great nobleman. You are a mere passer-by, a nobody, a man of the people. A nobleman who kills a Jew pays a fine of four farthings; a man of the people who kills another is hanged.
Gilbert.You would dare—
Fabiani.If you denounce me, I denounce you. I shall be believed rather than you. In any case the chances are unequal. A fine of four farthings for me, the gallows for you.
Gilbert.No witnesses! no proof! Oh! my wits are going astray! The villain is right, he has me in his clutches.
Fabiani.Shall I help you to throw the body into the river?
Gilbert.You are the demon in person!
[Gilbert takes the body by the head, Fabiani by the feet, and they carry it to the parapet.
Fabiani.Even so.—On my word, my dear fellow, I am no longer quite sure which of us did kill this man.
[They disappear behind the parapet.—Fabiani reappears.
'Tis done. Good-night, my friend. Go about your business.
[He walks toward the house; then turns, seeing that Gilbert is following him.
Well, what do you want? Some money for your trouble? In good conscience I owe you nothing; but take this.
[He offers his purse to Gilbert, whose first impulse is to wave it away; but he finally accepts it, as if he had changed his mind.
Now, be off.—Well, what more do you expect?
Gilbert.Nothing.
