“You have summoned me,” said the fiend; “Are you determined to be wise? Will you accept my conditions? You know them already. Renounce your claim to salvation, make over to me your soul, and I bear you from this dungeon instantly. Yet is it time. Resolve, or it will be too late. Will you sign the parchment?”

“I must!⁠—Fate urges me! I accept your conditions.”

“Sign the parchment!” replied the daemon in an exulting tone.

The contract and the bloody pen still lay upon the table. Ambrosio drew near it. He prepared to sign his name. A moment’s reflection made him hesitate.

“Hark!” cried the tempter; “They come! Be quick! Sign the parchment, and I bear you from hence this moment.”

In effect, the archers were heard approaching, appointed to lead Ambrosio to the stake. The sound encouraged the monk in his resolution.

“What is the import of this writing?” said he.