Besides, by abstaining from entering into the first cabinet, they would remain popular, and maintain, in the Assembly and Jacobins, those voices of power which would have been stifled in an administration.

Popularity was requisite for their contest with Robespierre, who was treading so closely on their heels, and who would soon be at the head of opinion if they abandoned it to him.

On entering upon their course they affected for this rival more contempt than they really felt.

Robespierre, single-handed, balanced their influence with the Jacobins.

The vociferations of Billaud, Varennes, Danton, Collot d'Herbois, did not in the least alarm them.