Act Two Summary

Scene One

The setting is a room. Danton, Lacroix, Philippeau, Paris and Camille are present.

Danton speaks about his potential death. Lacroix tells him that he must inspire the people. If he hesitates, he will drag all his friends down with him. But Danton feels that his fate is set - he is like a martyred saint, a dead relic. He has grown tired of all the effort he has expended without seeing results. It is Robespierre who has emerged as the leader of the Revolution. But Danton would rather be guillotined than guillotine. Danton has tried but has failed. They have proven to be pitiful alchemists.

Camille pleads with him. How long can the people continue the fight and kill each other? Philippeau asks whether France will be left with just executioners. But Danton responds that everyone must die -...