(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!