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Quotation from Billy Budd and Other Stories by Herman Melville

“Struck dead by an angel of God. Yet the angel must hang”

Herman Melville (spoken by Captain Vere)

Billy Budd and Other Stories, Billy Budd, chapter after Claggart's death (numbering varies by edition) (Hayford and Sealts text (1962))

Portrait of Herman Melville

Vere's exclamation over Claggart's body, anticipating the verdict he will urge.

Citation: "Struck dead by an angel of God. Yet the angel must hang" — Herman Melville, Billy Budd and Other Stories, Billy Budd, chapter after Claggart's death (numbering varies by edition) (Hayford and Sealts text (1962)). (id billy-budd-and-other-stories-q5)

Portrait: Herman Melville by Joseph O Eaton, Joseph Oriel Eaton, Public domain.

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Quote card: Struck dead by an angel of God. Yet the angel must hang