The Count of Monte Cristo

Morrel Consumes the Poison

The Count scoops a small quantity of the greenish substance with a gilt spoon and offers it to Morrel, who accepts with deep gratitude. The Count then takes a second spoon and prepares to take some himself, explaining that he, too, is weary of life and this opportunity presents itself. Morrel seizes his hand and cries out: “Stay!” He tells the Count that he, who loves and is beloved, who has faith and hope, must not follow his example—for the Count it would be a crime. He bids the Count farewell, promising to tell Valentine what has been done for him, then slowly and without hesitation swallows the mysterious substance.

Onset of Poison Effects

Silence falls. Ali enters silently, brings pipes and coffee, and disappears. The lamplight in the hands of the marble statues gradually fades, and the room’s perfumes grow fainter. From the shadow, the Count watches with bright eyes as an overpowering sadness takes hold of Morrel. His hands relax their grip, the objects in the room lose form and color, and his disturbed vision begins to perceive doors and curtains opening in the walls. Morrel cries out, “Friend, I feel that I am dying; thanks!”—and the chapter ends.

第一百十七章 The Fifth of October

Chapter 117. The Fifth of October The chapter resolves the principal fates in the Count of Monte Cristo. Morrel lies dying and receives a vision of Monte Cristo and Valentine; Monte Cristo reunites the lovers and requests that Valentine watch over Haydée. When Monte Cristo announces that Haydée must leave him, she confesses her love, which he accepts as a sign of divine pardon. After Morrel revives, Jacopo delivers Monte Cristo’s farewell letter bequeathing his properties to the young couple and entrusting them with the maxim “Wait and hope.” The Count and Haydée then depart by sea as Morrel and Valentine watch from the shore.