Part 16 (1/2)

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 ap.r.o.n, 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!