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- 2578
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- knowing not how aptly to reply, sadly abstained from saying aught. The
first lieutenant, who at the outset had not unnaturally assumed primacy
in the court, now over-rulingly instructed by a glance from Captain
Vere, a glance more effective than words, resumed that primacy. Turning
to the prisoner: ‘Budd,’ he said, and scarce in equable tones, ‘Budd, if
you have aught further to say for yourself, say it now.’
Upon this the young sailor turned another quick glance toward Captain
Vere; then, as taking a hint from that aspect, a hint confirming his own
instinct that silence was now best, replied to the lieutenant, ‘I have
said all, sir.’
The marine--the same who had been the sentinel without the cabin-door at
the time that the foretopman, followed by the master-at-arms, entered
it--he, standing by the sailor throughout their judicial proceedings,
was now directed to take him back to the after-compartment originally
assigned to the prisoner and his custodian. As the twain disappeared
from view, the three officers, as partially liberated from some inward
constraint associated with Billy’s mere presence, simultaneously stirred
in their seats. They exchanged looks of troubled indecision, yet feeling
that decide they must and without long delay, for Captain Vere was for
the time sitting unconsciously with his back toward them, apparently in
one of his absent fits, gazing out from a sashed port-hole to windward
upon the monotonous blank of the twilight sea. But the court’s silence
continuing, broken only at moments by brief consultations in low,
earnest tones, this seemed to assure him and encourage him. Turning, he
to and fro paced the cabin athwart; in the returning ascent to windward,
climbing the slant deck in the ship’s lee roll; without knowing it
symbolising thus in his action a mind resolute to surmount difficulties
even if against primitive instincts strong as the wind and the sea.
Presently he came to a stand before the three. After scanning their
faces he stood less as mustering his thoughts for expression, than as
one only deliberating how best to put them to well-meaning men not
intellectually mature, men with whom it was necessary to demonstrate
certain principles that were axioms to himself. Similar impatience as to
talking is perhaps one reason that deters some minds from addressing any
popular assemblies; under which head is to be classed most legislatures
in a democracy.
When speak he did, something both in the substance of what he said and
his manner of saying it, showed the influence of unshared studies
modifying and tempering the practical training of an active career.
This, along with his phraseology now and then, was suggestive of the
grounds whereon rested that imputation of a certain pedantry socially
alleged against him by certain naval men of wholly practical cast,
captains who nevertheless would frankly concede that His Majesty’s Navy
mustered no more efficient officers of their grade than _Starry Vere_.
What he said was to this effect: ‘Hitherto I have been but the witness,
little more; and I should hardly think now to take another tone, that of
your coadjutor, for the time, did I not perceive in you--at the crisis
too--a troubled hesitancy, proceeding, I doubt not, from the clashing of
military duty with moral scruple--scruple vitalised by compassion. For
the compassion, how can I otherwise but share it. But, mindful of
paramount obligation, I strive against scruples that may tend to
enervate decision. Not, gentlemen, that I hide from myself that the case
is an exceptional one. Speculatively regarded, it well might be referred
to a jury of casuists. But for us here, acting not as casuists or
moralists, it is a case practical and under martial law practically to
be dealt with.
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