over the STRANGER and whispers in his ear.) There were seven deadly
sins; but now there are eight. The eighth I discovered! It's called
despair. For to despair of what is good, and not to hope for
forgiveness, is to call ... (He hesitates before pronouncing the
word God, as if it burnt his lips.) God wicked. That is calumny,
denial, blasphemy. ... Look how he winces!

STRANGER (rising quickly, and looking the TEMPTER to the eyes). Who
are you?

TEMPTER. Your brother. Don't we resemble one another? Some of your
features seem to remind me of my portrait.

STRANGER. Where have I seen it?

TEMPTER. Almost everywhere! I'm often to be found in churches,
though not amongst the saints.

STRANGER. I can't remember. ...

TEMPTER. Is it so long since you've been to church? I'm usually
represented with St. George. (The STRANGER totters and would like
to fly, but cannot.) Michael and I are sometimes to be seen in a
group, in which, to be sure, I don't appear in the most favourable
light; but that can be altered. All can be altered; and one day the
last shall be first. It's just the same in your case. For the
moment, things are going badly with you, but that can be altered
too ... if you've enough intelligence to change your company.
You've had too much to do with skirts, my son. Skirts raise dust,
and dust lies on eyes and breast. ... Come and sit down. We'll have