Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/41

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MADAME ROLAND.
33

and seducing sentiment, which is only found in the language of a woman who has a clear head and a feeling heart.”

At the time of Roland’s second ministry, the tide of anarchical revolution had already begun to overflow unhappy France. The rotten barriers of an effete monarchy gave way before the surging waves of that seething sea of infuriated men and women. Those who sprang to guide the helm of the Ship of State in this tempest were one after another washed overboard, and perished. In spite of their upright honesty, their purity of intention, their conscientious earnestness, it was impossible for the Rolands to escape long the fury of the storm.

Filled with horror at the shocking massacres of September, Roland wrote an address of remonstrance to the Assembly on that occasion, which gave great offense to the Robespierrean party, that was already in power. Danton, Robespierre, and Marat were at this time the bitter enemies of the Rolands. Danton especially circulated