With the monarchy restored despite the growing tide of opposition, Louis’ future, as well as that of the Crown’s, seems even more in doubt. In Parliament, from where the Ringmaster addresses us, the various factions argue over the fate of the Capet dynasty. The moderates (the Girondins) cognizant of the threats from Austria and Germany to support the King with military action, are loath to bring him down. Republican fervor, however, now concentrated in the people’s insurrectionary Commune de Paris, seems irresistible. The National Guard, including the Marseille contingent, arrive in Paris to protect the city should the Austrian army endanger it, and, lending its support to the Commune, demands that Louis be deposed on the spot. Only Swiss guards defend the royal family at the Tuileries Palace. The Priest and the Chorus (the people of the Commune) condemn the moderates in Parliament who eventually fall in line. The battle for the Tuileries Palace commences. Hundreds of people are killed before the palace is taken. The Priest appears to be the only man left standing. The National Assembly, he informs us, now takes the stand of the dead and the dying: the monarchy is finished.
RINGMASTER The Monarchy restored The Crown sits tilted and uneasy now The Girondins, one eye cocked nervous in the East Are loath to bring it down
TROUBLEMAKER But at the gates Beyond the palsied grip of limp and timid politics The Marseillais are girded for the fray With pike and pick and bloodied stick They’ll plant the laurel tree And their song will be a fanfare for the Commune de Paris...