Citizens, you are well aware that, to dispel the errors with which Roland has enveloped the entire Republic, the Society has resolved to print and distribute Robespierre’s speech. We have regarded it as an eternal lesson for the French people [1], as a sure way to unmask the Brissotin faction and to open the eyes of the French to the virtues of the minority seated on the Mountain that have been too long unknown. I remind you that a subscription office is open at the secretariat. It is enough for me to indicate this to stimulate your patriotic zeal, and, by emulating the patriots who have each contributed fifty ecus [2] to print Robespierre’s excellent speech, you will have well earned the gratitude of the nation.
Translator’s Notes
[1] The gushing is adorable
[2] In today’s terms, fifty ecus translates to approximately 1900 euros. This was no small amount, particularly in light of the country’s economic climate at the time.
