Part 1 / Act 5 — SCENE VI10

AN INN AT RENNES [Night. A sleeping-chamber. Two candles are burning near a bed in an alcove, and writing-materials are on the table. The French admiral, VILLENEUVE, partly undressed, is pacing up and down the room.]

VILLENEUVE These hauntings have at last nigh proved to me That this thing must be done. Illustrious foe And teacher, Nelson: blest and over blest In thy outgoing at the noon of strife When glory clasped thee round; while wayward Death Refused my coaxings for the like-timed call! Yet I did press where thickest missiles fell, And both by precept and example showed Where lay the line of duty, patriotism, And honour, in that combat of despair. [He see himself in the glass as he passes.] Unfortunate Villeneuve!—whom fate has marked To suffer for too firm a faithfulness.— An Emperor’s chide is a command to die.— By him accursed, forsaken by my friend, Awhile stern England’s prisoner, then unloosed Like some poor dolt unworth captivity, Time serves me now for ceasing. Why not cease?... When, as Shades whisper in the chasmal night, “Better, far better, no percipience here.”— O happy lack, that I should have no child To come into my hideous heritage, And groan beneath the burden of my name!11

SPIRIT OF THE YEARS I’ll speak. His mood is ripe for such a parle. [Sending a voice into VILLENEUVE’S ear.] Thou dost divine the hour!

VILLENEUVE But those stern Nays, That heretofore were audible to me At each unhappy time I strove to pass?

SPIRIT OF THE YEARS Have been annulled. The Will grants exit freely; Yea, It says “Now.” Therefore make now thy time.

SPIRIT OF THE PITIES May his sad sunken soul merge into nought Meekly and gently as a breeze at eve!

VILLENEUVE From skies above me and the air around Those callings which so long have circled me At last do whisper “Now.” Now it shall be! [He seals a letter, and addresses it to his wife; then takes a dagger from his accoutrements that are hanging alongside, and, lying down upon his back on the bed, stabs himself determinedly in many places, leaving the weapon in the last wound.] Ungrateful master; generous foes; Farewell! [VILLENEUVE dies; and the scene darkens.]