ROBESPIERRE. Matchless knave! What--not one blush of conscience on thy cheek-- Not one poor blush of truth! most likely tale! That I, who ruin'd Brissot's towering hopes, I, who discover'd Hebert's impious wiles, And sharp'd for Danton's recreant neck the axe, Should now be traitor! had I been so minded, Think ye I had destroy'd the very men Whose plots resembled mine? bring forth your proofs Of this deep treason. Tell me in whose breast Found ye the fatal scroll? or tell me rather Who forged the shameless falsehood? COLLOT D'HERBOIS. Ask you proofs? Robespierre, what proofs were ask'd when Brissot died? LEGENDRE. What proofs adduced you when the Danton died? When at the imminent peril of my life I rose, and, fearless of thy frowning brow, Proclaim'd him guiltless? ROBESPIERRE. I remember well The fatal day. I do repent me much That I kill'd Caesar and spared Antony. But I have been too lenient. I have spared The stream of blood, and now my own must flow To fill the current. [Loud Applauses.] Triumph not too soon, Justice may yet be victor. [Enter ST. JUST, and mounts the Tribune.] ST. JUST. I come from the committee--charged to speak Of matters of high import. I omit Their orders. Representatives of France, Boldly in his own person speaks St. Just What his own heart shall dictate. TALLIEN. Hear ye this, Insulted delegates of France? St. Just From your committee comes--comes charged to speak Of matters of high import--yet omits Their orders! Representatives of France, That bold man I denounce, who disobeys The nation's orders.--I denounce St. Just. [Loud Applauses.] ST. JUST. Hear me! [Violent Murmurs.] ROBESPIERRE. He shall be heard! BURDON L'OISE. Must we contaminate this sacred hall With the foul breath of treason? COLLOT D'HERBOIS. Drag him away! Hence with him to the bar. COUTHON. Oh, just proceedings! Robespierre prevented liberty of speech-- And Robespierre is a tyrant! Tallien reigns, He dreads to hear the voice of innocence-- And St. Just must be silent! LEGENDRE. Heed we well That justice guide our actions. No light import Attends this day. I move St. Just be heard. FRERON. Inviolate be the sacred right of man, The freedom of debate. [Violent Applauses.]