid low. ROBESPIERRE. His fall will carry the imprudent Desmoulins along with him. SAINT-JUST. That impudent pen-pusher! Why, the sufferings of the _Patrie_ are merely an excuse for him to do a clever piece of writing! He's a dilettante, who would sacrifice Liberty for a pretty antithesis! ROBESPIERRE. A child, the dupe of his friends, and of his own mind. SAINT-JUST. Cleverness is also a crime, when France is in danger. The misfortunes of the State have thrown a sad, a religious air, over everything. I am suspicious of all who laugh. ROBESPIERRE. But I love Desmoulins. SAINT-JUST. And I love you, but if you were a criminal, I would accuse you. ROBESPIERRE [_walks away, distressed. He returns after a moment's silence_]. Thank you.--You are happy; you never hesitate. You never compromise with evil. SAINT-JUST. I have seen more evil than you. ROBESPIERRE. Where? SAINT-JUST. Within myself. ROBESPIERRE [_surprised_]. In yourself, you whose life is an example of self-sacrifice? SAINT-JUST. You don't know! ROBESPIERRE [_incredulously_]. Some--youthful slip? SAINT-JUST [_seriously_]. I have been to the brink of the abyss; I saw crime down below, ready to devour me. Ever since I have sworn to destroy it in the world at large and within myself. ROBESPIERRE. Sometimes I tire of the struggle. The enemy is too powerful. Can we really reform mankind? Will our dream be realized? SAINT-JUST. The day I cease to believe that, I shall kill myself. ELÉONORE [_opening the door, says softly_]. Here are Billaud-Varenne and Vadier. [_They enter._ BILLAUD-VARENNE'S _head droops from fatigue, and his eyes are heavy._ VADIER _compresses his lips, and is hitter and sardonic. He speaks with a marked Southern accent (which is not indicated in the text)._ ROBESPIERRE _and_ SAINT-JUST _rise and coldly greet the newcomers. They bow, but do not offer to shake hands_.] BILLAUD-VARENNE. Greetings and Fraternity! VADIER [_noticing_ SAINT-JUST]. Saint-Just! Good! We shall now make up for lost time. [BILLAUD-VARENNE _and_ VADIER _seat themselves unceremoniously._ SAINT-JUST _walks about._ ROBESPIERRE _remains standing, and leans against the window-sill. After a pause._] BILLAUD-VARENNE. The guillotine! You have waited too long, Robespierre: we are in immediate danger. If Danton is still alive tomorrow, the cause of liberty is lost. ROBESPIERRE. What news? BILLAUD-VARENNE [_with papers in his hand_]. Look. The traitor is at it again. ROBESPIERRE. Who? VADIER. Your friend, Maximilien: Camille, dear Camille. ROBESPIERRE. Has he been writing again?