Is there a Heaven? Is there a Hell? Is there a Purgatory?
first child. We haven’t forgotten, father.
the other child. Oh no, father. [They both speak together as if in school.] There is nothing we cannot see; there is nothing we cannot touch.
first child. Foolish people used to think that there was, but you are very learned and you have taught us better.
wise man. You are just as bad as the others, just as bad as the others! Do not run away! Come back to me! [The children begin to cry and run away.] Why are you afraid? I will teach you better—no, I will never teach you again. Go to your mother! no, she will not be able to teach them . . . Help them, O God! . . . The grains are going very quickly. There is very little sand in the uppermost glass. Somebody will come for me in a moment; perhaps he is at the door now! All creatures that have reason doubt. Oh that the grass and the plants could speak! Somebody has said that they would wither if they doubted. Oh speak to me, O grass blades! O fingers of God’s certainty, speak to me! You are millions and you will not speak. I dare not know the moment the messenger will come for me. I will cover the glass. [He covers it with a cloth. Sees the fool, who is sitting
