Pauline
The truth, yes, for the dying alone speak it—
The Magistrate
We know then actually nothing about this business.
Pauline (to Gertrude) Do you know why I came to draw you from the abyss which had engulfed you? It is because Ferdinand spoke to me a word which brought me back from the tomb. He has so great a horror of being left with you in life that he follows me, and will follow me to the grave, where we shall rest together, wedded in death.
Gertrude
Ferdinand! Ah, my God! At what a price have I been saved!
The General But unhappy child, wherefore must you die? Am I not, have I ceased for one moment to be a good father? And yet they say that I am culpable.
Ferdinand Yes, General, I alone can give the answer to the riddle, and can explain to you your guilt.
The General
You, Ferdinand, you to whom I offered my daughter, you who loved her—
Ferdinand My name is Ferdinand Comte de Marcandal, son of General Marcandal. Do you understand?
The General Ah! son of a traitor! What could you bring to my home but death and treachery! Defend yourself!
Ferdinand
Would you fight, General, with the dead?