Page:Pelléas and Melisande.djvu/47

Rh

They might see us from the windows of the tower. Come here; here, we have nothing to fear.—Take care; they might see us…

I want them to see me…

What is the matter with you? You were able to come out without anyone seeing you?

Yes; your brother was sleeping.

It is late.—In one hour they will close the gates. We must take care. Why are you come so late?

Your brother had a bad dream. And then my gown got caught on the nails of the gate. See, it is torn. I lost all this time and I ran…

My poor Melisande!… I would be almost afraid to touch you… You are still out of breath like a hunted bird… It is for me, for me that you do all this? I hear your heart beat as if it were mine… Come here…nearer, nearer to me.

Why do you laugh?

I do not laugh ; — or else I laugh for joy, without knowing it… There is rather cause for weeping…

We came here a long time ago… I recall it.

Yes… Long months since.—Then, I did not know… Do you know why I asked you to come to-night?

No.

It is perhaps the last time that I see you… It is necessary that I go away forever…

Why do you say that you are going away?…

I am bound to say what you already know.—You do not know what I am about to say?

No, no; I know nothing…

You do not know why I must go far away. (He embraces her brusquely.) You do not know it is because I love you…

I love you, too.

Oh! what have you said, Melisande? I almost failed to hear it… They have broken the ice with red hot irons!… You say that with a voice that comes from the end of the world… I almost failed to hear you… You love me?—You love me, too?… Since when do you love me?

Since always… Sirce I have seen you…

Oh, how you say that!… One would say that your voice had passed over the sea in Springtime! I have never heard it up to now…one would think it had rained on my heart! You say it so frankly…like an angel who is questioned. I cannot believe it. Melisande! Why should you love me?—But why do you love me?—Is what you say true?—You do not deceive me?—You do lot lie a little, so as to make me smile?…