DIDIER (solemnly, after a pause).
At this portentous hour we must reflect
Upon the fate awaiting us. Our years
Are equal, though I'm older far than you.
It is but just, therefore, that mine should be
The voice to cheer and to exhort you, since
I am the cause of all your misery.
'Twas I who challenged you. You were content
And happy: 'twas enough for me to pass
Across your life to ruin it. My fate
Pressed down upon yours 'til it crushed it. Now,
Together, we are soon to face the tomb.
We'll take each other's hand—
[Sound of hammering.
SAVERNY.
What is that noise?
DIDIER.
It is our scaffold which they're building, or
Our coffins they are nailing.
[Saverny sits on the stone bench.
[A bell strikes.
[Another bell.