ABSTRACT

Ever, that’s her name, still here, always here at the end, as soon as there is end, abyss, she will always have been here, Ever, literature, at the end, bringing about, coming about, giving place and taking place – for re-beginnings when the life-vessel sinks, when in 12 verses and 10 minutes all is lost, we are lost, it’s done, quick, clear off, next scene! In two words as the crew of HMS Shakespeare do, cast into the Tempest. BOATSWAIN

Lay her a-hold, a-hold! Set her two courses! Off to sea … Lay her off!

[Enter Mariners, wet]

MARINERS

All lost! To prayers! All lost! Pray her off!

[Exeunt Mariners]

BOATSWAIN

What, must our mouths be cold?

GONZALO

The King and Prince at prayers! Let’s assist them,

For our case is theirs.

Shakespeare, The Tempest, I.1