_Well._ (takes a sip.) In the name of goodness.-- _Reiss._ I have resolved to do something for all that for the children, for whom 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 all that!--(Fills a glass for himself out of the bottle which he had removed from Wellenberg's side.) A glass of wine will warm you. Come, touch here! (Offers to touch glasses with him.) _Well._ No! the inclinations which wine inspires are false. Good inclinations ought to come from the heart instead of the bottle.