(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!