FRANCIS (starts up, losing all command of himself). Ha! Devil! Deceitful impostor! (Striking his forehead.) To think that I should stake my fortune on the caprice of an idiot! That was madness! (Throws himself, in great excitement, on a couch.) HERMANN (whistles through his fingers). Wheugh! the biter bit!-- FRANCIS (biting his lip). But it is true, and ever will be true--that there is no thread so feebly spun, or which snaps asunder so readily, as that which weaves the bands of guilt!-- HERMANN. Gently! Gently! Are angels, then, superseded, that devils turn moralists? FRANCIS (starts up abruptly; to HERMANN with a malignant laugh). And certain persons will no doubt acquire much honor by making the discovery? HERMANN (clapping his hands). Masterly! Inimitable! You play your part to admiration! First you lure the credulous fool into the slough, and then chuckle at the success of your malice, and cry "Woe be to you sinner!" (Laughing and clenching his teeth.) Oh, how cleverly these imps off the devil manoeuvre. But, count (clapping him on the shoulder) you have not yet got your lesson quite perfect--by Heavens! You first learn what the losing gamester will hazard. Set fire to the powder-magazine, says the pirate, and blow all to hell--both friend and foe! FRANCIS (runs to the wall, and takes down a pistol). Here is treason! I must be resolute-- HERMANN (draws a pistol as quickly from his pocket, and presents it at him). Don't trouble yourself--one must be prepared for everything with you. FRANCIS (lets the pistol fall, and throws himself on the sofa in great confusion). Only keep my council till--till I have collected my thoughts. HERMANN. I suppose till you have hired a dozen assassins to silence my tongue forever! Is it not so! But (in his ear) the secret is committed to paper, which my heirs will publish. [Exit.] SCENE IX. FRANCIS, solus.