The press and the clubs themselves applauded him, for the general eagerness for war swept away all before it, even the resentments of faction.
One man alone of the Jacobins resisted the influence of this enthusiasm: this man was Robespierre.

Up to this time Robespierre had been merely a discusser of ideas, a subaltern agitator, indefatigable and intrepid, but eclipsed by other and greater names.

From this day he became a statesman; he felt his own mental strength; he based this strength on a principle, and alone and unaided ventured to cope with the truth.

He devoted himself without regarding even the number of his adversaries, and by exercising he doubled his force.
All the cabinets of the princes threatened by the Revolution still debated the question of peace or war.

It was discussed alike in the councils of Louis XVI., in the meetings of parties in the Assembly, at the Jacobins, and in the public journals.