The Dynasts : Parts First And Second

THE DYNASTS ACT v
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.1'— O happy lack, that I should have no child To come into my hideous heritage, And groan beneath the burden of my name !*
SPIRIT OF THE YEARS Fit 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 !
1 "Quel bonheur que je n'aie aucun enfant pour recueillir mon horrible heritage e quj sort charge* du poids de mon nom ! "-(Extract from the poignant letter to Ins wife wntten on this night.-See Lanfrey Hi. 374.) poignant
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