Note 288 — Front matter (continued 7)

The Assembly, while exonerating the king, condemned Bouillé and three Guards du Corps who accompanied the king in his flight. It is impossible to refute the logic with which Robespierre opposed this decision. "The measures you propose," he said, "can not but dishonor you. If you adopt them, I demand to declare myself the advocate of all the accused. I will be the defender of the three Guards du Corps, the governess, even of Monsieur de Bouillé. By the principles of your committee, no crime has been committed. Where there is no crime there can be no accomplices. Gentlemen, to visit the weaker culprit when the greater one escapes is cowardice. You must condemn all or acquit all." To this no reply was made. The Assembly voted.