The chiefs in whom they reposed confidence were there: the tribune was occupied by a member who was denouncing to the meeting a citizen for having made a remark injurious to Robespierre; the accused was justifying himself, and they drove him tumultuously from the chamber.

At this moment Robespierre appeared, and begged them to pardon the citizen who had insulted him.

His generous intercession was hailed with applause, and enthusiasm for Robespierre was at its height.
"Sacred vaults of the Jacobins," were the words of an address from the departments; "you guarantee to us Robespierre and Danton, these two oracles of patriotism." Laclos proposed a petition to be sent into the departments, and covered with ten millions of signatures.

A member opposes this proposition, from love of order and peace.

Danton rises,--"And I, too, love peace, but not the peace of slavery.