THE DYNASTS ACT m
As the body is lowered another -discharge echoes. They glance gloomily at the heights where the French are ranged, and then into the grave.
CHAPLAIN
"We therefore commit his body to the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust."
(Another gun.)
A spent ball falls not far off. They put out their lanterns. Continued firing, some shot splashing into the harbour below them.
HOPE
In mercy to the living, who are thrust Upon our care for their deliverance, And run much hazard till they are embarked, We must abridge these duties to the dead, Who will not mind be they abridged or no.
HARDINGE And could he mind, would be the man to bid it. ...
HOPE
We shall do well, then, curtly to conclude These mutilated prayers—our hurried best!— And what's left unsaid, feel.
CHAPLAIN (his words broken by the cannonade)
" . . . . We give Thee hearty thanks for that it hath pleased Thee to deliver this our brother out of *he miseries of this sinful world. , . . Who also hath taught us not to be sorry, as men without hope, for them that sleep in Him. . . . Grant this, through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeemer."
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS Amen!
The diggers of the Ninth hastily fill in the grave, and the scene shuts as the mournful figures retire.
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