[148] Ibid., XXX., 338. "Alas, suffering patriots, what can we do,
surrounded by enemies fighting in our own ranks! . . . Let us
watch, for the fall of our country is not far off," etc. - These
cantatas, with the accompaniments of the celestial harp, are terrible
if we consider the circumstances. For instance, on the 3rd of
September, 1792, in the electoral assembly while the massacres are
going on: "M. Robespierre climbs up on the tribune and declares that
he will calmly face the steel of the enemies of public good, and carry
with him to his grave the satisfaction of having served his country,
the certainty of France having preserved its liberty". - (Archives
Nationales, C. II., 58-76.)
[149] Buchez et Roux, XXXII., 360, 371. (Speech of May 7, 1794.)
"Danton1 the most dangerous, if he had not been the most cowardly, of
the enemies of his country . . . . Danton, the coldest, the most
indifferent, during his country's greatest peril."
[150] Ibid., XXXIV., -- Cf. the description of him by Fiev?e, who saw
him in the tribune at the Jacobin Club.
[151] Merlin de Thionville "A vague, painful anxiety, due to his
temperament, was the sole source of his activity.
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