Act Three Summary

Scene One

The scene is set at the Luxembourg in a room containing prisoners. Chaumette, Paine, Herault de Sechelles, Mercier and other prisoners are present. Paine says there is no God. The others join in the discussion about creation and about the existence of God. Paine thinks that if God does not create anything that is perfect, then he should not create anything at all. One can only prove the existence of God, Paine says, if he denies that the world is imperfect.

Danton, Lacroix, Camille and Philippeau are led into the cell. Herault rushes to Danton. Danton tries to calm Herault who is very upset with their predicament. Lacroix cannot believe how quickly they were arrested. Herault says that at least they won't have old leathery skin. Philippeau compares himself to a priest who prayed with the dying then caught...