CHAPTER VI. From the 20th of September, 1792, to the 21st of January, 1793

FROM THE 20TH OF SEPTEMBER, 1792, TO THE 21ST OF JANUARY, 1793

First measures of the Convention--Its composition--Rivalry of the Gironde and of the Mountain--Strength and views of the two parties--Robespierre: the Girondists accuse him of aspiring to the dictatorship--Marat--Fresh accusation of Robespierre by Louvet; Robespierre's defence; the Convention passes to the order of the day--The Mountain, victorious in this struggle, demand the trial of Louis XVI.--Opinions of parties on this subject--The Convention decides that Louis XVI. shall be tried, and by itself--Louis XVI. at the Temple; his replies before the Convention; his defence; his condemnation; courage and serenity of his last moments--What he was, and what he was not, as a king.