P. Coun. You are undone.
Reiss. Who says so?
P. Coun. God forbid you should take the oath.
Reiss. Instead of standing there by the side of that insect of the law, like a scholar that has received a wrap over his knuckles, you ought to have thundered him down with the voice of a judge, with influence and authority.
P. Coun. But I knew nothing of those shocking circumstances before.
Reiss. Hem! As if there was any difference between persuading a foolish woman to make a will, or getting a fellow that is half mad to draw it up. The former, however, you have supposed to be the case, and yet your morality sustained no shock.
P. Coun. But the oath?--
Reiss. Your pretended delicacy of conscience revolts at it; the mere cowardice of a boy. Who are you, that now takes the part of conscience against me? Are you a better man than I?
P. Coun. Whose work is it?
Reiss. You are a greater coward, but not the better man. Do not presume to raise yourself an inch above me. You have sold both right and bread.