I should not like to quit Italy for France except to play a part there similar to that which I play here, and the time for that has not yet come--the pear is not ripe." To wait until the pear is ripe, but not to allow anybody else to gather it, is the true motive of his political fealty and of his Jacobin proclamations: "A party in favor of the Bourbons is raising its head; I have no desire to help it along.

One of these days I shall weaken the republican party, but I shall do it for my own advantage and not for that of the old dynasty.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to march with the Republicans," along with the worst, and' the scoundrels about to purge the Five Hundred, the Ancients, and the Directory itself, and then re-establish in France the Reign of Terror .-- In effect, he contributes to the 18th of Fructidor, and, the blow struck, he explains very clearly why he took part in it: "Do not believe[1237] I did it in conformity with the ideas entertained by those with whom I acted.

I did--not want a return of the Bourbons, and especially if brought back by Moreau's army and by Pichegru...
Finally, I will not take the part of Monk, I will not play it, and I will not have others play it....

As for myself, my dear Miot, I declare to you that I can no longer obey; I have tasted command and I cannot give it up.