 Steady, children, steady. Oh, you have hearts of stone. Believe me, you look upon a wretch who has suffered almost more than any mortal can bear. What wrong have I ever done you that you should side with my enemies to keep me in such miseries? And the minutes are slipping past. Now you can save me. When this hour has passed, I shall be witless again, the toy and lapdog, nay, more likely the pawn and tool of the most devilish sorceress that ever planned the woe of men.