They flatter to enchain it.

They spread suspicions of virtue, which will not debase itself.

Remember who were Aristides and Phocion,--they did not always sit in the tribune." Brissot, as he darted this sarcasm, looked towards Robespierre, for whom he meant it.

Robespierre turned pale, and raised his head suddenly.
"They did not always sit in the tribune," continued Brissot; "they were at their posts in the camp, or at the tribunals," (a sneering laugh came from the Girondist benches, accusing Robespierre of abandoning his post at the moment of danger).

"They did not disdain any charge, however humble it might be, when it was assigned them by the people: they spoke seldom; they did not flatter demagogues; they never denounced without proofs! The calumniators did not spare Phocion.