Ernst and Falk: Dialogues for Freemasons, Continuation

Indeed, I can only express myself here in a dilemma: Either, or —

That is fine too! If one only knows at least that between two propositions Sätzen; here referring to the two parts of a logical argument, one is true: Well! Either these *** original: "<em></em>*" — A recurring shorthand in this text for the "Strict Observance," a Masonic branch that claimed to be the successors of the medieval Knights Templar. would be —

Ernst! Before you utter another mockery Spötterey; derision or cynical jesting in full! On my conscience! — These — these very people are either certainly on the right path, or so far removed from it that not even the hope remains for them to ever reach it.

I must simply sit and listen to this. For to ask you for a more detailed explanation —