| 248 | 249 | 250 | 251 | 252 |
| 1 | 171 | 343 | 514 | 685 |
|
two hundred years ago the Prince de Condé, ready to give battle in this
very Faubourg St. Antoine, where we now are, asked an officer who was
accompanying him, 'Have you ever seen a battle lost?'--'No, sire.'
'
Well, then, you will see one now.'--Madier, I tell you to-day,--you
will speedily see a barricade taken."
In the meanwhile those who were armed had assumed their places for the
conflict behind the barricade.
The critical moment drew nigh.
"Citizens," cried Schoelcher, "do not fire a shot. When the Army and the
Faubourgs fight, the blood of the People is shed on both sides. Let us
speak to the soldiers first."
He mounted on one of the baskets which heightened the barricade. The
other Representatives arranged themselves near him on the omnibus.
Malardier and Dulac were on his right. Dulac said to him, "You scarcely
know me, Citizen Schoelcher, but I love you. Let me have the charge of
remaining by your side. I only belong to the second rank in the
Assembly, but I want to be in the first rank of the battle."
At this moment some men in blouses, those whom the Second of December
had enlisted, appeared at the corner of the Rue Ste. Marguerite, close
to the barricade, and shouted, "Down with the 'Twenty-five francs!'"
Baudin who had already selected his post for the combat, and who was
standing on the barricade, looked fixedly at these men, and said to
250
Page
Quick Jump
|