[The light retreats reluctantly.
THE DEVIL (to the light)
Disobey me once when you become a controller of money-markets, and—out you go! More: I may leave you to linger around in air until somebody else wears your body out.
[The light trembles.
THE DEVIL
It is nearly time. Remember what I say. Else better stay as you are for a short time—than for a lifetime! You are only the instrument. I the player.
[The light wags. The radiance flickers above Magnus’s head. A second light rises slowly to ceiling.
THE DEVIL (excitedly)
Now, Dutchman, get ready! Go!
[The light darts at Magnus’s head. At the same moment the storm breaks with fury. Great splotches of rain are thrown at the window-panes. The house rocks. The light (Schwartzenhopfel) sinks out of sight above Magnus’s head. The figure of Magnus is left in darkness, the only light in the room being the suspended one (Magnus), hanging from the ceiling like a hypnotized bee, and that from the cigar-lighter which falls on the face of the Devil.2