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Billy Budd (Chap. 27) Lyrics by Herman Melville

Billy Budd

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A Digression
When some days afterward in reference to the singularity just mentioned, the Purser, a rather ruddy rotund person more accurate as an accountant than profound as a philosopher, said at mess to the Surgeon, "What testimony to the force lodged in will-power," the latter -- saturnine, spare and tall, one in whom a discreet causticity went along with a manner less genial than polite, replied, "Your pardon, Mr. Purser. In a hanging scientifically conducted -- and under special orders I myself directed how Budd's was to be effected -- any movement following the completed suspension and originating in the body suspended, such movement indicates mechanical spasm in the muscular system. Hence the absence of that is no more attributable to will-power as you call it than to horse-power -- begging your pardon."
"But this muscular spasm you speak of, is not that in a degree more or less invariable in these cases?"
"Assuredly so, Mr. Purser."
"How then, my good sir, do you account for its absence in this instance?"
"Mr. Purser, it is clear that your sense of the singularity in this matter equals not mine. You account for it by what you call will-power, a term not yet included in the lexicon of science. For me I do not, with my present knowledge, pretend to account for it at all. Even should we assume the hypothesis that at the first touch of the halyards the action of Budd's heart, intensified by extraordinary emotion at its climax, abruptly stopt -- much like a watch when in carelessly winding it up you strain at the finish, thus snapping the chain -- even under that hypothesis, how account for the phenomenon that followed?"
"You admit then that the absence of spasmodic movement was phenomenal."
"It was phenomenal, Mr. Purser, in the sense that it was an appearance the cause of which is not immediately to be assigned."
"But tell me, my dear Sir," pertinaciously continued the other, "was the man's death effected by the halter, or was it a species of euthanasia?"
"Euthanasia, Mr. Purser, is something like your will-power: I doubt its authenticity as a scientific term -- begging your pardon again. It is at once imaginative and metaphysical, -- in short, Greek. But," abruptly changing his tone, "there is a case in the sick-bay that I do not care to leave to my assistants. Beg your pardon, but excuse me." And rising from the mess he formally withdrew.
Credits
Herman Melville

Herman Melville

About “Billy Budd (Chap. 27)” by Herman Melville

Read the complete lyrics to "Billy Budd (Chap. 27)" by Herman Melville from the album "Billy Budd". On Lyrks you can follow along with the full text, explore the artist's discography, and discover related songs. The track is often categorized under Non-Music, Literature.

"Billy Budd (Chap. 27)" is performed by Herman Melville. from the album "Billy Budd" This page provides the full lyric text for fans who want to sing along, study the songwriting, or compare versions across releases. Lyrks organizes lyrics by artist and song slug so you can bookmark and share a stable URL. Music lyrics help listeners connect with emotion, narrative, and rhythm in a track. Whether you are learning English, researching a favorite chorus, or preparing for karaoke, having accurate line breaks and section labels (verse, chorus, bridge) makes the experience easier. We link to the official artist profile on Lyrks where available, including biography snippets, top songs, and chart placements when we have that data. If you enjoy "Billy Budd (Chap. 27)", explore more songs by Herman Melville using the links below. Chart and trending pages on Lyrks highlight what listeners are searching for this week. For copyright or correction requests, see our DMCA and contact pages.

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"Billy Budd (Chap. 27)" is credited to Herman Melville. Songwriting credits may include additional writers listed on the release; check the credits section on this page for linked collaborators.

"Billy Budd (Chap. 27)" appears on "Billy Budd".

Visit the Herman Melville artist page at /artist/herman-melville for biography, popular tracks, and links to more lyric pages.