COLLOT D'HERBOIS. Ring the tocsin--call all the citizens To save their country--never yet has Paris Forsook the representatives of France. TALLIEN. It is the hour of danger. I propose This sitting be made permanent. [Loud Applauses.] COLLOT D'HERBOIS. The national Convention shall remain Firm at its post. [Enter a MESSENGER.] MESSENGER. Robespierre has reach'd the Commune. They espouse The tyrant's cause. St. Just is up in arms! St. Just--the young, ambitious, bold St. Just Harangues the mob. The sanguinary Couthon Thirsts for your blood. [Tocsin rings.] TALLIEN. These tyrants are in arms against the law: Outlaw the rebels. [Enter MERLIN OF DOUAY.] MERLIN. Health to the representatives of France! I pass'd this moment through the armed force-- They ask'd my name--and when they heard a delegate, Swore I was not the friend of France. COLLOT D'HERBOIS. The tyrants threaten us as when they turn'd The cannon's mouth on Brissot. [Enter another MESSENGER.] SECOND MESSENGER. Vivier harangues the Jacobins--the club Espouse the cause of Robespierre. [Enter another MESSENGER.] THIRD MESSENGER. All's lost--the tyrant triumphs. Henriot leads The soldiers to his aid.--Already I hear The rattling cannon destin'd to surround This sacred hall. TALLIEN. Why, we will die like men then. The representatives of France dare death, When duty steels their bosoms. [Loud Applauses.] TALLIEN [addressing the galleries.] Citizens! France is insulted in her delegates-- The majesty of the Republic is insulted-- Tyrants are up in arms. An armed force Threats the Convention. The Convention swears To die, or save the country! [Violent Applauses from the galleries.] CITIZEN [from above.] We too swear To die, or save the country. Follow me. [All the men quit the galleries.] [Enter another MESSENGER.] FOURTH MESSENGER. Henriot is taken!-- [Loud Applauses.] Henriot is taken. Three of your brave soldiers Swore they would seize the rebel slave of tyrants, Or perish in the attempt. As he patroll'd The streets of Paris, stirring up the mob, They seized him. [Applauses.] BILLAUD VARENNES. Let the names of these brave men Live to the future day. [Enter BOURDON L'OISE, sword in hand.] BOURDON L'OISE. I have clear'd the Commune. [Applauses.] Through the throng I rush'd, Brandishing my good sword to drench its blade Deep in the tyrant's heart. The timid rebels Gave way. I met the soldiery--I spake Of the dictator's crimes--of patriots chain'd In dark deep dungeons by his lawless rage-- Of knaves secure beneath his fostering power. I spake of Liberty. Their honest hearts Caught the warm flame. The general shout burst forth, "Live the Convention--Down with Robespierre!" [Applauses. Shouts from without --Down with the tyrant!]