BILLY BUDD
1797, the year of the mutinies of the fleet at Spithead and at the Nore, and of the continuing
war with republican France. August the 16th, His Majesty’s frigate, Avenger, on a wartime
cruise with orders to reinforce the British squadron off the coast of Spain.
“John Claggart, master-at-arms, royal navy.”
“Edwin Fairfax Vere, post captain, royal navy.”
“The Dansker, sail maker.”
“Philip Seymour, first lieutenant.”
“Julian Ratcliffe, second lieutenant.”
“Steven Wyatt, gunnery officer.”
“Enoch Jenkins, maintop man.”
“Squeak, assistant to Mr. Claggart.”
“Alan Payne, maintop man.”
“William O’Daniel, maintop man.”
“Arnold Talbot, maintop man.”
“Neil Kincaid, maintop man.”
“Alfred Hallam, captain of marines.”
On the same day, at the same hour the merchant ship, ‘Rights of Man’, out of Dundee, bound
for the West Indies with a cargo of manufactured goods.
“Nathaniel Graveling, ship’s master.”
“Amos Leonard, first mate.”
“Charles Matthews, merchant seaman.”
“Billy Budd, merchant seaman.”
“Down a little. Down a little sir.”
“Weren’t it better to heave to, sir? She’s a man-of-war.”
“Not an enemy, is she?”
“No, sir, she’s British.”
“Her name’s the ‘Rights of Man’, sir.”
“It’s a dangerous name for a vessel in this day and age. Is she heaving to?”
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“No sir.”
“Aye. It’s worse than any enemy. If she’s British, I’ll not heave to. If she’s French, she only
wants to sink us. Every seaman leads his life in the expectation of being sunk. If she’s British,
she’ll want to take my best men from me, and I’ll not stand for that. Hoist the topgallants.”
“Hoist the topgallants!”
“Hey, Budd. Billy Budd give us a song.”
They calls me Hanging Johnny
Away boys away
They says I hang for money
All hang boys hang
At first I hanged my Sally
Away boys away
And then I hanged my family
“She’s hoisting more canvas. They appear to be singing, sir.”
“Yes.”
“Are they so ignorant they cannot understand our purpose?”
“Oh, I doubt that it’s ignorance which motivates their actions, Mr. Ratcliffe. Captain Hallam.”
“Sir?”
“We all envy your word of command. Tell them to heave to, if you will, with my
compliments.”
“Ta.”
“Captain’s compliments…will you heave to?”
“Captain, they’re ordering us to heave to. There can be no mistaking their meaning now.”
“That don’t prevent me being a bit hard of hearing, do it? Fall off.”
“Fall off, sir.”
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“I’ll get the best I can out of her.”
“She appears to be falling off to make a fair wind of it, sir.”
“You’re sure she’s not a Frenchman in disguise, sir?”
“Nothing so adventurous, I’m afraid, Ratcliffe. Her refusal to heave to proves she’s one of
ours. But I will be obeyed. Send a shot across her bows. We’re at war, Mr. Seymour.”
“Fire the bow chaser!”
“Well, I can’t pretend to be blind too, can I? Back the main yard, Mr. Mate.”
“Backing the main yard, sir?”
“There’s no avoiding it man. Get up on the focs’le.”
“If I spit now I get him fair and square.”
“Why do you waste it on him? He’s not so bad.”
“There’s no difference between any of them.”
“Cast off forward.”
“And what do you want, then?”
“Down oars. All together.”
“All hands on deck. All hands right over to the focs’le. Budd. Billy Budd. Get up aloft again.
Maybe they won’t see you.”
“Men lined up already, captain?”
“There’s no doubt about your intentions.”
“Is that why you failed to obey our order?”
“I never thought I’d see the day when I’d pray for a French sail on the horizon.”
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“A French sail? Why?”
“Then the royal navy could do its duty for a change; protect our merchant ships instead of
preying on them.”
“You have ideas of your own, captain.”
“I’m not alone in that.”
“What’s this man’s record?”
“Good.”
“He looks a likely man.”
“What with the whole of the Nore and the mutiny? Who’s the likely man now, lieutenant?
Aye, there was officers killed and all.”
“Where did you hear this?”
“Aye, it’s common knowledge. We’re not long out of port. The mainland’s buzzing with it.
Read the newspapers. They’re talking about reforms in the House of Commons. You know
what that means. It means the reforms are nearly a century overdue.”
“Who is that?”
“Billy. Billy Budd. According to the rights of war, a man-of-war can impress a seaman
from any other vessel. Do you understand that Billy?”
“Aye, captain.”
“You also understand there’s nothing I can do about it?”
“Aye, captain.”
“You understand too much too well. Are you at least sorry to be leaving?”
“Aye that I am captain. It’s a good ship, this.”
“You helped make it good. A man-of-war you’ll find, is different.”
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“Different, sir?”
“Aye, Billy. Do your work well, keep your mouth shut, except at meal times. It’s not as it is
here. Now, there’s a good lad. Go forward and get your gear.”
“Aye, captain.”
“My compliments to your captain. Tell him I regret I do not command a faster ship.”
“Cast off forward. Take that oar. Up together.”
“God go with you, Billy Budd, for it’s a fact that you go with God.”
“Goodbye to you all. Goodbye to you too, old ’Rights of Man’.”
“What do you mean by that, boy?”
“Nothing, sir.”
“All that trouble for only one man.”
“Must be a reason, sir.”
“Yes, I can imagine the reason knowing the temper of that vessel’s master. Well, Seymour,
our choice better be good.”
“Get a rope down.”
“Do you swear to abide by the Articles of War, to obey orders, and, if need be, to lay down
your life for king and country?”
“Aye, sir,”
“Like that?”
“Say, “I swear.”
“I swear.”
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“Age?”
“I don’t know, sir.”
“You don’t know your age?
“That is sure, I’m not quite sure. I think 17, 19, or…or 18?”
“Or 15 or 14?”
“Place of birth?”
“Please sir, I don’t know that either.”
“You don’t know you’re age or where you were born?”
“I was found one morning in a silk-lined basket hanging on the knocker of a man’s door in
Bristol.”
“Silk-lined?”
“I take it then you’re…”
“A bastard, sir?”
“Aye.”
“Aye.”
“Sign.”
“Master-at-arms? Claggart, our new recruit, William Budd. I suppose that is your name?”
“Aye, sir.”
“You look sturdy enough. What was your station aboard?”
“I was a merchant seaman, sir. We took turns at doing everything.”
“You’ll have a station here. Maintop, Jenkins’ watch. Squeak, take him below, assign him a
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hammock, and show him where to stow his gear.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Well, life’s full of surprises, I always say.”
“And the better for it, Captain Hallam.”
“Here, mate. This is your hammock.”
“All hands on deck to witness ship’s punishment.”
“Best put down your bag, Budd. It’ll only be a matter of minutes. Dansker, look after Budd.”
“Boatswain… do your duty.”
(whipping sounds)
“Very well, boatswain. Release the man. Mr. Ferriman, you will see him to sick berth.”
“Ship’s company, dismiss.”
“Away there, mate.”
“What was his crime?”
“God only knows, young man.”
“You mean you don’t know what he did?”
“Flogging is the only solution to every problem. I warrant even the culprit himself doesn’t
know. It was just his turn.”
“What is it, Budd? Did they not indulge in flogging on the ‘Rights of Man’?”
“No, sir.”
“All right, Budd.”
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“You’ll keep your hammock properly lashed in this manner. Never get caught with your bag
out of order. You wouldn’t be wanting to find yourself on ship’s report. Like the lad who was
flogged.”
“Why was he flogged?”
“It could’ve been for one of many reasons.”
“You mean you don’t know?”
“It’s not for the likes of us to know, just to witness, see? Hungry?”
“Aye.”
“Well, this is the captain of the maintop, Jenkins. Right, Budd, this is your table. Make room
for him.”
“All events, you’re welcome here, lad. Here boy, take my seat. Here’s a plate. His first day
aboard our happy ship.”
“What was the name of the ship they impressed you off this morning? I couldn’t read it at that
distance?”
“You can’t read at any distance. Don’t take offense, you’re in good company. I can’t read
either.”
“She was called the ‘Rights of Man’.”
“You come off a ship called that? Rights of Man?”
“My name’s William. Billy, if you like.”
“Oh, this is Payne, Kincaid, Jenkins, O’Daniel, and I’m Talbot. Oh, and that…that old tar
there’s called Dansker. He’s Danish or so he thinks he is. Dansker, have you ever had a real
name?”
“Not for many years.”
“Why don’t you spit in the stew? It can’t taste no worse.”
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“Nobody’s making you eat it. You can wash your feet in it if you like.”
“It seems the cook already has. There’s a splinter in it anyway.”
“That’s enough of laughing at my deformity.”
“Do you ever bring yourself to eat this dirt?”
“I can’t cook, you know that. They only gave me this employment because I’m unfit for
active service. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.”
“Well, Billy, there’s the royal navy for you. Can you cook?”
“I can make a stew.”
“From now on, I’ll be praying that you lose a leg.”
“Like it, Billy? Taste good?”
“It’s hot and there’s a lot of it. I like everything about it except the flavor.”
“And how do you like the company, Billy Boy? Not quite what you’re used to? Every seen so
much ignorance all dumped together in one place? Ever heard such a din as these gentlemen
eating?“
“Let the lad be, Jenkins.”
“Baby has to learn.”
“There’ll be others to teach him soon enough.”
“He’s in my watch. Would you have him learn lashed to the grating with his lesson written on
his back?”
“Why was that man flogged?”
“He may have spat against the wind or mumbled in his beard. It may have been a prayer. To
them, it was a protest.”
“You don’t know why. It’s wrong to flog a man. I…It’s against his being a man.”
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“Aye. Aye, lad, it is that.”
“Why do you stammer, boy?”
“Because I sometimes can’t find the words, for what I feel.”
“Our young bastard’s stammering because he’s scared..”
“Leave him alone.”
“Come on, ba..ba..Baby. T…talk back, why don’t you?”
“Is it a fight you want, then?”
“Aye. For your own good and my satisfaction. I want to baptize you in the ways of our
world.”
“There was a lad on the ‘Rights of Man’ who used to like a friendly fight. Name of
Matthews.”
“Go on Jenkins, do something. Go on. Have a go.”
“Well, you asked for it, didn’t you? Ba..ba..Baby. I’ll get you in a minute.”
“Come on. Come on.”
“Hang on.”
“Come on Billy. Hold him down.”
“Steady. Jenkins. Jenkins, easy. Hold on, Billy.”
“Turn your head Billy, turn your head.”
“All right, I’ll let you off this time but don’t do it again, boy-o. I’m warning you.”
“Will you shake hands mate?”
“Shake hands is it? You’re a hell of a peacemaker, Billy. Well, you beat me fair.”
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“That’s the first time I ever hear him eat his words. And what a terrible diet that is. Worse
than the stew.”
“Don’t you be getting any wrong ideas. I’m warning you. I’m more than a match for you boyo.”
“Aye.”
“I took you off your guard.”
“You make friends quickly, Master Budd. Come here, boy. What was the fight about?”
“Well, I…”
“Nothing to say. And the rest of you?”
“Mr. Claggart?”
“Watch what you’re doing. Don’t you ever touch me.”
I swear…”
“You swear. What? None of you have anything to say?”
“It was nothing, master-at-arms. A test of strength.”
“You’ll need your strength for the fighting to come, boy. Aye, Budd. You do indeed make
friends quickly. That’s a good quality to have.”
“Billy, be careful of the master-at-arms.”
“Careful? Why? He had a pleasant smile for me.”
“That’s why.”
“Make eight bells!”
“First watch aboard a man-of-war, Billy? Hey, don’t fall. Or jump.”
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“Come on, get up there.”
“Aye, he’s quite a hand for jokes. Always cheerful too. Always smiling, waving at people.
Lovely little character. Always…”
“Afternoon, sir. Wind seems to be freshening a little. With your permission, sir.”
“Freshening did you say, master-at-arms? Yes, it is indeed, master-at-arms. Indeed.”
“Our young newcomer seems to feel quite at home.”
“Aye, sir. Indeed he does.”
“Yes.”
“He’s even melted old starry Vere’s stone heart. He’ll make the old ‘Avenger’ a merchantmen
yet.”
“The trouble is I just can’t find the distance like I used to.”
“I’ll take your turn tomorrow while you stay below decks.”
“Who’s there?”
“Well, what’s up, then, squeak?”
“Routine inspection, Jenkins. What’s the matter? Sick, are you?”
“My health does not concern you.”
“No need to be uncivil, Jenkins. Is this sickness something master-at-arms should know
about?”
“He’ll know when I want him to know, boy-o.”
“Well, I hope it is nothing serious.”
“Evening.”
“Good evening.”
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“Oh, it’s on a petty report you are again, Budd. Well, I mean, look at it. It’s a pity you will not
learn.”
“I don’t understand. That’s the second time it’s happened like this.”
“Well, next time sew yourself up in it, and then you’ll be sure to know if somebody meddles
with it.”
“Oh, Dansker?”
“What?”
“Reading?”
“How many times must you be on ship’s report before they tie you to the gratings and flog
you?”
“That’s a matter he decides.”
“He?”
“Aye, the master-at-arms, Mr. Claggart.”
“Go on. That’s all you’re going to get.”
“Fish. They’re serving fish.”
“I can’t think why. It’s Wednesday. However, I hope it’s better than that horsemeat we’ve
been getting.”
“Maybe it’s a seahorse.”
“Here Jenkins, aren’t you eating anything?”
“Well, you’ve got to eat something, you know, or go sick. Well, at least come in out of the
sun.”
“Handsomely done, lad. But then handsome is as handsome does. Clean up that mess. I
thought I said, clean up that mess?”
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“That’s the mess boy’s job.”
“It’s yours when I order it so.”
“I’ll clean it up. After all sir, it was I who spilled it.”
“Stand back, boy. Might as well clean that up while you’re at it.”
“Sir, he’s sick.”
“Sick? I’m sorry to hear that. Is that what you’d like to do Jenkins? Perhaps you’d do it If you
weren’t so…so sick. You others feel well enough, I hope. Here I am, unarmed. Now’s the
time. To make it easier, I’ll turn my back on you. You lack fiber, men. Or have you some
more devious plan for me. Some night when there’s no moon.”
“Don’t be a fool.”
“That’s a very good plan indeed. A plan worthy of pigs like you. You’ll soon feel better
Jenkins. Just keep your hate for me alive until that time.”
“Damn his flaming soul. I can’t stand it no more.”
“What you gonna do about it, mate?”
“Stick him. Stick him one of these nights like he said.”
“He’s waiting for it. Don’t do nothing foolish, mate. You can get hung for no more than an
angry look.”
“Oh, I’m sick of the taste of blood, boy-o.”
“Why is he so friendly to me? It was I who spilled the food.”
“Don’t you believe it. It was him lurched into you. I saw it.”
“I’ll ask him why.”
“No, you don’t Billy. Not a word you hear.”
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“Just thank your stars he’s still smiling at you lad, and leave it at that. He never did smile at
me. Never. Not even the first day.”
“It’s alright for you to give advice, you’ve had your food. I’m hungry.”
“That don’t mean much. I ate mine, I’m hungry too.”
“I’ll ask him when I get a chance. I will.”
“You recommend Budd for a post of more responsibility yet here’s his name on ship’s report
again.”
“These are just misdemeanors. Nothing serious. ”
“Any infraction is serious. Mr. Ratcliffe, you took him off that merchant ship. When he cried
out… “Goodbye, old ‘Rights of Man’”, what did you take it he meant?”
“At the time, sir, I wasn’t sure. Now I’m sure he meant nothing. He knew of the shameful
mutinies at the Nore and at Spithead. It was common gossip aboard that merchantmen. I
charged him to keep the knowledge to himself. As far as I can ascertain, he’s kept his secret
well.”
“Must be a hard one to keep.”
“Yes.”
“He was the only man I dared impress, if you remember, sir. The boy has a quality of trust.”
“Thank you, Ratcliffe. That’ll be all. Claggart. What does he recommend?”
“I’ve not discussed it with him sir.”
“Well, why not, pray? The boy was sworn…”
“With your permission, sir. In this matter, I didn’t think it necessary.”
“What do you know about Claggart? Before he came aboard this ship, I mean.”
“Not much, sir. Nobody does. There are rumors.”
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“What rumors?”
“But then there always are in any ship.”
“What rumors?”
“That he was once arraigned at the King’s bench on some mysterious charge then volunteered
with the king’s navy as payment for the crime.”
“How flattering for us. Too much of the navy is made up of debtors, murderers and drunkards
without the steady legs to escape impressment.”
“If it were not true in his case, then why would a man of his intellect have accepted life
aboard ship on such a lowly station.”
“Aye, aye. He’s a good master-at-arms, mark you. He’s the best I’ve ever sailed with.”
“The ship is yours. The choice of men to man her too.”
“Choice. What master-at-arms is ever loved by the crew?”
“Loved? They hate him sir.”
“That may be better than indifference, Seymour. Who knows? The fact that I command does
not relieve me from doubts. On the contrary, it magnifies them. A man-of-war does not come
to life until it’s in action. Will we acquit ourselves well or badly? What kind of a weapon
have we forged? Or when the time comes, will I know how to use it? Claggart is a force for
order, Mr. Seymour. A force for order I must have.”
“Sir if he should be opposed to Budd’s promotion…”
“You know Seymour, there are some men who cannot stand too much perfection. They see it
as a disease which must be stamped out at its first rash showing. I will think over the matter
of Budd’s promotion.”
“What’s the matter with him? What is it, mate?”
“Oh, it’s no good, boy-o. I feel sick. Sick and dizzy.”
Come on, let’s ge aloft.”
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“No, wait.”
“Get him down below.”
“Where are you taking him?”
“Sick berth.”
“This sickness begins to grow tedious, Jenkins. How does it strike you? In the head? In the
limbs? Maybe in the gut? Does it exist at all?”
“Can’t you see?”
“We’re undermanned. Get aloft.”
“You can’t let a sick man hang from a spar like that. He’ll fall, sure.”
“We’re in French waters. Orders are a man on every spar. Now, get aloft.”
“You think I’m shirking?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Then be damned to you, I’ll stand my watch.”
“At least let the ship’s doctor…”
“I’ll stand my watch. French waters, undermanned. That’s not why you’re sending me aloft,
Mr. Claggart.”
“A sail one mile off the starboard bow.”
“A Frenchman. Beat to quarters. Clear for action.”
“Beat to quarters! Clear for action!”
“Mr. Seymour, sir.”
“Here, get ahold of that. Go on, you lazy landlubbers there! Go on, get ahold of this. Move on
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there, move on. Keep moving!”
“Battle stations fully manned sir.”
“Set more sail and give chase.”
“We’ll never catch her, sir.”
“She may not have seen us.”
“Aye, aye sir. Set more sail, Mr. Leverett.”
“Set more sail, Mr. Seymour.”
“Steer close to the wind, sir?”
“Aye.”
“Quartermaster, steer by the wind.”
“By the wind it is, sir.”
“Why is that man leaving his post? Who is it?”
“Budd, sir.”
“Budd?”
“For the love of God, Billy, look to yourself.”
(screaming)
“Claggart! Damn your bloody eyes!”
“The man is dead, Mr. Ratcliffe.”
“Take the body, below.”
“Aye, sir. You. You. Thompson, Ridley. Bear him below.”
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“The Frenchmen’s drawing ahead, sir.”
“Commence firing, Mr. Seymour.”
“But, sir, it’s hopeless. It’s out of range.”
“Yes, Mr. Seymour.”
“We can attract other enemy ships…”
“I know our objection, Mr. Seymour. We stand no chance of sinking the Frenchmen. All I can
do is to lessen the tension aboard my ship. Commence firing, Mr. Seymour.”
“Starboard battery, open fire!”
“Open fire, sir.”
“Fire at will.”
“Fire at will!”
“Fire at will.”
“What are we firing at?”
“Don’t question the commands, obey them! Fire!”
“Look out!”
“Mr. Seymour.”
“Sir.”
“Officers will wear swords all the time from now on.”
“We’ve lost her sir.”
“Give up the chase, Mr. Seymour.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
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“What else do you expect me to tell you?”
“Hand in your arms. Oh, Kincaid. You’re under ship’s arrest. Take him below. Hand in your
arms. Hand in your arms!”
“What’s the matter, master-at-arms?”
“These dogs are out of temper, sir.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, sir.”
“What is this about? You will come to attention when I address you! May I remind you that
this ship is at war. This is a wartime cruise. We sail under the Articles of War. Volunteer or
impressed man, veteran, seaman, or recruit, you are no longer civilians but sailors. A crew
that I shall mold into a weapon. One lawless act, one spur of rebel temper from any one of
you, high or low, I shall pay you out in coin you know of. You have only two duties here, to
fight and to obey. And I will bend each contumacious spirit, each stiff-neck, prideful soul of
you, or crush you…if I must. Abide by the Articles of War and my commands, or they will
cut you down. Now choose. Kincaid, you shouted. Why?”
“Why did Jenkins fall, sir?”
“Master-at-arms, that accident, the man who fell upon the deck from the yardarm. Do you
know how this occurred?”
“I do not, sir.”
“You were his mastmates. Does any man here know how this occurred?”
“You?”
“No, sir.”
“Boy, you left your post. Why?”
“I knew that Jenkins was sick, sir. I saw him sway.”
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“You knew he was sick? Mr. Claggart, did you send a sick man aloft?”
“He said he was. But when I questioned him, he changed his mind and went to stand his
watch.”
“But that’s not the way it happened, Mr. Claggart. Don’t you remember?”
“That is the way it happened, sir.”
“I see. Hand in your arms.”
“Take him below.”
“We therefore commit his body to the deep to be turned into corruption. Looking for the
resurrection of the body, when the sea shall give up her dead.” And the corruptible bodies of
those who sleep in him shall be changed and made like unto his glorious body, according to
the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Amen.”
“Ship’s company, dismiss!”
“Well, that’s the end of Enoch Jenkins. Over the side he goes and his mates soon forget him.”
“They’ll not forget him so soon, I’m thinking.”
“Whatever’s happened to Jenkins, he ain’t worried none. He’s got a hundred fathoms between
him and the troubles of his life.”
“I’d rather be buried at sea than on the shore when I come to die. Will you stand by the plank
so I can shake a friendly hand before I sink?”
(laughing)
“Budd, Captain Vere wishes to see you.”
“Come in.”
“Seaman, Budd, sir.”
“You sent for me, sir?”
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“Yes, Budd. Your divisional officer recommends you for a post of more responsibility. He
thinks you can perform duties of a higher station, and so do I. The spirit you showed last
night warrants it. From now on, you are captain of the foretop. Yes, that’s a real honor for a
man so new aboard.”
“You can trust me, sir.”
“I do. Very well, that’s all.”
“Aye, aye, sir. Thanks.”
“Captain Vere, sir, with your permission?”
“Yes?”
“You must be aware sir, that Budd is…well…”
“It is unlike you to falter, Mr. Claggart.”
“He has been aboard such a short time.”
“Long enough to prove himself to me.”
“He left his station last night.”
“In a good cause no doubt, master-at-arms. He showed initiative. The captaincy of the foretop
is his reward.”
“With your permission, sir. Will there not be some dissatisfaction among those who’ve been
aboard much longer than Budd?”
“Oh, master-at-arms, I concern myself with these matters. They’re really none of your
function. Until such a time as the senior top man formally object to Budd for incapacity, and
for no other reason whatsoever, he is captain of the foretop. Make it so on the bill.”
“Captain Vere, sir, with your permission.”
“What?”
“In the matter of Kincaid, the man who shouted from the mast. It was a serious breach of the
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ship’s discipline while engaging the enemy. What punishment do you recommend?”
“Ten lashes.”
“It was while engaging the enemy. Ten lashes.”
“Mr. Claggart.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Do you consider the sentence just?”
“May I speak freely, sir?”
“I do not ask questions in order to get insincere answers.”
“Ten lashes would seem to me a mild sentence under peacetime conditions. A hundred would,
to my mind, be appropriate.”
“A hundred?”
“We must serve the law, sir, or give up the right and privilege of service. It is only within that
law that we may use our discretions according to our rank.”
“You are so lucid and so intelligent for the rank you hold, master-at-arms.”
“I thank you sir.”
“Yes. That’s no flattery, Mr. Claggart. It’s a melancholy fact. It’s sad to see such qualities of
mind bent to such a sorry purpose. What’s the reason for it?”
“I am what I am, sir and what the world has made me.”
“The world? The world demands that behind every peacemaker there be gun, the gallows, the
jail. Do you think it will always be so?”
“I have no reason not to, sir.”
“You live without hope.”
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“I live.”
“But remember, Mr. Claggart, that even the man who wields the whip cannot defy the code
we must obey, and not be broken by it. That’ll be all.”
“Aye, sir.”
“With your permission, sir. Is it still ten lashes?”
“It is.”
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Release the prisoner.”
“Dismiss ship’s company, please, Mr. Seymour.”
“Ship’s company, dismiss.”
“I expect the French will be putting us to our stations any hour now.”
“Aye. In the question of Jenkins, Budd was telling the truth.”
“I know, sir. What are you going to do about Claggart?”
“What can I do but watch and wait? No court-martial would do more than strip him of his
rank for such misconduct. And then what? As a rating, he’d be slaughtered by the other men.
And who would replace him? Would the French refrain from attacking us while we settled
our petty differences? No, I… I must give him his head until some act puts him squarely
counter to the law and then let the law consume him. What would you do if you were captain
of the ship?”
“I’m not captain of this ship, sir.”
“One day you may be, Philip. And then? Remember.”
“Good evening. Sir.”
“Good evening.”
“Will it be alright if I stay topside a bit to watch the water?”
24
“I suppose the handsome sailor may do many things forbidden to his messmates.”
“The sea’s calm by night, isn’t it? Calm and peaceful.”
“You’ve made a good impression on the captain, Billy Budd. You have a pleasant way with
you.”
“Oh, thank you, sir.”
“If you wish to make a good impression on me too however, you will need to curb your
tongue.”
“Now, sir?”
“Not now. Can it be that you really don’t understand my words? Is it ignorance or irony that
makes you speak so simply?”
“Well, ah, it must be ignorance, sir, because I don’t understand the other word.”
“Let us see which it is. Tell me without fear, if you can, what do you think of me?”
“I never met a man like you before.”
“You blame me for Jenkins’ death.”
“You must have had a reason for doing what you did.|
|If you thought I had a reason, why did you contradict my words before the captain?”
“In my ignorance sir, I could not guess the reason. I only knew the truth and told it.”
“The sea is calm, you said, peaceful. Calm above, but below, a world of gliding monsters
preying on their fellows. Murderers all of them. Only the strongest teeth survive. And who’s
to tell me it’s any different here onboard, or yonder on dry land? You knew my reputation and
yet you dared to speak what you call the truth. Why?”
“I know some of the men are fearful of you, hate you, but I told them, you can’t be as they
think you are.”
25
“Why not, pray?”
“No man can take pleasure in cruelty.”
“No? Tell me do you fear the lash?|
“Aye.”
“And will you speak the truth again?”
“I’m on my honor, sir, if the captain asks.”
“Why are you laughing, boy?”
“Laughter’s good, sir. And it’s good to hear you laugh.”
“Laughter’s good? Even the laughter of fools, aimed at nothing?|
“No, sir, you didn’t laugh at nothing.”
“What did I laugh at then?”
“I don’t know, sir, but I think you were laughing at yourself.”
“Why should I laugh at myself?”
“There’s times when all men do, men as you can call men. They make mistakes, behave like
fools.”
“They do? Tell me in all ignorance do you dare understand me, then?”
“I think so, sir.”
“Why did Jenkins die?”
“You did not wish his death.”
“No, I did not.”
“You didn’t even hate him. I think that sometimes you hate yourself. I was thinking, sir, the
26
nights are lonely. Perhaps I could talk to you between watches when you’ve nothing else to
do.”
“Loneliness. What do you know of loneliness?”
“Them’s alone as want to be.”
“Nights are long, conversation helps pass the time.”
“Can I talk to you again, then? It would mean a lot to me.”
“Perhaps to me too. Oh, no. You would charm me too, huh? Get away.”
“Sir?”
“Get away.”
“Master-at-arms. Mr. Claggart, sir? What’s the “Get thee behind me” for?”
“Which of us is Satan, then?”
“Why, I’m not ambitious.”
“Well?”
“I can’t find nothing wrong with Budd’s gear, sir. All stowed perfect.”
“Well, disarrange it, man. You’ve done it before.”
“I was nearly caught. Two of his mates woke up.”
“Be more careful. I want him on report now more than ever. Do as you wish.”
“Well, it’s not that easy.”
“How’s your gear, squeak? All stowed perfect?”
“Moon’s in and out tonight. There’s a storm somewhere.”
“Aye, old man. There’s a storm somewhere.”
27
“Well, I have my watch to do.”
“Billy. Billy. Slip into the lee fore chains. There’s something in the wind.”
“What you…?”
“No, no, no. Don’t speak here. I’ll meet you there.”
“We’ll have to talk quickly. Billy. The dawn’ll be on us before you can say mutiny.”
“What is it you want? It’s cold it is and against the rules to be up here.”
“I saw you and Claggart talking. I don’t know what was said, not liking to listen to other
folks’ conversations, but if it’s buttoning him up you are, beware. I tried that. I was frightened
of him. Well, that’s how I began, see? I talked to him one night, and after that, I was his slave.
I amused him, see? Something about me amuses him. There’s nothing I can do about it.
Anyway, I started spying on people for him and the like. Only to escape the lash. Well, a man
can’t help being frightened, can he? I mean, it’s human in some of us. Every time he laughs at
me, I know I’m safe. Until the next time, that is. It is only old Dansker passing away his
watch. Hey, you know when you kept finding yourself on report? Well, that was my doing.
Yeah, but I was only obeying orders. His orders, Claggart’s. “
“Claggart’s? I thought it was you, out of spite.”
“Me? But I got no spite in me. Now take tonight. I’m supposed to get you on report again,
see? I was sent by Claggart to steal your kit while you was asleep. Instead I woke you up. My
conscience wouldn’t permit me to obey, whatever the consequences. I said to myself, “You
can’t do this to Billy. Not this.”
“Oh. Well I ought to thank you, then, didn’t I?”
“No, no, no, I’m a human being, that’s all. Same as the next man. I want no thanks. I can’t
help being a coward though. That’s my trouble. I hate Claggart. That’s what he don’t realize. I
hate him.”
“You hate him?”
“Yes, I do. Don’t you?”
28
“No.”
“You don’t?”
“No.”
“You must do. Why has that old man stopped singing.”
“Get away old man.”
“Aye. I’ll leave you in the dark, Kincaid but think again.”
“Well, even though you don’t hate him, Billy, there’s many as does, and they need your help.
They came to me and they said, “Do you think Billy’ll help us?” I said, “Well, I’ve never
known him not to help them in need.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Tomorrow night talk to Claggart as you did tonight, with his back to the deck. Now, that’s
important. The lads will do the rest.”
“The rest?”
“That’s a lovely knife you got there.”
“What…?”
“Damn. I don’t know what you mean.”
“Forget I even talked to you.”
“You better go back where you belong.”
“Yeah, I’m going.”
“If you don’t start I’ll toss you back over the rail.”
“Shhh. I never said nothing.”
“Well?”
29
“Well what?”
“I heard you muttering with him down by the fore chains.”
“I tried something new, something you once suggested. I told him some of the lads was out to
kill you and tried to get him to join in.”
“And?”
“He wouldn’t do it.”
“Fool. Blithering idiot. You didn’t tempt him right. You made mistakes.”
“No.”
“You were too obvious weren’t you?”
“No, I did as you suggested. I tried to be subtle. I told him how much I hated you.”
“He didn’t let one froth one hint that he agreed with you?”
“No, sir, no, master-at-arms. Not one word. Mr. Claggart, we done enough to him. He’s a
good lad, sir. Couldn’t it be someone else? Kincaid, maybe?”
“So he’s softened your heart too, huh? I see your back laid raw with the flogging whip.”
“No. No.”
“Quiet.”
“Yeah. He hates you, does Billy Budd. He wants your life like the rest of them.”
“You swear it?”
“I swear it on my oath.”
“I knew it.”
“Why don’t you go to Mr. Seymour or to the captain?”
30
“Then I’d be an informer. No, no, Dansker. I can’t.”
“It’s Kincaid.”
“Leave him be.”
“No.”
“Leave him be, Billy Budd.”
“Kincaid. What are you doing topside? You’re after Mr. Claggart.”
“Well?”
“It’s wrong, Kincaid. He knows. He’s waiting for you.”
“No more than I’m waiting for him.” Get out of my way, lad, and let me do it.”
“No, I won’t let you hang yourself.”
“I don’t give a fiddler’s damn what happens to me. Out of my way, lad. Give me that knife.
Billy, you’re a nice boy, but I’m not playing. This is no game for boys.”
“Damn me, I won’t let you hang yourself.”
“”The moon’s under now. Sweet mother of God, will you let me go?”
“No.”
“Oh, my back.”
“Explain this.”
“It was nothing sir. An argument.”
“An argument?”
“Whose knife is this?”
31
“Mine, sir.”
“Truth, boy. Truth. Isn’t that the course by which you steer? Or am I wrong? That’s not the
way it happened. That’s what you told the captain when Jenkins slipped from carelessness.”
“There are many ways to lie Mr. Claggart. But there is only one way to tell the truth. Jenkins
unfit.”
“Unfit? Well, here’s another one that’s unfit. Up man. On your feet. I’ve been expecting you,
Kincaid. Why did you try to stop him?”
“Why should I want you…?”
“Killed? Why should I want you killed?”
“What’s the disturbance there? You there, forward.”
“Master-at-arms reports all in order, sir.”
“Stand where you are.”
“Say nothing to this officer. Come on, up. On your feet.”
“What’s the matter, master-at-arms? It’s an odd hour for stargazing.”
“A slight matter, sir. I found these men together here on deck, contrary to captain’s orders. I
was sending them below when you called out.”
“Surely there is more to it than that. The story is lame, man. What occurred? Your knife,
master-at-arms?”
“William Budd’s sir, I believe.”
“Return it to him. You’ll report all in order, master-at-arms. I’ll take your word for it.
Consequently, I do not wish to see either of their names on ship’s report tomorrow.”
“Sir… I feel that I…”
“Either all is in order or it is not. If it is not I wish to know about it now.”
32
“There is no reason for these men’s names to be on ship’s report, sir.”
“Good. Thank you. Goodnight.”
“Get below. Both of you.”
“Get below.”
“More sail please, Mr. Ratcliffe.”
“The glass is falling, sir.”
“Our mission is to join the fleet. More sail, Mr. Ratcliffe.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Morning, master-at-arms.”
“Battle stations fully manned.”
“Carry on.”
“With your permission sir, I would like to speak to you in private.”
“Mr.. Claggart if this is not a matter of grave concern I’d rather…”
“It is of grave concern, sir.”
“Set the topgallants!”
“Very well. I’ll be in my cabin, Mr. Wyatt.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
“Well, master-at-arms, be brief if you will. I’m required on deck.”
“Last night, when on my rounds discovering Budd’s hammock was unused I combed the ship
and found him in conclave with several growlers. Man who, like himself, spread unrest and
rebellion among the crew.”
“Budd spreads rebellion?”
33
“Aye, sir.”
“An accusation, I take it.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Ratcliffe.”
“Oh, captain Hallam.”
“Would you bring Budd, the captain of the foretop?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you.”
“They were collected here, near the lee fore chains and when I ordered them below, young
Budd and others threatened me and swore they’d drop me and officers they hate overboard on
some misty night. Should you desire substantial proof, sir, it is not far.”
“Weight what you speak. There is the rope and the yardarm for false witness, in peace as in
war.”
“I understand sir.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
“Budd, sir.”
“Bring him in.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Come in Budd. Captain, see that we’re not disturbed, if you will.”
“Very good sir.”
“Thank you. Thank you. Now tell this man to his face what you told me.”
34
“Certainly sir. I said this man, this William Budd acting so out of angry resentment against
impressment and against his officers, against this ship, this service, and the King, heads in the
crew a spirit of rebellion against the officers, the mates and me. And urges them to the
outrage of mutiny. This very night I surprised him in the fore chain and both saw and heard
him conspire with known malingerers and men who continually growl about unfair pay,
mistreatment, the lack of shore leave, and similar complaints. I have the names of the others
involved in this sinister plot. The man Kincaid, the old sailor who goes by the name of
Dansker and regrettably, my own hitherto trusted corporal. But there is no doubt in my mind
that Budd is their ringleader. I say this man threatened his officers with murder and was bent
tonight in urging other men to act concertedly in mutiny. I have nothing further to say at this
time, sir.”
“”Speak, Budd. Defend yourself, Budd.”
“I’m…”
“Take your time. Take your time, there’s no hurry.”
“May I add sir, I am as surprised as you seem to be at Budd’s complicity in this as I’d hitherto
shared your high opinion of him.”
“Give the lad his chance. You’ve made your accusation. It’s up to him to defend himself.”
“With all due respect, sir…”
“Mr. Claggart.”
“I don’t think he can. It is not so much that he can’t find the words as that there are no words
to find.”
“Mr. Claggart, I told you!”
“Captain.”
“Seymour? Go in there until I call you. Captain Hallam.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Forgive me for imposing upon you again. Do you think you could call the surgeon to
come?”
35
“The surgeon, sir? I do hope, sir, that you are not…”
“No, no. Nothing.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Good morning sir. I trust I find you in good health.”
“How is it with this man? Is is so then? I thought it. Verify it.”
“The man is dead, sir.
“But is that possible? One blow?”
“Temple. I’ve known the largest men to have thin skulls. This might have happened at any
time and for any reason.”
“Ratcliffe.”
“What?”
“Why the drumhead court-martial? Couldn’t the prisoner be kept under guard. The matter
referred to the Admiralty when we reach port?”
“When we reach port? We do not sail to port, we sail into battle, and battle makes a mockery
of justice. No, we must cling to what vestiges of order we can. It must be done quickly.”
“Quickly. Since when is justice compatible with speed?”
“You realize as well as I do that we were spared mutiny aboard this ship simply because we
were not in port. But the men know. They know. Rumors fly over the empty sea and with
them the temper of the times we live in.”
“And so we are afraid? Justice must be not only quick but also expedient.”
“What did you say?”
“I apologize, sir, for the manner, not for the matter. Claggart would’ve hung for false witness
if Billy hadn’t killed him”
36
“Yes, he would have done, but by fair process of law. Budd has prevented that, and he’s
turned the law against himself.”
“You can’t condemn the boy for answering with his arm for lack of words. He was tempted
beyond endurance. The motive was clearly justified.”
“Aye, but was the act?”
“This master-at-arms, you know him for a liar, a vicious dog.”
“A dog’s obeyed in office. Claggart was authority. Seymour, a trial there must be. And you
cannot make the dead stand trial.”
“So the living must stand trial for a dead man’s crimes. It’s more than any man can have to
answer for, captain, to his God, and even to his king.”
“Come in! You all know why you are being summoned here?”
“Aye, sir, in a general sort of way.”
“Ratcliffe.”
“You took all precautions, gentlemen? No man aboard knows why you are here?”
“No, sir.”
“Oh, Captain Hallam, the body?”
“It still lies in the compartment below, sir.”
“Nobody saw the men who put it there?”
“No, sir, I made sure of that.”
“Thank you captain.”
“I’ve never seen him so disturbed.”
“Aye. I give him cause.”
37
“Very well Mr. Seymour. You may proceed.”
“ Gentlemen. You are appointed members of a court-martial convened by Captain Vere in
extraordinary circumstances. I am senior member and I declare these proceedings open. As
you know the master-at-arms has been killed by the foretop man, Budd. Whether by accident
or my design and whether the act shall carry the penalty of death or no you are to decide.
Sentry.”
“Sir.”
“Bring the prisoner in. There is only one witness, Captain Vere. I shall call on him to give his
deposition as soon as the sentry brings in the prisoner. Sentry, stand outside.”
“Sir.”
“You may sit down, Billy.”
“Thank you sir.”
“Captain would you be good enough to give us your account.”
“I speak to you not as your captain but as a witness before this court. The master-at-arms
early this morning, detailed to me an account of mutinous sentiments expressed by Budd and
spoke of overhearing a specific conversation last night during mid-watch.”
“Budd, a mutineer? That’s absurd.”
“Lt. Wyatt.”
“He’s one of the best liked…”
“Lt. Wyatt, do not interrupt the witness. And now, sir with your permission. Budd, did you
speak with anyone in the master-at-arms hearing last night?”
“I spoke a little with the Dansker, sir.”
“The sail maker.”
“Sentry. Do you know a seaman referred to as the Dansker?”
38
“Sir.”
“Go on deck and find him. Let him know apart he is wanted here. And arrange it so that none
of the other people notice his withdrawing. See you do it tactfully. I want no curiosity aroused
among the men. Will you go on, sir, please?”
“I sent at once for Budd. I ordered the master-at-arms to be present at this interview and to
repeat his accusations to Budd’s face.”
“May I ask what was the prisoner’s reaction on being confronted by the master-at-arms?”
“I perceived no uneasiness in his demeanor. I believe he smiled.”
“And for the master-at-arms?”
“When I told him to make his accusations to Budd’s face, he faced Budd and did so.”
“Did Budd reply?”
“He tried to, but could not frame his words.”
“And then, sir?”
“He answered with a blow. The accuser fell. It was evident at once the blow was fatal but I
summoned the surgeon to verify the fact. That’s all.”
“You’ve heard Captain Vere’s account. Is it or is it not as he has said?”
“Captain Vere speaks the truth. It’s just as Captain Vere says. But it is not as the master-atarms said. I’ve eaten the King’s bread and I’m true to him.”
“I believe you, boy.”
“God knows, I…”
“Thank you sir.”
“Was there malice between you and the master-at-arms?”
“I bore no malice against the master-at-arms. I’m sorry that he’s dead. I did not mean to kill
39
him. If I had found my tongue I would not have struck him. But he lied foully to my face, and
I had…well, I had to say something. I could only say it with a blow. God help me.”
“Anybody seen Mr. Claggart about? Well, he was not at the inspection. You’d better not let
him catch you lying around like this.”
“You have been summoned in secrecy to appear before this court as a witness of which I am
senior member. I may not, at this time, disclose to you the nature of the offense being tried.
However, the offender is William Budd, foretop man. Do you consent to give this court your
testimony though ignorant of the case at trial, and further, to keep in strictest confidence all
that passes here?”
“Aye.”
“Do you so swear?”
“I do.”
“Then this is my question: In your opinion is there malice between the master-at-arms and
Budd?”
“Aye.”
“Explain your statement.”
“Master-at-arms bore malice towards a grace he could not have. There was no reason for it
that ordinary men could understand. Pride was his demon. And he kept it strong by others’
fear of him. He was a Pharissee among the lepers. Billy could not understand such a nature.
He saw only a lonely man, strange, but a man still. Nothing to be feared. So Claggart lest his
world be proven false planned Billy’s death.”
“I notice in your testimony you’ve been using the past tense. Why?”
“I look around and sense finality here.”
“Have you any more questions?”
“One thing more. Ever since this master-at-arms came aboard, from God knows where, I have
seen his shadow lengthen along the deck. And being under it I was afraid. Whatever
happened here I am in part to blame.”
40
“Have you any further questions to put to the accused?”
“None.”
“No.”
“William Budd if you have anything further to say for yourself, say it now.”
“I’ve said all, sir.”
“Sentry. Remove the prisoner to my compartment. Have you anything to say, Ratcliffe? “
“Yes, sir. Claggart was killed because Budd couldn’t speak. In that sense, that he stammers,
he’s a cripple. “You don’t hang a man for that, for speaking the only way he could.”
“If you condemn him, it’s the same thing as condoning the lie the master-at-arms clearly told.
I’d have struck him myself. The boy is clearly innocent, struck in self-defense.”
“Aye. I’m read to acquit him now.”
“Good, then we can reach a verdict at once.”
“One moment, gentlemen.”
“With your pardon, sir, as senior member of this court I must ask if you speak now as our
commanding officer or as a private individual.”
“As convening authority, Seymour, I summoned this court. I must review it’s findings and
approve them before passing them to the Admiralty.”
“Aye, sir, that is your right.”
“No right. Which one of us here has rights? It’s my duty, and I must perform it. Budd killed a
man, his superior officer.”
“We have found a verdict sir.”
“I know you have, and your verdict sets him free, and so would I wish to do. But are we free
to choose as we would if we were private citizens? The Admiralty has its code. Do you think
41
it cares who Budd is? Who you and I are?”
“We don’t forget that sir, but surely even within that code, each crime is different. We can’t
ignore the facts.”
“The facts. Come, you know the facts, which are the Mutiny Act’s provisions. At sea, in time
of war, an impressed man strikes his superior office and the blow is fatal. Now, according to
the act, the mere fact of the blow would be enough to hang him be it fatal or no. Now, the
men know this as well as you and I. They know the penalty for Budd’s action.”
“But they know Budd, sir. Claggart too I dare say. As well as any dry letter of the law. They
would applaud the decision that frees Budd. They’d thank us for it. Fight the better when the
time comes.”
“String him to a yard, they’ll turn round and rescue him. And string us up instead.”
“Aye, that’s the point. It is twice as dangerous to hang the boy as to let him go.`
“Yes, that’s possible, Ratcliffe.”
“Whatever step we take, the risk is great, but it is ours. That is what makes us officers. If by
your lawful rigor mutiny comes, there is no blame for us. But if in fear, miscalled a kind of
mercy…we pardon Budd against specific order and then the men revolt…how culpable and
weak our verdict will appear.”
“I can see that, sir. But this case is exceptional. And pity, if we are men, must remove us,
captain.”
“So am I moved, Ratcliffe. But we cannot have warm hearts betraying heads which should
be cool.”
“Officers are only men in uniforms. We have our standards, ethics, scruples.”
“Challenge your scruples. Come, do they mean something like this? Can we adjudge to
summary and shameful death…a fellow creature we believe to be innocent before God? Does
that state your case rightly?”
“That is my feeling sir.”
“Acquit him, then you say, as innocent?”
42
“Yes. Oh, I know the Articles prescribe death for what Budd has done-“
“Stow the Articles. They don’t account for such a case as this. You’ve said yourself, sir,
Budd is innocent.”
“In a court more merciful than a martial one, our views might count. They might even set him
free.”
“Sir, when Claggart told you his lies…the case immediately went beyond military justice.”
“There, Seymour, you reveal the whole weakness of your argument. Here, nothing is beyond
the scope of military justice. When we first put this on, we resigned our freedom. The gold
we wear shows that we serve the king…the law. For the term of my active life, I am bound
by an oath I took when I was half the age of any of you here. And now, for the first time in
my life, I feel the weight of those words I spoke so solemnly as a midshipman, ignorant of
their meaning with nothing but dreams of glory in my mind. Yes, but gentlemen, you took
that oath as well. There’s no escape.”
“All I know is that I can’t sit by and see an innocent man hanged.”
“Who’d gain by Budd’s death? Admiralty?”
“You want to make us murderers!”
“What is this ship you serve in? An ark of peace? Go count her guns, then tell your
conscience to lie quiet, if you can.”
“But that is war. This will be downright killing.”
“It’s all war, Ratcliffe. War to the death for all of us.”
“Oh, you see that Seymour. That this war began before our time?”
“And will end long after it.”
“Aye …if ever men deserve to be at peace.”
“Couldn’t we mitigate the penalty if we find him guilty?”
43
“No, Ratcliffe, the penalty is prescribed.”
“I’d like to think about it, captain. I’m not sure.”
“The French are not far off. Soon the men will know what happened. Our consciences are
private matters, Ratcliffe, but we are public men. Dare we give our consciences precedence
over the code that made us officers? And which called this case to trial? Dare we?”
“No Sir.”
“Can you stand Budd’s murder on your conscience?”
“Wyatt, hold your tongue.”
“I say let him go.”
“Sit down, sir.”
“I won’t bear a hand to hang a man I know is innocent. My bloods not cold enough for that.
I cannot give the kind of judgment that you wish to force upon us. I beg to be excused from
sitting upon this court martial.”
“Wyatt… we do not deal with justice here, but with the law.”
“Was not the one conceived to serve the other?”
“Wyatt, can’t you see that you must first strip off the uniform you wear and then your flesh
before you can escape the case at issue here? Decide you must, Wyatt…or else reason with
us. Show us how to save the boy without setting aside our function. You think Seymour,
Ratcliffe and I wouldn’t save the boy if we could find a way consistent with our duty? Well,
perhaps you can do this. Can you do this? Speak, man. Speak. Show us how. Save him,
Wyatt, and you save us all. Do not think me pitiless in thus demanding sentence on a
luckless boy. I feel as you do for him. And for myself…revulsion…shame…and rage.”
“Is there hope for me, captain?”
“Billy…what hope is there for any of us?”
“Tell me why. I only want to understand.”
44
“A child, with his endless “whys.” Why are there wars? Why must men kill each other? A
child will ask and the parent will grow impatient believing these questions to be foolish.
They’re not foolish, Billy they’re just questions, those to which grown men have lost the
answers. The answer went with innocence. Why? I cannot tell you why.”
“I feel sorry, captain, but not guilty.”
“Nor should you. Claggart killed you the moment you killed him.”
“But I’m still alive.”
“You, in your goodness, are as inhuman as was Claggart in his evil. Well, at least be human
now, Billy. Give in to anger for once. Hate me for what I do to you. No- Please, Billy.
Promise me your fury and resentment. Hatred will make you conquer your fear.”
“I’m not afraid, sir. I did my duty. You’re doing yours.”
“Sentry. Take Budd into your charge.”
“Merryweather.”
“Time to get up, Budd.”
“Marine detachment. Attention! Marine detachment present and correct, sir.”
“Thank you. Over there. Mr. Seymour.”
“Ship’s company, form ranks! Come on, move up there.”
“Attention! Division commander’s report.”
“Afterguard present or accounted for, sir.”
“ Starboard battery present or accounted for, sir.”
“Larboard battery present and accounted for, sir.”
Fore-, main-, and mizzentopmen, five working party, one absentee, sir.”
“One absentee.”
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“All hands will stand by to witness punishment. Stand easy.”
“Who could they be punishing?”
“And what for?”
“It’s got to be a flogging. I ought to know.”
“But why have they kept us off the catwalks?”
“They flog men at noon. The early morning…..is for a hanging.”
“Hanging? Hanging.”
“Hanging?”
“Where’s Ferguson? Where’s Billy?”
“And Turner.”
“Aye, Morrison too.” There were four hammocks empty last night.” That will be the working
party.”
“But there’s five in the working party.”
“One absentee.” Hey…….where’s Claggart?”
“Well, you don’t suppose it’s him, do you?”
“Oh, Judas, let it be that fish-blooded…”
“Not him…”
“He’s too smart, he is.”
“Where’s Squeak, come to that?”
“Well, he’ll be with Claggart. Why isn’t Claggart here?”
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“He is here.”
“Where? I don’t see him.”
“He is here.”
“You’re barmy, old man.”
“Ship’s company, attention!”
“Marine detachment, attention!”
“Ship’s company present to witness execution, sir.”
“Very well.”
“Ship’s company ready to witness execution, sir.”
“Captain Hallam.”
“Escort, bring forward the prisoner.”
“Billy!, Billy.”
“They can’t, Bill.”
“They’ve got old Billy.”
“No talking in the ranks.”
“They’ll pay for this.”
“Steady, mate. Steady.”
“Form up.”
“Do you hear me? Silence in the ranks.”
“Escort.”
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“I’m sorry, Billy.”
“Come on, keep moving.”
“Keep silent there.”
“Proceedings of the court martial held aboard HMS Avenger….on the 28th August,
1797…convened under the authority…of Edwin Fairfax Vere, post captain, royal navy…and
composed of the first, second and third lieutenants of said vessel. The case of William Budd,
foretopman, royal navy. While attached and so serving the aforesaid vessel…he did, on the
28th day of August, 1797…strike and kill his superior officer…one John Claggart, master at
arms.”
“Did you, billy?”
“Quiet!”
“Silence, you men! Form up!”
“Stand to attention there, hang you! Silence in the ranks!”
“You will be silent and remain at strict attention until dismissed!”
“Master at arms, royal navy. Therefore, the court sentences the aforementioned…William
Budd, foretopman, royal navy…to die by hanging on the first watch following these
proceedings.”
“Don’t worry, Billy.”
“Do you hear, sir?”
“By authority of His gracious Majesty George Rex…and Alan Napier, Viscount Kelsey, First
Sea Lord. Signed…Philip Seymour, senior member.”
“Let them dance on a rope’s end.”
“You’re not hanging Billy Budd!”
“Silence!”
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“You will resume discipline instantly! Be warned!”
“For the last time, you scum, will you obey orders?”
“Stand back into the ranks.”
“Resume your ranks there and be quick about it!”
“Prisoner…have you anything to say?”
“If you have nothing to say, the sentence of the court will be carried out.”
“God bless Captain Vere.”
“Sound off!”
“Marines, cover the hanging party!”
“No, Billy!”
“Permission to dismiss the men, sir.”
“Permission to dismiss the men, sir. Sir?”
“You may do as you wish, Mr. Seymour. It’s of no further concern to me.”
“Sir, a decision must me made.”
“A decision has been made, Mr. Ratcliffe.”
“I’m only a man, not to fit to do the work of God…or the devil.”
“Ship’s company.”
“Ship’s company, by divisions, dismiss!”
“Afterguard dismissed.”
“Starboard battery dismissed.”
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“Larboard battery dismissed.”
“Fore, main, and mizzentopmen dismissed.”
“Repeat the order!”
“Captain Hallam, fire into their ranks.”
“Marines, take aim.”
“Beat to quarters!”
“Clear decks for action!”
“Come on, lads; let’s punish the French for turning up late!”
The rest belongs to naval history. But if the sacrifice of Billy Budd…has served to make men
more conscious of justice…then he will not have died in vain. Men are perishable things…but
justice will live as long as the human soul…and the law, as long as the human mind.
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