Man did live his life, did escape from the fray:
Not scratchless but unscathed, he somehow eluded
Each blow fortune dealt him, and conquers to-day:
To-morrow—new chance and fresh strength,—might we say?
Laud then Man's life—no defeat but a triumph!
[Explosion from the earth's centre.
Clo. Ha, loose hands!
Lach. I reel in a swound.
Atro. Horror yawns under me, while from on high—humph!
Lightnings astound, thunders resound,
Vault-roof reverberates, groans the ground! [Silence.