_Robes._ (_aside_.) I know her now--the chosen of Tallien How beautiful in tears! A noble dame {305} And worthy to be mine. 'Twould sting his heart To lose his mistress ere I take his head; If I would bribe her passions or her fears, As well I trust I can, I must be speedy. Those drunken guards--should any see her here, Then what a tale to spread on Robespierre, The chaste, the incorruptible, forsooth---- (_coldly approaching her_.) Lady, I may not save your father's life-- Duty forbids--he holds back evidence Which would convict Tallien; nay, do not kneel, I cannot interfere. _Daughter._--Oh, say not so. He is too peaceful for intrigues or plotters-- Too old, too helpless for their trust or aid. Oh, for the filial love thou bearest thy sire, Thy reverence for his years---- _Robes._--If he were living And spoke in thy behalf, it were in vain. _Daughter._--For the dear mother's sake who gave thee birth And suffer'd agony that thou might'st live---- _Robes._--Not if her voice could hail me from the tomb, And plead in thy own words to save his life. _Daughter._--If thou hast hope or mercy---- _Robes._--I have neither. Rise and depart while you are safe--yet stay, One path to his redemption still is open-- It leads to yonder chamber--Ha! I see Thou understandest me. _Daughter._--I trust I do not. I hope that Heaven beholds not--Earth contains not A being capable of such an offer. _Robes._--And dare you scorn me, knowing who I am? Bethink you where you stand--your sire--and lover-- And hear my offer. Life and wealth for them, Jewels and splendor and supremacy Shall wait on thee--no dame shall breathe in France But bends the knee before thee. _Daughter._--Let him die. Better he perish now than live to curse His daughter for dishonor. Fare you well. There is a time for all things, and the hour May come when thou wilt think of this again. _Robes._ (_laughing_.) Ha! ha! Wouldst thou depart to spread this tale? Never, save to such ears as will not trust thee! Choose on the spot between thy father's death, Thy lover's and _thine own_, or my proposal. _Daughter._--My choice is made, let me rejoin my sire. _Robes._--I'll furnish thee a passport--guards awake! (_seizing her arm_.) Without there! murder! treason! guards come hither! (_Jacobins rush in and seize her_.) A watchful crew ye are, to leave me thus To perish like Marât by the assassins; See that you guard her well, and keep this weapon Which, but I wrench'd it from her, would have slain me.