Well. Away! for--for--I am seized with a tremor at the mere idea that an oath does not shake your frame to its centre. What, will you stretch out your hand against the judgments of God? Methinks I see the very sparks of hell before my eyes; methinks I see an infernal fiend between you and me, writhing, hissing, and sneering; methinks I see him anxious to seize on your poor soul, as his prey for ever. I am ill; do good for once, and permit me to go home and throw myself on my bed. (Going.)
Reiss. Stay.
Well. I cannot.
Reiss. But, as the advocate of the children, you ought to hear my proposition.
Well. Then propose, briefly and fairly.
Reiss. Sit down.
Well. I must sit down; for the idea of your perjury has enfeebled me so, that I cannot move. (Sits down.) Propose to the honour of your Creator and the salvation of your soul, that I may recover my strength.
Reiss. Not as an obligation, but, through mere motives of pity and christian charity, I will give the children half of the legacy. What do you say to that?
Well. Half a virtue is no virtue at all; yet it is better than vice.
Reiss. Well?