A, workman with a brush so potent that the noblest born do honour to
his art. What would have been our fate but for his devotion?


DUKE.

He's a plebeian--a Republican! The sense of my obligation to him--the
enemy of my race--is almost unendurable. Ah, but for you I should long
since have braved the scaffold and buried humiliation in the grave.


NANETTE.

[_Hurrying in_.]

Take care!--A committee from the Section is on its way upstairs.


DIANE.

[_In fear_.]

A committee coming here? How strange!


NANETTE.

No, not strange! Treachery is at every door. They are coming.
Quick!--To your work!