The Republic is six months old, and it's flying apart. It has no cohesive force-only a monarchy has that. Surely you can see? We need the monarchy to pull the country together- then we can win the war."
Danton shook his head.
"Winners make money," Dumouriez said. "I thought you went where the pickings were richest?"
"I shall maintain the Republic," Danton said.
"Why?"
"Because it is the only honest thing there is."
"Honest? With your people in it?"
"It may be that all its parts are corrupted, vicious, but take it altogether, yes, the Republic is an honest endeavor. Yes, it has me, it has Fabre, it has Hebert-but it also has Camille. Camille would have died for it in '89."
"In '89, Camille had no stake in life. Ask him now-now he's got money and power, now he's famous. Ask him now if he's willing to die."
"It has Robespierre."
"Oh yes-Robespierre would die to get away from the carpenter's daughter, I don't doubt.
Danton shook his head.
"Winners make money," Dumouriez said. "I thought you went where the pickings were richest?"
"I shall maintain the Republic," Danton said.
"Why?"
"Because it is the only honest thing there is."
"Honest? With your people in it?"
"It may be that all its parts are corrupted, vicious, but take it altogether, yes, the Republic is an honest endeavor. Yes, it has me, it has Fabre, it has Hebert-but it also has Camille. Camille would have died for it in '89."
"In '89, Camille had no stake in life. Ask him now-now he's got money and power, now he's famous. Ask him now if he's willing to die."
"It has Robespierre."
"Oh yes-Robespierre would die to get away from the carpenter's daughter, I don't doubt.
( Hilary Mantel )
[ A Place of Greater Safety ]
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