They cast themselves, on their arrival, into the places which Robespierre, Buzot, Laclos, Danton, and Brissot had marked out for them.
Roland, the friend of all these men, but in the back ground, and concealed in their shadow, had one of those peculiar reputations, the more potent over opinion, as it made but little display: it was spoken of as though an antique virtue, beneath the simple appearance of a rustic: he was the Sieyes of his party.

Beneath his taciturnity his deep thought was assured, and in his mystery the oracle was accredited.

The brilliancy and genius of his wife attracted all eyes towards him: his very mediocrity, the only power that has the virtue of neutralising envy, was of service to him.

As no one feared him, every body thrust him forward--Petion as a cover for himself--Robespierre to undermine him--Brissot to put his own villanous reputation under the shelter of proverbial probity--Buzot, Vergniaud, Louvet, Gensonne, and the Girondists, from respect for his science, and the attraction towards Madame Roland; even the Court, from confidence in his honesty and contempt for his influence.

This man advanced to power without any effort on his own part, borne onwards by the favour of a party, by the _prestige_ which the unknown has over opinion, by the disdain of his opponents and the genius of his wife.
II.
The king had for some time hoped that the wrath of the Revolution would be softened down by its triumph.