During two whole years you have demanded arms, and yet have them not.

What do I say?
You have been refused even uniforms, and condemned to wander from department to department, objects of contempt to the minister, and of derision to the patricians, who receive you only to enjoy the spectacle of your distress.

No matter; come, we will combat naked like the American savages.
"But shall we await the orders of the war office to destroy thrones?
Shall we await the signal of the court?
Shall we be commanded by these patricians, these eternal favourites of despotism, in this war against aristocrats and kings?
No--let us march forward alone; let us be our own leaders.

But see, the orators of war stop me! Here is Monsieur Brissot, who tells me that Monsieur le Comte de Narbonne must conduct this affair; that we must march under the orders of Monsieur le Marquis de La Fayette; that the executive power alone possesses the right of leading the nation to victory and freedom.

Ah, citizens, this word has dispelled all the charm! Adieu, victory and the independence of the people; if the sceptres of Europe ever be broken, it will not be by such hands.