THE FALL OF ROBESPIERRE

A historic closet drama by Coleridge and Southey on the fall of Robespierre, dramatizing tyranny, conspiracy, the rhetoric of Liberty, ambition and the bloody self-consuming course of the French Revolution.

Speaker	Line
BARRERE	The tempest gathers — be it mine to seek A friendly shelter, ere it bursts upon him. But where? and how? I [[Fear\
(didascalia)	[Exit.
(didascalia)	Enter TALLIEN and LEGENDRE.
TALLIEN	It was Barrere, Legendre! didst thou mark him? Abrupt he turn’d, yet linger’d as he went, And towards us cast a look of doubtful meaning.
LEGENDRE	I mark’d him [[Well\
TALLIEN	’Twas all-distrusting [[Guilt\
LEGENDRE	Perfidious Traitor! — still afraid to bask In the full blaze of power, the rustling serpent Lurks in the thicket of the Tyrant’s [[Greatness\
TALLIEN	Yet much depends upon him — [[Well\
LEGENDRE	O what a precious name is Liberty To scare or cheat the simple into slaves! Yes — we must gain him over: by dark hints We’ll shew enough to rouse his watchful fears, Till the cold coward blaze a patriot. O Danton! murder’d friend! assist my counsels — Hover around me on sad Memory’s wings, And pour thy daring vengeance in my heart. Tallien! if but to-morrow’s fateful sun Beholds the Tyrant living — we are dead!
TALLIEN	Yet his keen eye that flashes mighty meanings —
LEGENDRE	Fear not — or rather [[Fear\
(didascalia)	[Exeunt.
(didascalia)	Enter ROBESPIERRE, COUTHON, ST. JUST, and ROBESPIERRE JUNIOR.
ROBESPIERRE	What? did La Fayette fall before my power? And did I conquer Roland’s spotless virtues? The fervent eloquence of Vergniaud’s tongue? And Brissot’s thoughtful [[Soul\
ST. JUST	I cannot [[Fear\
COUTHON	O we did wrong to spare them — fatal error! Why lived Legendre, when that Danton died? And Collot d’Herbois dangerous in crimes? I’ve [[Fear\
ST. JUST	Rightly thou judgest, Couthon! He is one Who flies from silent solitary anguish, Seeking forgetful peace amid the jar Of elements. The howl of maniac uproar Lulls to sad [[Sleep\
ROBESPIERRE	Is not the Commune ours? The stern tribunal? Dumas? and Vivier? Fleuriot? and Louvet? And Henriot? We’ll denounce an hundred, nor Shall they behold to-morrow’s sun roll westward.
ROBESPIERRE JUNIOR	Nay — I am sick of [[Blood\
ROBESPIERRE	Most unworthy wish! He, whose heart sickens at the [[Blood\
ROBESPIERRE JUNIOR	Beware! already do the sections murmur — ‘O the great glorious patriot, Robespierre — The [[Tyrant\
COUTHON	’Twere folly sure to work great deeds by halves! Much I suspect the darksome fickle heart Of cold Barrere!
ROBESPIERRE	I see the [[Villain\
ROBESPIERRE JUNIOR	If he — if all forsake thee — what remains?
ROBESPIERRE	Myself! the steel-strong Rectitude of [[Soul\
(didascalia)	[Exeunt caeteri. Manet COUTHON.
COUTHON	So we deceive ourselves! What goodly virtues Bloom on the poisonous branches of [[Ambition\
(didascalia)	[Exit COUTHON.
(didascalia)	Enter ROBESPIERRE and BARRERE.
ROBESPIERRE	There is no danger but in cowardice. — Barrere! we make the danger, when we [[Fear\
BARRERE	’Twill be a pause of terror. —
ROBESPIERRE	But to whom? Rather the short-lived slumber of the tempest, Gathering its strength anew. The dastard traitors! Moles, that would undermine the rooted oak! A pause! — a moment’s pause?—‘Tis all their life.
BARRERE	Yet much they talk — and plausible their speech. Couthon’s decree has given such powers, that —
ROBESPIERRE	That what?
BARRERE	The [[Freedom\
ROBESPIERRE	Transparent mask! They wish to clog the wheels of government, Forcing the hand that guides the vast [[Machine\
BARRERE	Are the sections friendly?
ROBESPIERRE	There are who wish my ruin — but I’ll make them Blush for the crime in [[Blood\
BARRERE	Nay — but I tell thee, Thou art too fond of slaughter — and the right (If right it be) workest by most foul means!
ROBESPIERRE	Self-centering Fear! how [[Well\
BARRERE	O prodigality of eloquent anger! Why now I see thou’rt weak — thy case is desperate! The cool ferocious Robespierre turn’d scolder!
ROBESPIERRE	Who from a bad man’s bosom wards the blow Reserves the whetted dagger for his own. Denounced twice — and twice I saved his life!
(didascalia)	[Exit.
BARRERE	The sections will support them — there’s the point! No! he can never weather out the [[Storm\
(didascalia)	[Exit.
(didascalia)	SCENE changes to the house of ADELAIDE.
(didascalia)	ADELAIDE enters, speaking to a Servant.
ADELAIDE	Didst thou present the letter that I gave thee? Did Tallien answer, he would soon return?
SERVANT	He is in the Thuilleries — with him Legendre — In deep discourse they seem’d: as I approach’d He waved his hand as bidding me retire: I did not interrupt him.
(didascalia)	[Returns the letter.
ADELAIDE	Thou didst rightly.
(didascalia)	[Exit Servant.
ADELAIDE	O this new [[Freedom\
(didascalia)	[Soft music.
(didascalia)	Enter TALLIEN.
TALLIEN	Music, my [[Love\
TALLIEN	[[Song\
TALLIEN	I thank thee, Adelaide! ‘twas sweet, though mournful. But why thy brow o’ercast, thy cheek so wan? Thou look’st as a lorn maid beside some stream That sighs away the [[Soul\
ADELAIDE	Ah! rather let me ask what mystery lowers On Tallien’s darken’d brow. Thou dost me wrong — Thy [[Soul\
TALLIEN	Tell me, by whom thy brother’s [[Blood\
ADELAIDE	Yet — yet — be cautious! much I [[Fear\
TALLIEN	Hate him as they [[Fear\
ADELAIDE	Th’ enthusiast mob, confusion’s lawless sons —
TALLIEN	They are aweary of his stern morality, The fair-mask’d offspring of ferocious [[Pride\
(didascalia)	Enter BILLAUD VARENNES and BOURDON L’OISE.
(didascalia)	[ADELAIDE retires.
BOURDON L’OISE	Tallien! was this a [[Time\
(didascalia)	Enter BARRERE abruptly.
BARRERE	Say, are ye friends to [[Freedom\
BILLAUD VARENNES	Away to the Convention! with that voice So oft the herald of glad victory, Rouse their fallen spirits, thunder in their ears The names of [[Tyrant\
(didascalia)	[Cry from the street of — No Tyrant! Down with the Tyrant!
TALLIEN	Hear ye that outcry? — If the trembling members Even for a moment hold his fate suspended, I swear by the holy poniard, that stabbed Caesar, This dagger probes his heart!
(didascalia)	[Exeunt omnes.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Robespierre mounts the Tribune.
ROBESPIERRE	Once more befits it that the voice of Truth, Fearless in innocence, though leaguered round By Envy and her hateful brood of hell, Be heard amid this hall; once more befits The patriot, whose prophetic eye so oft Has pierced thro’ faction’s veil, to flash on crimes Of deadliest import. Mouldering in the [[Grave\
BILLAUD VARENNES	O patriot tongue Belying the foul heart! Who was it urg’d Friendly to tyrants that accurst decree, Whose influence brooding o’er this hallowed hall, Has chill’d each tongue to [[Silence\
COUTHON	That law was mine. I urged it — I propos’d — The voice of France assembled in her sons Assented, though the tame and timid voice Of traitors murmur’d. I advis’d that law — I justify it. It was wise and good.
BARRERE	Oh, wonderous wise and most convenient too! I have long mark’d thee, Robespierre — and now Proclaim thee traitor [[Tyrant\
(didascalia)	[Loud applauses.
ROBESPIERRE	It is [[Well\
(didascalia)	[Murmurs, and shouts of — Down with the Tyrant!
ROBESPIERRE	Nay, but I will be heard. There was a [[Time\
COLLOT D’HERBOIS	No — villainy shall fall. France could not brook A monarch’s sway — sounds the dictator’s name More soothing to her ear?
BOURDON L’OISE	Rattle her [[Chains\
ROBESPIERRE	Oh, that Brissot Were here again to thunder in this hall, That Hébert lived, and Danton’s giant form Scowl’d once again defiance! so my [[Soul\
TALLIEN	Freedom lives! Oppression falls — for France has felt her [[Chains\
ROBESPIERRE	I did — for I thought them honest. And Heaven forefend that Vengeance e’er should strike, Ere justice doom’d the blow.
BARRERE	Traitor, thou didst. Yes, the accomplice of their dark designs, Awhile didst thou defend them, when the [[Storm\
ROBESPIERRE JUNIOR	Barrere — attempt not meanly to divide Me from my brother. I partake his [[Guilt\
ROBESPIERRE	Brother, by my [[Soul\
BARRERE	Yes, allied in [[Guilt\
BOURDON L’OISE	Was not the younger Caesar too to reign O’er all our valiant armies in the south, And still continue there his merchant wiles?
ROBESPIERRE JUNIOR	His merchant wiles! Oh, grant me patience, heaven! Was it by merchant wiles I gain’d you back Toulon, when proudly on her captive towers Wav’d high the English [[Flag\
BOURDON L’OISE	How this younger [[Tyrant\
COLLOT D’HERBOIS	Till once again display’d Lyons’ sad [[Tragedy\
DUBOIS CRANCÉ	No [[Wonder\
ROBESPIERRE	Matchless knave! What — not one blush of [[Conscience\
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\
ROBESPIERRE	I remember [[Well\
(didascalia)	[Loud applauses.
ROBESPIERRE	Triumph not too soon, Justice may yet be victor.
(didascalia)	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 charg’d 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.
(didascalia)	[Loud applauses.
ST. JUST	Hear me!
(didascalia)	[Violent murmurs.
ROBESPIERRE	He shall be heard!
BOURDON 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\
LEGENDRE	Heed we [[Well\
FRERON	Inviolate be the sacred right of man. The [[Freedom\
(didascalia)	[Violent applauses.
ST. JUST	I may be heard then! much the times are chang’d, When St. Just thanks this hall for hearing him. Robespierre is call’d a [[Tyrant\
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\
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 Hébert, Denounced by all — upheld by Robespierre. Who spar’d La Valette? who promoted him, Stain’d with the deep dye of nobility? Who to an ex-peer gave the high command? Who screen’d from justice the rapacious thief? Who cast in [[Chains\
BOURDON L’OISE	He talks of virtue — of morality — Consistent patriot! he Daubigné’s friend! Henriot’s supporter virtuous! preach of virtue, Yet league with villains, for with Robespierre Villains [[Alone\
(didascalia)	[Loud applauses.
ROBESPIERRE	Take back the name. Ye citizens of France —
(didascalia)	[Violent clamour. Cries of — Down with the Tyrant!
TALLIEN	Oppression falls. The traitor stands appall’d — Guilt’s iron fangs engrasp his shrinking [[Soul\
(didascalia)	[Violent applauses.
BILLAUD VARENNES	I demand The arrest of all the traitors. Memorable Will be this day for France.
ROBESPIERRE	Yes! Memorable This day will be for France — for villains triumph.
LEBAS	I will not share in this day’s damning [[Guilt\
(didascalia)	[Great cry — Down with the Tyrants!
(didascalia)	(The two ROBESPIERRES, COUTHON, ST. JUST, and LEBAS are led off.)

Speaker	Line
COLLOT D’HERBOIS	Caesar is fall’n! The baneful tree of Java, Whose [[Death\
BILLAUD VARENNES	Yet must we not suppose The [[Tyrant\
FRERON	I denounce Fleuriot too, the mayor of Paris.
(didascalia)	Enter DUBOIS CRANCÉ.
DUBOIS CRANCÉ	Robespierre is rescued. Henriot at the head Of the arm’d force has rescued the fierce [[Tyrant\
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.
(didascalia)	Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER	Robespierre has reach’d the Commune. They espouse The [[Tyrant\
TALLIEN	These tyrants are in arms against the law: Outlaw the rebels.
(didascalia)	Enter MERLIN OF DOUAY.
MERLIN	Health to the representatives of France! I past this moment through the arméd 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.
(didascalia)	Enter another Messenger.
SECOND MESSENGER	Vivier harangues the Jacobins — the Club Espouse the cause of Robespierre.
(didascalia)	Enter another Messenger.
THIRD MESSENGER	All’s lost — the [[Tyrant\
TALLIEN	Why, we will die like men then. The representatives of France dare [[Death\
TALLIEN	(addressing the galleries.) Citizens! France is insulted in her delegates — The majesty of the Republic is insulted — Tyrants are up in arms. An arméd force Threats the Convention. The Convention swears To die, or save the country!
(didascalia)	[Violent applauses from the galleries.
CITIZEN	(from above.) We too swear To die, or save the country. Follow me.
(didascalia)	[All the men quit the galleries.
(didascalia)	Enter another Messenger.
FOURTH MESSENGER	Henriot is taken! [Loud applauses. Three of your brave soldiers Swore they would seize the [[Rebel\
BILLAUD VARENNES	Let the names of these brave men Live to the future day.
(didascalia)	Enter BOURDON L’OISE, [[Sword\
BOURDON L’OISE	I have clear’d the Commune. [Applauses. Through the throng I rush’d, Brandishing my good [[Sword\
(didascalia)	(Shouts from without — Down with the Tyrant!)
TALLIEN	I hear, I hear the [[Soul\
(didascalia)	Enter LEGENDRE — a [[Pistol\
LEGENDRE	(flinging down the keys.) So — let the mutinous Jacobins meet now In the open air. [Loud applauses. A factious turbulent party Lording it o’er the state since Danton died, And with him the Cordeliers. — A hireling band Of loud-tongued orators controull’d the Club, And bade them bow the knee to Robespierre. Vivier has ‘scaped me. Curse his coward heart — This fate-fraught tube of Justice in my hand, I rush’d into the hall. He mark’d mine eye That beam’d its patriot anger, and flash’d full With [[Death\
FRERON	They took from me my ticket of admission — Expell’d me from their sittings. — Now, forsooth, Humbled and trembling re-insert my name. But Freron enters not the Club again ’Till it be purged of [[Guilt\
BARRERE	What means this uproar! if the [[Tyrant\
TALLIEN	And wherefore [[Fear\
(didascalia)	(Shouts from without — Live the Convention! — Down with the Tyrants!)
TALLIEN	Hark! again The sounds of honest Freedom!
(didascalia)	Enter Deputies from the Sections.
CITIZEN	Citizens! representatives of France! Hold on your steady course. The men of Paris Espouse your cause. The men of Paris swear They will defend the delegates of Freedom.
TALLIEN	Hear ye this, Colleagues? hear ye this, my brethren? And does no thrill of joy pervade your breasts? My bosom bounds to rapture. I have seen The sons of France shake off the [[Tyrant\
BARRERE	Hark! how the noise increases! through the gloom Of the still evening — harbinger of [[Death\
(didascalia)	[Cry without — Down with the Tyrant!
(didascalia)	Enter LECOINTRE.
LECOINTRE	So may eternal justice blast the foes Of France! so perish all the [[Tyrant\
BARRERE	(mounts the Tribune.) For ever hallowed be this glorious day, When Freedom, bursting her oppressive chain, Tramples on the oppressor. When the [[Tyrant\
(didascalia)	FINIS