Page:The robbers - a tragedy (IA robberstragedy00schiiala).pdf/224

(To Herman, in a transport of rage.) Wretch! that I could spit my poisonous foam in torrents on that face!—This is gall! (Gnawing his chains, and weeping from rage.)

(With great dignity.) I stand commissioned here as minister of heaven's Almighty King, the Judge of right and wrong;—and from your mouths I shall announce a doom, which the most pure and upright court on earth would sanction and approve.—The guilty are assembled here as judges, and I of all most guilty am their chief.—He, who on scrutiny of his own conscience, and strict review of all his past offences, does not appear pure as the innocent child, and spotless when compared with this enormous and most horrible wretch, let him withdraw from this assembly, and break his poniard as a token! (All the Robbers throw away their poniards, without breaking them, and remain in the same posture.) Now, Moor, be proud indeed! for thou hast this day changed the scarlet sinners to the spotless angels.—There's still a poniard wanting. (He draws his poniard, and