verge, the others,
less advanced, likewise turn pale at the lugubrious vision, which is the
inevitable effect of their work and their mandate. Beyond every grave
they dig, they catch a glimpse of the grave already dug for them. There
is nothing left for the gravedigger but to dig mechanically day after
day, and, in the meantime, make what he can out of his place; he can at
least render himself insensible by having "a good time."

IX. Vice.

The development of vice.--Vanity and the need of gambling.--
Collot d'Herbois, Ysabeau, Tallien.--The Robbers.--Tallien,
Javogues, Rovere, Fouche.--Two sources of cruelty.--Need of
demonstrating one's power.--Saint-Just in the Pas-de-Calais
department, and in Alsace.--Collot d'Herbois at Lyons.--
Pressure exercised by the Representatives on the tribunals.
--Pleasure caused by death and suffering.--Monestier, Fouche,
Collot d'Herbois, Lebon and Carrier.

Most of them follow this course, some instinctively and through
lassitude, and others because the display they make adds to their
authority. "Dragged along in Carriages with six horses, surrounded by
guards, seated at sumptuous tables set for thirty persons, eating to
the sound of music along with a Cortege of actors, courtesans and
praetorians,"[32135] they impress the imagination with an idea of their
omnipotence, and people bow all the lower because they make a grand
show.--At Troyes, on the arrival of young Rousselin, cannon are
discharged as if for the entry of a prince. The entire population of
Nevers is called upon to honor the birth of Fouche's child; the civil
and military authorities pay their respects to him, and the National
Guards are under arms.[32136] At Lyons, "The imposing display of Collot
d'Herbois resembles that of the Grand Turk. It requires three successive
applications to obtain an audience; nobody approaches nearer than a
distance of fifteen feet; two sentinels with muskets stand on each
side of him, with their eyes fixed on the petitioners."[32137]--Less
menacing, but not less imposing, is the pomp which surrounds the
representatives at Bordeaux; to approach them, requires "a pass from the
captain of the guards,"[32138] through several squads of sentinels.
One of them, Ysabeau, who, after having guillotined to a considerable
extent, has become almost tractable, allows adulation, and, like a Duc
de Richelieu coming down from Versailles, tries to play the popular