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thing. For how can you be said to be indebted to one who owes even his own life to you. To tell you this, was my errand here.

Balt. (shrinking back, and then recovering himself with proud disdain.) And I, noble Sir, have one simple answer to return to you: I will rather remain in this prison till the hand of death unbolt my door, than owe my enlargement to you. Your treachery and your ostentatious generosity are equally contemptible.

Free. On the word of an honest man, I have had no knowledge of this shameful arrest,

Balt. And on the word of a gentleman, I believe you not.

Free. Will you put this affront upon me?

Balt. (smiling maliciously.) Only if you are obliging enough to bear it. Do entirely as you please. (aside to True. turning away contemptuously from Free.) See how like a sneaking timid reptile he looks. (walks up and down proudly.)

Mrs. B. much alarmed (to Free.) O, leave him! leave him! You must not speak to him now: he knows not what he says.

True. (aside to Free.) Go away for the present, Mr. Freeman, and I will call upon you by and bye. If you are an honest man, you are a noble one.

Free. (impressively.) In simple truth, then, I am an honest man; and I shall be glad to have some discourse with you whenever you are at leisure.(Exit.