No More Learning

Ulric, good morrow!
[_Exit_ STRALENHEIM, IDENSTEIN, _and Attendants_.

_Gab. _ (_following_). I'll after him and----

_Ulr. _ (_stopping him_). Not a step.

_Gab. _ Who shall
Oppose me?

_Ulr. _ Your own reason, with a moment's
Thought.

_Gab. _ Must I bear this?

_Ulr. _ Pshaw!
we all must bear
The arrogance of something higher than
Ourselves--the highest cannot temper Satan,
Nor the lowest his vicegerents upon earth.
I've seen you brave the elements, and bear
Things which had made this silkworm[184] cast his skin--
And shrink you from a few sharp sneers and words? 280

_Gab. _ Must I bear to be deemed a thief? If 'twere
A bandit of the woods, I could have borne it--
There's something daring in it:--but to steal
The moneys of a slumbering man! --

_Ulr. _ It seems, then,
You are _not_ guilty.

_Gab. _ Do I hear aright?
_You_ too!

_Ulr. _ I merely asked a simple question.

_Gab. _ If the judge asked me, I would answer "No"--
To you I answer _thus_. [_He draws_.

_Ulr.