Page:Pelléas and Melisande.djvu/23

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Yes, it is true…one never sees the clear sky… I saw it for the first time this morning…

So it is that which makes you weep, my poor Melisande?—Then it is only that.—You weep to have not seen the sky.—Come, you are no longer at the age when one weeps for these things… And then, is not summer here? You will see the sky every day. And then next year… Come, give me your hand: give me your two little hands. (He takes her hands.) Oh, these little hands that I could crush like flowers…—Eh, where is the ring that I gave to you?

The ring?

Yes; our nuptial ring, where is it?

I think… I think it fell…

Fell!—Where did it fall?—You have not lost it?

No, it fell…it must have fallen…but I do not know where it is.

Where is it?

You know very well…you know…the grotto on the seashore?

Yes.

Very well, it is there…it must be there…yes, yes; I remember… I went there this morning, to gather shells for little Yniold…there are some beautiful ones…it slipped from my finger…and then the sea came in: and I had to go before having found it.

Are you sure that it was there?

Yes, yes; entirely sure… I felt it slip…

You must go and look for it at once.

Now!—at once—in the dark?

Now, at once, in the dark. I would sooner have lost all I have than to have lost this ring. You do not know what it is. You do not know whence it comes. The sea will be very high to-night. The sea will come to take it before you… You must hurry.

I dare not… I dare not go alone…

Go there, go there, it matters not with whom. But you must go at once, do you hear? Hurry; ask Pelléas to go with you.

Pelléas!— With Pelléas?— But Pelléas would not like…

Pelléas will do whatever you ask him. I know Pelléas better than you. Go, hasten. I will not sleep until I have the ring.

Oh, oh! I am far from happy… I am not happy!

(She goes out weeping.)