The General
The law? You represent the justice of men, I represent the justice of
God, and am higher than you all! I am at once accuser, tribunal,
sentence and executioner—Come, madame, tell us what you have to say?
Gertrude (at the General's feet)
Forgive me, sir—Yes—I am—
Ramel
Oh, poor wretch!
Gertrude (aside) I cannot say it! Oh! for his honor's sake, may he never know the truth. (Aloud) I am guilty before all the world, but to you I say, and will repeat it to my last breath, I am innocent! And some future day the truth shall speak from out two tombs, the cruel truth, which will show to you that you also are not free from reproach, but from the very blindness of your hate are culpable in all.
The General
I? I? Am I losing my senses? Do you dare to accuse me? (Perceiving
Pauline.) Ah! Ah! My God!
SCENE ELEVENTH
The same persons, and Pauline (supported by Ferdinand).
Pauline They have told me all! This woman is innocent of the crime whereof she is accused. Religion has at last taught me that pardon cannot be obtained on high except by those who leave it behind them here below. I took from Madame the key of her desk, I myself sought the poison. I myself tore off the paper to wrap it up, for I wished to die.
Gertrude
O Pauline! Take my life, take all I love—Oh, doctor, save her!
The Magistrate
Is this the truth, mademoiselle?