The most energetic lives frequently open in gloom, as if they had in their very germ presentiments of their contrary destiny.

It would seem as though we read in the verses of this young man that through his tears he contemplated his faults, his expiation, and his scaffold.
VI.
After Mirabeau's election, and the agitations which followed, Barbaroux was named secretary of the municipality of Marseilles.

At the troubles of Aries he took arms, and marched at the head of the young Marseillais against the rulers of the Comtal.

His martial figure, his gestures, his ardour, his voice, made him conspicuous everywhere: he fascinated all.
Being deputed to Paris in order to give an account of the events of the south to the National Assembly, the Girondists, Vergniaud and Guadet, who were desirous of obtaining an amnesty for the crimes of Avignon, did all in their power to attach this young man to their party.

Barbaroux, impetuous as he was, did not justify the butchers of Avignon; but detested the victims.