The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 33

'Twas not worth while!--He was, no doubt, a man Who in simplicity and sheer good faith Strove but to serve his country. Rest be to him!

And may his wife, his friends, his little ones, If such be had, be tided through their loss, And soothed amid the sorrow brought by me.

[HARDY re-enters.]

Who's that? Ah--here you come! How, Hardy, now?

HARDY

The Spanish Admiral's rumoured to be wounded, We know not with what truth. But, be as 'twill, He sheers away with all he could call round, And some few frigates, straight to Cadiz port.

[A violent explosion is heard above the confused noises on deck.

A midshipman goes above and returns.]

MIDSHIPMAN [in the background]

It is the enemy's first-rate, the "Achille,"

Blown to a thousand atoms!--While on fire, Before she burst, the captain's woman there, Desperate for life, climbed from the gunroom port Upon the rudder-chains; stripped herself stark, And swam for the Pickle's boat. Our men in charge, Seeing her great b.r.e.a.s.t.s bulging on the brine, Sang out, "A mermaid 'tis, by G.o.d!"--then rowed And hauled her in.--

BURKE

Such unbid sights obtrude On death's dyed stage!

MIDSHIPMAN

Meantime the "Achille" fought on, Even while the ship was blazing, knowing well The fire must reach their powder; which it did.

The spot is covered now with floating men, Some whole, the main in parts; arms, legs, trunks, heads, Bobbing with tons of timber on the waves, And splinter looped with entrails of the crew.

NELSON [rousing]

Our course will be to anchor. Let me know.

HARDY

But let me ask, my lord, as needs I must, Seeing your state, and that our work's not done, Shall I, from you, bid Admiral Collingwood Take full on him the conduct of affairs?

NELSON [trying to raise himself]

Not while I live, I hope! No, Hardy; no.

Give Collingwood my order. Anchor all!

HARDY [hesitating]

You mean the signal's to be made forthwith?

NELSON

I do!--By G.o.d, if but our carpenter Could rig me up a jury-backbone now, To last one hour--until the battle's done, I'd see to it! But here I am--stove in-- Broken--all logged and done for! Done, ay done!

BEATTY [returning from the other wounded]

My lord, I must implore you to lie calm!

You shorten what at best may not be long.

NELSON [exhausted]

I know, I know, good Beatty! Thank you well Hardy, I was impatient. Now I am still.

Sit here a moment, if you have time to spare?

[BEATTY and others retire, and the two abide in silence, except for the trampling overhead and the moans from adjoining berths.

NELSON is apparently in less pain, seeming to doze.]

NELSON [suddenly]

What are you thinking, that you speak no word?

HARDY [waking from a short reverie]

Thoughts all confused, my lord:--their needs on deck, Your own sad state, and your unrivalled past; Mixed up with flashes of old things afar-- Old childish things at home, down Wess.e.x way.

In the snug village under Blackdon Hill Where I was born. The tumbling stream, the garden, The placid look of the grey dial there, Marking unconsciously this b.l.o.o.d.y hour, And the red apples on my father's trees, Just now full ripe.

NELSON

Ay, thus do little things Steal into my mind, too. But ah, my heart Knows not your calm philosophy!--There's one-- Come nearer to me, Hardy.--One of all, As you well guess, pervades my memory now; She, and my daughter--I speak freely to you.

'Twas good I made that codicil this morning That you and Blackwood witnessed. Now she rests Safe on the nation's honour.... Let her have My hair, and the small treasured things I owned, And take care of her, as you care for me!

[HARDY promises.]

NELSON [resuming in a murmur]

Does love die with our frame's decease, I wonder, Or does it live on ever?...

[A silence. BEATTY approaches.]