ST. JUST. I may be heard then! much the times are changed, When St. Just thanks this hall for hearing him. Robespierre is call'd a tyrant. Men of France, Judge not too soon. By popular discontent Was Aristides driven into exile, Was Phocion murder'd! Ere ye dare pronounce Robespierre is guilty, it befits ye well, Consider who accuse him. Tallien, Bourdon of Oise--the very men denounced, For that their dark intrigues disturb'd the plan Of government. Legendre, the sworn friend Of Danton fall'n apostate. Dubois Crance, He who at Lyons spared the royalists-- Collot d'Herbois-- BOURDON L'OISE. What--shall the traitor rear His head amid our tribune, and blaspheme Each patriot? shall the hireling slave of faction-- ST. JUST. I am of no one faction. I contend Against all factions. TALLIEN. I espouse the cause Of truth. Robespierre on yester morn pronounced Upon his own authority a report. To-day St. Just comes down. St. Just neglects What the committee orders, and harangues From his own will. O citizens of France, I weep for you--I weep for my poor country-- I tremble for the cause of Liberty, When individuals shall assume the sway, And with more insolence than kingly pride Rule the Republic. BILLAUD VARENNES. Shudder, ye representatives of France, Shudder with horror. Henriot commands The marshall'd force of Paris. Henriot, Foul parricide--the sworn ally of Hebert Denounced by all--upheld by Robespierre. Who spared La Valette? who promoted him, Stain'd with the deep die of nobility? Who to an ex-peer gave the high command? Who screen'd from justice the rapacious thief? Who cast in chains the friends of Liberty? Robespierre, the self-styled patriot, Robespierre-- Robespierre, allied with villain Daubignè-- Robespierre, the foul arch tyrant, Robespierre. BOURDON L'OISE. He talks of virtue--of morality-- Consistent patriot! he Daubignè's friend! Henriot's supporter virtuous! preach of virtue, Yet league with villains, for with Robespierre Villains alone ally. Thou art a tyrant! I style thee tyrant, Robespierre! [Loud Applauses.] ROBESPIERRE. Take back the name. Ye citizens of France-- [Violent Clamour. Cries of --Down with the tyrant!]