FERDINAND (drawing back). You never saw her? You don't know her? Know nothing at all about her? Louisa is lost to me forever on thy account, and yet in one breath hast thou denied her thrice. Go, wretch, go (he gives him a blow with the pistol, and thrusts him out of the chamber); powder were thrown away on such a miscreant. [Exit MARSHAL. SCENE IV. FERDINAND (after a long silence, during which his countenance declares him to be agitated by some dreadful idea). Forever lost? Yes, false unfortunate, both are lost! Ay, by the Almighty God! if I am lost, thou art so too. Judge of the world, ask her not from me! She is mine. For her sake I renounced the whole world--abandoned all thy glorious creation. Leave me the maid, great Judge of the world! Millions of souls pour out their plaints to thee--turn on them thine eye of compassion, but leave me, Almighty Judge--leave me to myself. (Clasping his hands in agony.) Can the bountiful, the munificent Creator be covetous of one miserable soul, and that soul the worst of his creation? The maiden is mine! Once I was her god, but now I am her devil! (Fixes his eyes with terrible expression.) An eternity passed with her upon the rack of everlasting perdition! Her melting eye-balls riveted on mine! Our blazing locks entwined together! Our shrieks of agony dissolving into one! And then to renew to her my vows of love, and chant unceasingly her broken oaths! God! God! The union is dreadful--and eternal! (As he is about to rush off, the PRESIDENT meets him.) SCENE V. FERDINAND, the PRESIDENT. FERDINAND (starting back). Ha! my father. PRESIDENT. I am glad to meet with you, Ferdinand! I come to bring you some pleasant news--something that will certainly surprise you, my dear son. Shall we be seated? FERDINAND (after gazing upon him for some time with a vacant stare). My father! (Going to him with emotion, and grasping his hand.) My father! (Kissing it, and falling at his feet.) Oh, father! PRESIDENT. What is the matter? Rise, my son. Your hand burns and trembles! FERDINAND (wildly). Forgive my ingratitude, father! I am a lost man! I have misinterpreted your kindness! Your meaning was so truly--truly paternal! Oh! you had a prophetic soul! Now it is too late! Pardon! pardon! Your blessing, my dear father! PRESIDENT (feigning astonishment). Arise, my son! Recollect that your words to me are riddles! FERDINAND. This Louisa, dear father! Oh! You understand mankind! Your anger was so just, so noble, so truly the zeal of a father! had not its very earnestness led you to mistake the way. This Louisa! PRESIDENT. Spare me, dear boy! Curses on my severity! come to entreat your forgiveness---- FERDINAND. Forgiveness from me! Curse me rather. Your disapproval was wisdom! Your severity was heavenly mercy! This Louisa, father---- PRESIDENT. Is a noble, a lovely girl! I recall my too rash suspicions! She has won my entire esteem!