Well. The fiend may yet lose his hold.
Reiss. Drink a glass.
Well. I almost stand in want of it, for I do not feel well on your account. (Drinks off the glass of wine.)
Reiss. What am I about! I have, in the warmth of conversation, left the bottle uncorked, and the spirit of the liquor, intended to honour you, will evaporate. No matter; (takes the bottle to himself, and substitutes the other, out of which he immediately fills him a glass,) here is fresh wine.
Well. (puts down the glass.) I will drink no more.
Reiss. But, when we have done and agreed, in token of reconciliation--
Well. My first and last words are, give up the whole of the bequest, or take the oath!
Reiss. Ay! what is all that!--(Fills a glass for himself out of the bottle which he had removed from Wellenberg's side.) A glass of wine will warm you. Come, touch here! (Offers to touch glasses with him.)
Well. No! the inclinations which wine inspires are false. Good inclinations ought to come from the heart instead of the bottle.
Reiss. Shall I tell you what carries me so far? It is your honest character, and my respect for you; and, as my daughter is a good-for-nothing hussy, I will, in the name of God, provided they let me alone while I live, I will, after my death, bequeath the remainder of the bequest to the children by a formal testament, which I wish you to draw up immediately. That is, upon my word, more than fair! Come, touch glasses upon that, and then we have done. (Touches glasses with him, and drinks it off.)