_Well._ For myself I demand nothing. But what does your conscience demand, wicked man? Is it silent? (With warmth;) Then, then I must do what I ought to do. _Reiss._ Well, then, I will give up the legacy at once. _Well._ Further-- _Reiss._ What can I do more? _Well._ Resign your office, that the corroding canker may be removed from the breast of my country. _Reiss._ But-- _Well._ God and man demand that I should utter this language. _Reiss._ I will, I will. _Well._ Consent to the Privy Counsellor's marriage, and do not disinherit your virtuous daughter. All these points must be reduced to writing, and signed by you this very day; then I will remain silent, and spare you, that mercy in turn may be shewn to me. _Reiss._ I will. Let the seal of silence be placed for ever on your lips. _Well._ Forever! _Reiss._ Give me your word and hand. _Well._ My word is sufficient. (Puts the bottle in his pocket.) If you accomplish the conditions, this affair shall be buried in eternal oblivion. _Reiss._ All shall be done this very day. _Well._ Now go, and inform the people of all the blessings you intend to shower on them. _Reiss._ I will grant them every thing, but I cannot tell them the happy effects of our conversation. _Well._ It must be so to save appearances. _Reiss._ You are right! (Takes a ring from his finger.) Accept this, it is of the first water, worth two hundred Louis d'ors. _Well._ The tears of joy that your virtuous daughter will shed are the purest christian water, and sparkle better. Those I will accept, and thank God for the tribulations, for by this he has enabled me to purchase what is good. Now go. I wish you to die well and soon. Thus I discharge the sinner from his terrors and my hands, and recommend him to the hand of the Father of all.--(Reissman slaps his forehead, and exit.)--I think I have done well; at least, I do not know how I could have done better. He has stood before the executioner; if that do not shake and convert him, his good angel will veil his face and fly from him, and then he will soon be hurled whither I would not wish. SCENE XII. Enter Master CLARENBACH. _Clar._ Old friend, you have performed wonders! _Well._ Not I, not I, (looking up to heaven,) but another. _Clar._ He restores the legacy to the poor orphans; he consents to my son's marriage. _Well._ Even so, he has done no more than the duty of a Christian. _Clar._ He does not disinherit his daughter; he gives the children their inheritance. SCENE XIII. Enter Privy Counsellor CLARENBACH, SOPHIA, FREDERICA, and GERNAU. _P. Coun._ Matchless man! _Soph._ Eternal, eternal gratitude! _Well._ (Puts his hands in his pockets.) Spare my weak hands; my heart is sound!-- _P. Coun._ How was it possible, how did it happen? _Gern._ Tell us. _Fred._ I cannot conceive it. _Well._ That--