(Tries to take hold of Poe)
Poe. Off! See what I see! The Conqueror Worm! Fold on fold the red-fanged monster creeps! Look! your doom, ye swine with sodden eyes fast shut against sublimities! Ye—
Jug. (Taking Poe by the throat) I ’ll stop your croaking!
(Haines and Black pull Juggers from Poe, who falls to seat utterly exhausted)
Haines. Can’t you keep your hands off a sick man?
Haines. Then you might as well make his acquaintance.
Poe. ’T is here ... death ... and all is yet to say. O, I have chattered as a babe! Now, I could speak, and dust is in my mouth!... Helen, you told me to be content with the letters.... I have tried to read ... to steal God’s book. He has punished ... but death pays my bond. Soon I shall read with His eyes and be at peace. Peace! (Gives a dying shudder) Nevermore!... (Rises, staggers to door and opens it wide) O, Night, with thy minstrel winds, blow gently on me dead ... for I have been thy lover! (Looks back at the men who are gazing at him intently, and speaks lowly, erect and godlike) In His own image created He man!... (Turns and steps into the darkness.)
(CURTAIN)