Part 16 (2/2)

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 anguis.h.!.+

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 gla.s.ses 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 blus.h.i.+ng, 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 G.o.d be with you!

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