There is urgent need that some one should go and talk with them a little, but with firmness.
They meet at Richefeu’s.
They are to be found there between twelve and one o’clock.
Those ashes must be fanned into a glow.
For that errand I had counted on that abstracted Marius, who is a good fellow on the whole, but he no longer comes to us.
I need some one for the Barriere du Maine.
I have no one.”
“What about me?” said Grantaire.
“Here am I.”
“You?”
“I.”
“You indoctrinate republicans! you warm up hearts that have grown cold in the name of principle!”
“Why not?”
“Are you good for anything?”
“I have a vague ambition in that direction,” said Grantaire.
“You do not believe in everything.”
“I believe in you.”
“Grantaire will you do me a service?”
“Anything.
I’ll black your boots.”
“Well, don’t meddle with our affairs.
Sleep yourself sober from your absinthe.”
“You are an ingrate, Enjolras.”
“You the man to go to the Barriere du Maine!
You capable of it!”
“I am capable of descending the Rue de Gres, of crossing the Place Saint-Michel, of sloping through the Rue Monsieur-le-Prince, of taking the Rue de Vaugirard, of passing the Carmelites, of turning into the Rue d’Assas, of reaching the Rue du Cherche-Midi, of leaving behind me the Conseil de Guerre, of pacing the Rue des Vieilles-Tuileries, of striding across the boulevard, of following the Chaussee du Maine, of passing the barrier, and entering Richefeu’s.
I am capable of that.
My shoes are capable of that.”
“Do you know anything of those comrades who meet at Richefeu’s?”
“Not much.
We only address each other as thou.”
“What will you say to them?”
“I will speak to them of Robespierre, pardi!
Of Danton.
Of principles.”
“You?”
“I.
But I don’t receive justice.
When I set about it, I am terrible.
I have read Prudhomme, I know the Social Contract, I know my constitution of the year Two by heart.
‘The liberty of one citizen ends where the liberty of another citizen begins.’
Do you take me for a brute?
I have an old bank-bill of the Republic in my drawer.
The Rights of Man, the sovereignty of the people, sapristi!
I am even a bit of a Hebertist.
I can talk the most superb twaddle for six hours by the clock, watch in hand.”
“Be serious,” said Enjolras.
“I am wild,” replied Grantaire.
Enjolras meditated for a few moments, and made the gesture of a man who has taken a resolution.
“Grantaire,” he said gravely, “I consent to try you.