Act III. Revolutionary Tribunal. The crowd sings the "Carmagnole.

_Chénier_ has been captured. _Gérard_ writes the indictment for his rival. _Madeleine_ pleads for her lover, finally promising to give herself to _Gérard_ if _Chénier_ is spared. _Gérard_, moved by the girl's love, agrees to save _Chénier_ if he can. At the trial he declares that the indictment against _Chénier_ is false. But the mob, thirsting for more blood, demands the poet's death.