Billy to swear his loyalty to the unseen captain. In his cabin, Captain Vere muses over classical literature. His officers Mr Redburn and Mr Flint enter, and they discuss the Revolution in France and the Spithead and Nore mutinies sparked by French ideas of democracy. The officers warn that Billy may cause trouble, but Vere dismisses their fears and expresses his love for the men under his command. Below decks, the sailors rough-house, but Dansker remains aloof. Billy goes for some tobacco to cheer him up, and discovers Squeak rifling through his kit. In a rage, Billy begins to stammer. Squeak draws a knife, and fights with Billy, who knocks Squeak to the ground as Claggart and the corporals enter. Billy is still unable to speak, but Dansker relates the events of the fight at Claggart's request. Claggart sends Squeak to the brig, to keep him silent. When alone, Claggart reveals his hatred for Billy and vows to destroy him. He orders the Novice to try to bribe Billy into joining a mutiny, and the broken-spirited Novice quickly agrees. Billy refuses the bribe and believes he will be rewarded, but Dansker warns him to beware of Claggart. Act 2 Claggart asks to see Vere, and after being granted access, begins to tell Vere about danger of mutiny led by one of the crew. However, the sighting of a French ship interrupts Claggart's narrative. The Indomitable goes in pursuit, and fires a warning shot, but loses the enemy in the mist. Claggart returns, and tells Vere that Billy poses a threat of mutiny. Vere does not believe him and sends for Billy so that Claggart may confront him. Later, in Vere's cabin, Claggart repeats the false charge to Billy's face. Once again, Billy begins to stammer in rage. Unable to speak, he strikes Claggart, killing him. Captain Vere convenes a drumhead court for an immediate court-martial. The officers find Billy guilty and sentence him to hang. Billy begs Vere to save him, and the officers appeal to him for guidance, but Vere remains silent and accepts their verdict. He goes into the cabin where Billy is being held. The meeting between Captain Vere and Billy Budd is represented by 34 orchestral block chords, with no words. (This was the end of Act 3 in the four-act version.) Billy prepares for his execution in his cell. Dansker brings him a drink and