I am very sorry.

_Well._ Something handsome. You must do every thing for the sake of the
children and your own soul.

_Reiss._ What do you mean by that?

_Well._ You must give up the whole.

_Reiss._ You are not in earnest?

_Well._ Do you never expect to be called to an account for your actions
in this world?

_Reiss._ The doctor's insanity has infected you.

_Well._ But the solemn oath, which I mean to have administered to you
in a public court of justice, will open doors that you little expect.

_Reiss._ I can take it! the--(Wellenberg rises.)--Where are you going?

_Well._ Away! for--for--I am seized with a tremor at the mere idea that
an oath does not shake your frame to its centre. What, will you stretch
out your hand against the judgments of God? Methinks I see the very
sparks of hell before my eyes; methinks I see an infernal fiend between
you and me, writhing, hissing, and sneering; methinks I see him anxious
to seize on your poor soul, as his prey for ever. I am ill; do good for
once, and permit me to go home and throw myself on my bed. (Going.)

_Reiss._ Stay.

_Well._ I cannot.

_Reiss._ But, as the advocate of the children, you ought to hear my
proposition.

_Well._ Then propose, briefly and fairly.

_Reiss._ Sit down.

_Well._ I must sit down; for the idea of your perjury has enfeebled me
so, that I cannot move. (Sits down.) Propose to the honour of your
Creator and the salvation of your soul, that I may recover my strength.

_Reiss._ Not as an obligation, but, through mere motives of pity and
christian charity, I will give the children half of the legacy. What do
you say to that?

_Well._ Half a virtue is no virtue at all; yet it is better than vice.

_Reiss._ Well?

_Well._ The fiend may yet lose his hold.

_Reiss._ Drink a glass.

_Well._ I almost stand in want of it, for I do not feel well on your
account. (Drinks off the glass of wine.)

_Reiss._ What am I about! I have, in the warmth of conversation, left
the bottle uncorked, and the spirit of the liquor, intended to honour
you, will evaporate. No matter; (takes the bottle to himself, and
substitutes the other, out of which he immediately fills him a glass,)
here is fresh wine.

_Well._ (puts down the glass.) I will drink no more.

_Reiss._ But, when we have done and agreed, in token of
reconciliation--

_Well._ My first and last words are, give up the whole of the bequest,
or take the oath!

_Reiss._ Ay! what is