Part 2

Both Voices. [Singing.]

Man maketh law, but Nature, love; And in the court above Love's cast for only fickleness-- But then it is not love.

[Laughter and singing die away in the distance. Chatterton comes from window, laughs wildly, and then suddenly checks his mirth.]

Chatterton. O, what an unction for the closing eye, And what a chant to fill the parting ear! [A distant clock again strikes the hour.] A signal! be it so. [Drinks poison.] The deed is done. O, my poor mother!--peace, my anguished soul. Have mercy, heaven, when I cease to be, And this last act of wretchedness forgive. [A look of agony passes over his face; he staggers to the bed and sinks upon his knees; then he rises and speaks deliriously.] The coach!-- The coach is coming! I can hear its wheels! Good-by, my friends; and mother, have no fear: I shall succeed. I'll write you all from London!

[Falls in the moonlight upon the pieces of his manuscripts, and dies. Slow curtain. Curtain rises. Lights up. It is morning. Chatterton is discovered lying on the floor as before. A discussion among voices is heard without. Loud knocking.]

Mrs. Angell. [From without.] Mr. Chatterton! [Knocking.] Mr. Chatterton! [Knocking.] Mr. Chatterton!

CURTAIN