You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


"THE DEVIL'S ENVOYS" "Translation for KG by rentboy" "And so in this lovely month of May 1485 His Lordship the Devil dispatched to earth two of his creatures to bring despair to humanity... (15th Century French legend)" "There." "Say, my good man..." "Do you think the lord of this domain could welcome two minstrels come from far away to entertain him?" "I believe so." "I'd even say your timing is perfect." "Baron Hugues loves music and we are soon marrying Lady Anne to Sir Renaud." "Since the engagement, one feast has followed another." "And when there are feasts they hardly need our services." "So I fish to pass the time." "Thank you, good man." "Thank you, lovely children." "Thank you for calling me "good man."" "Say what you will, it's still a pleasure to hear." "Come on, frogs." "Little frogs, come on." "Make up your minds." "The executioner scares you?" "Then let yourselves be caught by the "good man."" "My lords." "Kind sirs." "What sadness lies in my heart!" "An animal that was harming no one." "An animal that made everyone in the castle laugh." "He was peacefully crossing the courtyard and the guards killed him with an arrow... just for fun." "This is all I have left of him." "He's dead." "Kind sirs." "My brother." "What shall become of me?" "What misery!" "What's the use, Gilles?" "It still amuses me to do good once in a while." "What's the use, Gilles?" "Those players bore me and make me sleepy" "I hope these will be diverting." "You're very hard to please, Renaud." "That juggler was very amusing." "This man looks very sad." "Father, don't you think he has a sad face?" "Do you want to send him away?" "I wouldn't want to hurt him." "With a face like that, it would be a shame." "Well said, Renaud." "His sunken face makes me hungry." "Stand up and show us what you can do." "Nothing myself, noble lord." "I came to show you three little creatures the likes of which can't be found anywhere." "Few are those who've seen them." "The common people are simple and easily frightened." "Only the great can truly appreciate nature's oddities." "You're too delicate, Anne." "Look at them." "I assure you they're hilarious." "I don't want to." "Look at them." "Just a little bit." "To make me happy." "And then look at me." "You'll find me even more pleasing." "I don't want to look at them." "I feel sad and sorry for them." "Take them away." "I don't want you to be sad." "I arranged these festivities to make you happy." "You think you're beautiful enough to mock others?" "I know I'm not beautiful." "You should still find me pretty, compared to them." "My daughter would now like to hear those lovely things that speak to the heart those beautiful love stories that appeal to simple dreamers." "Is there no one here who can sing?" "Demons and marvels" "Winds and tides" "The sea retires afar" "And you like an alga" "Softly caressed by the wind" "In the sand bed" "Swaying as you dream" "Demons and marvels" "Winds and tides" "The sea retires afar" "But in your eyes ajar" "Two little waves remain" "Demons and marvels" "Winds and tides" "Two little waves" "To cover me." "You sing well, young man." "Who are you?" "My name is Gilles." "And my brother is Dominique." "Sing us another song." "Love's face, tender and dangerous" "Came to me one night After a day too long." "Perhaps it was an archer with a bow" "Or perhaps a player with a harp" "I know not" "I know nothing" "I know only" "He wounded me" "Perhaps with an arrow" "Perhaps with a song" "I know only" "He touched me" "He touched me" "Wounded my heart forever." "Burning, o burning" "Wound of love." "Love, always love, and then more love." "With its little pleas and its great torts." "Once we sang of war, of the hunt of the pleasures of combat, of the kill." "You're harsh, Renaud." "Perhaps I didn't love Baroness Berthe as in the songs." "But I was very fond of her." "Very fond." "My poor wife died." "And the times have changed." "Now everyone speaks of love." "Too much so." "I don't care for it." "You seem well pleased with yourself." "You dare to look a lady in the eye while cooing ridiculous platitudes." "Please, Renaud." "If you were swinging from a rope with a noose around your throat, would you sing as well?" "I don't think so." "Then sing no more if you care to hold on to this pathetic thing you call a life." "You seem preoccupied, Anne." "Are you sad because earlier I spoke too casually of love?" "No, my dear." "I don't hold it against you." "I too danced while Berthe still lived." "My little creatures are sleepy." "Where can I put them to sleep?" "Come, I'll show you the room reserved for the acrobats." " What is on your mind, Anne?" " Nothing, my dear." "Who is on your mind, then?" " Have I ever given you cause to be jealous?" " Happily, no." "I simply wanted to remind you that you will soon be all mine." " Do you hear me?" " I hear you, Renaud." "All your pleasures, desires, and sorrows, should you have any you will owe to me." "Will I at least be allowed to dream?" "As little as possible, for my sake." "Dreams are harmful, useless things." "I never dream." "The moment I saw you I knew why I came from so far" "And I thanked heaven for leading me to you." "The moment I saw you I knew you had come for me." "I knew, oh, I'm so certain, my life was about to change." "Do you regret it?" "No." "Will you regret it?" "Never." " Even if I should suffer." " Those who love don't suffer." "Look at them." "Do they suffer?" "No." "They are wonderfully alone alone with the moon shining on their love." "And these two gazing at the stars" "What are they thinking of?" "Nothing." "Not even of the stars they look upon." "They're together." "In love." "They're happy." "And him, over there, all alone so sad and forlorn" "Surely the one he loved has left him, or perhaps he did." "And so the moon, the stars the birds, these trees nothing exists for him." "He hears nothing, sees nothing." "He's all alone." "His love is gone." "I too would despair if one day I could no longer see you" "Like him." "Guillaume I'Agneau, my page, with little Agnès?" " I didn't know they were in love." " They're not in love." "They're playing." "Playing with love." "Here's the one who truly loves Guillaume I'Agneau." "Louison?" "She's hiding, looking at them." "She wants to cry." "She's ugly, unloved." "Why is she ugly?" "She loves him." "That's not fair." "And that makes me sad too." "I don't want you to be sad tonight." "How pretty she is now." "It's nothing." " The Devil's beauty." " I don't believe in the Devil." "You are lucky." "My name is Anne." "You are the most wonderful creature I have ever met." "I'm happy, Gilles." "I shall never forget you." "Even if I was dreaming now" "I would wish never to awake." " Why do you laugh?" " Isn't this funny?" "You barely know me and already you say you love me." "Time is immaterial." "I love you." "It is what it is." "I love you." "How can I believe it?" "Earlier, you had only hatred and contempt for love." "Earlier..." "was a long time ago." "Now you're near me." "Only that matters." "I am as if in a dream." "Where do you come from?" "Who are you?" "Who I am?" "You said it." "A woman who's here, near you close to you." "Come, Anne." "Renaud... with another woman!" "?" "The moment I saw you I knew why I came from so far" "And I thanked heaven for leading me to you." "But alas, soon I must leave." "I don't want you to leave." "Take this ring, Renaud." "And if we're apart keep it always in memory of me." "You seem preoccupied, Anne." "And you seem distracted, Renaud." "Who gave you this necklace?" "Who gave you this ring?" "What a pitiful figure you cut, Gilles." "Gilles and Dominique, Dominique and Gilles the Devil is kind to his children when they are very obedient." "Remember it, remember it." "What is written is written." "You signed with him." "Gilles and Dominique, Dominique and Gilles who pretended to love." "Remember it, remember it." "You must continue." "It is your destiny to seduce, corrupt and ruin, and to abandon in despair those who listened to you." "The monsters" "Always the monsters" "We won't sleep tonight." "You had intended to sleep?" " You shouldn't laugh, Dominique." " Why not?" "What if I wanted to have some fun?" "What's the harm?" "You didn't often give me reason to laugh..." " back when we lived together." " Be quiet." "Why stir up those dead things?" "Who killed them?" "Did I?" "Did you?" "Or both of us?" "Who killed at birth a new love full of mirth?" "Enough!" "You know very well there was never real love between us." "Perhaps we had lived too much before we knew each other" " ... simulated love too long" " Be quiet." "Why?" "Are you feeling remorse?" "Remorse!" "Too bad." "They say remorse makes the time go by faster." "Having some might make my life easier, don't you think?" "But why would have I any?" "Men have loved me, as they say in their fancy tongue." "I let them." "Is it my fault they would cry and give up everything for me?" "Even their life?" "The young ones were full of ardor." "The old ones dragged at my feet." "Did you see me cry, throw myself at your feet?" "You were different." "Hungry, unbending, proud." "You only wanted to be loved to take everything and give nothing..." " keep everything, and leave." " Like you, Dominique?" "You watched me like a cat watches a mouse." "But the cat finds in front of him another cat." "Not a mouse." "It's not our fault." "We both thought we had found a ripe, new victim." "Two executioners face to face." "No one to torture." " How sad." " Enough!" "If you had truly loved me I might have loved you." "If you had loved me I too might have loved you..." " perhaps..." " Dominique!" "Yes..." "Frighten me... hit me... kill me... cut my throat..." "My dear love." "What's the use of all this?" "What's signed is signed." "Are we not happy?" "Others love us." "They suffer for us." "We watch them." "We leave." "A nice trip." "The Devil pays the way." "Good night, Gilles." "You don't ask where I'm going?" "I know where." "And you, where will you spend the night?" "Obviously." "It would be a shame to disturb her dreams." "Best to speak of love during the day to such fresh creatures." "Baron Hugues!" "Why are you here so late, young man?" "By what right do you knock at my door?" "I don't know." "A sudden impulse." "You mustn't be angry with me even if you can't understand." "Grave dangers threaten me." "I feel so alone, so helpless." "Put your hand on my heart and feel how it beats." "Yes, alas." "I am a woman." "Weakness itself." "Only you know my secret." "The moment I saw you I knew why I came from so far" "And I thanked heaven for leading me to you." "Who are you?" "Where are you from?" "I left everything to escape a dark, hopeless fate." "But..." "I'm still confused." "I need help and advice." "How can I help you?" "I who live inside myself." "In the past." "In my memories." "One should not live in memories." "I try to forget everything." "Alas, my brother is only a brother." "And I feel so alone." "So do I, my child." "My taste for life abandoned me with my wife's death." " How you must have loved her." " Yes." " We loved each other." " Love is a beautiful thing." "It's all so far away." "I'm old now." "You mustn't say that." "Youthfulness of heart is the only youth." "She's in her bed." "She sleeps." "She dreams." "In her dream, she's yours." "You must keep her waiting." "The longer she waits, the more she will love you." "The more she will love you, the more she will suffer." "What do you want of me, Renaud, now that I have confided in you?" "What I want?" "Why such a question?" "What I want..." "You are what I want, all of you." "And you know it." "Such rough language." "I'm sorry to offend you." "I may not know how to speak to women..." "But I always speak my mind." "I said, your language was rough." "But I didn't say I was offended." "So many so-called men think weeping is the way to win a maiden's heart." "And you said you didn't know how to speak to women!" "Listening to you, who could believe you were about to marry?" "Leave my marriage alone." "You're very cruel to remind me." "Is it true the custom here is to prepare the wedding chamber and to leave it open to all comers long before the wedding day?" "It is true." "That is the custom." "Lovely tradition." "I would very much like to see this chamber." "It's truly remarkable." "The room that will host two young lovers destined to each other." "Be quiet." "Everything here radiates peace... happiness..." "Peace... happiness..." "Since I met you it means nothing it no longer means anything peace, happiness." "It's a shame to wake up good Christians so early when they're comfortably in bed." " One is never comfortable alone in bed." " That was up to you, Olivier..." "The castle doesn't want for pretty girls." "Here, have a look." "And my heart is yours..." "Won't we have the joy of seeing Mlle Anne, Baron Hugues?" "I think not." "My daughter cares little for hunting." "You seem distracted." "Did you sleep poorly?" "Alas, I've been a stranger to sleep for a long time now." "I'm sorry for you." "Aren't nights made for sleeping?" "Did you sleep well, Lady?" "I had a wonderful night." "Don't be so glum." "We'll have a great day." "I have an idea." "Why not invite along those two players whose songs pleased you so." "Last night, you didn't seem very fond of them." "I admit when I'm wrong." "Let's take them along." "Agnès..." "Agnès..." "Dress me quickly!" "How good of you to come along." "A most pleasant surprise." "Shouldn't all your pleasures also become mine now?" "I hope you also know some good hunting songs." "We have songs to suit all hours of the day and night, kind sir." "Don't you find, Baron Hugues, that this minstrel has an odd voice?" "He's young." "He laughs like a child." "This hunt is so sad." "I do so like birds." "Have no fear, Anne." "I promise you that none of these birds will be taken today." "Birds are also my friends." "That's odd." "You're calm and fearless in the face of things that surprise others... make them anxious." "Why should I be anxious?" "Isn't life full of unknowable things?" "Birds..." "Fruit..." "An animal..." "The sun..." "The trees in this forest..." "And we, who know not where we come from, or where we're going..." "Isn't it all wonderful?" "This water is so sweet." "Your lips too are sweet." "I love you, Anne." "What's the matter?" "I don't know." "I was so happy... and I suddenly thought of Renaud." "He too said, "I love you, Anne"" "with the same hard expression and the same voice he would say," "I love my dogs, I love to hunt, I love killing anything that flies or runs." "I love you, Anne." "And you're mine forever... forever." "Is it really possible for one being to belong completely to another?" "Some call that, love." "Then..." "love is like death." "One no longer exists." "All is finished." "Why?" "Since you love me, don't make me suffer." "Don't keep me captive." "Let me live." "Love me as I love you... simply." "But that's not possible." "What would your daughter and Sir Renaud say?" "They'll say nothing." "They have nothing to say." "When I speak, people listen and keep quiet." "I demand it..." "I demand that you shed this sad masculine garb." " Right here?" " Don't say that." "Very well, my lord." "I listen and I keep quiet." "Don't laugh, Dominique." "I want everyone to bow before you and be stunned by your beauty when you wear a dress." "To be seen wearing... a dress?" "Is that all you desire?" "Why do you tease a man who has his whole life already behind him?" "Are you then like ivy, bound by your memories?" "Please..." "Are you so unfeeling?" "Do you want to make me unhappy?" "I?" "Make you unhappy?" "When your presence has made me feel twenty years younger?" "It's true, I'm not the same man." " Why hold it against me?" " I hold nothing against you, dear child." "I was looking for you." "I lost track of the hunt." "You too, no doubt." "Obviously, you can't understand, Renaud." "But..." "Dominique is a woman." " Really?" " Really." "She is in grave danger, and has asked for my protection." "Now you and I alone know her secret." "Really?" "Really." "Here are our friends." "I think it's time to rejoin them." "What game are you playing?" " What do you mean?" " He was at your feet, kissing your hands." "Do you think me unworthy of such a tribute?" "Women like attention." "Where's the harm?" "Come on, I'm joking." "Baron Hugues was suspicious." "He questioned me." "I answered." " That's all." " Is that all?" "Are you jealous of an old man?" "Jealous?" "I?" "Now do you believe that one being can belong completely to another... and not be unhappy?" "I am happy." "And you, Gilles?" "Me?" "Why should I be happy?" "Because I'm here, close to you?" "Because I held you in my arms?" "All that..." "It brings me so much happiness." "Happiness." "What a bore." "Really now..." "A single thought in such a lovely head." "A single thought, always the same." "Happiness." "How absurd... sad... monotonous... tedious." " But, Gilles..." " Gilles!" "Gilles what?" "What do you want with Gilles?" "What does "Gilles" mean?" "Do you even know if my name is really Gilles?" "I beg you." " Don't laugh like that." "It's so sad." " Why?" "Would you prefer I dissolve into tears?" "That I wallow at your feet because you love me?" "I love you and I know you love me too." "Listen to this carefully." "Anne, my dear..." "I don't love you." "Be quiet." "This is not possible." " You don't know what you're saying." " Please, don't make such a sad face." "Is it my fault if I've never loved anyone?" " Be quiet." " Come now..." "This isn't worth crying over..." "Just poor stories concocted by the Devil to distract himself." "Trust me..." "No one loves anyone." "Everyone pretends, spies, sets traps." "Happiness, since you believe in it... was perhaps for you to escape these traps." "You're leaving?" "Yes." "If you knew how much I love you... you would have no choice but to love me." "I wanted the truth to be known." "Until now, only Renaud and I knew of this." "A woman!" "?" "Please admit, Baron, that this young singer's voice did strike me as odd." "They are not just minstrels." "They are from a noble family and must be treated accordingly." "Tonight they dine at my table, and tomorrow I shall wear their colors at the tournament." "Well said." "Yes, indeed." "Well said." "An odd story, no?" " You didn't know it?" " No." "The young man didn't tell it to you this afternoon, in the forest?" "This young woman..." "What was she telling you last night, in the garden?" "During the time our guests are here..." "I'm counting on you to make their stay pleasant." "It will be easy since they themselves know how to entertain us." "Come, Renaud..." "Why this bad mood?" "And why, Baron, have you so suddenly found your taste for life?" "Is it possible, Gilles, that Dominique could really be your sister?" "What an innocent question." "Answer me." "If Dominique was my sister... do you think I'd waste my time and leisure traveling the roads with her?" "You love her." "To be perfectly honest..." "It's my only love." "Why take pleasure in my suffering?" "Why?" "I knew you loved me." "Alas..." "We're under a spell." "Once it lifts..." "You will see me as I am..." "pitiful... and alone." "But I love you." "I belong to the Devil." "I'm one of his friends." "If you love me... it is perhaps thanks to him." "Why torture yourself?" "I thought myself lost and alone on earth." "But since I found you..." "I'm even more lost, alone, and hopeless." "You are all the love in the world." "And I can only bring you misfortune and despair." "Take me in your arms." "Tell me again you love me." "Anne, so simple... so young... so fresh and alive..." "Protect me." "Teach me to live." "Before I met you, I always pretended." "My heart was frozen." "My love..." "Be still and happy." "My body is next to yours." "Your heat beats against mine." "One body..." "One heart..." "Nothing can keep us apart." "I love you." "And no one, you hear me..." "No one can stop me from loving you." " What strange weather suddenly." " True." "It was so nice just now." "Why haven't you moved your knight, Renaud?" "Too late." "I've made my move." "What is it?" "A gentleman, lost and surprised by the storm, is requesting shelter for tonight." "Excuse me." "I must go welcome this unexpected visitor." "I am touched by this honor you do me." "Make yourself at home." "I thank you." " You must come from far." " Oh, very far." "I do travel a great deal..." "This storm caught me off guard." "It's not that I fear lightning." "But I was about to get a good soaking." "Which is rather unpleasant." "Oh, the lovely fire!" "I do so like fire." "It likes me too." "See how solicitous the flames are?" "They lick my fingers like a puppy." "That's nice." "Forgive me." "I didn't introduce myself." "Though my name and titles wouldn't mean much to you." "I'm from so far away." "Forgotten in his homeland, unknown elsewhere... thus is the traveler's fate." "I'm truly delighted to find myself in such charming company." " I hope you'll deign to share our meal." " Very gladly." "Did I interrupt your game?" "No matter." "My defeat was a foregone conclusion." "Don't speak." "Checkmate." "You won." "Chess is so simple." "I didn't know your daughter was marrying." "I'm truly sorry to disturb a family gathering." "I hope your fiancée won't mind this interruption." "But Dominique is not my fiancée." "No..." "You make such a lovely couple." "Don't you think so?" "What's surprising is that you look a lot like one of my daughters." "I'm flattered." " You have daughters?" " Yes." "I have many children." "Boys and girls." "I have a preference for the girls." "Especially the one who looks like you." "I prefer girls." "Boys are ungrateful, forgetful of their duties... quick to disobey." "I'm not mean, of course, but I detest..." "I really detest being disobeyed." "We all have our whims." "Tell me, Baron, where is your daughter?" "Won't we see her tonight?" "I'm afraid not." "She retired early, slightly indisposed." " I suspect on a whim." " Already?" "Really?" "But it's so sad to leave her alone in her room... with her whim..." "Pity." "I would be so delighted to meet her." "You who look like my favorite daughter, help me convince them to... go fetch the sweet fiancée." "Please, Baron Hugues, to make me happy..." "What wouldn't I do to make you happy?" "Come, Renaud." "You'll talk to her." "Why are you laughing?" "Why?" "How odd!" "You laugh and you don't know why." "Perhaps you laughed only... because one must laugh a little, from time to time, to feel better." "But surely you also laughed because you have a premonition you are headed towards events that are terribly sad." "Alas, even the best among us rejoice at the misfortune of others." "What can you do?" "It's human." "But you wouldn't have dared to laugh if I hadn't laughed first, would you?" "Don't be surprised I have the gift of clairvoyance." "I only use it to do good." "It's not necessary to look through a keyhole to see, to know what goes on in a man's heart, or a lady's bedroom." "A young lady is to marry one man, but loves another." "A common story." "He meets her in her bedroom, but is discovered there." "How sad." "They're found together." "So what happens?" "The suitor is struck in the face, beaten, and delivered to the guards." "He's pushed down the stairs." "He trips, falls, gets up again only to be beaten down again." "This man shamelessly abused my hospitality." "He shall be punished." " You called, sir?" " This man is a dog." "I want him treated accordingly." "Take him to the kennel and chain him to his fellow beasts." "For now." "How can I ever forgive you for such behavior?" "Take him." "And you, kind sir will you hold the brother's sins against the sister?" "Dominique, my heart is deeply wounded." "I share your pain, dear sir." "Forgive me." "I scarcely know you, but I'm sorry to see you in this state." "Come, let's take a stroll in the garden." "The night air will do you both good." "I don't know, but... that man really scares me." "Yes, I'm pleased you're not holding this young woman responsible for her brother's unfortunate conduct." "That's the sign of a generous soul and of a gallant heart." "She's fortunate to have found here all the affection she deserves, no?" " We love her very much." " Indeed." " She's worthy of all regards." " And even of love, I should say..." "No?" "What a lovely ring you have." "May I?" "I love jewelry." "Such marvelous workmanship." "Do you realize?" "Take a look." "And this initial..." "this "D"... look how finely engraved it is... this "D"." "No?" "Who are you?" "How did you get in here?" "I am the Devil." " Oh, what do I care?" " What?" "Don't you understand?" "I am the Devil." "Yes, the Devil who is everywhere at once." "Everywhere." "For example..." "in the garden..." "So what if I loved Dominique?" "If Dominique loved me, what could you do?" " Nothing, absolutely nothing." " Please, why so violent?" "What's so extraordinary?" "Even as I'm shuttered here am I not also in a forest, near a fountain where the one I love held me in his arms for the first time?" "You speak like a child, because you don't know my powers." "Behold." "You're simply jealous." " Jealous?" " Yes." "It's so obvious." "Dominique, what can I do for you?" "You're always nearby, clinging to her dress, doting on her." "Oh, sure, you smile like a father, but your eyes can't hide your desire." "You, cur!" "The cur is the fool who's begging for love at an age where women have lost interest." "That was ill advised." "Please, gentlemen." "You're not about to kill yourselves here in this garden under your daughter's window." "You're right." " In tomorrow's tournament, let's use..." " Real weapons!" "Good idea." "In case of a fatality, you can always say it was a tragic accident." " That's horrible." " No, no." "Nothing will happen to your father." "I'll make sure of it." "Leave me." "I am not listening to you." "For me, you don't exist." "For you, perhaps." "But what about others...?" "What about Gilles, for example?" "What about this poor, unhappy Gilles?" "Be quiet." "Gilles is no longer unhappy." "Gilles will never again be unhappy since we love each other." "Cheer up, Gilles." "I hear you're not unhappy." "You're trussed up like an animal." "Soon, the executioner will come to pull out your nails, fill you up with water, to sew up your eyelids carefully, to break your bones a bit..." "All that, naturally, without even disturbing your happiness, the shining happiness you owe to love." "It's true." "I am happy." "Poor fool." "You thought you'd get away with this?" "That would be too easy." "Have you forgotten that those you possess even once must be mine forever?" "Do with me as you will." "But Anne belongs to no one." "She's free." "You're powerless against her." "You want to keep her all to yourself?" "Maybe even forever?" "My poor Gilles." "Look where you've ended." "You were such a bright boy." "Here you are, caught in love's deplorable snares." "You should know better." "How about an example?" "They abound around here." "Listen." "Can't you hear Baron Hugues sneaking around corridors?" "Forgive me." "I was passing by." "I was returning to my bedroom after a stroll in the garden." "Beautiful night." "No?" "I couldn't fall asleep." "So I got up." "I was just walking around." "Oh I understand." "I always sleep like a baby." "But I feel sorry for those who struggle to sleep." "Again, forgive me." "But I'm very sleepy." "Good night." "I thank you for not keeping the sad truth from me." "But now I'm deeply worried and I fear losing you." "Believe me, my dear, violent death is a quick and very simple matter." "There's little time to suffer, and even less time to think." "I admire you for speaking of death so lightly." "I'm not speaking of mine." "You know that since I met you" "I have, on the contrary, a furious, passionate wish to live." "To live with you." "With me." "Near me." "Against me." "Forever." "By striking me in the face, Baron Hugues wiped out all the respect I had for him." "Tomorrow, after the fight, the two of us will leave here." "Really?" "You would give up everything to follow me?" "Do you think I'd stay here once the Baron is dead?" "With Anne?" "And why not also with your admirable brother who'd come around at night to mew his love beneath our windows?" "Please don't talk about Gilles." "I'm already worried enough about you... about your life." "Have no fear." "My life will not be in danger." "See how fine this chain mail is." "This coat of mail is from Italy." "You won't find one hereabouts as lovely or as secure." "With that and a little luck" "I'm safe from the fiercest blows." "Avoiding all risks is an unusual way to prove your love." "Don't you see I'm only doing this to reassure you?" "If you'd prefer, I'm ready to fight bare-chested." "I fear neither man nor the Devil... nor death." "Not the Devil, nor death?" "I do so like you... so sure of yourself, so impressive." "Wear this tomorrow under your doublet." "It will remind you of my warm body as you fight to keep it." "My love, my dearest love." "You're beautiful like the day." "I love you madly." "Give me your lips." "Leave me alone." " You are not Gilles." " What?" "No, you aren't Gilles." "You look like Gilles." "You've taken his voice." "But Gilles wouldn't speak as you do." "Let's say you're right." "Who am I then?" "That's not very hard." "You're the one who came yesterday." "The Devil, as you say..." "The Demon, Satan." "Since you don't miss anything..." "It's true." "You are Satan." "You're even too satanic." "But fortunately, some things must be beyond your control." "Beyond my control!" "?" "But, my poor girl, nothing is beyond my control." "No one is beyond my control." "You, no more than others." "You don't know my power." "I can hold the world in these two hands." "Indeed." "Storms, rains, hail, winds, shipwrecks." "It is I." "Sickness, war and its pleasures plague, famine, poverty, murder hate, jealousy" "It is I, always I." "And death..." "It is again I." "Well, I understand why such a life would make you less than cheerful." "Not cheerful, I?" "I who am so easily entertained." "The world's misery, for example." "I find it very amusing." "It warms my heart." "It makes me laugh." "Yes, laugh." "But I hate to laugh alone." "Do you hear me?" "Why do you not answer?" "What are you thinking of, you wretch?" "I'm thinking of a song my nursemaid used to sing to me." "She even said that fairies..." "I hate fairies." "I hate those kinds of stories." "When two lovers' hearts" "Shall beat together" "Enough!" "If I hear you sing this song again, I'll turn you into a stone statue." "Even if you turned me into an old woman or a dead serpent what difference would it make?" "My love would remain alive." "Her love?" "She dares to speak of her love!" "Perfidious creature, you forget that you have committed the sin the cardinal sin." "If it's a sin to give yourself to the one you love..." " I don't regret committing it." " Really?" " You should be ashamed." " Ashamed?" "Why?" "I don't even know what shame is." "Shame..." "It's what one hides." "If you're not ashamed of your love, why not shout it to the rooftops?" "Alert the town?" "Why?" "Why not?" "Hear me!" "I'm shuttered here because they want to stop me from loving the one I love." "I meant no harm to anyone." "But that's how it is." "I love Gilles." "Not only do I love him..." "I have but one wish." "It's to be with him and to share his fate, for better and for worse." "For worse..." "You can count on me for that, my child." "The sin of scandal is the greatest sin." "There is no doubt your child is possessed by the demon." "My poor Anne." "My heart is aching that I treated her so." "But alas, the punishment must be as public as the shame." "Sad and lost children" "We wander in the night." "Where are the day's flowers" "Love's pleasures" "Life's brightness?" "Sad and lost children" "We wander in the night." "The Devil slyly" "Takes us along." "The Devil takes us away" "From our beautiful loves." "Our youth is dead." "And so is our love." "How beautiful." "How beautiful to hear singing of such great sadness." "It... it's very moving." "I really liked that." "Sing again for me." "You don't want to?" "You don't want me to be sad?" "You don't want me to cry?" "You don't want me to become as gentle as a suckling lamb?" "You're wrong." "You're really set against making me happy." "So be it." "But I warn you that I'll return." "Sir Renaud has ordered me to alter your body and your face in such a way" "that no woman will ever want you." "Stop thinking about those things." "Close your eyes as I close mine." "Forget your chains." "Take me to that fountain." "It's so like you to forget your chains to seek refuge in sweet memories." "But alas, I'm here." "I bear no ill will." "Memories are lovely things, but trust me, what's past is past." "What matters is what's happening now." "And surprising things are happening." "See how this water is..." "Clear like a cloudless sky." "What silence!" "The silence of death." "Nice tournament, pretty women, lovely weather, noble lords..." "And your humble servant in person, to the right of Dominique..." "What a spectacle!" "And see how happy everyone is!" " They're fighting to the death, I'm sure." " True." "One of them must die." "But don't be so worried." "Just to please you, I'll leave you the choice." "Come on, quickly, give me a name, a first name..." "Don't answer him, it's useless." "He's already made a choice." "You see?" "It only takes a little blood to trouble the clearest water." "You should get some rest." "You're exhausted." "Renaud..." "Renaud, whom I already considered a son..." "When I think this is the hand that struck him..." "What can you do against a stroke of bad luck?" "This hand, mine, which killed him." "Bells, always bells." "What an odd custom!" "So a man died." "But is that a reason to make so much noise?" "Those bells are exasperating." "And Baron Hugues?" "Poor Baron Hugues..." "Isn't he also exasperating, with his empty phrases, his pain...?" "his remorse, his heavy sighs...?" "Say, Dominique, you should take him away." " Where?" " Well, I don't know where..." "To the devil, as they say." "So that I, or anyone, don't have to see him anymore." "It would be pleasant to spend some time here." "And Anne?" "What do you think of her?" "She's a very seductive creature, isn't she?" "I've never seen anyone like her." "Do you really think she loves Gilles?" "If she loves Gilles, she might be capable of loving another." "Who?" "Would you be jealous of me, my child?" "You've known me since I was small." "You know I'm not able to suffer... not able to feel pain... nor joy... nor pleasure." "Is it really necessary for me to take this old man with me?" "Yes, it's his time." "He's had his day." "He's eaten his bread." "Too bad." "If I had the choice..." "I'd have rather left with the other." "At least, he was young." "You'd be wrong to pay too much attention to these trifles." "They're as old as the world, and just as worn out." "Yes, it would be most pleasant..." "Anne." "Be free of your chains." "Be here, in this garden... on this bench." "What does this mean?" "Truly this is the first time." "Finally." "You've made me wait, my dear child." "You know well I'm not here of my own free will." "Alas." "I'm sorry." "But please have a seat." "Please, don't cry." "It's hard for me to see such a young face darkened by grief." "Leave me be." "My heart is sad..." "so sad." "I wasn't used to misfortune." "Now there is Gilles in jail, with the executioner waiting..." "Renaud who has stopped living, and my father given to despair..." "Can it be you're the cause of all those evils?" "What do you want?" "No one loves me." "I'm forced to pass the time one way or another." "And yet, if you only knew how sensitive I am deep down." "The slightest thing touches me." "When a new happiness is born, when a new love shines... you can't imagine how much I suffer." "I would cry... if I had any tears." "But, I assure you... if someone loved me, it would make things easier." "Life would be simple and beautiful... if you would understand me a little." "Really, poor Gilles can only offer you a meaningless love." "Whereas I..." "You know that's not possible... since it is Gilles I love." "What can Gilles do for you?" " Maybe you think he hears you?" " Yes, he hears me... since I love him." "Have no fear." "I love you." "Don't listen to him!" "He can't do anything to you!" "My love... my life..." "Alas." "I fear my poor brother may have lost his mind." "It's possible." "It seems sometimes that my own mind is slipping away from me." "My guilty love for you pushed me to kill Renaud." "Why these clothes?" "I'm leaving, Sir Hugues." "I too feel guilty." "Yet whatever I might have done wrong was unintentional." "How can you be blamed for being beautiful and desirable?" "You don't know the whole truth." "It was only to please me that Renaud consented to fight without chain mail." "And that's how you were able to strike the fatal blow." "That's horrible." "Why did you do it?" "You ask me why." "I believed Renaud was faster and stronger than you." "I feared the worst." "I was afraid to lose you." "Yes, dear sir." "I did it out of love for you." "You say you love me, yet you want to leave here..." "leave me." "I must go." "My life belongs to you now." "You know I won't let you leave alone." "Where you go, I will go." "Alas, dear sir..." "How could I ask you to abandon everything for me?" "Don't forget your promise, dear sir:" ""Where you go, I will go."" "You will be mine because you love Gilles and it's the only way to save him." "I can if I want... turn him into the world's most miserable, most unhappy creature." "No, you couldn't do such a thing." "Yes, I can!" "I could turn him into something even more horrible and terrifying." " I have a wealth of choices." " I beg you!" "But I can also let him go, having forgotten you." "Free of cares, memories or regrets." "Alive!" "Just like any other man." "He can't forget me." "But everyone forgets." "He will right away." "You, a little later." "I don't want to." "If he forgot me, I'd remain forever alone." "Would you rather be with a monster who remembers you?" "Also, deep down, I'm really not a bad sort." "I can make you happy." "Trust me." "Your slightest wish will be my command." "I wish but one thing." "To return to Gilles in the hole from which he's calling me." " Be quiet!" " I do want to rejoin Gilles." "Can't you hear him calling me?" "She's mocking me." "Yet I love her." "I've been too gentle, too attentive." "That is not the way to please women." "But that's all about to change." "Why so sad, Anne?" "Look at me... and think of me... as if it were the last time." "What do you mean?" "Nothing." "I don't know." "I love you so!" "That's why..." "I fear that one day..." "you'll forget me." "Forget you?" "But Anne, you know I'd sooner forget to live... to breathe." "Am I disturbing you perhaps?" "Excuse me." "I've come to get an answer." "I don't know what he's asked you." "But don't answer him." "Don't fall into his traps." "I believe, dear child, that nothing keeps you here now that your father has left." " My father?" " Yes, don't worry about him." "He left with Dominique." "All's well that ends well." "Of course, there's a slight age difference." "But what does it matter since they love each other?" "Anyway, enough about them." "Let's talk about us... and about him..." "since he still interests you." "Be quiet!" "Leave her be!" "I know my fate is in your hands." "But why does it concern you?" "Since I love her and you can't harm her." "What do you know?" "Come, Anne." "Let's talk seriously." "Gilles wrote this, signed this... with his own hand, in his own blood." "He was wrong to, but he did it." "We can't change that." "Please answer me." "Really?" "If I say yes... he'll be free forever..." "Like fish in water... like birds in the trees." "Don't listen to him!" "Please, Anne, do you agree to follow me?" "Will you try to love me?" "Yes." "Finally!" "What a beautiful sun." "And what a lovely castle." "Why am I locked up?" "You are not locked up." "You are free, completely free on the contrary." "Good, that's much better." "Can you tell me where we are?" "Who owns this castle?" "You perhaps?" "Oh, I don't care." "I don't want to know you." "I don't like the way you smile." "In any case, none of this matters." "I feel like laughing." "I'm alive." "The sun is shining." "Why ask for more?" "How beautiful you are!" "Creatures like this are only found in dreams." "You are the loveliest girl in the world." "But why are you so sad?" "Come away, you don't belong here." " Your daughter?" " No, she is not." "Oh, I see." "I also understand her sadness." "Truly the world is awry." "Youth should live with youth." "Perhaps she loves you after all." "In any case, it's not my concern." "Forgive me." "I've kept my promise." "You are mine now and forever." "No." "What?" "No." "That can't be!" "You promised!" "You swore!" "I lied." "That's not possible." "You don't know how..." "You can't lie!" "Yet I lied." "It's the truth." "Not possible." "Absolutely impossible." "Anne, pure like the day... clear like spring water..." "Anne, the only person in the world I trusted." "Why have you done such a thing?" "How dare you?" "All's fair in love." "To save Gilles, I'd have done much worse." "He's lost to me and I'm alone forever." "And yet... just now... without recognizing me... he found me beautiful and he told me so." "Be quiet!" "If you insist on talking like this, you don't know what I can do with you." "Do with me as you will." "But please, let me return one last time to that fountain, where I was happy." "So be it!" "You?" "Surely, good fortune led me here." " You're alone?" " Yes." "And that old man who was with you isn't here?" "No." "I'm all the happier." "Are you thirsty?" "This water is so sweet." "Your lips too are sweet." "My love." "I knew I couldn't lose you." "Move away from him!" "No." "Nothing can ever keeps us apart." "For the last time, move away from him!" "To stone..." "You hear me?" "To stone you will be turned." "Finally, the silence I love." "The silence of death." "What's this?" "What's that noise?" "It's their heart I'm hearing." "Their heart that beats... that keeps beating and beating... and beating and beating... and beating..."