Vir. If you go now it means success, if you wait failure.
Poe. I shall not go, Virginia.
Vir. If you were not married you would go.
Poe. Then I am glad I can not go.
Vir. But you can go, Edgar.
Poe. My darling, I will never take you away from your mocking birds and roses. Don’t you think any more about it. Run away now and find me a flower. You will have to look sharp under the leaves, for the wind is whistling to-day. Our little sham winter has begun to bluster. (Exit Virginia) She shall not suffer. She shall not! Though my heart surges like a prisoned sea hers shall not move her bosom’s alabaster!... Why did n’t I burn that letter. (Throws it into the fire. Take
up the other one) I must keep the lawyer’s. I shall need it. (Puts it in his pocket) Now work—work—work—(Resumes writing) ‘The Kingdom of the Sun is peopled with beings whose distinguishing attribute is color instead of form as with us. This color varies with each thought of the spirit that it invests, and also with the eye that beholds it. There is no need to pellet the ear with rude words, for the most refined meanings and emotions are conveyed by these subtle variations of color coming and going like breathing light. Were—’ (Enter Mrs. Clemm)
Mrs. C. Edgar, dear, your breakfast has been waiting two hours.
Poe. O, thank you, aunt. Don’t trouble about me this morning. I shall want nothing.
Mrs. C. But, Edgar, my son, I must speak. You do not sleep and eat as people should who wish to live long for those who love them.