During the daemon’s speech, Ambrosio had been stupefied by terror and surprise. This last declaration roused him.

“Not quit these mountains alive?” he exclaimed: “Perfidious, what mean you? Have you forgotten our contract?”

The fiend answered by a malicious laugh:

“Our contract? Have I not performed my part? What more did I promise than to save you from your prison? Have I not done so? Are you not safe from the inquisition⁠—safe from all but from me? Fool that you were to confide yourself to a devil! Why did you not stipulate for life, and power, and pleasure? Then all would have been granted: now, your reflections come too late. Miscreant, prepare for death; you have not many hours to live!”

On hearing this sentence, dreadful were the feelings of the devoted wretch! He sank upon his knees, and raised his hands towards heaven. The fiend read his intention and prevented it⁠—