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)