Act I, Scene III
SCENE THIRD.
-- The interior of the pavilion -- folding doors in the back
-- on a long table is discovered an indistinct form, covered with
black cloth -- a small side table with bottles, and chemical
apparatus, and a brazier with fire. FRANKENSTEIN is discovered as
if engaged in a calculation.
Frank.
Now that the final operation is accomplished, my panting heart
dares scarcely gaze upon the object of its labours, dares
scarcely contemplate the grand fulfilment of its wishes. Courage,
Frankenstein! glut thy big soul with exultation! enjoy a triumph
never yet attained by mortal man! (music -- he eagerly lays
his hand on the bosom of the figure, as if to discover whether it
breathes) The breath of life now swells its bosom.
(music) As the cool night breeze plays upon its brow it
will awake to sense and motion. (music -- he rolls back the
black covering, which discovers a colossal human figure, of a
cadaverous livid complexion; it slowly begins to rise, gradually
attaining an erect posture, FRANKENSTEIN observing with intense
anxiety. When it has attained a perpendicular position, and
glares its eyes upon him, he starts back with horror)
Merciful heaven! And has the fondest visions of my fancy awakened
to this terrible reality; a form of horror, which I scarcely dare
to look upon; instead of the fresh colour of humanity, he wears
the livid hue of the damp grave. Oh, horror! {10} horror! let me
fly this dreadful monster of my own creation! (he hides his
face in his hands; the MONSTER, meantime, springs from the table,
and gradually gains the use of his limbs; he is surprised at the
appearance of FRANKENSTEIN -- advances towards him and touches
him, the latter starts back in disgust and horror, draws his
sword and rushes on the MONSTER, who with the utmost ease takes
the sword from him, snaps it in two, and throws it down.
FRANKENSTEIN then attempts to seize it by the throat, but by a
very slight exertion of its powers, it throws him off to a
considerable distance -- in shame, confusion, and despair,
FRANKENSTEIN rushes out of the apartment, locking the doors after
him. The MONSTER gazes about it in wonder, traverses the
apartment -- hearing the sound of FRANKENSTEIN'S footsteps
without, wishes to follow him, finds the opposition of the door,
with one blow strikes it from its hinges, and rushes out.)
Act
Scene
