Poe. The sex that knew a Virginia—that knows a Helen? No! there are men, women ... and angels!
Mrs. S. Look here, Mr. Poe, don’t you mention no women ’round me! O, Eddy, my Eddy! (Offers to caress him)
Poe. Away! You wench from Venus’ kitchen! (Going) This weather ... once I could have braved it with the wildest wing that ever flew. But now.... (coughs wretchedly)
Mrs. S. No rent an’ no husband either!
Poe. Up, heart, we go! Henceforth I live by spirit-bread! Lead me, ye unseen comrades, to immortal feasts! (Exit)
(CURTAIN)
Scene II: An hour later. A bar-room. Door in center, rear. Four men at table, left, rear, playing cards.
Haines. Was afraid you would n’t show up to-night, Juggy.
Juggers. Nothing like a stormy night for a good game. Never miss one. Rain brings me luck.
Black. Then, by Jacks, you ’ll have it all your way to-night. It ’s pouring hogsheads. Your deal, Sharp. (They play in silence. Poe enters, rear, walks uncertainly across the room and takes a seat, right, front. There seems to be life only in his eyes, their burning light revealing a soul struggling free from a corpse. He sits unnoticed for a short time)