Fontanares
You shall help me, whether you would or not.
Mathieu Magis I will not! I want my capital! And would think nothing of seizing and selling all this iron work.
Fontanares You compel me to meet trick with trick. I was proceeding with my work honestly! Now, if necessary, following your example, I shall leave the straight path. I shall be of course accused, as if perfection could be expected of me. But I do not mind calumny. But to have this cup to drink is too much. You made a senseless contract with me, you now shall sign another, or you will see me dash my work to fragments, and keep my secret buried here. (He strikes his hand on his heart.)
Mathieu Magis Ah! senor, you will not do that. That would be theft, a piece of rascality of which a great man is incapable.
Fontanares You seize upon my integrity as a weapon by which you would insure the success of monstrous injustice.
Mathieu Magis Listen, I wish to have nothing to do with this matter, and if you will come to an understanding with Don Ramon, a most excellent man, I will yield all my rights to him.
Fontanares
Don Ramon?
Quinola
Yes, the philosopher whom all Barcelona sets up in opposition to you.
Fontanares After all, I have solved the last problem, and glory and fortune will attend the future current of my life.
Quinola Your words seem to indicate that there is still a part to be supplied in the machinery.