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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, La Boheme, by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi
+Illica, et al, Translated by W. Grist and P. Pinkerton
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: La Boheme
+
+Author: Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
+
+Release Date: October 24, 2004  [eBook #13843]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LA BOHEME***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Keith M. Eckrich, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+LIBRETTO: LA BOHÈME
+
+An Opera in Four Acts
+
+Libretto by
+G. GIACOSA and L. ILLICA
+
+English Version by
+W. GRIST and P. PINKERTON
+
+Music by
+GIACOMO PUCCINI
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHARACTERS
+
+RUDOLPH (a poet)                    Tenor
+SCHAUNARD (a musician)              Baritone
+BENOIT (a landlord)                 Bass
+MIMI                                Soprano
+PARPIGNOL                           Tenor
+MARCEL (a painter)                  Baritone
+COLLINE (a philosopher)             Bass
+ALCINDORO (a councilor of state)    Bass
+MUSETTA                             Soprano
+CUSTOM-HOUSE SERGEANT               Bass
+
+
+Students, Work Girls, Citizens, Shopkeepers, Street Vendors, Soldiers,
+Restaurant Waiters, Boys, Girls, etc.
+
+TIME ABOUT 1830--IN PARIS
+
+
+
+
+
+SYNOPSIS
+
+
+The opera is founded on Henri Murger's book "La Vie de Bohème."
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+Rudolph and Marcel are sitting in the latter's attic-studio in the
+Quartier Latin, in Paris. Marcel is absorbed in his painting. The day
+is cold. They have no money to buy coal. Marcel takes a chair to burn
+it, when Rudolph remembers that he has a manuscript which has been
+rejected by the publishers and lights a fire with that instead.
+Colline enters, looking abject and miserable. He had gone out to pawn
+his books, but nobody wanted them. Their friend, Schaunard, however,
+had better luck. He comes bringing fuel and provisions. They all
+prepare their meal, when the landlord enters and demands the payment
+of his rent. The friends offer him a glass of wine and turn him out
+amidst joking and laughter. After their gay repast they separate and
+Rudolph remains alone writing.
+
+A knock is heard at the door and Mimi, a little seamstress, who lives
+on the same floor, appears and asks Rudolph to give her a match to
+light her candle. As she is about to go out, she falls in a faint.
+Rudolph gives her wine and restores her to consciousness. She tells
+him that she suffers from consumption. Rudolph is struck by her beauty
+and her delicate hands. She notices that she has lost her key and
+whilst they search for it their candles are extinguished. As they
+grope on the floor in the dark, Rudolph finds the key and puts it in
+his pocket. Their hands meet and Rudolph tries to warm her hands and
+tells her all about his life. Mimi confides her struggles to him and
+their conversation soon turns upon their love for each other.
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+Rudolph's friends have repaired to their favorite Café. It is
+Christmas Eve and everyone is in festive spirits. All the shops are
+bright and displaying their goods. Hawkers offer their goods for sale
+in the streets. Rudolph and Mimi are seen entering a milliner's where
+Rudolph is to buy her a new hat. Colline, Schaunard and Marcel take
+their seats in front of the Café, where a table has been prepared for
+them. Rudolph introduces Mimi to his friends. Musetta, Marcel's flame,
+with whom he has quarrelled, now enters with Alcindoro. Marcel is
+deeply moved when he sees her. Musetta notices this and sends
+Alcindoro on an errand. Whilst he is away, she makes peace with
+Marcel. The friends find that they have not sufficient money to pay
+for their supper, so they carry off Musetta and leave their bills to
+be paid by Alcindoro.
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+Months have elapsed, bringing joy and misery to Rudolph and Mimi.
+Rudolph loves Mimi passionately, but is consumed with jealousy. On a
+wintry day, Marcel is seen leaving a tavern near the Gates of Paris.
+He meets Mimi; she looks pale and haggard. She asks Marcel to help her
+and tells him of Rudolph's love and jealousy, explaining that she must
+leave him. Rudolph now comes upon the scene and not seeing Mimi tells
+of all the miseries of their lives; how he loves her and believes her
+to be dying of consumption. Mimi's cough betrays her and although she
+says good-bye to Rudolph they find they cannot part and determine to
+await the spring. Meanwhile Musetta and Marcel have a violent quarrel.
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+
+Marcel and Rudolph are now living together in their attic-studio.
+Musetta and Mimi have left them. They are seemingly working, but their
+thoughts wander towards the women they love. Schaunard and Colline
+enter with rolls and a herring for their meal. They have a wild time
+and are dancing and singing when Musetta enters and tells them that
+Mimi is outside so weak and ill that she can go no further. They make
+up a bed on the couch for her and bring her in. She clings to Rudolph
+and implores him not to leave her. Mimi reconciles Marcel and Musetta.
+Musetta tells her old friends that Mimi is dying and gives them her
+earrings to sell, asking them to get a doctor for Mimi. They all go
+out leaving Rudolph alone with Mimi. He holds her in his arms and
+recalls their love. Mimi is seized with a fit of coughing and falls
+back in a faint. Musetta returns with medicine. Mimi regains
+consciousness and turning to Rudolph tells him of her love. Musetta
+falls upon her knees in prayer and Mimi passes away in Rudolph's arms.
+
+_...rain or dust, cold or heat, nothing stops these bold adventurers.
+
+Their existence of every day is a work of genius, a daily problem
+which they always contrive to solve with the aid of bold mathematics.
+
+When want presses them, abstemious as anchorites--but, if a little
+fortune falls into their hands, see them ride forth on the most
+ruinous fancies, loving the fairest and youngest, drinking the oldest
+and best wines, and not finding enough windows whence to throw their
+money; then--the last crown dead and buried--they begin again to dine
+at the table d'hôte of chance, where their cover is always laid;
+smugglers of all the industries which spring from art; in chase, from
+morning till night, of that wild animal which is called the crown.
+
+"Bohemia" has a special dialect, a distinct jargon of its own. This
+vocabulary is the hell of rhetoric and the paradise of neologism_.
+
+
+
+_A gay life; yet a terrible one_!
+
+(Il. MURGER, preface to "Vie de Bohème")[1]
+
+
+
+
+[Footnote 1: Rather than follow MURGER'S novel step by step, the
+authors of the present libretto, both for reasons of musical and
+dramatic effect, have sought to derive inspiration from the French
+writer's admirable preface.
+
+Although they have faithfully portrayed the characters, even
+displaying a certain fastidiousness as to sundry local details; albeit
+in the scenic development of the opera they have followed Murger's
+method of dividing the libretto into four separate acts, in the
+dramatic and comic episodes they have claimed that ample and entire
+freedom of action, which, rightly or wrongly, they deemed necessary to
+the proper scenic presentment of a novel the most free, perhaps, in
+modern literature.
+
+Yet, in this strange book, if the characters of each person therein
+stand out clear and sharply defined, we often may perceive that one
+and the same temperament bears different names, and that it is
+incarnated, so to speak, in two different persons. Who cannot detect
+in the delicate profile of one woman the personality both of Mimi and
+of Francine? Who, as he reads of Mimi's "little hands, whiter than
+those of the Goddess of Ease," is not reminded of Francine's little
+muff?
+
+The authors deem it their duty to point out this identity of
+character. It has seemed to them that these two mirthful, fragile, and
+unhappy creatures in this comedy of Bohemian life might haply figure
+as one person, whose name should not be Mimi, not Francine, but "the
+Ideal."]
+
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+
+"...Mimi was a charming girl specially apt to appeal to Rudolph, the
+poet and dreamer. Aged twenty-two, she was slight and graceful. Her
+face reminded one of some sketch of high-born beauty; its features had
+marvellous refinement.
+
+"The hot, impetuous blood of youth coursed through her veins, giving
+a rosy hue to her clear complexion that had the white velvety bloom of
+the camellia.
+
+"This frail beauty allured Rudolph. But what wholly served to enchant
+him were Mimi's tiny hands, that, despite her household duties, she
+contrived to keep whiter even than the Goddess of Ease."
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+IN THE ATTIC
+
+
+
+_Spacious window, from which one sees an expanse of snow-clad roofs.
+On left, a fireplace, a table, small cupboard, a little book-case,
+four chairs, a picture easel, a bed, a few books, many packs of cards,
+two candlesticks. Door in the middle, another on left._
+
+
+
+_Curtain rises quickly_
+
+RUDOLPH and MARCEL. RUDOLPH _looks pensively out of the window._
+MARCEL _works at his painting, "The Passage of the Red Sea," with
+hands nipped with cold, and warms them by blowing on them from
+time to time, often changing position on account of the frost._
+
+MAR. (_seated, continuing to paint_)
+This Red Sea passage feels as damp and chill to me
+As if adown my back a stream were flowing.
+
+(_Goes a little way back from the easel to look at the picture._)
+
+But in revenge a Pharaoh will I drown.
+
+(_Turning to his work._)
+
+And you? (to RUDOLPH)
+
+RUD. (_pointing to the tireless stove_)
+Lazily rising, see how the smoke
+From thousands of chimneys floats upward!
+And yet that stove of ours
+No fuel seems to need, the idle rascal,
+Content to live in ease, just like a lord!
+
+MAR. 'Tis now a good, long while since we paid his lawful wages.
+
+RUD. Of what use are the forests all white under the snow?
+
+MAR. Now Rudolph, let me tell you
+A fact that overcomes me,
+I'm simply frozen!
+
+RUD. (_approaching_ MARCEL)
+And I, Marcel, to be quite candid,
+I've no faith in the sweat of my brow.
+
+MAR. All my fingers are frozen
+Just as if they'd been touching that iceberg,
+Touching that block of marble, the heart of false Musetta.
+
+(_Heaves a long sigh, laying aside his palette and brushes, and ceases
+painting.)_
+
+RUD. Ah! love's a stove consuming a deal of fuel!
+
+MAR. Too quickly.
+
+RUD. Where the man does the burning.
+
+MAR. And the woman the lighting.
+
+RUD. While the one turns to ashes.
+
+MAR. So the other stands and watches.
+
+RUD. Meanwhile, in here we're frozen.
+
+MAR. And we're dying of hunger.
+
+RUD. A fire must be lighted.
+
+MAR. (_seizing a chair and about to break it up_)
+I have it,
+This crazy chair shall save us!
+
+(_RUDOLPH energetically resists_ MARCEL'S _project_.)
+
+RUD. (_joyous at an idea that has seized him_)
+Eureka!
+
+(_Runs to the table and from below it lifts a bulky manuscript._)
+
+MAR. You've found it?
+
+RUD. Yes. When genius is roused ideas come fast in flashes.
+
+MAR. (_pointing to his picture_)
+Let's burn up the "Red Sea."
+
+RUD. No: think what a stench 'twould occasion!
+But my drama, my beautiful drama shall give us warmth.
+
+MAR. (_with comic terror_)
+Intend you to read it?
+Twill chill us!
+
+RUD. No. The paper in flame shall be burning,
+The soul to its heaven returning. (_with tragic emphasis_)
+Great loss! but the world yet must bear it,
+When Rome is in peril!
+
+MAR. Great soul!
+
+RUD. (_giving _MARCEL_ a portion of the MS._)
+Here, take the first act.
+
+MAR. Well?
+
+RUD. Tear it.
+
+MAR. And light it.
+
+(RUDOLPH _strikes a flint on steel, lights a candle, and goes to the
+stove with_ MARCEL; _together they set fire to a part of the MS.
+thrown into the fireplace; then both draw up their chairs and sit
+down, delightedly warming themselves._)
+
+RUD. How joyous the rays!
+
+MAR. How cheerful the blaze!
+
+(_The door at the back opens violently, and_ COLLINE _enters frozen
+and nipped up, stamping his feet, and throwing angrily on the
+table a bundle of books tied up in a handkerchief_.)
+
+COL. Surely miracles apocalyptic are dawning!
+For Christmas eve they honor by allowing no pawning!
+
+(_Checks himself, seeing a fire in the stove._)
+
+See I a fire here?
+
+RUD. (_to_ COLLINE) Gently, it is my drama.
+
+COL. In blazes!
+I find it very sparkling.
+
+RUD. Brilliant! (_the fire languishes_)
+
+COL. Too short its phrases.
+
+RUD. Brevity's deemed a treasure.
+
+COL. (_taking the chair from_ RUDOLPH)
+Your chair pray give me, author.
+
+MAR. These foolish entr'actes merely make us shiver. Quickly!
+
+RUD. (_taking another portion of the_ MS.) Here is the next act.
+
+MAR. (_to_ COLLINE) Hush! not a whisper.
+
+(RUDOLPH _tears up the_ MS. _and throws it into the fireplace; the
+flames revive._ COLLINE _moves his chair nearer and warms his
+hands._ RUDOLPH _is standing near the two with the rest of the_
+MS.)
+
+COL. How deep the thought is!
+
+MAR. Color how true!
+
+RUD. In that blue smoke my drama is dying
+Full of its love-scenes ardent and new.
+
+COL. A leaf see crackle!
+
+MAR. Those were all the kisses.
+
+RUD. (_throwing the remaining_ MS. _on the fire_)
+Three acts at once I desire to hear.
+
+COL. Only the daring can dream such visions.
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. Dreams that in flame soon disappear.
+
+(_Applaud enthusiastically; the flame diminishes._)
+
+MAR. Ye gods! see the leaves well-nigh perished.
+
+COL. How vain is the drama we cherished.
+
+MAR. They crackle! they curl up! they die!
+
+MAR. and COL. The author--down with him, we cry.
+
+(_From the middle door two boys enter, carrying provisions and fuel;
+the three friends turn, and with a surprised cry, seize the provisions
+and place them on the table._ COLLINE _carries the wood to the
+fireplace._)
+
+RUD. Fuel!
+
+MAR. Wine, too!
+
+COL. Cigars!
+
+RUD. Fuel!
+
+MAR. Bordeaux!
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. The abundance of a feast day
+We are destined yet to know.
+
+(_Exeunt the two boys_)
+
+(_Enter_ SCHAUNARD.)
+
+SCH. (_triumphantly throwing some coins on the ground_)
+Such wealth in the balance
+Outweighs the Bank of France.
+
+COL. (_assisting_ RUDOLPH _and_ MARCEL _to pick up the coins_)
+Then, take them--then, take them.
+
+MAR. (_incredulously_) Tin medals? Inspect them.
+
+SCH. (_showing one to_ MARCEL)
+You're deaf then, or blear-eyed?
+What face do they show?
+
+RUD. (_bowing_)
+King Louis Philippe: to my monarch I bow.
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. Shall King Louis Philippe at our feet thus
+lie low?
+
+(SCHAUNARD _will go on recounting his good luck, but the others
+continue to arrange everything on the table._)
+
+SCH. Now I'll explain.
+This gold has--or rather silver--
+Has its own noble story.
+
+MAR. First the stove to replenish.
+
+COL. So much cold has he suffered,
+
+SCH. 'Twas an Englishman, then--
+Lord, or mi-lord, as may be--
+Desired a musician.
+
+MAR. (_throwing_ COLLINE'S _books from the table_)
+Off! Let us furnish the table.
+
+SCH. I flew to him.
+
+RUD. Where is the food?
+
+COL. There.
+
+MAR. Here.
+
+SCH. I pay my homage.
+Accepted, I enquire--
+
+COL. (_preparing the viands on the table while_ RUDOLPH _lights the
+other candle_)
+Here's cold roast beef.
+
+MAR. And savory patty.
+
+SCH. When shall we start the lessons?
+When I seek him, in answer to my question,
+"When shall we start the lessons?"
+He tells me "Now--at once.
+Just look there,"
+Showing a parrot on the first floor, hung, then continues:
+"You must play until that bird has ceased to live."
+Thus it befell:
+Three days I play and yell.
+
+RUD. Brilliantly lightens the room into splendor.
+
+MAR. Here are the candles.
+
+COL. What lovely pastry!
+
+SCH. Then on the servant girl
+Try all the charms wherewith I'm laden;
+I fascinate the maiden.
+
+MAR. With no tablecloth eat we--
+
+RUD. (taking a paper from his pocket) An idea!
+
+COL. and MAR. The Constitutional.
+
+RUD. (unfolding the paper)
+Excellent paper!
+One eats a meal and swallows news at the same time!
+
+SCH. With parsley I approach the bird,
+His beak Lorito opens;
+Lorito's wings outspread,
+Lorito opens his beak,
+A little piece of parsley gulps--
+As Socrates, is dead!
+
+(SCHAUNARD, seeing that no one is paying any attention to him, seizes
+COLLINE as he passes with a plate.)
+
+COL. Who?
+
+SCH. (pettishly) The devil fly away with you entirely!
+
+(seeing the rest in the act of eating the cold pastry)
+
+What are you doing?
+
+(With solemn gesture, extending his hand over the pastry)
+
+No! dainties of this kind
+Are but the stored-up fodder
+Saved for the morrow,
+Fraught with gloom and sorrow, (clearing the table)
+To dine at home on the day of Christmas vigil,
+While the Quartier Latin embellishes
+Its ways with dainty food and tempting relishes.
+Meanwhile the smell of savory fritters
+The old street fills with fragrant odor.
+There singing joyously, merry maidens hover,
+Having for echo each a student lover.
+
+(RUDOLPH locks the door; then all go to the table and pour out wine.)
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. 'Tis the gladsome Christmas Eve.
+
+SCH. A little of religion, comrades, I pray;
+Within doors drink we, but we dine away.
+
+(Two knocks are heard at the door.)
+
+BEN. (from without) 'Tis I.
+
+MAR. Who is there?
+
+BEN. 'Tis Benoit.
+
+MAR. 'Tis the landlord is knocking!
+
+SCH. Bolt the door quickly!
+
+COL. (calling towards the door) No! There is no one!
+
+SCH. 'Tis fastened!
+
+BEN. Give me a word, pray!
+
+SCH. (opening the door, after consulting with his friends) At once.
+
+BEN. (entering smilingly, showing a paper to MARCEL) The rent!
+
+MAR. (with great cordiality) Hallo! give him a seat, friends!
+
+BEN. Do not trouble, I beg you.
+
+SCH. (with gentle firmness, obliging BENOIT to sit down) Sit down!
+
+MAR. (offering BENOIT a glass of wine) Some Bordeaux?
+
+RUD. Your health!
+
+BEN. Thank you.
+
+COL. Your health!
+
+SCH. Drink up!
+
+RUD. Good health! (all drink)
+
+BEN. (to MARCEL, putting down his glass and showing his paper.)
+'Tis the quarter's rent I call for.
+
+MAR. (ingenuously) Glad to hear it.
+
+BEN. And therefore--
+
+SCH. (interrupting) Another tipple? (fills up the glasses)
+
+BEN. Thank you.
+
+RUD. Your health!
+
+COL. Your health!
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. (all touching BENOIT'S glass)
+Drink we all your health, sir! (all drink)
+
+BEN. (resuming, to MARCEL)
+To you I come, as the quarter now is ended;
+You have promised,
+
+MAR. To keep it I intended. (Shows BENOIT the money on the table.)
+
+RUD. (aside to MARCEL) Art mad?
+
+SCH. (aside to MARCEL) What do you--
+
+MAR. (to BENOIT, without noticing the two)
+Hast seen it? Then give your care a respite,
+And join our friendly circle.
+Tell me how many years
+Boast you of, my dear sir?
+
+BEN. My years! Spare me, I pray.
+
+RUD. Our own age, less or more?
+
+BEN. (protesting) Much more, very much more.
+
+(While they make BENOIT talk, they fill up his glass immediately it
+is empty.)
+
+COL. He says 'tis less or more.
+
+MAR. (mischievously, in a low voice)
+T'other evening at Mabille
+I caught him in a passage of love.
+
+BEN. (uneasily) Me!
+
+MAR. At Mabille. T'other evening
+I caught you. Deny?
+
+BEN. By chance 'twas.
+
+MAR. (in a flattering tone) She was lovely!
+
+BEN. (half drunk, suddenly) Ah! very.
+
+SCH. Old rascal!
+
+RUD. Old rascal!
+
+COL. Vile seducer!
+
+SCH. Old rascal!
+
+MAR. He's an oak tree. He's a cannon.
+
+RUD. He has good taste, then?
+
+BEN. (laughing) Ha, ha!
+
+MAR. Her hair was curly auburn.
+
+COL. Old knave!
+
+MAR. With ardent speed leaped he joyous to her embraces.
+
+BEN. (with increasing exultation) Old am I, but robust yet.
+
+RUD., SCH. and COL. Ardent with joy he sprang to her embraces.
+
+MAR. To him she yields her woman's love and truth.
+
+BEN. (in a very confidential tone)
+Bashful was I in youth,
+Now somewhat am I altered.
+Well, what I like myself ...
+Must know that my one delight ...
+Is a merry damsel,--and small,
+I do not ask a whale, nor a world-map to study,
+Nor, like a full moon,
+A face round and ruddy;
+But leanness, downright leanness, No! No!
+Lean women's claws oftentimes are scratchy,
+Their temper somewhat catchy,
+Full of aches, too, and mourning,
+As my wife is my warning.
+
+(MARCEL bangs his fist down on the table and rises; the others follow
+his example, BENOIT looking on in bewilderment.)
+
+MAR. A wife possessing!
+Yet thoughts impure confessing.
+
+SCH. and COL. Foul shame!
+
+RUD. His vile pollution empoisons our honest abode.
+
+SCH. and COL. Hence!
+
+MAR. With perfume we must fumigate!
+
+COL. Drive him forth, the reprobate!
+
+SCH. Morality offended hence expels you!
+
+(BENOIT staggeringly rises, and tries in vain to speak.)
+
+BEN. But say--I say!
+
+MAR. Be silent!
+
+COL. Be silent!
+
+RUD. Be silent!
+
+(They surround BENOIT and gradually push him to the door.)
+
+BEN. Sirs, I beg you!
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. Be silent, out, your lordship! Hence away!
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. Wish we your lordship a pleasant Christmas
+Eve. Ah!
+
+(They push BENOIT outside the door.)
+
+MAR. (locking the door) I have paid the last quarter!
+
+SCH. In the Quartier Latin
+Momus awaits!
+
+MAR. Long live the spender!
+
+SCH. We'll the booty divide!
+
+RUD. We'll divide!
+
+COL. We'll divide! (they divide the money on the table)
+
+MAR. (holding out a cracked mirror to COLLINE)
+Beauty is a gift heaven descended,
+Now you are rich, to decency pay tribute.
+Bear! have your mane attended!
+
+COL. The first chance I can find,
+I will make acquaintance with a beard eraser!
+So guide me to the monstrous outrage of a barber's weapon.
+Let's go!
+
+SCH. We go!
+
+MAR. and COL. We go!
+
+RUD. I stay here, finish I must the article for my new journal,
+"Beaver"!
+
+MAR. Be quick then!
+
+RUD. Five minutes only, I know well the work!
+
+COL. We'll await you at the porter's lodge!
+
+MAR. Delay, and you'll hear the chorus!
+
+RUD. Five minutes only!
+
+SCH. You must cut short the Beaver's growing tale!
+
+(RUDOLPH _takes a light from the table and goes to open the door:
+the others go out and descend the staircase_.)
+
+MAR. (_from without_) Look to the staircase! keep well to the
+handrail!
+
+RUD. (_on the landing near the open door holding up the candle_) Go
+slowly!
+
+COL. How plaguing dark 'tis!
+
+SCH. May the porter be damned!
+
+(_The noise of someone falling is heard_.)
+
+COL. I have tumbled!
+
+RUD. Colline, are you dead yet?
+
+COL. (_from the bottom of the staircase_) Not this time!
+
+MAR. Come quickly!
+
+(RUDOLPH _shuts the door, puts down the light, clears a space at the
+table for pens and paper, then sits down and commences to write,
+after putting out the other candle._)
+
+RUD. I'm out of humor! (_A timid knock is heard at the door._) Who's
+there?
+
+MIMI. (_from without_) Pardon!
+
+RUD. 'Tis a lady!
+
+MIMI. Excuse me, my candle's gone out!
+
+RUD. (_running to open the door_) Is it?
+
+MIMI. (_standing on the threshold with an extinguished candle and a
+key_)
+Pray, would you--
+
+RUD. Pray be seated a moment.
+
+MIMI. No, I thank you.
+
+RUD. I beg you enter.
+
+(MIMI _enters, but is seized with a fit of coughing_.)
+
+RUD. Are you not well?
+
+MIMI. No! Nothing!
+
+RUD. You are quite pale!
+
+MIMI. (coughing) My breath--'tis the staircase--
+
+(Swoons, and RUDOLPH has hardly time to support her and place her
+on a chair. She lets fall her candlestick and key.)
+
+RUD. What can I do to aid her?
+
+(Fetches some water, and sprinkles her face.)
+
+Ah! this! How very pale her face is! (Mimi revives) Do you feel
+better?
+
+MIMI. Yes.
+
+RUD. Here 'tis very chilly.
+Nearer the fire be seated an instant.
+(conducting her to a chair near the tire)
+A little wine?
+
+MIMI. Thank you.
+
+RUD. (giving her a glass and pouring out some wine) For you.
+
+MIMI. Not so much, please!
+
+RUD. Like this?
+
+MIMI. Thank you. (she drinks)
+
+RUD. How lovely a maiden.
+
+MIMI. Now please allow me to light my candle, I'm feeling much better.
+
+RUD. What, so quickly?
+
+(RUDOLPH lights the candle and gives it to MIMI.)
+
+MIMI. Thank you. Now, good evening.
+
+RUD. So, good evening.
+
+(Accompanies her to the door, and then returns quickly to his work.)
+
+MIMI. (re-entering, stops on the threshold)
+Oh! how stupid! How stupid!
+The key of my poor chamber,
+Where can I have left it?
+
+RUD. Come, stand not in the doorway:
+Your candle is flickering in the wind.
+
+(Mimi's light goes out.)
+
+MIMI. Good gracious! Please light it just once more!
+
+(RUDOLPH runs with his candle, but, as he nears the door, his light,
+too, is blown out, and the room remains in darkness.)
+
+RUD. Oh, dear! Now there's mine gone out, too!
+
+MIMI. Ah! and the key--where can it be?
+
+(Groping about, she reaches the table and deposits the candlestick.)
+
+RUD. What a nuisance! (He finds himself near the door and fastens it.)
+
+MIMI. I'm so sorry.
+
+RUD. Where can it be?
+
+MIMI. You have an importunate neighbor,
+Pray, forgive your tiresome little neighbor.
+
+RUD. Nothing, I assure you.
+
+MIMI. Pray, forgive your tiresome neighbor.
+
+RUD. Do not mention it, I pray you.
+
+MIMI. Look for it.
+
+RUD. I'm looking.
+
+(Looks for the key on the floor; sliding over it, he knocks against
+the table, deposits his candlestick, and searches for the key with his
+hands on the floor.)
+
+MIMI. Where can it be?
+
+(Finds the key, lets an exclamation escape, then checks himself and
+puts the key in his pocket.)
+
+RUD. Ah!
+
+MIMI. Have you found it?
+
+RUD. No.
+
+MIMI. I think so.
+
+RUD. In very truth.
+
+MIMI. Found it?
+
+RUD. Not yet.
+
+(Feigns to search, but guided by Mimi'S voice and movements,
+approaches her; as Mimi is stooping his hand meets hers, which he
+clasps.)
+
+MIMI. (rising to her feet, surprised) Ah!
+
+RUD. (holding Mimi's hand, with emotion)
+Your tiny hand is frozen,
+Let me warm it into life;
+Our search is useless,
+In darkness all is hidden,
+'Ere long the light of the moon shall aid us,
+Yes, in the moonlight our search let us resume.
+One moment, pretty maiden,
+While I tell you in a trice,
+Who I am, what I do,
+And how I live. Shall I?
+
+(Mimi is silent.)
+
+I am, I am a poet!
+What's my employment? Writing.
+Is that a living? Hardly.
+I've wit though wealth be wanting,
+Ladies of rank and fashion
+All inspire me with passion;
+In dreams and fond illusions,
+Or castles in the air,
+Richer is none on earth than I.
+
+Bright eyes as yours, believe me,
+Steal my priceless jewels,
+In fancy's store-house cherished,
+Your roguish eyes have robbed me,
+Of all my dreams bereft me,
+Dreams that are fair, yet fleeting.
+Fled are my truant fancies,
+Regrets I do not cherish,
+For now life's rosy morn is breaking,
+Now golden love is waking.
+Now that I've told my story,
+Pray tell me yours, too;
+Tell me frankly, who are you?
+Say, will you tell?
+
+MIMI. (_after some hesitation_)
+They call me Mimi
+But my name is Lucia;
+My story is a short one--
+Fine satin stuffs or silk
+I deftly embroider;
+I am content and happy;
+The rose and lily I make for pastime.
+These flowers give me pleasure
+As in magical accents
+They speak to me of love,
+Of beauteous springtime.
+Of fancies and of visions bright they tell me,
+Such as poets, and only poets, know.
+Do you hear me?
+
+RUD. Yes!
+
+MIMI. They call me Mimi,
+But I know not why;
+All by myself I take my frugal supper,
+To Mass not oft repairing,
+Yet oft I pray to God.
+In my room live I lonely,
+Up at the top there, in my little chamber
+Above the house tops so lofty.
+Yet the glad sun first greets me;
+After the frost is over
+Spring's first, sweet, fragrant kiss is mine,
+Her first bright sunbeam is mine,
+A rose as her petals are opening
+Do I tenderly cherish. Ah! what a charm
+Lies for me in her fragrance!
+Alas! those flowers I make,
+The flowers I fashion, alas! they have no perfume!
+More than just this I cannot find to tell you,
+I'm a tiresome neighbor that at an awkward moment
+intrudes upon you.
+
+SCH. (_from below_) Eh! Rudolph!
+
+COL. Rudolph!
+
+MAR. Hallo! you hear not?
+Don't dawdle!
+
+(_At the shouts of his friends_ RUDOLPH _is annoyed._)
+
+COL. Poetaster, come!
+
+SCH. What has happened, idler?
+
+(_Getting more annoyed_ RUDOLPH _opens the window to answer his
+friends; the moonlight enters, brightening the room._)
+
+RUD. I have still three lines to finish.
+
+MIMI. (_approaching the window_) Who are they?
+
+RUD. My friends.
+
+SCH. You will know they're yours.
+
+MAR. What do you there, so lonely?
+
+RUD. I'm not lonely. We are two.
+So to Momus go on.
+There keep us places; we will follow quickly.
+
+(_Remains still at the window to make sure of his friends going._)
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. (_gradually departing_)
+Momus, Momus, Momus!
+Gently and soft to supper let us go.
+
+MAR. And poetry let flow.
+
+SCH. and COL. Momus, Momus, Momus!
+
+(MIMI _goes nearer the window, so that the moon's rays fall on her
+while_ RUDOLPH _contemplates her ecstatically._)
+
+RUD. Lovely maid in the moonlight!
+
+MAR. And poetry let flow.
+
+RUD. Your face entrancing.
+Like radiant seraph from on high appears!
+The dream that I would ever, ever dream, returns.
+
+RUD.                               | MIMI.
+                                   |
+                                   | Love alone o'er hearts has sway
+Heart to heart and soul to soul    | Ah Love! to thee do we surrender.
+Love binds us in his fetters.      |  (_yielding to her lover's
+(_placing his arm around MIMI_         embrace_)
+Love now shall rule our hearts     | Sweet to my soul the magic voice
+ alone,                            | Of love its music chanteth,
+Life's fairest flower is love!     | Life's fairest flower is love!
+Life's fairest flower is love!     |   (RUDOLPH _kisses her._)
+
+
+MIMI. (_disengaging herself_) No, I pray you!
+
+RUD. My sweetheart!
+
+MIMI. Your comrades await you!
+
+RUD. Do you then dismiss me?
+
+MIMI. I should like--no, I dare not!
+
+RUD. Say!
+
+MIMI. (coquettishly) Could I not come with you?
+
+RUD. What, Mimi?
+It would be much more pleasant here to stay.
+Outside 'tis chilly!
+
+MIMI. To you I'll be neighbor! I'll be always near you.
+
+RUD. On returning?
+
+MIMI. (archly) Who knows, sir?
+
+RUD. Take my arm, my little maiden!
+
+MIMI. (giving her arm to RUDOLPH) I obey you, my lord!
+
+(They go, arm in arm, to the door.)
+
+RUD. You love me? Say!
+
+MIMI. (with abandon)
+I love thee!
+
+RUD. and MIMI. My love! My love!
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+"...Gustave Colline, the great philosopher; Marcel, the great
+painter; Rudolph, the great poet, and Schaunard, the great musician
+--as they were wont to style them selves--regularly frequented the
+Cafe Momus, where, being inseparable, they were nicknamed 'The
+Four Musketeers.'
+
+"Indeed, they always went about together, played together, dined
+together, often without paying the bill, yet always with a beautiful
+harmony worthy of the Conservatoire Orchestra.
+
+"Mademoiselle Musetta was a pretty girl of twenty.
+
+"Very coquettish, rather ambitious, but without any pretensions
+to spelling.
+
+"Oh! those delightful suppers in the Quartier Latin!
+
+"A perpetual alternative between a blue brougham and an omnibus;
+between the Rue Breda and the Quartier Latin.
+
+"...Well! what of that? From time to time I feel the need of breathing
+the atmosphere of such a life as this. My madcap existence is like a
+song; each of my love-episodes forms a verse of it, but Marcel is its
+refrain!"
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+IN THE LATIN QUARTER
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+A conflux of streets; where they meet, a square, flanked by shops of
+all sorts; on one side the Café Momus.
+
+Aloof from the crowd, RUDOLPH and MIMI; COLLINE is near a rag-shop,
+SCHAUNARD stands outside a tinker's, buying a pipe and a horn, MARCEL
+is being hustled hither and thither.
+
+A vast, motley crowd; soldiers, serving maids, boys, girls, children,
+students, work girls, gendarmes, etc. It is evening. The shops are
+decked with tiny lamps; a huge lantern lights up the entrance to the
+Café Momus. The café is so crowded that some of the customers are
+obliged to seat themselves outside.
+
+HAWKERS. (outside their shops)
+
+Come, buy my oranges!
+Hot roasted chestnuts!
+Trinkets and crosses!
+Fine hardbake!
+Excellent toffee!
+Flowers for the ladies!
+Try our candy!
+Cream for the babies!
+Fat larks and ortolans!
+Look at them!
+Fine salmon!
+Look at our chestnuts!
+Who'll buy my carrots?
+
+THE CROWD.
+
+CITIZENS. What a racket!
+
+WOMEN. What uproar!
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS.
+Hold fast to me; come along!
+
+A MOTHER. (calling her children) Lisa! Emma!
+
+CITIZENS. Ho! make way there!
+
+THE MOTHER. Emma, don't you hear me?
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS. Rue Mazarin's the nearest.
+
+WOMEN. Let's get away, I'm choking!
+
+CITIZENS. See! the café is near!
+
+(At the Café)
+
+CITIZENS.
+Come here, waiter!
+Come along!
+Come along!
+Come here!
+To me!
+Some beer!
+A glass!
+Vanilla!
+Come along!
+Come along!
+Some beer!
+Some coffee!
+Hurry up!
+
+SCH. (_blowing the horn_)
+D! D! D! what a dreadful D!
+
+(_Haggling with the tinker._)
+
+What's the price of the lot?
+
+COL. (_to the clothes dealer, who has been mending a jacket for him_)
+It's rather shabby, but sound and not expensive.
+
+(_He pays, and then carefully consigns the books to the various
+pockets of his long coat._)
+
+(_MARCEL alone in the midst of the crowd, with a parcel under his arm,
+making eyes at the girls who jostle against him in the crowd._)
+
+MAR. I feel somehow as if I fain must shout:
+Ho! laughing lassies, will you play at love?
+Let's play together, let's play the game of buy and sell:
+Who'll give a penny for my guileless heart?
+
+(_Pushing through the crowd, _RUDOLPH_ and _MIMI_, arm in arm,
+approach a bonnet shop._)
+
+RUD. Let's go!
+
+MIMI. To buy the bonnet?
+
+RUD. Hold tightly to my arm, love!
+
+(_They enter the bonnet shop._)
+
+(SCHAUNARD _strolls about in front of the Café Momus, waiting for his
+friends, and, armed with his huge pipe and hunting horn, he
+watches the crowd curiously._)
+
+SCH. Surging onward--eager, breathless--
+Moves the madding crowd,
+As they frolic ever
+In their wild, insane endeavor.
+
+COL. (_comes up, waving an old book in triumph_)
+Such a rare copy! well-nigh unique,
+A grammar of Runic!
+
+SCH. (_who arrives at that moment behind_ COLLINE, _compassionately_)
+Honest fellow!
+
+MAR. (_arriving at the Café Momus, and finding_ SCHAUNARD _and_
+COLLINE)
+To supper!
+
+SCH. and COL. Ho! Rudolph!
+
+MAR. He's gone to buy a bonnet.
+
+(MARCEL, SCHAUNARD _and_ COLLINE _try to find an empty table outside
+the café, but there is only one, which is occupied by townsfolk. At
+these latter the three friends glare furiously, and then enter the
+café. The crowd disperses among the adjacent streets. The shops are
+crowded and the square becomes densely thronged with buyers who come
+and go. In the café there is much animation._ RUDOLPH _and_ MIMI _come
+out of the shop._)
+
+RUD. (_to_ MIMI)
+Come along! my friends are waiting.
+
+MIMI. Do you think this rose-trimmed bonnet suits me?
+
+RUD. The color suits your dark complexion.
+
+MIMI. (_looking into the window of a bonnet shop_) O what a pretty
+necklace!
+
+RUD. I have an aunt a millionaire.
+If the good God wills to take her,
+Then shall you have a necklace far more fine.
+(_suddenly seeing_ MIMI _look round suspiciously_)
+What is it?
+
+MIMI. Are you jealous?
+
+RUD. The man in love is always jealous, darling.
+
+MIMI. Are you then in love?
+
+RUD. (_squeezing her arm in his_)
+
+Yes, so much in love!
+Are you?
+
+MIMI. Yes, deeply.
+
+(_Enter from the café,_ COLLINE, SCHAUNARD _and_ MARCEL _carrying a
+table. A waiter follows with chairs. The townsfolks seated near
+seem vexed at the noise which the three friends are making, for
+they soon get up and walk away._)
+
+COL. The vulgar herd I hate, just as I did Horace.
+
+SCH. And I, when I am eating,
+I can't stand being crowded.
+
+MAR. (to the waiter) Smartly!
+
+SCH. For many!
+
+MAR. We want a supper of the choicest!
+
+(_MIMI and RUDOLPH joining their friends_.)
+
+RUD. (_accompanied by MIMI_) Two places.
+
+COL. Let's have supper.
+
+RUD. So we have come. (_introducing Mimi_)
+This is Mimi,
+The merry flower girl;
+And now she's come to join us.
+Our party is completed--
+For I shall play the poet,
+While she's the muse incarnate.
+Forth from my brain flow songs of passion,
+As, at her touch the pretty buds blow;
+As in the soul awaketh beautiful love!
+
+MAR. (_ironically_) My word, what high falutin'!
+
+COL. _Digna est intrari._
+
+SCH. _Ingrediat si necessit._
+
+COL. I'll grant only an _accessit_!
+
+(RUDOLPH _makes_ MIMI _sit down. All being seated, the waiter returns
+with the menu_.)
+
+COL. (_with an air of great importance_) Some sausage!
+
+PAR. (_faintly in the distance_) Who'll buy some pretty toys from
+Parpignol?
+
+(_Boys and girls running out from the shops and adjoining streets._)
+
+BOYS and GIRLS. Parpignol! Parpignol!
+
+(_Enter PARPIGNOL from the Rue Dauphin, pushing a barrow festooned
+with foliage, flowers and paper lanterns._)
+
+PAR. (_crying_) Who'll buy some pretty toys from Parpignol?
+
+CHILDREN, (_crowding and jumping round the barrow_)
+Parpignol! Parpignol!
+With his pretty barrow bright with flowers!
+
+(_admiring the toys_)
+
+I want the horn! and I the horse!
+Get away, they are mine!
+I want the gun! and I the whip!
+No, the drum shall be mine!
+
+(_At the cries of the children, the mothers try, but without success,
+to lead them away from PARPIGNOL, scolding loudly_.)
+
+MOTHERS.
+Ah! wait a bit, you dirty little rascals.
+What can it be that sets you all a-gaping?
+Get home to your beds, get home, lazy rascals,
+Or you shall all have a tidy beating.
+
+(_The children refuse to go. One of them cries for Parpignol'S toys
+and his mother pulls his ear. The mothers, relenting, buy some.
+Parpignol moves down the street, followed by the children, pretending
+to play on their toy instruments_.)
+
+PAR. (_in the distance_) Who'll buy some pretty toys of Parpignol!
+
+(_The waiter presents the menu, which the four friends carefully
+scrutinize in turn._)
+
+SCH. Bring some venison.
+
+MAR. I'll have turkey.
+
+RUD. (_in an undertone to MIMI_) Mimi, what would you like?
+
+MIMI. Some custard!
+
+SCH. And some Rhenish!
+
+COL. Bring some claret, too!
+
+SCH. And some lobster, only shell it!
+The best you've got--for a lady!
+
+MAR. (_disconcerted at the sight of MUSETTA; to the waiter_)
+
+And I'll have a phial of poison! (_throwing himself on a chair_)
+
+SCH., COL. and RUD. (_turning on hearing MARCEL'S exclamation_)
+
+Oh! Musetta!
+
+(_the friends look pityingly at MARCEL, who turns pale_)
+
+(_The shopwomen are going away, but stop to watch the fair stranger,
+and are astonished to recognize in her MUSETTA; they whisper
+among themselves, pointing at her._)
+
+Look! 'tis Musetta!
+She!
+Musetta!
+'Tis she!
+Yes!
+Yes!
+'Tis Musetta!
+Oh! what swagger!
+My! she's gorgeous.
+
+(_entering their shops_)
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS (_crossing the stage_)
+Only look! why, there she is!
+Some old stammering dotard's with her, too!
+Yes, 'tis she!
+Tis she!
+Musetta!
+
+(_Enter from the corner of the Rue Mazarin an extremely pretty
+coquettish-looking young lady. She is followed by a pompous old
+gentleman, who is both fussy and over-dressed._)
+
+ALCINDORO DE MITONNEAUX. (_joining _MUSETTA_, out of breath_)
+Just like a valet
+I must run here and there.
+No, no, not for me!
+I can stand it no more.
+
+(MUSETTA_ without noticing_ ALCINDORO_, takes a vacant seat, outside
+the café._) How now? Outside? Here?
+
+MUS. (_without noticing his protests, he fearing to remain outside in
+the cold_) Sit down, Lulu!
+
+ALC. (_in great irritation, sits down, and turns up his coat collar_)
+Such a term of fond endearment
+Pray do not apply to me!
+
+MUS. Now, don't be Blue Beard, pray!
+
+(_A waiter approaches briskly, to prepare the table and begins to
+serve. _SCHAUNARD_ and _COLLINE_ furtively watch _MUSETTA_. _MARCEL_
+feigns the greatest indifference. _RUDOLPH_ devotes all his attention
+to _MIMI_._)
+
+SCH. (_at the sight of the old gentleman with his decorations_)
+He's had a pretty good dose, I reckon.
+
+COL. (_scrutinizing _ALCINDORO) The naughty, naughty elder!
+
+MAR. (_contemptuously_) With his good young Susanna.
+
+MIMI. (_to _RUDOLPH) And her clothes are smart, too!
+
+RUD. The angels can't afford them.
+
+(_A piquet of the National Guard passes across the square; some
+shop-keepers go home; at the corner of the street the chestnut-seller
+does a thriving trade; the old clothes dealer fills her barrel with
+clothes, and goes away with it over her shoulder._)
+
+MUS. (_disconcerted at not being noticed by her friends_)
+Marcel can see me,
+But he won't look, the villain!
+And Schaunard!
+They provoke me past bearing!
+Ah! could I but beat them!
+If I could, I would scratch!
+But I only have to back me
+This old pelican!
+No matter! (_calls the waiter who has gone away_)
+Hi! waiter, here! (_the waiter hurriedly approaches_)
+See, this plate has a horrid smell of onions!
+(_dashes the plate on the ground; the waiter picks up the pieces_)
+
+ALC. Don't, Musetta! do be quiet!
+
+MUS. (_irritated, still watching MARCEL_) He won't look round! Now I
+could beat him!
+
+ALC. What's the matter?
+
+MUS. (_sharply_) I meant the waiter!
+
+ALC. Manners! Manners!
+(_Takes the bill from the waiter and orders the supper._)
+
+MUS. (_more irritated_)
+Such a bore!
+Just let me have my own way.
+If you please; I won't be ruled by you!
+
+MIMI. (_looking curiously at RUDOLPH_) Do you know who she is?
+
+MAR. You had better ask me.
+Well, her name is Musetta
+Her surname is Temptation.
+As to her vocation:
+Like a rose in the breezes,
+So she changes lover for lover without number.
+And like the spiteful screech owl,
+A bird that's most rapacious,
+The food that most she favors is the heart!
+Her food the heart is;
+Thus have I now none left!
+(_to his friends, concealing his agitation_)
+So pass me the ragout!
+
+SCH. (_to COLLINE_)
+Now the fun's at its climax,
+To one she speaks because the other listens.
+
+COL. (_to SCHAUNARD_)
+The other will not hear,
+Feigns not to see the girl: which makes her mad.
+
+RUD. (_to MIMI_)
+Now let me tell you
+I never would forgive you.
+
+MIMI. (_to RUDOLPH_)
+I love you, love you fondly,
+Am wholly yours, my dearest! (_eating_)
+
+COL. What's that about forgiveness?
+
+(_coquettishly watching MARCEL, who becomes agitated_)
+
+MUS. (_watching MARCEL; in a loud voice to MARCEL_) Why, don't you
+know me?
+
+ALC. (_thinking MUSETTA spoke to him_) Well, I'm giving the order,
+dear.
+
+MUS. (_as above_) But your heart is a-throbbing!
+
+ALC. (_as above_) Not so loud.
+
+MUS. (_to herself_) But your heart is a-throbbing!
+
+ALC. Do be quiet!
+
+MUS. As through the streets I wander onward merrily,
+See how the folk look round,
+Because they know I'm charming,
+A very charming girl.
+And then 'tis mine to mark the hidden longing,
+And all the passion in their eyes;
+And then the joy of conquest overcomes me,
+Every man is my prize!
+
+And thus their hearts, their hearts I capture,
+As if by magic all my own, ah! rapture!
+Tis mine alone!
+Now you that once your love for me betrayed,
+Why should you be dismayed?
+Yet though deep in your heart
+Rankles the smart.
+You'd ne'er confess--but rather die!
+
+(_SCHAUNARD and COLLINE rise and stand aside, watching the scene
+with interest, while RUDOLPH and MIMI remain seated and continue
+their talk. MARCEL nervously quits his seat, and is about
+to go, but is spell-bound by MUSETTA'S voice._)
+
+ALC. This odious singing upsets me entirely!
+
+(_ALCINDORO vainly endeavors to induce MUSETTA to resume her seat
+at the table where the supper is ready._)
+
+MIMI. (_to RUDOLPH_)
+Oh! now I see that this unhappy maiden
+Adores your friend Marcel madly!
+
+RUD. She once was Marcel's love;
+She wantonly forsook her fate,
+And rarer game she thought to capture!
+
+MIMI. The love that's born of passion ends in grief;
+That poor, unhappy girl!
+She moves me to tears!
+
+RUD. Who can revive a love that's dead?
+
+MAR. Hold me back! hold me back!
+
+COL. Who knows what will happen now?
+Goodness me! 'tis most unpleasant!
+Anyhow, it is for me!
+She is pretty, I don't doubt it;
+Yet I would rather have
+My pipe and a page of Homer!
+
+SCH. See the braggart in a moment will give in;
+The snare for some is pleasant,
+For the biter and the bit.
+
+(_to COLLINE_)
+
+If such a pretty damsel
+Should but make eyes at you,
+You'd forget your mouldy classics,
+And run to fetch her shoe.
+
+MUS. Ah! Marcel you are vanquished!
+And though your heart is breaking,
+You'd never let us know, (_feigning great regret_)
+(I must try to get rid of the old boy.)
+Oh! dear!
+
+ALC. What now?
+
+MUS. How it pains me! how it pains me!
+
+ALC. Let's see!
+
+MUS. My foot!
+Break it, tear it,
+I can't bear it,
+Do, I implore you!
+
+ALC. (_bending down to untie her shoe_) Gently, gently!
+
+MUS. Close by there is a boot-shop; hasten! quickly!
+He may have boots to please me.
+
+ALC. What imprudence!
+
+MUS. Ah! the torture!
+How these horrid tight shoes squeeze me!
+I'll take it off! So let it lie!
+
+ALC. What will people say?
+What imprudence!
+
+SCH. and COL.
+Now the fun becomes stupendous
+In truth, 'tis better than a play!
+
+MUS. Hasten, hasten! Bring another pair! Go!
+
+ALC. What imprudence!
+Nothing short of scandal!
+Musetta, shame!
+
+(_Hides her shoe under his coat, which he hastily buttons up; hurries
+off the stage._)
+
+MAR. (_greatly agitated_)
+Ah! golden youth! you are not dead, not dead for me,
+For love revives again in me;
+If at my door you came to greet me,
+My heart would straight go out to meet thee!
+
+(_MUSETTA and MARCEL embrace with much fervor._)
+
+MUS. Marcel!
+
+MAR. Enchantress!
+
+SCH. This is the final tableau! (_A waiter brings in the bill._)
+
+RUD., COL. and SCH. The bill!
+
+SCH. What a bother!
+
+COL. Who bade him bring it?
+
+SCH. Let's see.
+
+(_Drums heard in the distance_)
+
+RUD. and COL. Out with your coppers!
+
+SCH. Out with your coppers,
+Colline, Rudolph, and you, Marcel.
+
+MAR. We've not a rap!
+
+SCH. I say!
+
+RUD. I've thirty sous, no more.
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. I say! no more than that?
+
+STREET ARABS, (_hastening from the right_) 'Tis the Tattoo!
+
+WORK GIRLS, (_hastening out of the café_) 'Tis the Tattoo!
+
+STUDENTS and CITIZENS. 'Tis the Tattoo!
+
+(_Hastening from the left. As the Tattoo is still a long way off, the
+folk run hither and thither, as if uncertain from which quarter the
+band will appear._)
+
+SCH. But who has got my purse?
+
+(_They all feel their pockets which are empty; none can explain the
+sudden disappearance of SCHAUNARD'S purse, and they look at each other
+in surprise._)
+
+STREET ARABS. Will they come along this way?
+
+WORK GIRLS and STUDENTS. No; from there.
+
+STREET ARABS. They are coming down this way.
+
+WORK GIRLS and STUDENTS. Here they come!
+
+CITIZENS. Way there!
+
+HAWKERS. Way there!
+
+SOME BOYS. Oh! let me see!
+
+OTHERS. Oh! let me hear!
+
+BOYS. Mother, do let me see!
+
+OTHERS. Papa, do let me hear!
+
+MOTHERS. Lisette, do be quiet!
+Tony, do have done! do be quiet!
+
+MUS. (to the waiter)
+And my bill, please, bring to me.
+
+(_To waiter who brings the bill_)
+
+Thank you.
+Just make one bill of the two.
+The gentleman will pay
+Who came to sup with me.
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. Yes, he will pay!
+
+MAR. (aside) He will pay!
+
+SCH. and COL. Yes, he will pay!
+
+MUS. (_placing both bills at ALCINDORO's place_)
+And, after this pleasant meeting,
+This shall be my greeting!
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. And, after our pleasant meeting,
+This shall be her greeting!
+
+(_The crowd fills the stage and the patrol advances gradually._)
+
+WORK GIRLS. They will come along this way.
+
+STUDENTS, CITIZENS and HAWKERS. Yes, this way!
+
+STREET ARABS. When it gets nearer,
+We'll march along beside it.
+
+(_Several windows are opened at which mothers and their children
+appear and eagerly await the coming of the patrol._)
+
+HAWKERS. In that patrol perceive
+The country's noble might!
+
+STREET ARABS. Now, look out! they're coming!
+
+STUDENTS, WORK GIRLS and CITIZENS. Do stand back, for here they come!
+
+MAR. See, the patrol is coming!
+
+COL. Look out that old boy
+Don't catch you with his darling!
+
+RUD. See, the patrol is coming!
+
+MAR. and SCH. Now the crowd is tremendous:
+T' escape will be so easy.
+
+(_The patrol enters, headed by a gigantic drum-major, who dexterously
+twists his baton, showing the way._)
+
+STREET ARABS and WORK GIRLS. And there's the drum-major!
+
+CITIZENS and SHOP-KEEPERS. As proud as a warrior of old!
+
+MIMI, MUS. and RUD. Quick, or you will miss them!
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. Quick, or you will miss them!
+
+STREET ARABS and HAWKERS. The drum-major, look! what a dandy!
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS. What swagger! What a figure!
+
+STREET ARABS. There go the sappers!
+
+CITIZENS. What a dandy!
+
+STUDENTS and CITIZENS. Like a general he appears!
+He passes by and heeds us not!
+
+WORK GIRLS. Like a general he appears!
+Of all our hearts the conqueror!
+
+(_MUSETTA being without her shoe, cannot walk, so MARCEL and COLLINE
+carry her through the crowd, as they endeavor to follow the
+patrol. The mob, seeing her borne along in this triumphal fashion,
+give her a regular ovation. MARCEL and COLLINE with MUSETTA
+follow the patrol; RUDOLPH and MIMI follow arm in arm; SCHAUNARD
+goes next, blowing his horn; while the students, work-girls,
+street-lads, women and towns-folk merrily bring up the rear._)
+
+(_Marching in time with the music, the whole vast crowd gradually
+moves off as it follows the patrol. Meanwhile ALCINDORO, with
+a pair of shoes carefully wrapped up, returns to the café in search
+of MUSETTA. The waiter by the table takes up the bill left by
+MUSETTA and ceremoniously hands it to ALCINDORO, who, seeing
+the amount, and perceiving that they have all left him there alone,
+falls back into a chair, utterly dumbfounded._)
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+"Mimi's voice seemed to go through Rudolph's heart like a death-knell.
+His love for her was a jealous, fantastic, weird, hysterical
+love. Scores of times they were on the point of separating.
+
+"It must be admitted that their existence was a veritable
+'hell-up-on-earth.'
+
+"Thus (if life it was) did they live; a few happy days alternating
+with many wretched ones, while perpetually awaiting a divorce."
+
+
+
+"Either as a congenital defect or as a natural instinct, Musetta
+possessed a positive genius for elegance.
+
+"Even in her cradle this strange creature must surely have asked for
+a mirror.
+
+"Intelligent, shrewd, and above all, hostile to anything that she
+considered tyranny, she had but one rule--caprice.
+
+"In truth the only man that she really loved was Marcel; perhaps
+because he alone could make her suffer. Yet extravagance was for her
+one of the conditions of well-being."
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+_Beyond the toll-gate, the outer boulevard is formed in the background
+by the Orleans high-road, half hidden by tall houses and the misty
+gloom of February. To the left is a tavern with a small open space in
+front of the toll-gate. To the right is the Boulevard d'Enfer; to the
+left, that of St. Jacques.
+
+On the right also there is the entrance of the Rue d'Enfer, leading to
+the Quartier Latin.
+
+Over the tavern, as its sign-board, hangs MARCEL's picture, "The
+Passage of the Red Sea," while underneath, in large letters, is the
+inscription. "At the Port of Marseilles." On either side of the door
+are frescoes of a Turk and a Zouave with a huge laurel-wreath round
+his fez. From the ground-floor windows of the tavern, which faces the
+toll-gate, light gleams. The plane-trees, grey and gaunt, which flank
+the toll-gate square, lead diagonally towards the two boulevards.
+Between each tree is a marble bench. It is towards the close of
+February; snow covers all.
+
+As the curtain rises, the scene is merged in the dim light of early
+dawn. In front of a brazier are seated, in a group, snoring
+custom-house officers. From the tavern at intervals one may hear
+laughter, shouts, and the clink of glasses. A custom-house official
+comes out of the tavern with wine. The toll-gate is closed.
+
+Behind the toll-gate, stamping their feet and blowing in their
+frost-bitten fingers, stand several street-scavengers._
+
+SCAVENGERS. What ho, there! What ho, there! Admit us!
+Make haste and let us pass,
+The sweepers are we. (_stamping their feet_)
+Look how it's snowing! What ho, there!
+We are frozen!
+
+AN OFFICIAL. (_yawning and stretching himself_) All right!
+
+(_Goes to open the gate; the scavengers pass through to the Rue
+d'Enfer. The official closes the gate again._)
+
+CHORUS. (_from the tavern; the clink of glasses forms an accompaniment
+to the song_)
+Pass the glass,
+Let each toast his lass;
+Pass the glass,
+Let each lad toast his lass;
+Ha! Ha!
+Each one as he sips,
+As he sips his wine,
+Shall dream of lips
+Made for love divine!
+
+MUS. (_from the tavern_)
+Ah!
+As the toper loves his glass,
+So the gallant loves his lass.
+
+CHORUS. (_all bursting into laughter_) Noah and Eve!
+
+MILK WOMEN. (_from within_) Houp-la! Houp-la!
+
+(_A sergeant comes out of the guard-house and orders the toll-gate to
+be opened._)
+
+CUSTOM HOUSE OFFICIAL. Here come the women with their milk.
+
+(_A tinkling of cart-bells is heard._)
+
+CARTERS. (_from within_) Houp-la!
+
+(_Carts pass along the outer boulevard, lighted by large lanterns._)
+
+MILK WOMEN. (_quite close_) Houp-la!
+
+(_The gloom gradually gives way to daylight._)
+
+MILK WOMEN. (_to the officials who admit them to the toll-gate_)
+Good-morrow!
+
+PEASANT WOMEN. (_who enter carrying baskets_)
+Butter! Cheese!
+Chickens and eggs!
+
+SOME. Which way, then, are you going?
+
+OTHERS. Up to Saint Michael's.
+
+SOME. Well, shall we see you later?
+
+OTHERS. At twelve o'clock.
+
+(_They go off in various directions, and the officials remove the
+bench and brazier._)
+
+(_Enter _MIMI_ from the Rue d'Enfer; she looks about her as if anxious
+to make sure of her whereabouts. On reaching the first plane-tree she
+is seized by a violent fit of coughing. Then recovering herself, she
+sees the sergeant, whom she approaches._)
+
+MIMI. Oh! Please, sir, tell me the name of that tavern
+Where now a painter's working?
+
+SERGEANT. (_pointing to the tavern_) There it is.
+
+MIMI. Thank you.
+(_A serving woman comes out of the tavern; _MIMI_ goes to her._)
+Oh! my good woman, pray do me this favor!
+Can you find me the painter, Marcel?
+I fain would see him; the matter's urgent;
+Just tell him softly that Mimi awaits him.
+
+SERGEANT. (_to a passer-by_) Ho! there! What's in the basket?
+
+OFFICIAL. (_after searching the basket_) Empty.
+
+SERGEANT. Pass, there!
+
+(_Other folk now pass through the toll-gate and move off in different
+directions. The bell of the Hospice Ste. Therese rings for matins._)
+
+MAR. (_coming out of the inn_) Mimi!
+
+MIMI. I hoped that I should find you here.
+
+MAR. Aye, here we've been for a month:
+So to pay for our footing,
+Musetta teaches singing
+To those who come here.
+And I, well--I paint warriors--
+There, on the house front!
+
+MIMI. Where is Rudolph?
+
+MAR. Here. 'Tis bitter, pray enter!
+
+MIMI. (_bursting into tears_)
+
+Enter I cannot, no!
+
+MAR. Why not?
+
+MIMI. Oh! good Marcel! oh! help me!
+
+MAR. Say, what has happened?
+
+MIMI. Rudolph is madly jealous!
+He loves and yet avoids me!
+A glance, a touch, a token,
+Suffice to make him jealous,
+And start his senseless fury!
+And oft at night,
+When feigning to be sleeping,
+I felt his eyes were watching
+to spy upon my slumbers!
+How oft he would reproach me!
+"You are not mine, Mimi!
+You love another gallant!"
+Alas! 'tis jealousy that prompts him.
+Yet how may I reply?
+
+MAR. Two that live thus, I reckon,
+Would be surely better parted.
+
+MIMI. You are right, you speak truly:
+'Twere best we were parted.
+Will you aid us, then,
+Will you aid us to part?
+Oft to do this we have striven, but in vain.
+Ah! 'tis true, to part were the best.
+
+MAR. I'm happy with Musetta,
+And she's happy with me.
+Because 'tis mirth that binds us together.
+Laughter, music and song,
+Ever our love prolong.
+
+MIMI. Ah! then, aid us, I pray you!
+
+MAR. 'Tis well, 'tis well! Now will I wake him.
+
+MIMI. Wake him?
+
+MAR. Overcome with fatigue,
+Just as dawn was approaching,
+On the bench fast lie slumbers,
+
+(_Motions MIMI to look through the tavern window_)
+
+Behold him! (_MIMI coughs persistently_)
+
+What coughing!
+
+MIMI. Unceasingly it shakes me,
+And Rudolph now forsakes me.
+And says to me, "It is over!"
+At daybreak swift escaping,
+I hurried here to find him.
+
+MAR. (_watching RUDOLPH inside the tavern_)
+He's moving, waking, and wants me.
+Come, then.
+
+MIMI. He must not see me.
+
+MAR. Well, hide yourself out there.
+
+(_Points to the plane-trees. MIMI hides behind the trees._)
+
+RUD. (_coming out of the inn, hastens towards MARCEL_)
+Marcel! at last I've found you,
+Where none can hear us.
+I want a separation from Mimi.
+
+MAR. Is that your latest whim?
+
+RUD. Love in my heart was dying, almost was dead,
+But her blue eyes new glory on me shed.
+Love, swift revived, all me; what woe is mine!
+
+MAR. Ah! would you now such bitter pain recall?
+
+(_MIMI warily approaches to listen_)
+
+RUD. Yes, always.
+
+MAR. Nay, be prudent! Love is not worth the keeping,
+That only ends in weeping.
+Love must thrive in mirth and gladness,
+Or else it is but madness.
+'Tis that you're jealous!
+
+RUD. Aye, somewhat;
+And choleric, and lunatic,
+And a victim of vile suspicion,
+Unhappy, and stubborn!
+
+MIMI. (_aside_)
+He's getting in a rage;
+Poor little Mimi!
+
+RUD. Mimi's a heartless maiden,
+Prone to flirting with all.
+A scented dandy, some lordling,
+Now striveth to win her caresses.
+With bosom swaying,
+One foot displaying,
+Doth she lure him on
+With the magic of her smile.
+
+MAR. Shall I be frank? I think 'tis hardly true.
+
+RUD. No, 'tis not true.
+In vain, in vain I smother
+All the torture that racks me.
+I love Mimi, she is my only treasure!
+I love her, but, oh! I fear it!
+
+(_Mimi surprised, comes closer and closer, under cover of the trees_)
+
+Mimi's so sickly, so ailing,
+Every day she grows weaker,
+The poor girl, as I think, is dying.
+
+MAR. (_fearing MIMI may overhear them, tries to keep RUDOLPH further
+off_) Oh! Rudolph!
+
+MIMI. What's he saying?
+
+RUD. By fierce, incessant coughing
+Her fragile frame is shaken,
+While in her cheeks so pallid
+The fires of fever waken.
+
+MAR. (_agitated, perceiving that Mimi is listening_) Softly!
+
+MIMI. (_weeping_) Woe is me! I'm dying!
+
+RUD. And my room's but a squalid hovel,
+No fire there burneth,
+Only the cruel night wind
+Waileth, waileth there ever.
+Yet she's merry and smiling,
+While, remorseful, despairing,
+I feel that 'tis I that am guilty.
+
+MAR. (_eager to draw RUDOLPH aside_) List but a moment!
+
+MIMI. (_disconsolately_) Ah! I'm dying!
+
+RUD. Mimi's a hot-house flower!
+
+MAR. Nay, but listen!
+
+MIMI. Ah me! ah me!
+All is over, life and loving,
+All are ended!
+Mimi must die!
+
+MAR. Softly!
+
+RUD. Want has wasted her beauty,
+And to bring her back to life
+Would need far more than love.
+
+MAR. Nay, Rudolph, but listen!
+
+(_Mimi's violent coughing and sobbing reveal her presence._)
+
+RUD. Ha! Mimi! You here!
+You heard, you heard me?
+Swayed by each light suspicion,
+A trifle yet alarms me;
+Come, come inside here!
+
+(_Seeks to take her into the tavern_)
+
+MIMI. No, that odor is stifling me!
+
+RUD. (_affectionately embracing her_) Ah, Mimi!
+
+(_From the tavern Musetta's brazen laugh is heard._)
+
+MAR. (_running to look through the window._)
+Tis Musetta that's laughing!
+Laughing, flirting!
+Ah! what a hussy!
+I'll not allow it. (_enters the tavern impetuously_)
+
+MIMI. (_disengaging herself from_ RUDOLPH'S _embrace._) Farewell!
+
+RUD. (_surprised_) What! Going?
+
+MIMI. To the home that she left
+At the voice of her lover.
+Sad, forsaken Mimi
+Must turn back, heavy-hearted.
+For love and her lover
+Are gone, and she must die,
+Farewell, then!
+I wish you well!
+Nay, listen! listen! those things,
+Those few old things I've left behind me,
+Within my trunk safely arc stored.
+That bracelet of gold,
+The prayer-book you gave me,
+Pray wrap them up together in my little apron,
+And I will send to fetch them.
+Yet stay! Beneath the pillow
+You'll find my little bonnet--
+Who knows?
+Maybe you'd like to keep it
+To remind you of our love!
+Farewell! Good-bye! I wish you well!
+
+RUD. Then, you are going to leave me?
+Yes, you are going, my little Mimi?
+Ah! farewell, sweet dream of love!
+
+MIMI. Farewell! farewell!
+Glad awakenings in the morning!
+
+RUD. Farewell, our sweet love that vanished,
+Yet that your smile reviveth!
+
+MIMI. (_playfully_) Farewell to jealousy and fury!
+Farewell suspicion, and its bitter anguish!
+
+RUD. Kisses sweet that, as poet,
+I bought back with caresses!
+
+MIMI and RUD. Lonely in winter,
+With Death as sole companion!
+But in glad springtime
+There's the sun, the glorious sun!
+
+(_From the tavern the sound of breaking plates and glasses is heard_)
+
+MUS. (_from within_) What d'ye mean? What d'ye mean? (_running out_)
+
+MAR. (_from within_)
+You were laughing, you were flirting
+By the fireside with that stranger!
+
+(_stopping on the threshold of the inn and confronting _MUSETTA)
+
+And how you colored
+When I caught you in the corner!
+
+MUS. (_defiantly_) Stuff and nonsense! all he said was:
+"Are you very fond of dancing?"
+And, half blushing, I made answer:
+"I'd be dancing all day long, sir."
+
+MAR. This is talk that only leads to things dishonest.
+
+MUS. My own way I mean to have!
+
+MAR. (_half menacing _MUSETTA)
+I will teach you better manners;
+Now if I catch you once more flirting--
+
+MUS. What a bother!
+Why this anger?
+Why this fury?
+We're not married yet, thank goodness!
+
+MAR. You shall not do as you like, miss!
+I will stop your little game!
+
+MUS. I abhor that sort of lover
+Who pretends he is your husband!
+
+MAR. I'm not going to be your blockhead,
+Just because you're fond of flirting!
+
+MUS. I shall flirt just when it suits me!
+
+MAR. You're most frivolous, Musetta!
+
+MUS. Yes, I shall! yes, I shall!
+I shall flirt just when it suits me!
+
+MAR. You can go, and God be with you!
+
+MUS. Musetta's going away;
+Yes, going away!
+
+MAR. And for me 'tis a good riddance!
+
+MUS. Fare you well, sir!
+
+MAR. Fare you well, ma'am!
+
+MUS. I say farewell with all my heart!
+
+MAR. Farewell, ma'am, pray begone!
+
+(_She retreats in a fury, but suddenly stops._)
+
+MUS. (_shouting_) Go back and paint your house front!
+
+MAR. Viper! (_enters the tavern_)
+
+MUS. Toad! (exit)
+
+MIMI. I'm so happy in the spring!
+
+RUD. As comrades you've lilies and roses.
+
+MIMI. Forth from each nest
+Comes a murmur of birdlets!
+
+RUD. and MIMI. When the hawthorn-bough's in blossom,
+When we have the glorious sun,
+Murmur the silver fountains,
+The breezes of the evening
+Waft fragrant balsams
+To the world and its sorrow.
+Shall we await another spring?
+
+MIMI. (_moving away with _RUDOLPH) Always yours forever!
+
+RUD. _and_ MIMI. Our time for parting's when the roses blow!
+
+MIMI. Ah! that our winter might last forever!
+
+RUD. _and_ MIMI. Our time for parting's when the roses blow!
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+"At that period, indeed, for some time past, the friends had led
+lonely lives.
+
+"Musetta had once more become a sort of semi-official personage; for
+three or four months Marcel had never met her.
+
+"And Mimi, too, no word of her had Rudolph ever heard except when he
+talked about her to himself when he was alone.
+
+"One day, as Marcel furtively kissed a bunch of ribbons that Musetta
+had left behind, he saw Rudolph hiding away a bonnet, that same pink
+bonnet which Mimi had forgotten.
+
+"'Good!' muttered Marcel, 'he's as craven-hearted as I am.'"
+
+       *        *        *        *        *
+
+"A gay life, yet a terrible one."
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+
+IN THE ATTIC
+
+
+(_As in Act I_)
+
+(MARCEL,_as before, stands in front of his easel, while _RUDOLPH_ sits
+at his writing table; each trying to make the other believe that he is
+working indefatigably, whereas they are really only gossiping.)_
+
+MAR. (_resuming his talk_) In a coupé?
+
+RUD. Yes, in carriage and pair did she merrily hail me.
+"Well, Musetta," I questioned:
+"How's your heart?"
+"It beats not--or I don't feel it--Thanks
+to this velvet I'm wearing!"
+
+MAR. (_endeavoring to laugh_) I'm glad, very glad!
+
+RUD. (_aside_) You humbug, you! You're fretting and fuming!
+
+MAR. It beats not! Bravo!
+(_commences to paint with great vigor_)
+Then I saw, too--
+
+RUD. Musetta?
+
+MAR. Mimi.
+
+RUD. You saw her? How strange! (stops painting)
+
+MAR. Rode in her carriage in grand apparel.
+Just like a duchess.
+
+RUD. Delightful! I'm glad to hear it.
+
+MAR. (_aside_) You liar! you're pining with love.
+
+RUD. and MAR. Now to work! (_they go on working_)
+
+RUD. (_throwing down his pen_) This pen's too awful!
+(_remains seated, apparently lost in thought_)
+
+MAR. (_flinging away his brush_) This infamous paint-brush!
+(_Stares at his canvas, and then without RUDOLPH observing it, he
+takes from his pocket a bunch of ribbons and kisses it._)
+
+RUD. Ah! Mimi! false, fickle-hearted!
+Ah! beauteous days departed!
+Those hands so dainty!
+Oh! fragrant, shining tresses!
+Ah! snow-white bosom!
+Ah! Mimi! those brief, glad, golden days!
+
+MAR. (_putting away his ribbons and staring anew at his canvas_)
+How is it that my brush
+With speed mechanical keeps moving,
+And plasters on the colors
+Quite against my will?
+And though I would be painting landscapes,
+Meadows, woodlands fair in Spring-tide,
+My brush refuses to perform its office;
+But paints dark eyes, and two red, smiling lips;
+The features of Musetta haunt me still!
+
+RUD. (_taking_ Mimi's _old bonnet from the table drawer_)
+And thou, O! rose-pink bonnet,
+That 'neath her pillow lay,
+That in her hour of parting she forgot--Thou
+wert the witness of our joy!
+Come to my heart, ah! come!
+Lie close against my heart, since my love is dead!
+(_clasps the bonnet to his heart_)
+
+MAR. Ah! frivolous Musetta! thee can I ne'er forget!
+My grief affords her pleasure,
+And yet my weak heart is fain
+To call her to my fond arms again.
+
+RUD. (_endeavoring to conceal his emotion from_ Marcel, _carelessly
+questions him_) What time is it now?
+
+MAR. (_roused from his reverie, gaily replies_) Time for our
+yesterday's dinner.
+
+RUD. But Schaunard's not back yet. (_Enter Schaunard_ _and_ Colline;
+_the former carries four rolls, and the latter a paper bag._)
+
+SCH. Here we are!
+
+RUD. How now?
+
+MAR. How now?
+
+(SCHAUNARD _places the rolls on the table._)
+
+MAR. (_disdainfully_) Some bread!
+
+COL. (_taking a herring out of the bag, and putting it on the table_)
+A dish that's worthy of Demosthenes:
+'Tis a herring!
+
+SCH. 'Tis salted!
+
+COL. 'Our dinner is ready!
+(_Seating themselves at the table, they pretend to be having a
+sumptuous meal._)
+
+MAR. This is a food that the gods might envy.
+
+SCH. (_placing Colline's hat on the table, and thrusting a bottle of
+water into it_) Now the champagne in the ice must go.
+
+RUD. (_to_ MARCEL, _offering him some bread_)
+Choose, my lord marquis--salmon or turbot?
+(_His offer is accepted, when, turning to _SCHAUNARD, _he proffers
+another crust of bread._)
+Now, duke, here's a choice vol-au-vent with mushrooms. (_He politely
+declines, and pours out a glass of water, which he hands to_ Marcel.)
+
+SCH. Thank you, I dare not, this evening I'm dancing! (_The one and
+only tumbler is handed about._ Colline, _after voraciously devouring
+his roll, rises._)
+
+RUD. (_to_ Colline) What? sated?
+
+COL. (_with an air of great importance_) To business! The king awaits
+me.
+
+MAR. (_eagerly_) What plot is brewing?
+
+RUD. What's in the wind?
+
+SCH. (_rises and approaches_ Colline, _observing with droll
+inquisitiveness_) What's in the wind?
+
+MAR. What's in the wind?
+
+(COLLINE _struts up and down, full of self-importance._)
+
+COL. The king requires my services.
+
+(_The others surround_ COLLINE, _bowing low to him._)
+
+SCH. Bravo!
+
+MAR. Bravo!
+
+RUD. Bravo!
+
+COL. (_with a patronizing air_) And then I've got to see Guizot!
+
+SCH. Give me a goblet.
+
+MAR. (_giving him the only glass_) Aye, quaff now a bumper!
+
+SCH. (_solemnly gets on to a chair and raises his glass_) Have I
+permission, oh! my most noble courtier?
+
+RUD. and COL. (_interrupting_) Stop that.
+
+COL. No more fooling.
+
+MAR. Stop that. No more nonsense.
+
+COL. Give me that tumbler. (_taking the glass from_ SCHAUNARD)
+
+SCH. (_motioning his friends to let him speak_) With ardor
+irresistible Poetry fills my spirit.
+
+COL. and MAR. (_yelling_) No.
+
+SCH. (_complacently_) Then something choreographic may suit you!
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. Yes, yes!
+(_Amid applause they surround_ Schaunard _and make him get off the
+chair._)
+
+SCH. Some dancing, accompanied by singing?
+
+COL. Well, clear the stage for action.
+(_Moving chairs and tables aside, they prepare for a dance; they
+suggest various dances._)
+
+COL. Gavotte.
+
+MAR. Minuet.
+
+RUD. Pavanella.
+
+SCH. (_imitating a Spanish measure_) Fandango.
+
+COL. I vote we dance quadrilles first. (_the others approve_)
+
+RUD. Now take your partners.
+
+COL. I'll lead it. (_pretends to be very busy arranging a quadrille_)
+
+SCH. (_improvising, beats time with comic pomposity of manner_)
+La-lera, la-lera, la-lera!
+
+RUD. (_approaching_ MARCEL_, and bowing very low, offers him his hand
+as he gallantly says_) Oh! maiden fair and gentle!
+
+MAR. (_with coy bashfulness of manner, counterfeiting a woman's
+voice_) My modesty respect, sir, I beg you.
+
+SCH. Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera, la!
+
+COL. (_giving directions as to the figures, while_ RUDOLPH _and_
+MARCEL _dance the quadrille_) Balancez!
+
+MAR. (_in his ordinary voice_) Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera!
+
+SCH. (_teasingly_) First there's the Rond.
+
+COL. No, stupid!
+
+SCH. (_with exaggerated contempt_) You've manners like a clown!
+
+COL. (_offended_) As I take it, you're insulting!
+Draw your sword, sir!
+
+(_rushes to the fireplace and seizes the tongs_)
+
+SCH. (_taking up the poker_) Ready! Have at you! (_preparing to
+receive his adversary's attack_)
+Thy hot blood would I drink!
+
+COL. (_doing likewise_) One of us shall now be gutted! (Rudolph _and_
+Marcel _stop dancing and burst out laughing._)
+
+SCH. Now get a stretcher ready.
+
+COL. And get a grave-yard, too.
+
+(SCHAUNARD _and_ COLLINE _fight._)
+
+RUD. and MAR. (_gaily_) While they beat each other's brains out,
+Our fandango we will finish.
+(_They dance round the combatants, whose blows fall faster. The door
+opens and_ Musetta _enters in a state of great agitation._)
+
+MAR. (_amazed_) Musetta! (_All anxiously cluster round_ Musetta)
+
+MUS. (_hoarsely_) 'Tis Mimi--'tis Mimi who is with me--And is ailing!
+
+RUD. Mimi!
+
+MUS. She has not strength to climb the staircase.
+(_Through the open door _RUDOLPH_ spies _MIMI_, seated on the topmost
+stair; he rushes to her, followed by _MARCEL.)
+
+SCH. (_to _COLLINE) Here's the bed: we'll put her on it.
+(_they drag the bed forward_)
+
+RUD. (_supporting _MIMI_ and leading her towards the bed, aided by
+_MARCEL) There! some water!
+
+(_MUSETTA_ brings a glass of water and makes _MIMI_ sip it.)
+
+MIMI. (_passionately_) Oh, Rudolph!
+
+RUD. Gently, lie down there. (_gently lowers her on the bed_)
+
+MIMI. (_embracing RUDOLPH_) My darling Rudolph! Ah! let me stay with
+you!
+
+RUD. Darling Mimi! stay here ever!
+(_He induces _Mimi_ to lie down at full length on the bed, and draws
+the coverlet over her; he then carefully adjusts the pillow be
+neath her head._)
+
+MUS. (_taking the others aside and whispering to them_) I heard them
+saying that Mimi
+Had left the rich old viscount;
+And now was almost dying.
+Ah! but where? After searching,
+I met her alone just now,
+Almost dead with exhaustion.
+She murmured: "I'm dying! dying!
+But listen; I want to die near him.
+Maybe he's waiting!
+Take me thither, Musetta!"
+
+MAR. Hush! (_MUSETTA moves farther away from MIMI._)
+
+MIMI. I feel so much better.
+All here seems just the same as ever.
+(_with a sweet smile_)
+Ah! It is all so pleasant here!
+Saved from sadness,
+All is gladness;
+Once again new life is mine!
+
+RUD. Lips delightful, speak again to me!
+Once more enchant me!
+
+MIMI. Ah! beloved! Ah! leave me not!
+
+MUS. (_aside to the others_) What is there to give her?
+
+MAR. _and_ COL. Nothing!
+
+MUS. No coffee? no wine?
+
+MAR. (_in great dejection_) Nothing; the larder's empty.
+
+SCH. (_looking closely at Mimi_) In an hour she'll be dead!
+
+MIMI. I feel so cold!
+If I had but my muff here!
+My poor hands are simply frozen!
+How shall I get them warm?
+(_Mimi coughs; Rudolph takes her hands in his and chafes them._)
+
+RUD. In mine, in mine, love!
+Silence! for speaking tires you.
+
+MIMI. Tis coughing tires me.
+I'm used to that, though.
+(_seeing RUDOLPH'S friends, she calls them by name, when they hasten
+to her side_)
+Good-morrow, Marcel!
+Schaunard, Colline, good-morrow!
+All are here, as I see, glad to welcome Mimi.
+
+RUD. Hush! Mimi, do not talk.
+
+MIMI. I'll speak low; don't be frightened.
+
+(_SCHAUNARD and COLLINE mournfully withdraw; the former sits at
+the table, burying his face in his hands, the latter is a prey to
+sad thoughts._)
+
+MIMI. (_motioning Marcel to approach_) Marcel, now believe me,
+A good girl is Musetta.
+
+MAR. (_giving Musetta his hand_) I know, I know.
+
+MUS. (_drawing Marcel away from Mimi, takes off her earrings and gives
+them to him as she whispers_) Look here! sell them,
+And buy some tonic for her--
+Send for a doctor! (_Mimi gradually grows drowsy; Rudolph takes a
+chair and sits down beside the bed._)
+
+RUD. Keep quiet.
+
+MIMI. You will not leave me?
+
+RUD. No, no! (_MARCEL is about to go, when Musetta stops him and takes
+him still further from Mimi._)
+
+MUS. Stay, listen! Maybe, what she has asked us
+Will be her last request on earth, little darling!
+I'll go for the muff--I'll come with you.
+
+MAR. How good you are, Musetta!
+
+(_MUSETTA and MARCEL hastily go out._)
+
+COL. (_who has removed his overcoat while Marcel and Musetta were
+talking_)
+Garment antique and rusty!
+A last good-bye! farewell!
+Faded friend, so tried and trusty,
+We must part, you and I.
+For never yet your back did you bow
+To rich man or mighty!
+How oft,
+Safe in your pockets spacious,
+Have you concealed philosophers and poets!
+Now that our pleasant friendship is o'er,
+I would bid thee once more,
+Oh! companion tried and trusty,
+Farewell! farewell!
+(_He folds up the coat, puts it under his arm, and is about to go, but
+seeing Schaunard, he approaches him, pats him on the back, and
+mournfully exclaims_)
+Schaunard, our methods possibly may differ,
+But yet two kindly acts we'll do: (_pointing to the coat_)
+Mine's this one, and yours--leave them alone in there.
+
+SCH. (_overcome by emotion_) Philosopher, you're right!
+'Tis true; I'll go!
+(_He looks about him: then, to justify his exit, he takes up the water
+bottle and goes out after Colline, gently closing the door. Mimi
+opens her eyes, and seeing that all have gone, holds out her hand
+to Rudolph, who affectionately kisses it._)
+
+MIMI. Have they left us? (_Rudolph nods_)
+To sleep I only feigned,
+For I wanted to be alone with you, love.
+So many things there are that I would tell you.
+There is one, too, as spacious as the ocean,
+As the ocean, profound, without limit:
+You are my love, my all, and all my life!
+(_putting her arms round Rudolph's neck_)
+
+RUD. Ah! Mimi! my pretty Mimi!
+
+MIMI. (_letting her arms drop_) You still think I'm pretty!
+
+RUD. Fair as the dawn in Spring!
+
+MIMI. No, the simile fits not; you meant to say:
+Fair as the flame of sunset.
+"They call me Mimi; (_like an echo_)
+They call me Mimi, but I know not why."
+
+RUD. (_in tender, caressing tones_)
+
+Back to her nest comes the swallow in Spring-tide.
+(_He takes out the bonnet and gives it to Mimi._)
+
+MIMI. (_gaily_) Why, that's my bonnet! (_motions RUDOLPH to put the
+bonnet on her head_)
+Why, that's my bonnet!
+(_makes RUDOLPH sit next to her, and rests her head on his breast_)
+Ah! do you remember how we both went shopping
+When first we fell in love?
+
+RUD. Yes, I remember.
+
+MIMI. This room was all in darkness!
+
+RUD. While you, you were so frightened!
+Then the key you mislaid, love.
+
+MIMI. And to find it you went groping in the darkness.
+
+RUD. Yes, searching, searching.
+
+MIMI. And you, my young master,
+Now I can tell you frankly,
+That you soon managed to find it.
+
+RUD. It was Fate that did help me.
+
+MIMI. It was dark, and my blushes were unnoticed. (_faintly repeating
+_Rudolph's_ words_)
+"Your tiny hand is frozen,
+Let me warm it into life!"
+It was dark, and my hand then you clasped--
+(_a sudden spasm half suffocates her; she sinks back fainting_)
+
+RUD. (_raising her in alarm_) Oh! God! Mimi!
+
+(_At this moment _Schaunard_ returns, and hearing _Rudolph's_
+exclamation, hastens to the bedside._)
+
+SCH. What now?
+
+MIMI. (_opens her eyes and smilingly reassures _Rudolph_ and
+_Schaunard) Nothing; I'm better.
+
+RUD. (_gently lowering her_) Gently, for goodness' sake!
+
+MIMI. Yes, forgive me: now it's over.
+
+(MUSETTA _and_ MARCEL_ cautiously enter; _MUSETTA_ carrying a muff,
+and her companion a phial._)
+
+MUS. (_to RUDOLPH_) Sleeping?
+
+RUD. (_approaching MARCEL_) Just resting.
+
+MAR. I have seen the doctor.
+He'll come--I bade him hasten.
+Here's the tonic.
+(_Takes a spirit lamp, and placing it upon the table, lights it._)
+
+MIMI. Who is it?
+
+MUS. I--Musetta. (_Approaches Mimi and gives her the muff. Helped by
+Musetta, she sits up in bed, and, with almost infantine glee, seizes
+the muff_)
+
+MIMI. So soft it is and feathery!
+No more will my poor fingers be frozen,
+For this muff shall keep them warm. (_to _Rudolph)
+Did you give me this present?
+
+MUS. (_eagerly_) Yes!
+
+MIMI. You thoughtless fellow! Thank you.
+It cost you dear. (Rudolph _bursts into tears_)
+Weep not: I'm better.
+Why should you weep for me?
+Here love . . . ever with you! . . .
+(_thrusts her hands into the muff; then she gradually grows drowsy,
+gracefully nodding her head, as one who is overcome by sleep_)
+My hands are much warmer: now I will sleep!
+
+(RUDOLPH,_ reassured at seeing _MIMI_ fall asleep, gently moves away
+from the bedside, and motioning the others not to make any
+noise, approaches _MARCEL.)
+
+RUD. What said the doctor?
+
+MAR. He'll come.
+
+MUS. (_who is busily heating the medicine, brought by _MARCEL_, over
+the spirit-lamp, as she unconsciously murmurs a prayer_)
+Oh! Mary! Blessed Virgin!
+Save, of thy mercy, this poor maiden!
+Save her, Madonna mine, from death!
+(Rudolph, Marcel _and_ Schaunard_ whisper together. Every now
+and then _Rudolph_ goes on tiptoe to the bed, and then rejoins his
+companions. _Musetta_, interrupting, bids _Marcel_ place a book
+upright on the table, so as to shade the lamp._)
+Here there should be a shade,
+Because the lamp is flickering!
+Like this. (_resuming her prayer_)
+And, oh! may she recover!
+Madonna! holy mother! I merit not thy pardon,
+But our little Mimi is an angel from Heaven!
+(Rudolph _approaches _Musetta_, while _Schaunard_ goes on tiptoe to
+the bedside; with a sorrowful gesture he goes back to _Marcel.)
+
+RUD. I still have hope. Do you think it serious?
+
+MUS. Not serious.
+
+SCH. (_hoarsely_) Marcel, she is dead!
+(_Marcel in his turn goes up to the bed, and retreats in alarm; a ray
+of sunshine falls through the window upon Mimi's face; Musetta
+points to her cloak, which, with a grateful glance, Rudolph takes,
+and standing upon a chair, endeavors to form a screen by stretching
+the cloak across the window-pane._)
+
+COL. (_quietly entering and putting some money on the table near
+Musetta_) How is she?
+
+RUD. See, now! She's tranquil.
+
+(_RUDOLPH, turning round, sees MUSETTA, who makes a sign to him
+that the medicine is ready; getting off the chair, he is suddenly
+aware of the strange demeanor of MARCEL and SCHAUNARD._)
+
+RUD. (_huskily, almost in a speaking voice_)
+What's the meaning of this going and this coming,
+And these glances so strange?
+(_He glances from one to the other in consternation._)
+
+MAR. (_unable to bear up any longer, hastens to embrace _Rudolph_ as
+he murmurs_) Poor fellow!
+
+RUD. (_flings himself on _Mimi's_ bed, lifts her up, shakes her by the
+hand, and exclaims in tones of anguish_) Mimi! Mimi!
+(_he falls, sobbing, upon her lifeless form_)
+(_Terror-stricken, _MUSETTA_ rushes to the bed, utters a piercing cry
+of grief; then kneels sobbing, at the foot of the bed. _SCHAUNARD_,
+overcome, sinks back into a chair; to the left, _COLLINE_ stands at
+the foot of the bed, dazed at the suddenness of this catastrophe.
+_MARCEL_, sobbing, turns his back to the footlights. The curtain
+slowly falls._)
+
+
+
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, La Boheme, by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi
+Illica, et al, Translated by W. Grist and P. Pinkerton
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: La Boheme
+
+Author: Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
+
+Release Date: October 24, 2004  [eBook #13843]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LA BOHEME***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Keith M. Eckrich, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+LIBRETTO: LA BOHEME
+
+An Opera in Four Acts
+
+Libretto by
+G. GIACOSA and L. ILLICA
+
+English Version by
+W. GRIST and P. PINKERTON
+
+Music by
+GIACOMO PUCCINI
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHARACTERS
+
+RUDOLPH (a poet)                    Tenor
+SCHAUNARD (a musician)              Baritone
+BENOIT (a landlord)                 Bass
+MIMI                                Soprano
+PARPIGNOL                           Tenor
+MARCEL (a painter)                  Baritone
+COLLINE (a philosopher)             Bass
+ALCINDORO (a councilor of state)    Bass
+MUSETTA                             Soprano
+CUSTOM-HOUSE SERGEANT               Bass
+
+
+Students, Work Girls, Citizens, Shopkeepers, Street Vendors, Soldiers,
+Restaurant Waiters, Boys, Girls, etc.
+
+TIME ABOUT 1830--IN PARIS
+
+
+
+
+
+SYNOPSIS
+
+
+The opera is founded on Henri Murger's book "La Vie de Boheme."
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+Rudolph and Marcel are sitting in the latter's attic-studio in the
+Quartier Latin, in Paris. Marcel is absorbed in his painting. The day
+is cold. They have no money to buy coal. Marcel takes a chair to burn
+it, when Rudolph remembers that he has a manuscript which has been
+rejected by the publishers and lights a fire with that instead.
+Colline enters, looking abject and miserable. He had gone out to pawn
+his books, but nobody wanted them. Their friend, Schaunard, however,
+had better luck. He comes bringing fuel and provisions. They all
+prepare their meal, when the landlord enters and demands the payment
+of his rent. The friends offer him a glass of wine and turn him out
+amidst joking and laughter. After their gay repast they separate and
+Rudolph remains alone writing.
+
+A knock is heard at the door and Mimi, a little seamstress, who lives
+on the same floor, appears and asks Rudolph to give her a match to
+light her candle. As she is about to go out, she falls in a faint.
+Rudolph gives her wine and restores her to consciousness. She tells
+him that she suffers from consumption. Rudolph is struck by her beauty
+and her delicate hands. She notices that she has lost her key and
+whilst they search for it their candles are extinguished. As they
+grope on the floor in the dark, Rudolph finds the key and puts it in
+his pocket. Their hands meet and Rudolph tries to warm her hands and
+tells her all about his life. Mimi confides her struggles to him and
+their conversation soon turns upon their love for each other.
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+Rudolph's friends have repaired to their favorite Cafe. It is
+Christmas Eve and everyone is in festive spirits. All the shops are
+bright and displaying their goods. Hawkers offer their goods for sale
+in the streets. Rudolph and Mimi are seen entering a milliner's where
+Rudolph is to buy her a new hat. Colline, Schaunard and Marcel take
+their seats in front of the Cafe, where a table has been prepared for
+them. Rudolph introduces Mimi to his friends. Musetta, Marcel's flame,
+with whom he has quarrelled, now enters with Alcindoro. Marcel is
+deeply moved when he sees her. Musetta notices this and sends
+Alcindoro on an errand. Whilst he is away, she makes peace with
+Marcel. The friends find that they have not sufficient money to pay
+for their supper, so they carry off Musetta and leave their bills to
+be paid by Alcindoro.
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+Months have elapsed, bringing joy and misery to Rudolph and Mimi.
+Rudolph loves Mimi passionately, but is consumed with jealousy. On a
+wintry day, Marcel is seen leaving a tavern near the Gates of Paris.
+He meets Mimi; she looks pale and haggard. She asks Marcel to help her
+and tells him of Rudolph's love and jealousy, explaining that she must
+leave him. Rudolph now comes upon the scene and not seeing Mimi tells
+of all the miseries of their lives; how he loves her and believes her
+to be dying of consumption. Mimi's cough betrays her and although she
+says good-bye to Rudolph they find they cannot part and determine to
+await the spring. Meanwhile Musetta and Marcel have a violent quarrel.
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+
+Marcel and Rudolph are now living together in their attic-studio.
+Musetta and Mimi have left them. They are seemingly working, but their
+thoughts wander towards the women they love. Schaunard and Colline
+enter with rolls and a herring for their meal. They have a wild time
+and are dancing and singing when Musetta enters and tells them that
+Mimi is outside so weak and ill that she can go no further. They make
+up a bed on the couch for her and bring her in. She clings to Rudolph
+and implores him not to leave her. Mimi reconciles Marcel and Musetta.
+Musetta tells her old friends that Mimi is dying and gives them her
+earrings to sell, asking them to get a doctor for Mimi. They all go
+out leaving Rudolph alone with Mimi. He holds her in his arms and
+recalls their love. Mimi is seized with a fit of coughing and falls
+back in a faint. Musetta returns with medicine. Mimi regains
+consciousness and turning to Rudolph tells him of her love. Musetta
+falls upon her knees in prayer and Mimi passes away in Rudolph's arms.
+
+_...rain or dust, cold or heat, nothing stops these bold adventurers.
+
+Their existence of every day is a work of genius, a daily problem
+which they always contrive to solve with the aid of bold mathematics.
+
+When want presses them, abstemious as anchorites--but, if a little
+fortune falls into their hands, see them ride forth on the most
+ruinous fancies, loving the fairest and youngest, drinking the oldest
+and best wines, and not finding enough windows whence to throw their
+money; then--the last crown dead and buried--they begin again to dine
+at the table d'hote of chance, where their cover is always laid;
+smugglers of all the industries which spring from art; in chase, from
+morning till night, of that wild animal which is called the crown.
+
+"Bohemia" has a special dialect, a distinct jargon of its own. This
+vocabulary is the hell of rhetoric and the paradise of neologism_.
+
+
+
+_A gay life; yet a terrible one_!
+
+(Il. MURGER, preface to "Vie de Boheme")[1]
+
+
+
+
+[Footnote 1: Rather than follow MURGER'S novel step by step, the
+authors of the present libretto, both for reasons of musical and
+dramatic effect, have sought to derive inspiration from the French
+writer's admirable preface.
+
+Although they have faithfully portrayed the characters, even
+displaying a certain fastidiousness as to sundry local details; albeit
+in the scenic development of the opera they have followed Murger's
+method of dividing the libretto into four separate acts, in the
+dramatic and comic episodes they have claimed that ample and entire
+freedom of action, which, rightly or wrongly, they deemed necessary to
+the proper scenic presentment of a novel the most free, perhaps, in
+modern literature.
+
+Yet, in this strange book, if the characters of each person therein
+stand out clear and sharply defined, we often may perceive that one
+and the same temperament bears different names, and that it is
+incarnated, so to speak, in two different persons. Who cannot detect
+in the delicate profile of one woman the personality both of Mimi and
+of Francine? Who, as he reads of Mimi's "little hands, whiter than
+those of the Goddess of Ease," is not reminded of Francine's little
+muff?
+
+The authors deem it their duty to point out this identity of
+character. It has seemed to them that these two mirthful, fragile, and
+unhappy creatures in this comedy of Bohemian life might haply figure
+as one person, whose name should not be Mimi, not Francine, but "the
+Ideal."]
+
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+
+"...Mimi was a charming girl specially apt to appeal to Rudolph, the
+poet and dreamer. Aged twenty-two, she was slight and graceful. Her
+face reminded one of some sketch of high-born beauty; its features had
+marvellous refinement.
+
+"The hot, impetuous blood of youth coursed through her veins, giving
+a rosy hue to her clear complexion that had the white velvety bloom of
+the camellia.
+
+"This frail beauty allured Rudolph. But what wholly served to enchant
+him were Mimi's tiny hands, that, despite her household duties, she
+contrived to keep whiter even than the Goddess of Ease."
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+IN THE ATTIC
+
+
+
+_Spacious window, from which one sees an expanse of snow-clad roofs.
+On left, a fireplace, a table, small cupboard, a little book-case,
+four chairs, a picture easel, a bed, a few books, many packs of cards,
+two candlesticks. Door in the middle, another on left._
+
+
+
+_Curtain rises quickly_
+
+RUDOLPH and MARCEL. RUDOLPH _looks pensively out of the window._
+MARCEL _works at his painting, "The Passage of the Red Sea," with
+hands nipped with cold, and warms them by blowing on them from
+time to time, often changing position on account of the frost._
+
+MAR. (_seated, continuing to paint_)
+This Red Sea passage feels as damp and chill to me
+As if adown my back a stream were flowing.
+
+(_Goes a little way back from the easel to look at the picture._)
+
+But in revenge a Pharaoh will I drown.
+
+(_Turning to his work._)
+
+And you? (to RUDOLPH)
+
+RUD. (_pointing to the tireless stove_)
+Lazily rising, see how the smoke
+From thousands of chimneys floats upward!
+And yet that stove of ours
+No fuel seems to need, the idle rascal,
+Content to live in ease, just like a lord!
+
+MAR. 'Tis now a good, long while since we paid his lawful wages.
+
+RUD. Of what use are the forests all white under the snow?
+
+MAR. Now Rudolph, let me tell you
+A fact that overcomes me,
+I'm simply frozen!
+
+RUD. (_approaching_ MARCEL)
+And I, Marcel, to be quite candid,
+I've no faith in the sweat of my brow.
+
+MAR. All my fingers are frozen
+Just as if they'd been touching that iceberg,
+Touching that block of marble, the heart of false Musetta.
+
+(_Heaves a long sigh, laying aside his palette and brushes, and ceases
+painting.)_
+
+RUD. Ah! love's a stove consuming a deal of fuel!
+
+MAR. Too quickly.
+
+RUD. Where the man does the burning.
+
+MAR. And the woman the lighting.
+
+RUD. While the one turns to ashes.
+
+MAR. So the other stands and watches.
+
+RUD. Meanwhile, in here we're frozen.
+
+MAR. And we're dying of hunger.
+
+RUD. A fire must be lighted.
+
+MAR. (_seizing a chair and about to break it up_)
+I have it,
+This crazy chair shall save us!
+
+(_RUDOLPH energetically resists_ MARCEL'S _project_.)
+
+RUD. (_joyous at an idea that has seized him_)
+Eureka!
+
+(_Runs to the table and from below it lifts a bulky manuscript._)
+
+MAR. You've found it?
+
+RUD. Yes. When genius is roused ideas come fast in flashes.
+
+MAR. (_pointing to his picture_)
+Let's burn up the "Red Sea."
+
+RUD. No: think what a stench 'twould occasion!
+But my drama, my beautiful drama shall give us warmth.
+
+MAR. (_with comic terror_)
+Intend you to read it?
+Twill chill us!
+
+RUD. No. The paper in flame shall be burning,
+The soul to its heaven returning. (_with tragic emphasis_)
+Great loss! but the world yet must bear it,
+When Rome is in peril!
+
+MAR. Great soul!
+
+RUD. (_giving _MARCEL_ a portion of the MS._)
+Here, take the first act.
+
+MAR. Well?
+
+RUD. Tear it.
+
+MAR. And light it.
+
+(RUDOLPH _strikes a flint on steel, lights a candle, and goes to the
+stove with_ MARCEL; _together they set fire to a part of the MS.
+thrown into the fireplace; then both draw up their chairs and sit
+down, delightedly warming themselves._)
+
+RUD. How joyous the rays!
+
+MAR. How cheerful the blaze!
+
+(_The door at the back opens violently, and_ COLLINE _enters frozen
+and nipped up, stamping his feet, and throwing angrily on the
+table a bundle of books tied up in a handkerchief_.)
+
+COL. Surely miracles apocalyptic are dawning!
+For Christmas eve they honor by allowing no pawning!
+
+(_Checks himself, seeing a fire in the stove._)
+
+See I a fire here?
+
+RUD. (_to_ COLLINE) Gently, it is my drama.
+
+COL. In blazes!
+I find it very sparkling.
+
+RUD. Brilliant! (_the fire languishes_)
+
+COL. Too short its phrases.
+
+RUD. Brevity's deemed a treasure.
+
+COL. (_taking the chair from_ RUDOLPH)
+Your chair pray give me, author.
+
+MAR. These foolish entr'actes merely make us shiver. Quickly!
+
+RUD. (_taking another portion of the_ MS.) Here is the next act.
+
+MAR. (_to_ COLLINE) Hush! not a whisper.
+
+(RUDOLPH _tears up the_ MS. _and throws it into the fireplace; the
+flames revive._ COLLINE _moves his chair nearer and warms his
+hands._ RUDOLPH _is standing near the two with the rest of the_
+MS.)
+
+COL. How deep the thought is!
+
+MAR. Color how true!
+
+RUD. In that blue smoke my drama is dying
+Full of its love-scenes ardent and new.
+
+COL. A leaf see crackle!
+
+MAR. Those were all the kisses.
+
+RUD. (_throwing the remaining_ MS. _on the fire_)
+Three acts at once I desire to hear.
+
+COL. Only the daring can dream such visions.
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. Dreams that in flame soon disappear.
+
+(_Applaud enthusiastically; the flame diminishes._)
+
+MAR. Ye gods! see the leaves well-nigh perished.
+
+COL. How vain is the drama we cherished.
+
+MAR. They crackle! they curl up! they die!
+
+MAR. and COL. The author--down with him, we cry.
+
+(_From the middle door two boys enter, carrying provisions and fuel;
+the three friends turn, and with a surprised cry, seize the provisions
+and place them on the table._ COLLINE _carries the wood to the
+fireplace._)
+
+RUD. Fuel!
+
+MAR. Wine, too!
+
+COL. Cigars!
+
+RUD. Fuel!
+
+MAR. Bordeaux!
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. The abundance of a feast day
+We are destined yet to know.
+
+(_Exeunt the two boys_)
+
+(_Enter_ SCHAUNARD.)
+
+SCH. (_triumphantly throwing some coins on the ground_)
+Such wealth in the balance
+Outweighs the Bank of France.
+
+COL. (_assisting_ RUDOLPH _and_ MARCEL _to pick up the coins_)
+Then, take them--then, take them.
+
+MAR. (_incredulously_) Tin medals? Inspect them.
+
+SCH. (_showing one to_ MARCEL)
+You're deaf then, or blear-eyed?
+What face do they show?
+
+RUD. (_bowing_)
+King Louis Philippe: to my monarch I bow.
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. Shall King Louis Philippe at our feet thus
+lie low?
+
+(SCHAUNARD _will go on recounting his good luck, but the others
+continue to arrange everything on the table._)
+
+SCH. Now I'll explain.
+This gold has--or rather silver--
+Has its own noble story.
+
+MAR. First the stove to replenish.
+
+COL. So much cold has he suffered,
+
+SCH. 'Twas an Englishman, then--
+Lord, or mi-lord, as may be--
+Desired a musician.
+
+MAR. (_throwing_ COLLINE'S _books from the table_)
+Off! Let us furnish the table.
+
+SCH. I flew to him.
+
+RUD. Where is the food?
+
+COL. There.
+
+MAR. Here.
+
+SCH. I pay my homage.
+Accepted, I enquire--
+
+COL. (_preparing the viands on the table while_ RUDOLPH _lights the
+other candle_)
+Here's cold roast beef.
+
+MAR. And savory patty.
+
+SCH. When shall we start the lessons?
+When I seek him, in answer to my question,
+"When shall we start the lessons?"
+He tells me "Now--at once.
+Just look there,"
+Showing a parrot on the first floor, hung, then continues:
+"You must play until that bird has ceased to live."
+Thus it befell:
+Three days I play and yell.
+
+RUD. Brilliantly lightens the room into splendor.
+
+MAR. Here are the candles.
+
+COL. What lovely pastry!
+
+SCH. Then on the servant girl
+Try all the charms wherewith I'm laden;
+I fascinate the maiden.
+
+MAR. With no tablecloth eat we--
+
+RUD. (taking a paper from his pocket) An idea!
+
+COL. and MAR. The Constitutional.
+
+RUD. (unfolding the paper)
+Excellent paper!
+One eats a meal and swallows news at the same time!
+
+SCH. With parsley I approach the bird,
+His beak Lorito opens;
+Lorito's wings outspread,
+Lorito opens his beak,
+A little piece of parsley gulps--
+As Socrates, is dead!
+
+(SCHAUNARD, seeing that no one is paying any attention to him, seizes
+COLLINE as he passes with a plate.)
+
+COL. Who?
+
+SCH. (pettishly) The devil fly away with you entirely!
+
+(seeing the rest in the act of eating the cold pastry)
+
+What are you doing?
+
+(With solemn gesture, extending his hand over the pastry)
+
+No! dainties of this kind
+Are but the stored-up fodder
+Saved for the morrow,
+Fraught with gloom and sorrow, (clearing the table)
+To dine at home on the day of Christmas vigil,
+While the Quartier Latin embellishes
+Its ways with dainty food and tempting relishes.
+Meanwhile the smell of savory fritters
+The old street fills with fragrant odor.
+There singing joyously, merry maidens hover,
+Having for echo each a student lover.
+
+(RUDOLPH locks the door; then all go to the table and pour out wine.)
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. 'Tis the gladsome Christmas Eve.
+
+SCH. A little of religion, comrades, I pray;
+Within doors drink we, but we dine away.
+
+(Two knocks are heard at the door.)
+
+BEN. (from without) 'Tis I.
+
+MAR. Who is there?
+
+BEN. 'Tis Benoit.
+
+MAR. 'Tis the landlord is knocking!
+
+SCH. Bolt the door quickly!
+
+COL. (calling towards the door) No! There is no one!
+
+SCH. 'Tis fastened!
+
+BEN. Give me a word, pray!
+
+SCH. (opening the door, after consulting with his friends) At once.
+
+BEN. (entering smilingly, showing a paper to MARCEL) The rent!
+
+MAR. (with great cordiality) Hallo! give him a seat, friends!
+
+BEN. Do not trouble, I beg you.
+
+SCH. (with gentle firmness, obliging BENOIT to sit down) Sit down!
+
+MAR. (offering BENOIT a glass of wine) Some Bordeaux?
+
+RUD. Your health!
+
+BEN. Thank you.
+
+COL. Your health!
+
+SCH. Drink up!
+
+RUD. Good health! (all drink)
+
+BEN. (to MARCEL, putting down his glass and showing his paper.)
+'Tis the quarter's rent I call for.
+
+MAR. (ingenuously) Glad to hear it.
+
+BEN. And therefore--
+
+SCH. (interrupting) Another tipple? (fills up the glasses)
+
+BEN. Thank you.
+
+RUD. Your health!
+
+COL. Your health!
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. (all touching BENOIT'S glass)
+Drink we all your health, sir! (all drink)
+
+BEN. (resuming, to MARCEL)
+To you I come, as the quarter now is ended;
+You have promised,
+
+MAR. To keep it I intended. (Shows BENOIT the money on the table.)
+
+RUD. (aside to MARCEL) Art mad?
+
+SCH. (aside to MARCEL) What do you--
+
+MAR. (to BENOIT, without noticing the two)
+Hast seen it? Then give your care a respite,
+And join our friendly circle.
+Tell me how many years
+Boast you of, my dear sir?
+
+BEN. My years! Spare me, I pray.
+
+RUD. Our own age, less or more?
+
+BEN. (protesting) Much more, very much more.
+
+(While they make BENOIT talk, they fill up his glass immediately it
+is empty.)
+
+COL. He says 'tis less or more.
+
+MAR. (mischievously, in a low voice)
+T'other evening at Mabille
+I caught him in a passage of love.
+
+BEN. (uneasily) Me!
+
+MAR. At Mabille. T'other evening
+I caught you. Deny?
+
+BEN. By chance 'twas.
+
+MAR. (in a flattering tone) She was lovely!
+
+BEN. (half drunk, suddenly) Ah! very.
+
+SCH. Old rascal!
+
+RUD. Old rascal!
+
+COL. Vile seducer!
+
+SCH. Old rascal!
+
+MAR. He's an oak tree. He's a cannon.
+
+RUD. He has good taste, then?
+
+BEN. (laughing) Ha, ha!
+
+MAR. Her hair was curly auburn.
+
+COL. Old knave!
+
+MAR. With ardent speed leaped he joyous to her embraces.
+
+BEN. (with increasing exultation) Old am I, but robust yet.
+
+RUD., SCH. and COL. Ardent with joy he sprang to her embraces.
+
+MAR. To him she yields her woman's love and truth.
+
+BEN. (in a very confidential tone)
+Bashful was I in youth,
+Now somewhat am I altered.
+Well, what I like myself ...
+Must know that my one delight ...
+Is a merry damsel,--and small,
+I do not ask a whale, nor a world-map to study,
+Nor, like a full moon,
+A face round and ruddy;
+But leanness, downright leanness, No! No!
+Lean women's claws oftentimes are scratchy,
+Their temper somewhat catchy,
+Full of aches, too, and mourning,
+As my wife is my warning.
+
+(MARCEL bangs his fist down on the table and rises; the others follow
+his example, BENOIT looking on in bewilderment.)
+
+MAR. A wife possessing!
+Yet thoughts impure confessing.
+
+SCH. and COL. Foul shame!
+
+RUD. His vile pollution empoisons our honest abode.
+
+SCH. and COL. Hence!
+
+MAR. With perfume we must fumigate!
+
+COL. Drive him forth, the reprobate!
+
+SCH. Morality offended hence expels you!
+
+(BENOIT staggeringly rises, and tries in vain to speak.)
+
+BEN. But say--I say!
+
+MAR. Be silent!
+
+COL. Be silent!
+
+RUD. Be silent!
+
+(They surround BENOIT and gradually push him to the door.)
+
+BEN. Sirs, I beg you!
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. Be silent, out, your lordship! Hence away!
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. Wish we your lordship a pleasant Christmas
+Eve. Ah!
+
+(They push BENOIT outside the door.)
+
+MAR. (locking the door) I have paid the last quarter!
+
+SCH. In the Quartier Latin
+Momus awaits!
+
+MAR. Long live the spender!
+
+SCH. We'll the booty divide!
+
+RUD. We'll divide!
+
+COL. We'll divide! (they divide the money on the table)
+
+MAR. (holding out a cracked mirror to COLLINE)
+Beauty is a gift heaven descended,
+Now you are rich, to decency pay tribute.
+Bear! have your mane attended!
+
+COL. The first chance I can find,
+I will make acquaintance with a beard eraser!
+So guide me to the monstrous outrage of a barber's weapon.
+Let's go!
+
+SCH. We go!
+
+MAR. and COL. We go!
+
+RUD. I stay here, finish I must the article for my new journal,
+"Beaver"!
+
+MAR. Be quick then!
+
+RUD. Five minutes only, I know well the work!
+
+COL. We'll await you at the porter's lodge!
+
+MAR. Delay, and you'll hear the chorus!
+
+RUD. Five minutes only!
+
+SCH. You must cut short the Beaver's growing tale!
+
+(RUDOLPH _takes a light from the table and goes to open the door:
+the others go out and descend the staircase_.)
+
+MAR. (_from without_) Look to the staircase! keep well to the
+handrail!
+
+RUD. (_on the landing near the open door holding up the candle_) Go
+slowly!
+
+COL. How plaguing dark 'tis!
+
+SCH. May the porter be damned!
+
+(_The noise of someone falling is heard_.)
+
+COL. I have tumbled!
+
+RUD. Colline, are you dead yet?
+
+COL. (_from the bottom of the staircase_) Not this time!
+
+MAR. Come quickly!
+
+(RUDOLPH _shuts the door, puts down the light, clears a space at the
+table for pens and paper, then sits down and commences to write,
+after putting out the other candle._)
+
+RUD. I'm out of humor! (_A timid knock is heard at the door._) Who's
+there?
+
+MIMI. (_from without_) Pardon!
+
+RUD. 'Tis a lady!
+
+MIMI. Excuse me, my candle's gone out!
+
+RUD. (_running to open the door_) Is it?
+
+MIMI. (_standing on the threshold with an extinguished candle and a
+key_)
+Pray, would you--
+
+RUD. Pray be seated a moment.
+
+MIMI. No, I thank you.
+
+RUD. I beg you enter.
+
+(MIMI _enters, but is seized with a fit of coughing_.)
+
+RUD. Are you not well?
+
+MIMI. No! Nothing!
+
+RUD. You are quite pale!
+
+MIMI. (coughing) My breath--'tis the staircase--
+
+(Swoons, and RUDOLPH has hardly time to support her and place her
+on a chair. She lets fall her candlestick and key.)
+
+RUD. What can I do to aid her?
+
+(Fetches some water, and sprinkles her face.)
+
+Ah! this! How very pale her face is! (Mimi revives) Do you feel
+better?
+
+MIMI. Yes.
+
+RUD. Here 'tis very chilly.
+Nearer the fire be seated an instant.
+(conducting her to a chair near the tire)
+A little wine?
+
+MIMI. Thank you.
+
+RUD. (giving her a glass and pouring out some wine) For you.
+
+MIMI. Not so much, please!
+
+RUD. Like this?
+
+MIMI. Thank you. (she drinks)
+
+RUD. How lovely a maiden.
+
+MIMI. Now please allow me to light my candle, I'm feeling much better.
+
+RUD. What, so quickly?
+
+(RUDOLPH lights the candle and gives it to MIMI.)
+
+MIMI. Thank you. Now, good evening.
+
+RUD. So, good evening.
+
+(Accompanies her to the door, and then returns quickly to his work.)
+
+MIMI. (re-entering, stops on the threshold)
+Oh! how stupid! How stupid!
+The key of my poor chamber,
+Where can I have left it?
+
+RUD. Come, stand not in the doorway:
+Your candle is flickering in the wind.
+
+(Mimi's light goes out.)
+
+MIMI. Good gracious! Please light it just once more!
+
+(RUDOLPH runs with his candle, but, as he nears the door, his light,
+too, is blown out, and the room remains in darkness.)
+
+RUD. Oh, dear! Now there's mine gone out, too!
+
+MIMI. Ah! and the key--where can it be?
+
+(Groping about, she reaches the table and deposits the candlestick.)
+
+RUD. What a nuisance! (He finds himself near the door and fastens it.)
+
+MIMI. I'm so sorry.
+
+RUD. Where can it be?
+
+MIMI. You have an importunate neighbor,
+Pray, forgive your tiresome little neighbor.
+
+RUD. Nothing, I assure you.
+
+MIMI. Pray, forgive your tiresome neighbor.
+
+RUD. Do not mention it, I pray you.
+
+MIMI. Look for it.
+
+RUD. I'm looking.
+
+(Looks for the key on the floor; sliding over it, he knocks against
+the table, deposits his candlestick, and searches for the key with his
+hands on the floor.)
+
+MIMI. Where can it be?
+
+(Finds the key, lets an exclamation escape, then checks himself and
+puts the key in his pocket.)
+
+RUD. Ah!
+
+MIMI. Have you found it?
+
+RUD. No.
+
+MIMI. I think so.
+
+RUD. In very truth.
+
+MIMI. Found it?
+
+RUD. Not yet.
+
+(Feigns to search, but guided by Mimi'S voice and movements,
+approaches her; as Mimi is stooping his hand meets hers, which he
+clasps.)
+
+MIMI. (rising to her feet, surprised) Ah!
+
+RUD. (holding Mimi's hand, with emotion)
+Your tiny hand is frozen,
+Let me warm it into life;
+Our search is useless,
+In darkness all is hidden,
+'Ere long the light of the moon shall aid us,
+Yes, in the moonlight our search let us resume.
+One moment, pretty maiden,
+While I tell you in a trice,
+Who I am, what I do,
+And how I live. Shall I?
+
+(Mimi is silent.)
+
+I am, I am a poet!
+What's my employment? Writing.
+Is that a living? Hardly.
+I've wit though wealth be wanting,
+Ladies of rank and fashion
+All inspire me with passion;
+In dreams and fond illusions,
+Or castles in the air,
+Richer is none on earth than I.
+
+Bright eyes as yours, believe me,
+Steal my priceless jewels,
+In fancy's store-house cherished,
+Your roguish eyes have robbed me,
+Of all my dreams bereft me,
+Dreams that are fair, yet fleeting.
+Fled are my truant fancies,
+Regrets I do not cherish,
+For now life's rosy morn is breaking,
+Now golden love is waking.
+Now that I've told my story,
+Pray tell me yours, too;
+Tell me frankly, who are you?
+Say, will you tell?
+
+MIMI. (_after some hesitation_)
+They call me Mimi
+But my name is Lucia;
+My story is a short one--
+Fine satin stuffs or silk
+I deftly embroider;
+I am content and happy;
+The rose and lily I make for pastime.
+These flowers give me pleasure
+As in magical accents
+They speak to me of love,
+Of beauteous springtime.
+Of fancies and of visions bright they tell me,
+Such as poets, and only poets, know.
+Do you hear me?
+
+RUD. Yes!
+
+MIMI. They call me Mimi,
+But I know not why;
+All by myself I take my frugal supper,
+To Mass not oft repairing,
+Yet oft I pray to God.
+In my room live I lonely,
+Up at the top there, in my little chamber
+Above the house tops so lofty.
+Yet the glad sun first greets me;
+After the frost is over
+Spring's first, sweet, fragrant kiss is mine,
+Her first bright sunbeam is mine,
+A rose as her petals are opening
+Do I tenderly cherish. Ah! what a charm
+Lies for me in her fragrance!
+Alas! those flowers I make,
+The flowers I fashion, alas! they have no perfume!
+More than just this I cannot find to tell you,
+I'm a tiresome neighbor that at an awkward moment
+intrudes upon you.
+
+SCH. (_from below_) Eh! Rudolph!
+
+COL. Rudolph!
+
+MAR. Hallo! you hear not?
+Don't dawdle!
+
+(_At the shouts of his friends_ RUDOLPH _is annoyed._)
+
+COL. Poetaster, come!
+
+SCH. What has happened, idler?
+
+(_Getting more annoyed_ RUDOLPH _opens the window to answer his
+friends; the moonlight enters, brightening the room._)
+
+RUD. I have still three lines to finish.
+
+MIMI. (_approaching the window_) Who are they?
+
+RUD. My friends.
+
+SCH. You will know they're yours.
+
+MAR. What do you there, so lonely?
+
+RUD. I'm not lonely. We are two.
+So to Momus go on.
+There keep us places; we will follow quickly.
+
+(_Remains still at the window to make sure of his friends going._)
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. (_gradually departing_)
+Momus, Momus, Momus!
+Gently and soft to supper let us go.
+
+MAR. And poetry let flow.
+
+SCH. and COL. Momus, Momus, Momus!
+
+(MIMI _goes nearer the window, so that the moon's rays fall on her
+while_ RUDOLPH _contemplates her ecstatically._)
+
+RUD. Lovely maid in the moonlight!
+
+MAR. And poetry let flow.
+
+RUD. Your face entrancing.
+Like radiant seraph from on high appears!
+The dream that I would ever, ever dream, returns.
+
+RUD.                               | MIMI.
+                                   |
+                                   | Love alone o'er hearts has sway
+Heart to heart and soul to soul    | Ah Love! to thee do we surrender.
+Love binds us in his fetters.      |  (_yielding to her lover's
+(_placing his arm around MIMI_         embrace_)
+Love now shall rule our hearts     | Sweet to my soul the magic voice
+ alone,                            | Of love its music chanteth,
+Life's fairest flower is love!     | Life's fairest flower is love!
+Life's fairest flower is love!     |   (RUDOLPH _kisses her._)
+
+
+MIMI. (_disengaging herself_) No, I pray you!
+
+RUD. My sweetheart!
+
+MIMI. Your comrades await you!
+
+RUD. Do you then dismiss me?
+
+MIMI. I should like--no, I dare not!
+
+RUD. Say!
+
+MIMI. (coquettishly) Could I not come with you?
+
+RUD. What, Mimi?
+It would be much more pleasant here to stay.
+Outside 'tis chilly!
+
+MIMI. To you I'll be neighbor! I'll be always near you.
+
+RUD. On returning?
+
+MIMI. (archly) Who knows, sir?
+
+RUD. Take my arm, my little maiden!
+
+MIMI. (giving her arm to RUDOLPH) I obey you, my lord!
+
+(They go, arm in arm, to the door.)
+
+RUD. You love me? Say!
+
+MIMI. (with abandon)
+I love thee!
+
+RUD. and MIMI. My love! My love!
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+"...Gustave Colline, the great philosopher; Marcel, the great
+painter; Rudolph, the great poet, and Schaunard, the great musician
+--as they were wont to style them selves--regularly frequented the
+Cafe Momus, where, being inseparable, they were nicknamed 'The
+Four Musketeers.'
+
+"Indeed, they always went about together, played together, dined
+together, often without paying the bill, yet always with a beautiful
+harmony worthy of the Conservatoire Orchestra.
+
+"Mademoiselle Musetta was a pretty girl of twenty.
+
+"Very coquettish, rather ambitious, but without any pretensions
+to spelling.
+
+"Oh! those delightful suppers in the Quartier Latin!
+
+"A perpetual alternative between a blue brougham and an omnibus;
+between the Rue Breda and the Quartier Latin.
+
+"...Well! what of that? From time to time I feel the need of breathing
+the atmosphere of such a life as this. My madcap existence is like a
+song; each of my love-episodes forms a verse of it, but Marcel is its
+refrain!"
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+IN THE LATIN QUARTER
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+A conflux of streets; where they meet, a square, flanked by shops of
+all sorts; on one side the Cafe Momus.
+
+Aloof from the crowd, RUDOLPH and MIMI; COLLINE is near a rag-shop,
+SCHAUNARD stands outside a tinker's, buying a pipe and a horn, MARCEL
+is being hustled hither and thither.
+
+A vast, motley crowd; soldiers, serving maids, boys, girls, children,
+students, work girls, gendarmes, etc. It is evening. The shops are
+decked with tiny lamps; a huge lantern lights up the entrance to the
+Cafe Momus. The cafe is so crowded that some of the customers are
+obliged to seat themselves outside.
+
+HAWKERS. (outside their shops)
+
+Come, buy my oranges!
+Hot roasted chestnuts!
+Trinkets and crosses!
+Fine hardbake!
+Excellent toffee!
+Flowers for the ladies!
+Try our candy!
+Cream for the babies!
+Fat larks and ortolans!
+Look at them!
+Fine salmon!
+Look at our chestnuts!
+Who'll buy my carrots?
+
+THE CROWD.
+
+CITIZENS. What a racket!
+
+WOMEN. What uproar!
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS.
+Hold fast to me; come along!
+
+A MOTHER. (calling her children) Lisa! Emma!
+
+CITIZENS. Ho! make way there!
+
+THE MOTHER. Emma, don't you hear me?
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS. Rue Mazarin's the nearest.
+
+WOMEN. Let's get away, I'm choking!
+
+CITIZENS. See! the cafe is near!
+
+(At the Cafe)
+
+CITIZENS.
+Come here, waiter!
+Come along!
+Come along!
+Come here!
+To me!
+Some beer!
+A glass!
+Vanilla!
+Come along!
+Come along!
+Some beer!
+Some coffee!
+Hurry up!
+
+SCH. (_blowing the horn_)
+D! D! D! what a dreadful D!
+
+(_Haggling with the tinker._)
+
+What's the price of the lot?
+
+COL. (_to the clothes dealer, who has been mending a jacket for him_)
+It's rather shabby, but sound and not expensive.
+
+(_He pays, and then carefully consigns the books to the various
+pockets of his long coat._)
+
+(_MARCEL alone in the midst of the crowd, with a parcel under his arm,
+making eyes at the girls who jostle against him in the crowd._)
+
+MAR. I feel somehow as if I fain must shout:
+Ho! laughing lassies, will you play at love?
+Let's play together, let's play the game of buy and sell:
+Who'll give a penny for my guileless heart?
+
+(_Pushing through the crowd, _RUDOLPH_ and _MIMI_, arm in arm,
+approach a bonnet shop._)
+
+RUD. Let's go!
+
+MIMI. To buy the bonnet?
+
+RUD. Hold tightly to my arm, love!
+
+(_They enter the bonnet shop._)
+
+(SCHAUNARD _strolls about in front of the Cafe Momus, waiting for his
+friends, and, armed with his huge pipe and hunting horn, he
+watches the crowd curiously._)
+
+SCH. Surging onward--eager, breathless--
+Moves the madding crowd,
+As they frolic ever
+In their wild, insane endeavor.
+
+COL. (_comes up, waving an old book in triumph_)
+Such a rare copy! well-nigh unique,
+A grammar of Runic!
+
+SCH. (_who arrives at that moment behind_ COLLINE, _compassionately_)
+Honest fellow!
+
+MAR. (_arriving at the Cafe Momus, and finding_ SCHAUNARD _and_
+COLLINE)
+To supper!
+
+SCH. and COL. Ho! Rudolph!
+
+MAR. He's gone to buy a bonnet.
+
+(MARCEL, SCHAUNARD _and_ COLLINE _try to find an empty table outside
+the cafe, but there is only one, which is occupied by townsfolk. At
+these latter the three friends glare furiously, and then enter the
+cafe. The crowd disperses among the adjacent streets. The shops are
+crowded and the square becomes densely thronged with buyers who come
+and go. In the cafe there is much animation._ RUDOLPH _and_ MIMI _come
+out of the shop._)
+
+RUD. (_to_ MIMI)
+Come along! my friends are waiting.
+
+MIMI. Do you think this rose-trimmed bonnet suits me?
+
+RUD. The color suits your dark complexion.
+
+MIMI. (_looking into the window of a bonnet shop_) O what a pretty
+necklace!
+
+RUD. I have an aunt a millionaire.
+If the good God wills to take her,
+Then shall you have a necklace far more fine.
+(_suddenly seeing_ MIMI _look round suspiciously_)
+What is it?
+
+MIMI. Are you jealous?
+
+RUD. The man in love is always jealous, darling.
+
+MIMI. Are you then in love?
+
+RUD. (_squeezing her arm in his_)
+
+Yes, so much in love!
+Are you?
+
+MIMI. Yes, deeply.
+
+(_Enter from the cafe,_ COLLINE, SCHAUNARD _and_ MARCEL _carrying a
+table. A waiter follows with chairs. The townsfolks seated near
+seem vexed at the noise which the three friends are making, for
+they soon get up and walk away._)
+
+COL. The vulgar herd I hate, just as I did Horace.
+
+SCH. And I, when I am eating,
+I can't stand being crowded.
+
+MAR. (to the waiter) Smartly!
+
+SCH. For many!
+
+MAR. We want a supper of the choicest!
+
+(_MIMI and RUDOLPH joining their friends_.)
+
+RUD. (_accompanied by MIMI_) Two places.
+
+COL. Let's have supper.
+
+RUD. So we have come. (_introducing Mimi_)
+This is Mimi,
+The merry flower girl;
+And now she's come to join us.
+Our party is completed--
+For I shall play the poet,
+While she's the muse incarnate.
+Forth from my brain flow songs of passion,
+As, at her touch the pretty buds blow;
+As in the soul awaketh beautiful love!
+
+MAR. (_ironically_) My word, what high falutin'!
+
+COL. _Digna est intrari._
+
+SCH. _Ingrediat si necessit._
+
+COL. I'll grant only an _accessit_!
+
+(RUDOLPH _makes_ MIMI _sit down. All being seated, the waiter returns
+with the menu_.)
+
+COL. (_with an air of great importance_) Some sausage!
+
+PAR. (_faintly in the distance_) Who'll buy some pretty toys from
+Parpignol?
+
+(_Boys and girls running out from the shops and adjoining streets._)
+
+BOYS and GIRLS. Parpignol! Parpignol!
+
+(_Enter PARPIGNOL from the Rue Dauphin, pushing a barrow festooned
+with foliage, flowers and paper lanterns._)
+
+PAR. (_crying_) Who'll buy some pretty toys from Parpignol?
+
+CHILDREN, (_crowding and jumping round the barrow_)
+Parpignol! Parpignol!
+With his pretty barrow bright with flowers!
+
+(_admiring the toys_)
+
+I want the horn! and I the horse!
+Get away, they are mine!
+I want the gun! and I the whip!
+No, the drum shall be mine!
+
+(_At the cries of the children, the mothers try, but without success,
+to lead them away from PARPIGNOL, scolding loudly_.)
+
+MOTHERS.
+Ah! wait a bit, you dirty little rascals.
+What can it be that sets you all a-gaping?
+Get home to your beds, get home, lazy rascals,
+Or you shall all have a tidy beating.
+
+(_The children refuse to go. One of them cries for Parpignol'S toys
+and his mother pulls his ear. The mothers, relenting, buy some.
+Parpignol moves down the street, followed by the children, pretending
+to play on their toy instruments_.)
+
+PAR. (_in the distance_) Who'll buy some pretty toys of Parpignol!
+
+(_The waiter presents the menu, which the four friends carefully
+scrutinize in turn._)
+
+SCH. Bring some venison.
+
+MAR. I'll have turkey.
+
+RUD. (_in an undertone to MIMI_) Mimi, what would you like?
+
+MIMI. Some custard!
+
+SCH. And some Rhenish!
+
+COL. Bring some claret, too!
+
+SCH. And some lobster, only shell it!
+The best you've got--for a lady!
+
+MAR. (_disconcerted at the sight of MUSETTA; to the waiter_)
+
+And I'll have a phial of poison! (_throwing himself on a chair_)
+
+SCH., COL. and RUD. (_turning on hearing MARCEL'S exclamation_)
+
+Oh! Musetta!
+
+(_the friends look pityingly at MARCEL, who turns pale_)
+
+(_The shopwomen are going away, but stop to watch the fair stranger,
+and are astonished to recognize in her MUSETTA; they whisper
+among themselves, pointing at her._)
+
+Look! 'tis Musetta!
+She!
+Musetta!
+'Tis she!
+Yes!
+Yes!
+'Tis Musetta!
+Oh! what swagger!
+My! she's gorgeous.
+
+(_entering their shops_)
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS (_crossing the stage_)
+Only look! why, there she is!
+Some old stammering dotard's with her, too!
+Yes, 'tis she!
+Tis she!
+Musetta!
+
+(_Enter from the corner of the Rue Mazarin an extremely pretty
+coquettish-looking young lady. She is followed by a pompous old
+gentleman, who is both fussy and over-dressed._)
+
+ALCINDORO DE MITONNEAUX. (_joining _MUSETTA_, out of breath_)
+Just like a valet
+I must run here and there.
+No, no, not for me!
+I can stand it no more.
+
+(MUSETTA_ without noticing_ ALCINDORO_, takes a vacant seat, outside
+the cafe._) How now? Outside? Here?
+
+MUS. (_without noticing his protests, he fearing to remain outside in
+the cold_) Sit down, Lulu!
+
+ALC. (_in great irritation, sits down, and turns up his coat collar_)
+Such a term of fond endearment
+Pray do not apply to me!
+
+MUS. Now, don't be Blue Beard, pray!
+
+(_A waiter approaches briskly, to prepare the table and begins to
+serve. _SCHAUNARD_ and _COLLINE_ furtively watch _MUSETTA_. _MARCEL_
+feigns the greatest indifference. _RUDOLPH_ devotes all his attention
+to _MIMI_._)
+
+SCH. (_at the sight of the old gentleman with his decorations_)
+He's had a pretty good dose, I reckon.
+
+COL. (_scrutinizing _ALCINDORO) The naughty, naughty elder!
+
+MAR. (_contemptuously_) With his good young Susanna.
+
+MIMI. (_to _RUDOLPH) And her clothes are smart, too!
+
+RUD. The angels can't afford them.
+
+(_A piquet of the National Guard passes across the square; some
+shop-keepers go home; at the corner of the street the chestnut-seller
+does a thriving trade; the old clothes dealer fills her barrel with
+clothes, and goes away with it over her shoulder._)
+
+MUS. (_disconcerted at not being noticed by her friends_)
+Marcel can see me,
+But he won't look, the villain!
+And Schaunard!
+They provoke me past bearing!
+Ah! could I but beat them!
+If I could, I would scratch!
+But I only have to back me
+This old pelican!
+No matter! (_calls the waiter who has gone away_)
+Hi! waiter, here! (_the waiter hurriedly approaches_)
+See, this plate has a horrid smell of onions!
+(_dashes the plate on the ground; the waiter picks up the pieces_)
+
+ALC. Don't, Musetta! do be quiet!
+
+MUS. (_irritated, still watching MARCEL_) He won't look round! Now I
+could beat him!
+
+ALC. What's the matter?
+
+MUS. (_sharply_) I meant the waiter!
+
+ALC. Manners! Manners!
+(_Takes the bill from the waiter and orders the supper._)
+
+MUS. (_more irritated_)
+Such a bore!
+Just let me have my own way.
+If you please; I won't be ruled by you!
+
+MIMI. (_looking curiously at RUDOLPH_) Do you know who she is?
+
+MAR. You had better ask me.
+Well, her name is Musetta
+Her surname is Temptation.
+As to her vocation:
+Like a rose in the breezes,
+So she changes lover for lover without number.
+And like the spiteful screech owl,
+A bird that's most rapacious,
+The food that most she favors is the heart!
+Her food the heart is;
+Thus have I now none left!
+(_to his friends, concealing his agitation_)
+So pass me the ragout!
+
+SCH. (_to COLLINE_)
+Now the fun's at its climax,
+To one she speaks because the other listens.
+
+COL. (_to SCHAUNARD_)
+The other will not hear,
+Feigns not to see the girl: which makes her mad.
+
+RUD. (_to MIMI_)
+Now let me tell you
+I never would forgive you.
+
+MIMI. (_to RUDOLPH_)
+I love you, love you fondly,
+Am wholly yours, my dearest! (_eating_)
+
+COL. What's that about forgiveness?
+
+(_coquettishly watching MARCEL, who becomes agitated_)
+
+MUS. (_watching MARCEL; in a loud voice to MARCEL_) Why, don't you
+know me?
+
+ALC. (_thinking MUSETTA spoke to him_) Well, I'm giving the order,
+dear.
+
+MUS. (_as above_) But your heart is a-throbbing!
+
+ALC. (_as above_) Not so loud.
+
+MUS. (_to herself_) But your heart is a-throbbing!
+
+ALC. Do be quiet!
+
+MUS. As through the streets I wander onward merrily,
+See how the folk look round,
+Because they know I'm charming,
+A very charming girl.
+And then 'tis mine to mark the hidden longing,
+And all the passion in their eyes;
+And then the joy of conquest overcomes me,
+Every man is my prize!
+
+And thus their hearts, their hearts I capture,
+As if by magic all my own, ah! rapture!
+Tis mine alone!
+Now you that once your love for me betrayed,
+Why should you be dismayed?
+Yet though deep in your heart
+Rankles the smart.
+You'd ne'er confess--but rather die!
+
+(_SCHAUNARD and COLLINE rise and stand aside, watching the scene
+with interest, while RUDOLPH and MIMI remain seated and continue
+their talk. MARCEL nervously quits his seat, and is about
+to go, but is spell-bound by MUSETTA'S voice._)
+
+ALC. This odious singing upsets me entirely!
+
+(_ALCINDORO vainly endeavors to induce MUSETTA to resume her seat
+at the table where the supper is ready._)
+
+MIMI. (_to RUDOLPH_)
+Oh! now I see that this unhappy maiden
+Adores your friend Marcel madly!
+
+RUD. She once was Marcel's love;
+She wantonly forsook her fate,
+And rarer game she thought to capture!
+
+MIMI. The love that's born of passion ends in grief;
+That poor, unhappy girl!
+She moves me to tears!
+
+RUD. Who can revive a love that's dead?
+
+MAR. Hold me back! hold me back!
+
+COL. Who knows what will happen now?
+Goodness me! 'tis most unpleasant!
+Anyhow, it is for me!
+She is pretty, I don't doubt it;
+Yet I would rather have
+My pipe and a page of Homer!
+
+SCH. See the braggart in a moment will give in;
+The snare for some is pleasant,
+For the biter and the bit.
+
+(_to COLLINE_)
+
+If such a pretty damsel
+Should but make eyes at you,
+You'd forget your mouldy classics,
+And run to fetch her shoe.
+
+MUS. Ah! Marcel you are vanquished!
+And though your heart is breaking,
+You'd never let us know, (_feigning great regret_)
+(I must try to get rid of the old boy.)
+Oh! dear!
+
+ALC. What now?
+
+MUS. How it pains me! how it pains me!
+
+ALC. Let's see!
+
+MUS. My foot!
+Break it, tear it,
+I can't bear it,
+Do, I implore you!
+
+ALC. (_bending down to untie her shoe_) Gently, gently!
+
+MUS. Close by there is a boot-shop; hasten! quickly!
+He may have boots to please me.
+
+ALC. What imprudence!
+
+MUS. Ah! the torture!
+How these horrid tight shoes squeeze me!
+I'll take it off! So let it lie!
+
+ALC. What will people say?
+What imprudence!
+
+SCH. and COL.
+Now the fun becomes stupendous
+In truth, 'tis better than a play!
+
+MUS. Hasten, hasten! Bring another pair! Go!
+
+ALC. What imprudence!
+Nothing short of scandal!
+Musetta, shame!
+
+(_Hides her shoe under his coat, which he hastily buttons up; hurries
+off the stage._)
+
+MAR. (_greatly agitated_)
+Ah! golden youth! you are not dead, not dead for me,
+For love revives again in me;
+If at my door you came to greet me,
+My heart would straight go out to meet thee!
+
+(_MUSETTA and MARCEL embrace with much fervor._)
+
+MUS. Marcel!
+
+MAR. Enchantress!
+
+SCH. This is the final tableau! (_A waiter brings in the bill._)
+
+RUD., COL. and SCH. The bill!
+
+SCH. What a bother!
+
+COL. Who bade him bring it?
+
+SCH. Let's see.
+
+(_Drums heard in the distance_)
+
+RUD. and COL. Out with your coppers!
+
+SCH. Out with your coppers,
+Colline, Rudolph, and you, Marcel.
+
+MAR. We've not a rap!
+
+SCH. I say!
+
+RUD. I've thirty sous, no more.
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. I say! no more than that?
+
+STREET ARABS, (_hastening from the right_) 'Tis the Tattoo!
+
+WORK GIRLS, (_hastening out of the cafe_) 'Tis the Tattoo!
+
+STUDENTS and CITIZENS. 'Tis the Tattoo!
+
+(_Hastening from the left. As the Tattoo is still a long way off, the
+folk run hither and thither, as if uncertain from which quarter the
+band will appear._)
+
+SCH. But who has got my purse?
+
+(_They all feel their pockets which are empty; none can explain the
+sudden disappearance of SCHAUNARD'S purse, and they look at each other
+in surprise._)
+
+STREET ARABS. Will they come along this way?
+
+WORK GIRLS and STUDENTS. No; from there.
+
+STREET ARABS. They are coming down this way.
+
+WORK GIRLS and STUDENTS. Here they come!
+
+CITIZENS. Way there!
+
+HAWKERS. Way there!
+
+SOME BOYS. Oh! let me see!
+
+OTHERS. Oh! let me hear!
+
+BOYS. Mother, do let me see!
+
+OTHERS. Papa, do let me hear!
+
+MOTHERS. Lisette, do be quiet!
+Tony, do have done! do be quiet!
+
+MUS. (to the waiter)
+And my bill, please, bring to me.
+
+(_To waiter who brings the bill_)
+
+Thank you.
+Just make one bill of the two.
+The gentleman will pay
+Who came to sup with me.
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. Yes, he will pay!
+
+MAR. (aside) He will pay!
+
+SCH. and COL. Yes, he will pay!
+
+MUS. (_placing both bills at ALCINDORO's place_)
+And, after this pleasant meeting,
+This shall be my greeting!
+
+RUD., MAR., SCH. and COL. And, after our pleasant meeting,
+This shall be her greeting!
+
+(_The crowd fills the stage and the patrol advances gradually._)
+
+WORK GIRLS. They will come along this way.
+
+STUDENTS, CITIZENS and HAWKERS. Yes, this way!
+
+STREET ARABS. When it gets nearer,
+We'll march along beside it.
+
+(_Several windows are opened at which mothers and their children
+appear and eagerly await the coming of the patrol._)
+
+HAWKERS. In that patrol perceive
+The country's noble might!
+
+STREET ARABS. Now, look out! they're coming!
+
+STUDENTS, WORK GIRLS and CITIZENS. Do stand back, for here they come!
+
+MAR. See, the patrol is coming!
+
+COL. Look out that old boy
+Don't catch you with his darling!
+
+RUD. See, the patrol is coming!
+
+MAR. and SCH. Now the crowd is tremendous:
+T' escape will be so easy.
+
+(_The patrol enters, headed by a gigantic drum-major, who dexterously
+twists his baton, showing the way._)
+
+STREET ARABS and WORK GIRLS. And there's the drum-major!
+
+CITIZENS and SHOP-KEEPERS. As proud as a warrior of old!
+
+MIMI, MUS. and RUD. Quick, or you will miss them!
+
+MAR., SCH. and COL. Quick, or you will miss them!
+
+STREET ARABS and HAWKERS. The drum-major, look! what a dandy!
+
+STUDENTS and WORK GIRLS. What swagger! What a figure!
+
+STREET ARABS. There go the sappers!
+
+CITIZENS. What a dandy!
+
+STUDENTS and CITIZENS. Like a general he appears!
+He passes by and heeds us not!
+
+WORK GIRLS. Like a general he appears!
+Of all our hearts the conqueror!
+
+(_MUSETTA being without her shoe, cannot walk, so MARCEL and COLLINE
+carry her through the crowd, as they endeavor to follow the
+patrol. The mob, seeing her borne along in this triumphal fashion,
+give her a regular ovation. MARCEL and COLLINE with MUSETTA
+follow the patrol; RUDOLPH and MIMI follow arm in arm; SCHAUNARD
+goes next, blowing his horn; while the students, work-girls,
+street-lads, women and towns-folk merrily bring up the rear._)
+
+(_Marching in time with the music, the whole vast crowd gradually
+moves off as it follows the patrol. Meanwhile ALCINDORO, with
+a pair of shoes carefully wrapped up, returns to the cafe in search
+of MUSETTA. The waiter by the table takes up the bill left by
+MUSETTA and ceremoniously hands it to ALCINDORO, who, seeing
+the amount, and perceiving that they have all left him there alone,
+falls back into a chair, utterly dumbfounded._)
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+"Mimi's voice seemed to go through Rudolph's heart like a death-knell.
+His love for her was a jealous, fantastic, weird, hysterical
+love. Scores of times they were on the point of separating.
+
+"It must be admitted that their existence was a veritable
+'hell-up-on-earth.'
+
+"Thus (if life it was) did they live; a few happy days alternating
+with many wretched ones, while perpetually awaiting a divorce."
+
+
+
+"Either as a congenital defect or as a natural instinct, Musetta
+possessed a positive genius for elegance.
+
+"Even in her cradle this strange creature must surely have asked for
+a mirror.
+
+"Intelligent, shrewd, and above all, hostile to anything that she
+considered tyranny, she had but one rule--caprice.
+
+"In truth the only man that she really loved was Marcel; perhaps
+because he alone could make her suffer. Yet extravagance was for her
+one of the conditions of well-being."
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+_Beyond the toll-gate, the outer boulevard is formed in the background
+by the Orleans high-road, half hidden by tall houses and the misty
+gloom of February. To the left is a tavern with a small open space in
+front of the toll-gate. To the right is the Boulevard d'Enfer; to the
+left, that of St. Jacques.
+
+On the right also there is the entrance of the Rue d'Enfer, leading to
+the Quartier Latin.
+
+Over the tavern, as its sign-board, hangs MARCEL's picture, "The
+Passage of the Red Sea," while underneath, in large letters, is the
+inscription. "At the Port of Marseilles." On either side of the door
+are frescoes of a Turk and a Zouave with a huge laurel-wreath round
+his fez. From the ground-floor windows of the tavern, which faces the
+toll-gate, light gleams. The plane-trees, grey and gaunt, which flank
+the toll-gate square, lead diagonally towards the two boulevards.
+Between each tree is a marble bench. It is towards the close of
+February; snow covers all.
+
+As the curtain rises, the scene is merged in the dim light of early
+dawn. In front of a brazier are seated, in a group, snoring
+custom-house officers. From the tavern at intervals one may hear
+laughter, shouts, and the clink of glasses. A custom-house official
+comes out of the tavern with wine. The toll-gate is closed.
+
+Behind the toll-gate, stamping their feet and blowing in their
+frost-bitten fingers, stand several street-scavengers._
+
+SCAVENGERS. What ho, there! What ho, there! Admit us!
+Make haste and let us pass,
+The sweepers are we. (_stamping their feet_)
+Look how it's snowing! What ho, there!
+We are frozen!
+
+AN OFFICIAL. (_yawning and stretching himself_) All right!
+
+(_Goes to open the gate; the scavengers pass through to the Rue
+d'Enfer. The official closes the gate again._)
+
+CHORUS. (_from the tavern; the clink of glasses forms an accompaniment
+to the song_)
+Pass the glass,
+Let each toast his lass;
+Pass the glass,
+Let each lad toast his lass;
+Ha! Ha!
+Each one as he sips,
+As he sips his wine,
+Shall dream of lips
+Made for love divine!
+
+MUS. (_from the tavern_)
+Ah!
+As the toper loves his glass,
+So the gallant loves his lass.
+
+CHORUS. (_all bursting into laughter_) Noah and Eve!
+
+MILK WOMEN. (_from within_) Houp-la! Houp-la!
+
+(_A sergeant comes out of the guard-house and orders the toll-gate to
+be opened._)
+
+CUSTOM HOUSE OFFICIAL. Here come the women with their milk.
+
+(_A tinkling of cart-bells is heard._)
+
+CARTERS. (_from within_) Houp-la!
+
+(_Carts pass along the outer boulevard, lighted by large lanterns._)
+
+MILK WOMEN. (_quite close_) Houp-la!
+
+(_The gloom gradually gives way to daylight._)
+
+MILK WOMEN. (_to the officials who admit them to the toll-gate_)
+Good-morrow!
+
+PEASANT WOMEN. (_who enter carrying baskets_)
+Butter! Cheese!
+Chickens and eggs!
+
+SOME. Which way, then, are you going?
+
+OTHERS. Up to Saint Michael's.
+
+SOME. Well, shall we see you later?
+
+OTHERS. At twelve o'clock.
+
+(_They go off in various directions, and the officials remove the
+bench and brazier._)
+
+(_Enter _MIMI_ from the Rue d'Enfer; she looks about her as if anxious
+to make sure of her whereabouts. On reaching the first plane-tree she
+is seized by a violent fit of coughing. Then recovering herself, she
+sees the sergeant, whom she approaches._)
+
+MIMI. Oh! Please, sir, tell me the name of that tavern
+Where now a painter's working?
+
+SERGEANT. (_pointing to the tavern_) There it is.
+
+MIMI. Thank you.
+(_A serving woman comes out of the tavern; _MIMI_ goes to her._)
+Oh! my good woman, pray do me this favor!
+Can you find me the painter, Marcel?
+I fain would see him; the matter's urgent;
+Just tell him softly that Mimi awaits him.
+
+SERGEANT. (_to a passer-by_) Ho! there! What's in the basket?
+
+OFFICIAL. (_after searching the basket_) Empty.
+
+SERGEANT. Pass, there!
+
+(_Other folk now pass through the toll-gate and move off in different
+directions. The bell of the Hospice Ste. Therese rings for matins._)
+
+MAR. (_coming out of the inn_) Mimi!
+
+MIMI. I hoped that I should find you here.
+
+MAR. Aye, here we've been for a month:
+So to pay for our footing,
+Musetta teaches singing
+To those who come here.
+And I, well--I paint warriors--
+There, on the house front!
+
+MIMI. Where is Rudolph?
+
+MAR. Here. 'Tis bitter, pray enter!
+
+MIMI. (_bursting into tears_)
+
+Enter I cannot, no!
+
+MAR. Why not?
+
+MIMI. Oh! good Marcel! oh! help me!
+
+MAR. Say, what has happened?
+
+MIMI. Rudolph is madly jealous!
+He loves and yet avoids me!
+A glance, a touch, a token,
+Suffice to make him jealous,
+And start his senseless fury!
+And oft at night,
+When feigning to be sleeping,
+I felt his eyes were watching
+to spy upon my slumbers!
+How oft he would reproach me!
+"You are not mine, Mimi!
+You love another gallant!"
+Alas! 'tis jealousy that prompts him.
+Yet how may I reply?
+
+MAR. Two that live thus, I reckon,
+Would be surely better parted.
+
+MIMI. You are right, you speak truly:
+'Twere best we were parted.
+Will you aid us, then,
+Will you aid us to part?
+Oft to do this we have striven, but in vain.
+Ah! 'tis true, to part were the best.
+
+MAR. I'm happy with Musetta,
+And she's happy with me.
+Because 'tis mirth that binds us together.
+Laughter, music and song,
+Ever our love prolong.
+
+MIMI. Ah! then, aid us, I pray you!
+
+MAR. 'Tis well, 'tis well! Now will I wake him.
+
+MIMI. Wake him?
+
+MAR. Overcome with fatigue,
+Just as dawn was approaching,
+On the bench fast lie slumbers,
+
+(_Motions MIMI to look through the tavern window_)
+
+Behold him! (_MIMI coughs persistently_)
+
+What coughing!
+
+MIMI. Unceasingly it shakes me,
+And Rudolph now forsakes me.
+And says to me, "It is over!"
+At daybreak swift escaping,
+I hurried here to find him.
+
+MAR. (_watching RUDOLPH inside the tavern_)
+He's moving, waking, and wants me.
+Come, then.
+
+MIMI. He must not see me.
+
+MAR. Well, hide yourself out there.
+
+(_Points to the plane-trees. MIMI hides behind the trees._)
+
+RUD. (_coming out of the inn, hastens towards MARCEL_)
+Marcel! at last I've found you,
+Where none can hear us.
+I want a separation from Mimi.
+
+MAR. Is that your latest whim?
+
+RUD. Love in my heart was dying, almost was dead,
+But her blue eyes new glory on me shed.
+Love, swift revived, all me; what woe is mine!
+
+MAR. Ah! would you now such bitter pain recall?
+
+(_MIMI warily approaches to listen_)
+
+RUD. Yes, always.
+
+MAR. Nay, be prudent! Love is not worth the keeping,
+That only ends in weeping.
+Love must thrive in mirth and gladness,
+Or else it is but madness.
+'Tis that you're jealous!
+
+RUD. Aye, somewhat;
+And choleric, and lunatic,
+And a victim of vile suspicion,
+Unhappy, and stubborn!
+
+MIMI. (_aside_)
+He's getting in a rage;
+Poor little Mimi!
+
+RUD. Mimi's a heartless maiden,
+Prone to flirting with all.
+A scented dandy, some lordling,
+Now striveth to win her caresses.
+With bosom swaying,
+One foot displaying,
+Doth she lure him on
+With the magic of her smile.
+
+MAR. Shall I be frank? I think 'tis hardly true.
+
+RUD. No, 'tis not true.
+In vain, in vain I smother
+All the torture that racks me.
+I love Mimi, she is my only treasure!
+I love her, but, oh! I fear it!
+
+(_Mimi surprised, comes closer and closer, under cover of the trees_)
+
+Mimi's so sickly, so ailing,
+Every day she grows weaker,
+The poor girl, as I think, is dying.
+
+MAR. (_fearing MIMI may overhear them, tries to keep RUDOLPH further
+off_) Oh! Rudolph!
+
+MIMI. What's he saying?
+
+RUD. By fierce, incessant coughing
+Her fragile frame is shaken,
+While in her cheeks so pallid
+The fires of fever waken.
+
+MAR. (_agitated, perceiving that Mimi is listening_) Softly!
+
+MIMI. (_weeping_) Woe is me! I'm dying!
+
+RUD. And my room's but a squalid hovel,
+No fire there burneth,
+Only the cruel night wind
+Waileth, waileth there ever.
+Yet she's merry and smiling,
+While, remorseful, despairing,
+I feel that 'tis I that am guilty.
+
+MAR. (_eager to draw RUDOLPH aside_) List but a moment!
+
+MIMI. (_disconsolately_) Ah! I'm dying!
+
+RUD. Mimi's a hot-house flower!
+
+MAR. Nay, but listen!
+
+MIMI. Ah me! ah me!
+All is over, life and loving,
+All are ended!
+Mimi must die!
+
+MAR. Softly!
+
+RUD. Want has wasted her beauty,
+And to bring her back to life
+Would need far more than love.
+
+MAR. Nay, Rudolph, but listen!
+
+(_Mimi's violent coughing and sobbing reveal her presence._)
+
+RUD. Ha! Mimi! You here!
+You heard, you heard me?
+Swayed by each light suspicion,
+A trifle yet alarms me;
+Come, come inside here!
+
+(_Seeks to take her into the tavern_)
+
+MIMI. No, that odor is stifling me!
+
+RUD. (_affectionately embracing her_) Ah, Mimi!
+
+(_From the tavern Musetta's brazen laugh is heard._)
+
+MAR. (_running to look through the window._)
+Tis Musetta that's laughing!
+Laughing, flirting!
+Ah! what a hussy!
+I'll not allow it. (_enters the tavern impetuously_)
+
+MIMI. (_disengaging herself from_ RUDOLPH'S _embrace._) Farewell!
+
+RUD. (_surprised_) What! Going?
+
+MIMI. To the home that she left
+At the voice of her lover.
+Sad, forsaken Mimi
+Must turn back, heavy-hearted.
+For love and her lover
+Are gone, and she must die,
+Farewell, then!
+I wish you well!
+Nay, listen! listen! those things,
+Those few old things I've left behind me,
+Within my trunk safely arc stored.
+That bracelet of gold,
+The prayer-book you gave me,
+Pray wrap them up together in my little apron,
+And I will send to fetch them.
+Yet stay! Beneath the pillow
+You'll find my little bonnet--
+Who knows?
+Maybe you'd like to keep it
+To remind you of our love!
+Farewell! Good-bye! I wish you well!
+
+RUD. Then, you are going to leave me?
+Yes, you are going, my little Mimi?
+Ah! farewell, sweet dream of love!
+
+MIMI. Farewell! farewell!
+Glad awakenings in the morning!
+
+RUD. Farewell, our sweet love that vanished,
+Yet that your smile reviveth!
+
+MIMI. (_playfully_) Farewell to jealousy and fury!
+Farewell suspicion, and its bitter anguish!
+
+RUD. Kisses sweet that, as poet,
+I bought back with caresses!
+
+MIMI and RUD. Lonely in winter,
+With Death as sole companion!
+But in glad springtime
+There's the sun, the glorious sun!
+
+(_From the tavern the sound of breaking plates and glasses is heard_)
+
+MUS. (_from within_) What d'ye mean? What d'ye mean? (_running out_)
+
+MAR. (_from within_)
+You were laughing, you were flirting
+By the fireside with that stranger!
+
+(_stopping on the threshold of the inn and confronting _MUSETTA)
+
+And how you colored
+When I caught you in the corner!
+
+MUS. (_defiantly_) Stuff and nonsense! all he said was:
+"Are you very fond of dancing?"
+And, half blushing, I made answer:
+"I'd be dancing all day long, sir."
+
+MAR. This is talk that only leads to things dishonest.
+
+MUS. My own way I mean to have!
+
+MAR. (_half menacing _MUSETTA)
+I will teach you better manners;
+Now if I catch you once more flirting--
+
+MUS. What a bother!
+Why this anger?
+Why this fury?
+We're not married yet, thank goodness!
+
+MAR. You shall not do as you like, miss!
+I will stop your little game!
+
+MUS. I abhor that sort of lover
+Who pretends he is your husband!
+
+MAR. I'm not going to be your blockhead,
+Just because you're fond of flirting!
+
+MUS. I shall flirt just when it suits me!
+
+MAR. You're most frivolous, Musetta!
+
+MUS. Yes, I shall! yes, I shall!
+I shall flirt just when it suits me!
+
+MAR. You can go, and God be with you!
+
+MUS. Musetta's going away;
+Yes, going away!
+
+MAR. And for me 'tis a good riddance!
+
+MUS. Fare you well, sir!
+
+MAR. Fare you well, ma'am!
+
+MUS. I say farewell with all my heart!
+
+MAR. Farewell, ma'am, pray begone!
+
+(_She retreats in a fury, but suddenly stops._)
+
+MUS. (_shouting_) Go back and paint your house front!
+
+MAR. Viper! (_enters the tavern_)
+
+MUS. Toad! (exit)
+
+MIMI. I'm so happy in the spring!
+
+RUD. As comrades you've lilies and roses.
+
+MIMI. Forth from each nest
+Comes a murmur of birdlets!
+
+RUD. and MIMI. When the hawthorn-bough's in blossom,
+When we have the glorious sun,
+Murmur the silver fountains,
+The breezes of the evening
+Waft fragrant balsams
+To the world and its sorrow.
+Shall we await another spring?
+
+MIMI. (_moving away with _RUDOLPH) Always yours forever!
+
+RUD. _and_ MIMI. Our time for parting's when the roses blow!
+
+MIMI. Ah! that our winter might last forever!
+
+RUD. _and_ MIMI. Our time for parting's when the roses blow!
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+"At that period, indeed, for some time past, the friends had led
+lonely lives.
+
+"Musetta had once more become a sort of semi-official personage; for
+three or four months Marcel had never met her.
+
+"And Mimi, too, no word of her had Rudolph ever heard except when he
+talked about her to himself when he was alone.
+
+"One day, as Marcel furtively kissed a bunch of ribbons that Musetta
+had left behind, he saw Rudolph hiding away a bonnet, that same pink
+bonnet which Mimi had forgotten.
+
+"'Good!' muttered Marcel, 'he's as craven-hearted as I am.'"
+
+       *        *        *        *        *
+
+"A gay life, yet a terrible one."
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+
+IN THE ATTIC
+
+
+(_As in Act I_)
+
+(MARCEL,_as before, stands in front of his easel, while _RUDOLPH_ sits
+at his writing table; each trying to make the other believe that he is
+working indefatigably, whereas they are really only gossiping.)_
+
+MAR. (_resuming his talk_) In a coupe?
+
+RUD. Yes, in carriage and pair did she merrily hail me.
+"Well, Musetta," I questioned:
+"How's your heart?"
+"It beats not--or I don't feel it--Thanks
+to this velvet I'm wearing!"
+
+MAR. (_endeavoring to laugh_) I'm glad, very glad!
+
+RUD. (_aside_) You humbug, you! You're fretting and fuming!
+
+MAR. It beats not! Bravo!
+(_commences to paint with great vigor_)
+Then I saw, too--
+
+RUD. Musetta?
+
+MAR. Mimi.
+
+RUD. You saw her? How strange! (stops painting)
+
+MAR. Rode in her carriage in grand apparel.
+Just like a duchess.
+
+RUD. Delightful! I'm glad to hear it.
+
+MAR. (_aside_) You liar! you're pining with love.
+
+RUD. and MAR. Now to work! (_they go on working_)
+
+RUD. (_throwing down his pen_) This pen's too awful!
+(_remains seated, apparently lost in thought_)
+
+MAR. (_flinging away his brush_) This infamous paint-brush!
+(_Stares at his canvas, and then without RUDOLPH observing it, he
+takes from his pocket a bunch of ribbons and kisses it._)
+
+RUD. Ah! Mimi! false, fickle-hearted!
+Ah! beauteous days departed!
+Those hands so dainty!
+Oh! fragrant, shining tresses!
+Ah! snow-white bosom!
+Ah! Mimi! those brief, glad, golden days!
+
+MAR. (_putting away his ribbons and staring anew at his canvas_)
+How is it that my brush
+With speed mechanical keeps moving,
+And plasters on the colors
+Quite against my will?
+And though I would be painting landscapes,
+Meadows, woodlands fair in Spring-tide,
+My brush refuses to perform its office;
+But paints dark eyes, and two red, smiling lips;
+The features of Musetta haunt me still!
+
+RUD. (_taking_ Mimi's _old bonnet from the table drawer_)
+And thou, O! rose-pink bonnet,
+That 'neath her pillow lay,
+That in her hour of parting she forgot--Thou
+wert the witness of our joy!
+Come to my heart, ah! come!
+Lie close against my heart, since my love is dead!
+(_clasps the bonnet to his heart_)
+
+MAR. Ah! frivolous Musetta! thee can I ne'er forget!
+My grief affords her pleasure,
+And yet my weak heart is fain
+To call her to my fond arms again.
+
+RUD. (_endeavoring to conceal his emotion from_ Marcel, _carelessly
+questions him_) What time is it now?
+
+MAR. (_roused from his reverie, gaily replies_) Time for our
+yesterday's dinner.
+
+RUD. But Schaunard's not back yet. (_Enter Schaunard_ _and_ Colline;
+_the former carries four rolls, and the latter a paper bag._)
+
+SCH. Here we are!
+
+RUD. How now?
+
+MAR. How now?
+
+(SCHAUNARD _places the rolls on the table._)
+
+MAR. (_disdainfully_) Some bread!
+
+COL. (_taking a herring out of the bag, and putting it on the table_)
+A dish that's worthy of Demosthenes:
+'Tis a herring!
+
+SCH. 'Tis salted!
+
+COL. 'Our dinner is ready!
+(_Seating themselves at the table, they pretend to be having a
+sumptuous meal._)
+
+MAR. This is a food that the gods might envy.
+
+SCH. (_placing Colline's hat on the table, and thrusting a bottle of
+water into it_) Now the champagne in the ice must go.
+
+RUD. (_to_ MARCEL, _offering him some bread_)
+Choose, my lord marquis--salmon or turbot?
+(_His offer is accepted, when, turning to _SCHAUNARD, _he proffers
+another crust of bread._)
+Now, duke, here's a choice vol-au-vent with mushrooms. (_He politely
+declines, and pours out a glass of water, which he hands to_ Marcel.)
+
+SCH. Thank you, I dare not, this evening I'm dancing! (_The one and
+only tumbler is handed about._ Colline, _after voraciously devouring
+his roll, rises._)
+
+RUD. (_to_ Colline) What? sated?
+
+COL. (_with an air of great importance_) To business! The king awaits
+me.
+
+MAR. (_eagerly_) What plot is brewing?
+
+RUD. What's in the wind?
+
+SCH. (_rises and approaches_ Colline, _observing with droll
+inquisitiveness_) What's in the wind?
+
+MAR. What's in the wind?
+
+(COLLINE _struts up and down, full of self-importance._)
+
+COL. The king requires my services.
+
+(_The others surround_ COLLINE, _bowing low to him._)
+
+SCH. Bravo!
+
+MAR. Bravo!
+
+RUD. Bravo!
+
+COL. (_with a patronizing air_) And then I've got to see Guizot!
+
+SCH. Give me a goblet.
+
+MAR. (_giving him the only glass_) Aye, quaff now a bumper!
+
+SCH. (_solemnly gets on to a chair and raises his glass_) Have I
+permission, oh! my most noble courtier?
+
+RUD. and COL. (_interrupting_) Stop that.
+
+COL. No more fooling.
+
+MAR. Stop that. No more nonsense.
+
+COL. Give me that tumbler. (_taking the glass from_ SCHAUNARD)
+
+SCH. (_motioning his friends to let him speak_) With ardor
+irresistible Poetry fills my spirit.
+
+COL. and MAR. (_yelling_) No.
+
+SCH. (_complacently_) Then something choreographic may suit you!
+
+RUD., MAR. and COL. Yes, yes!
+(_Amid applause they surround_ Schaunard _and make him get off the
+chair._)
+
+SCH. Some dancing, accompanied by singing?
+
+COL. Well, clear the stage for action.
+(_Moving chairs and tables aside, they prepare for a dance; they
+suggest various dances._)
+
+COL. Gavotte.
+
+MAR. Minuet.
+
+RUD. Pavanella.
+
+SCH. (_imitating a Spanish measure_) Fandango.
+
+COL. I vote we dance quadrilles first. (_the others approve_)
+
+RUD. Now take your partners.
+
+COL. I'll lead it. (_pretends to be very busy arranging a quadrille_)
+
+SCH. (_improvising, beats time with comic pomposity of manner_)
+La-lera, la-lera, la-lera!
+
+RUD. (_approaching_ MARCEL_, and bowing very low, offers him his hand
+as he gallantly says_) Oh! maiden fair and gentle!
+
+MAR. (_with coy bashfulness of manner, counterfeiting a woman's
+voice_) My modesty respect, sir, I beg you.
+
+SCH. Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera, la!
+
+COL. (_giving directions as to the figures, while_ RUDOLPH _and_
+MARCEL _dance the quadrille_) Balancez!
+
+MAR. (_in his ordinary voice_) Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera!
+
+SCH. (_teasingly_) First there's the Rond.
+
+COL. No, stupid!
+
+SCH. (_with exaggerated contempt_) You've manners like a clown!
+
+COL. (_offended_) As I take it, you're insulting!
+Draw your sword, sir!
+
+(_rushes to the fireplace and seizes the tongs_)
+
+SCH. (_taking up the poker_) Ready! Have at you! (_preparing to
+receive his adversary's attack_)
+Thy hot blood would I drink!
+
+COL. (_doing likewise_) One of us shall now be gutted! (Rudolph _and_
+Marcel _stop dancing and burst out laughing._)
+
+SCH. Now get a stretcher ready.
+
+COL. And get a grave-yard, too.
+
+(SCHAUNARD _and_ COLLINE _fight._)
+
+RUD. and MAR. (_gaily_) While they beat each other's brains out,
+Our fandango we will finish.
+(_They dance round the combatants, whose blows fall faster. The door
+opens and_ Musetta _enters in a state of great agitation._)
+
+MAR. (_amazed_) Musetta! (_All anxiously cluster round_ Musetta)
+
+MUS. (_hoarsely_) 'Tis Mimi--'tis Mimi who is with me--And is ailing!
+
+RUD. Mimi!
+
+MUS. She has not strength to climb the staircase.
+(_Through the open door _RUDOLPH_ spies _MIMI_, seated on the topmost
+stair; he rushes to her, followed by _MARCEL.)
+
+SCH. (_to _COLLINE) Here's the bed: we'll put her on it.
+(_they drag the bed forward_)
+
+RUD. (_supporting _MIMI_ and leading her towards the bed, aided by
+_MARCEL) There! some water!
+
+(_MUSETTA_ brings a glass of water and makes _MIMI_ sip it.)
+
+MIMI. (_passionately_) Oh, Rudolph!
+
+RUD. Gently, lie down there. (_gently lowers her on the bed_)
+
+MIMI. (_embracing RUDOLPH_) My darling Rudolph! Ah! let me stay with
+you!
+
+RUD. Darling Mimi! stay here ever!
+(_He induces _Mimi_ to lie down at full length on the bed, and draws
+the coverlet over her; he then carefully adjusts the pillow be
+neath her head._)
+
+MUS. (_taking the others aside and whispering to them_) I heard them
+saying that Mimi
+Had left the rich old viscount;
+And now was almost dying.
+Ah! but where? After searching,
+I met her alone just now,
+Almost dead with exhaustion.
+She murmured: "I'm dying! dying!
+But listen; I want to die near him.
+Maybe he's waiting!
+Take me thither, Musetta!"
+
+MAR. Hush! (_MUSETTA moves farther away from MIMI._)
+
+MIMI. I feel so much better.
+All here seems just the same as ever.
+(_with a sweet smile_)
+Ah! It is all so pleasant here!
+Saved from sadness,
+All is gladness;
+Once again new life is mine!
+
+RUD. Lips delightful, speak again to me!
+Once more enchant me!
+
+MIMI. Ah! beloved! Ah! leave me not!
+
+MUS. (_aside to the others_) What is there to give her?
+
+MAR. _and_ COL. Nothing!
+
+MUS. No coffee? no wine?
+
+MAR. (_in great dejection_) Nothing; the larder's empty.
+
+SCH. (_looking closely at Mimi_) In an hour she'll be dead!
+
+MIMI. I feel so cold!
+If I had but my muff here!
+My poor hands are simply frozen!
+How shall I get them warm?
+(_Mimi coughs; Rudolph takes her hands in his and chafes them._)
+
+RUD. In mine, in mine, love!
+Silence! for speaking tires you.
+
+MIMI. Tis coughing tires me.
+I'm used to that, though.
+(_seeing RUDOLPH'S friends, she calls them by name, when they hasten
+to her side_)
+Good-morrow, Marcel!
+Schaunard, Colline, good-morrow!
+All are here, as I see, glad to welcome Mimi.
+
+RUD. Hush! Mimi, do not talk.
+
+MIMI. I'll speak low; don't be frightened.
+
+(_SCHAUNARD and COLLINE mournfully withdraw; the former sits at
+the table, burying his face in his hands, the latter is a prey to
+sad thoughts._)
+
+MIMI. (_motioning Marcel to approach_) Marcel, now believe me,
+A good girl is Musetta.
+
+MAR. (_giving Musetta his hand_) I know, I know.
+
+MUS. (_drawing Marcel away from Mimi, takes off her earrings and gives
+them to him as she whispers_) Look here! sell them,
+And buy some tonic for her--
+Send for a doctor! (_Mimi gradually grows drowsy; Rudolph takes a
+chair and sits down beside the bed._)
+
+RUD. Keep quiet.
+
+MIMI. You will not leave me?
+
+RUD. No, no! (_MARCEL is about to go, when Musetta stops him and takes
+him still further from Mimi._)
+
+MUS. Stay, listen! Maybe, what she has asked us
+Will be her last request on earth, little darling!
+I'll go for the muff--I'll come with you.
+
+MAR. How good you are, Musetta!
+
+(_MUSETTA and MARCEL hastily go out._)
+
+COL. (_who has removed his overcoat while Marcel and Musetta were
+talking_)
+Garment antique and rusty!
+A last good-bye! farewell!
+Faded friend, so tried and trusty,
+We must part, you and I.
+For never yet your back did you bow
+To rich man or mighty!
+How oft,
+Safe in your pockets spacious,
+Have you concealed philosophers and poets!
+Now that our pleasant friendship is o'er,
+I would bid thee once more,
+Oh! companion tried and trusty,
+Farewell! farewell!
+(_He folds up the coat, puts it under his arm, and is about to go, but
+seeing Schaunard, he approaches him, pats him on the back, and
+mournfully exclaims_)
+Schaunard, our methods possibly may differ,
+But yet two kindly acts we'll do: (_pointing to the coat_)
+Mine's this one, and yours--leave them alone in there.
+
+SCH. (_overcome by emotion_) Philosopher, you're right!
+'Tis true; I'll go!
+(_He looks about him: then, to justify his exit, he takes up the water
+bottle and goes out after Colline, gently closing the door. Mimi
+opens her eyes, and seeing that all have gone, holds out her hand
+to Rudolph, who affectionately kisses it._)
+
+MIMI. Have they left us? (_Rudolph nods_)
+To sleep I only feigned,
+For I wanted to be alone with you, love.
+So many things there are that I would tell you.
+There is one, too, as spacious as the ocean,
+As the ocean, profound, without limit:
+You are my love, my all, and all my life!
+(_putting her arms round Rudolph's neck_)
+
+RUD. Ah! Mimi! my pretty Mimi!
+
+MIMI. (_letting her arms drop_) You still think I'm pretty!
+
+RUD. Fair as the dawn in Spring!
+
+MIMI. No, the simile fits not; you meant to say:
+Fair as the flame of sunset.
+"They call me Mimi; (_like an echo_)
+They call me Mimi, but I know not why."
+
+RUD. (_in tender, caressing tones_)
+
+Back to her nest comes the swallow in Spring-tide.
+(_He takes out the bonnet and gives it to Mimi._)
+
+MIMI. (_gaily_) Why, that's my bonnet! (_motions RUDOLPH to put the
+bonnet on her head_)
+Why, that's my bonnet!
+(_makes RUDOLPH sit next to her, and rests her head on his breast_)
+Ah! do you remember how we both went shopping
+When first we fell in love?
+
+RUD. Yes, I remember.
+
+MIMI. This room was all in darkness!
+
+RUD. While you, you were so frightened!
+Then the key you mislaid, love.
+
+MIMI. And to find it you went groping in the darkness.
+
+RUD. Yes, searching, searching.
+
+MIMI. And you, my young master,
+Now I can tell you frankly,
+That you soon managed to find it.
+
+RUD. It was Fate that did help me.
+
+MIMI. It was dark, and my blushes were unnoticed. (_faintly repeating
+_Rudolph's_ words_)
+"Your tiny hand is frozen,
+Let me warm it into life!"
+It was dark, and my hand then you clasped--
+(_a sudden spasm half suffocates her; she sinks back fainting_)
+
+RUD. (_raising her in alarm_) Oh! God! Mimi!
+
+(_At this moment _Schaunard_ returns, and hearing _Rudolph's_
+exclamation, hastens to the bedside._)
+
+SCH. What now?
+
+MIMI. (_opens her eyes and smilingly reassures _Rudolph_ and
+_Schaunard) Nothing; I'm better.
+
+RUD. (_gently lowering her_) Gently, for goodness' sake!
+
+MIMI. Yes, forgive me: now it's over.
+
+(MUSETTA _and_ MARCEL_ cautiously enter; _MUSETTA_ carrying a muff,
+and her companion a phial._)
+
+MUS. (_to RUDOLPH_) Sleeping?
+
+RUD. (_approaching MARCEL_) Just resting.
+
+MAR. I have seen the doctor.
+He'll come--I bade him hasten.
+Here's the tonic.
+(_Takes a spirit lamp, and placing it upon the table, lights it._)
+
+MIMI. Who is it?
+
+MUS. I--Musetta. (_Approaches Mimi and gives her the muff. Helped by
+Musetta, she sits up in bed, and, with almost infantine glee, seizes
+the muff_)
+
+MIMI. So soft it is and feathery!
+No more will my poor fingers be frozen,
+For this muff shall keep them warm. (_to _Rudolph)
+Did you give me this present?
+
+MUS. (_eagerly_) Yes!
+
+MIMI. You thoughtless fellow! Thank you.
+It cost you dear. (Rudolph _bursts into tears_)
+Weep not: I'm better.
+Why should you weep for me?
+Here love . . . ever with you! . . .
+(_thrusts her hands into the muff; then she gradually grows drowsy,
+gracefully nodding her head, as one who is overcome by sleep_)
+My hands are much warmer: now I will sleep!
+
+(RUDOLPH,_ reassured at seeing _MIMI_ fall asleep, gently moves away
+from the bedside, and motioning the others not to make any
+noise, approaches _MARCEL.)
+
+RUD. What said the doctor?
+
+MAR. He'll come.
+
+MUS. (_who is busily heating the medicine, brought by _MARCEL_, over
+the spirit-lamp, as she unconsciously murmurs a prayer_)
+Oh! Mary! Blessed Virgin!
+Save, of thy mercy, this poor maiden!
+Save her, Madonna mine, from death!
+(Rudolph, Marcel _and_ Schaunard_ whisper together. Every now
+and then _Rudolph_ goes on tiptoe to the bed, and then rejoins his
+companions. _Musetta_, interrupting, bids _Marcel_ place a book
+upright on the table, so as to shade the lamp._)
+Here there should be a shade,
+Because the lamp is flickering!
+Like this. (_resuming her prayer_)
+And, oh! may she recover!
+Madonna! holy mother! I merit not thy pardon,
+But our little Mimi is an angel from Heaven!
+(Rudolph _approaches _Musetta_, while _Schaunard_ goes on tiptoe to
+the bedside; with a sorrowful gesture he goes back to _Marcel.)
+
+RUD. I still have hope. Do you think it serious?
+
+MUS. Not serious.
+
+SCH. (_hoarsely_) Marcel, she is dead!
+(_Marcel in his turn goes up to the bed, and retreats in alarm; a ray
+of sunshine falls through the window upon Mimi's face; Musetta
+points to her cloak, which, with a grateful glance, Rudolph takes,
+and standing upon a chair, endeavors to form a screen by stretching
+the cloak across the window-pane._)
+
+COL. (_quietly entering and putting some money on the table near
+Musetta_) How is she?
+
+RUD. See, now! She's tranquil.
+
+(_RUDOLPH, turning round, sees MUSETTA, who makes a sign to him
+that the medicine is ready; getting off the chair, he is suddenly
+aware of the strange demeanor of MARCEL and SCHAUNARD._)
+
+RUD. (_huskily, almost in a speaking voice_)
+What's the meaning of this going and this coming,
+And these glances so strange?
+(_He glances from one to the other in consternation._)
+
+MAR. (_unable to bear up any longer, hastens to embrace _Rudolph_ as
+he murmurs_) Poor fellow!
+
+RUD. (_flings himself on _Mimi's_ bed, lifts her up, shakes her by the
+hand, and exclaims in tones of anguish_) Mimi! Mimi!
+(_he falls, sobbing, upon her lifeless form_)
+(_Terror-stricken, _MUSETTA_ rushes to the bed, utters a piercing cry
+of grief; then kneels sobbing, at the foot of the bed. _SCHAUNARD_,
+overcome, sinks back into a chair; to the left, _COLLINE_ stands at
+the foot of the bed, dazed at the suddenness of this catastrophe.
+_MARCEL_, sobbing, turns his back to the footlights. The curtain
+slowly falls._)
+
+
+
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