In this his power consisted, for parties paused but he never did.

He placed this ideal as an end to reach in every revolutionary movement, and advanced towards it with those who sought to attain it; then, this goal reached, he placed it still further off, and again marched forward with other men, continually advancing without ever deviating, ever pausing, ever retreating.

The Revolution, decimated in its progress, must one day or other inevitably arrive at a last stage, and he desired it should end in himself.

He was the entire incorporation of the Revolution,--principles, thoughts, passions, impulses.

Thus incorporating himself wholly with it, he compelled it one day to incorporate itself in him--that day was a distant one.
XVIII.
Robespierre, who had often struggled against Mirabeau with Duport, the Lameths, and Barnave, began to separate himself from them as soon as they appeared to predominate in the Assembly.