The insurgents rush in, fraternise with the gunners, reach the vestibule, ascend the grand staircase, and summon the Swiss to surrender.[2689]--These show no hostile spirit; many of them, as a mark of good humor, throw packets of cartridges out of the windows; some even go so far as to let themselves be embraced and led away.

The regiment, however, faithful to its orders, will not yield to force.[2690] "We are Swiss," replies the sergeant, Blaser; "the Swiss do not part with their arms but with their lives.

We think that we do not merit such an insult.

If the regiment is no longer wanted, let it be legally discharged.

But we will not leave our post, nor will we let our arms be taken from us." The two bodies of troops remain facing each other on the staircase for three-quarters of an hour, almost intermingled, one silent and the other excited, turbulent, and active, with all the ardor and lack of discipline peculiar to a popular gathering, each insurgent striving apart, and in his own way, to corrupt, intimidate, or constrain the Swiss Guards.