MAR. (with comic terror)
Intend you to read it?
Twill chill us!
RUD. No. The paper in flame shall be burning,
The soul to its heaven returning. (with tragic emphasis)
Great loss! but the world yet must bear it,
When Rome is in peril!
MAR. Great soul!
RUD. (_giving MARCEL a portion of the MS._)
Here, take the first act.
MAR. Well?
RUD. Tear it.
MAR. And light it.
(RUDOLPH strikes a flint on steel, lights a candle, and goes to the stove with MARCEL; together they set fire to a part of the MS. thrown into the fireplace; then both draw up their chairs and sit down, delightedly warming themselves.)
RUD. How joyous the rays!
MAR. How cheerful the blaze!