Laz. They say—that I am going to forget you—that soon I shall not know you—that you will be close to me, and I—without suspecting it—like a child—like an idiot——
Car. No, not that!
Laz. But if it should be so?
Car. It will not be so.
Laz. Why not? (His look begins to wander and he scarcely hears what follows; he assumes the face of an idiot and his arms fall to his sides.)
Car. Because I shall be close to you—and will you not see me? Because I shall call to you “Lazarus!”—and will you not answer me? Because I shall weep much, my tears will fall upon you—and will you not feel them? I am weak as a child, but children too can hold on strongly. Lazarus, attend to me; are you not attending to what I say? I am Carmen. Look at me! That pale little head which you used to speak of is touching your lips. Look, I am smiling at you. Laugh yourself. Answer me. Lazarus—Lazarus—Awake! Do you hear me? What are you looking at?
Laz. Yes—I know—I know—but call my mother.
Car. No—I alone—they would separate us: we two alone. Why do you want your mother to come?
Laz. I want to sleep.
Car. (looking on all sides). Then rest on me. Sleep in my arms.